MOVIEGUIDE's Review of the New Animated Film: DAVID

MOVIEGUIDE® : Dec 18, 2025
MOVIEGUIDE®

DAVID is an entertaining, heart-warming Biblical tale of David going from shepherd to the King of Israel and doing the impossible by God's grace alone. The animation, dialogue and the songs are very good. The movie sticks close to the Bible, and God is honored throughout. ... DAVID is not for little children, but MOVIEGUIDE® heartily recommends the movie for older children, teenagers and adults.

[MovieGuide.org] DAVID is an epic animated musical movie depicting the Biblical story of David, centering on Goliath and his early conflicts with King Saul. A prequel to the mini-series, Young David, this is an entertaining, heart-warming Biblical tale of David going from shepherd to the King of Israel and doing the impossible by God's grace alone. (Screengrab image: via DAVID / Angel Productions)

With a very strong Biblical worldview, DAVID, is a shining example of Scripture done well on the big screen with next-level animation and engaging music much like THE PRINCE OF EGYPT. There are some scenes with light violence and scary characters that young children may find scary.

DAVID begins with a young David watching over his flock in the fields. He excitedly runs into the flock's midst, calling the sheep by name. When he reaches the middle, one sheep is in labor. As David helps her, a lion lurks in the bushes. Using his sling shot, he protects her as the flock flees. The lion runs toward her, and David pushes the lion off a cliff and is knocked out in the process.

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Cut to the prophet Samuel speaking to David's family. He is there as God spoke to him and told him to come to this home to anoint a son of Jesse to be the next King of Israel. He asks to see the sons, and asks if they have any others?

David wakes to find the lion is stuck under a boulder in the ravine and struggling. David pushes the rock off, and the lion walks off. He coaxes the sheep out of the cave they hid with an inspiring song about adventure and freedom. Now back in their village home, the sheep run through to the stables, and David rushes into the room where Samuel and David's family are waiting. Samuel asks if David is ready for a great adventure—as king of Israel. David insists that he cannot be king as King Saul is already king. Samuel insists that darkness is coming. David insists he's only a shepherd. Samuel says that God's people are lost and need a shepherd. Samuel anoints David with oil.

At this moment, a soldier immediately bangs on the door, insisting David go with him at King Saul's request. Arriving at the palace in Gibeah, David finds himself in a line of musicians waiting to play for the king. Saul called for every musician in the kingdom to soothe him. On David's turn, Saul angrily throws David out because David does not have an instrument. David borrows an instrument and goes back in to play a song of hope and opens the curtains. Saul tells David he can't remember the last time he felt so free. He admits that he didn't want to be king, but now God wants to take it from him. All he could think of was getting his hands on "that prophet" and whoever is his replacement, but then David came along, unaware of the irony.

Emboldened by David's song, Saul gets on his horse ready for sudden battle with the Philistines. However, the Israelites are clearly not strong enough. Saul and the Philistine leader decide to each choose a man to fight for their side. A massive giant, Goliath, will fight for the Philistines. He insists that he is nothing if not patient and take their time deciding.

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After going home from Gibeah, David is sent to bring supplies to the battlefield for his brothers. David insists he will be the one to fight Goliath. Saul finally agrees. God leads David to victory in a quick battle with a sling shot. David insists that it was God, not him. (Screengrab image: via DAVID / Angel Productions)

As a loyal subject to Saul and beloved to the people of Israel, David grows into a man. He helps the people any way he can as Saul grows more selfish and power-hungry, ignoring God. Even Saul's son, Prince Johnathan, praises David throughout the city. In his ongoing quest for more power, Saul vows to crush the Philistines and wants David to lead the charge.

On the battlefield, the Israelites storm a Philistine city which turns out to be abandoned. Only the cruel Amalekites could have done this. Saul runs scared, hiding in his palace in fear of the Amalekites.

Saul has a realization that David is the chosen one. David insists he has only served Saul, but Saul is enraged. He throws a spear at David, throwing him out the window and onto the street below. Saul yells that David tried to kill him, causing David to run for his life.

While danger lurks not just from Saul but the Philistines and the Amalekites as well, David must find a way to keep his sheep safe and fulfill his destiny.

DAVID is an entertaining, heart-warming Biblical tale of David going from shepherd to the King of Israel and doing the impossible by God's grace alone. The animation, dialogue and the songs are very good. The movie sticks close to the Bible, and God is honored throughout.

DAVID is an excellent example of depicting Scripture on the big screen. David is a shining example of a true follower of God. The movie also shows clear comparisons to Christ in the New Testament, such as palms being laid out for David after defeating Goliath. This is Biblically accurate through a Christian lens. David is a thoroughly good person. It's clear why God would choose him. He is kind to his animals as he shepherds his flock. He is brave when standing up to Goliath. He is morally correct when he chooses not to murder Saul in the cave. He instead loves Saul, someone who surely deserves the opposite. Thus, David is Christ-like in loving his enemy. David is often praising and praying to God. His family does the same.

DAVID is an uplifting, positive movie that adults and their older children can enjoy together. Biblically accurate in its depiction, it upholds the true spirit of doctrine in an entertaining way.

However, it has scenes with violence and scary characters that will frighten young children. So, DAVID is not for little children, but MOVIEGUIDE® heartily recommends the movie for older children, teenagers and adults. Subscribe for free to Breaking Christian News here

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