The King of Kings
(2025)Type: movie
Overview: Charles Dickens tells his young son Walter the greatest story ever told, and what begins as a bedtime tale becomes a life-changing journey. Through vivid imagination, the boy walks alongside Jesus, witnessing His miracles, facing His trials, and understanding His ultimate sacrifice.
Language: en
Genres:
Questions
Is there a post-credit scene?
⚠ Spoiler – click to reveal
The 2025 film The King of Kings does not have a post-credits scene. However, during the credits, there is a montage of scenes from the movie followed by several children sharing their opinions on the film and an opportunity to purchase tickets for others as a charitable act.
What is the plot?
The 2025 animated film The King of Kings, directed and written by Seong-ho Jang, begins with a warm yet turbulent domestic scene where the famed author Charles Dickens tells his son Walter a bedtime story that will become a transformative journey. Walter, a lively boy enthralled by tales of King Arthur and knights, swishes his wooden sword around imagining himself a great king. His father, Charles, gestures with patience and care, preparing to tell a different kind of story: the greatest story ever told—that of Jesus Christ.
The narrative then transitions into a vivid imaginative realm where young Walter walks alongside Jesus, seeing the story unfold firsthand. It opens with the biblical scene of Joseph and Mary searching for lodging in Bethlehem, as the decree of Caesar Augustus sends them on this journey. The animation brings to life the crowded and tense atmosphere of the town, culminating in the humble birth of Jesus in a stable. The scene then shifts to the magi's arrival, bearing gifts and following the guiding star, while dark tension simmers as King Herod schemes from his palace—his voice and presence commanding yet menacing.
As the story continues, viewers witness Jesus at the age of twelve teaching in the temple, impressing the elders with his wisdom but also showing the early sign of his unique destiny. The narrative then moves to John the Baptist's call for repentance, a powerful voice echoing in the wilderness. The baptism of Jesus follows, with water depicted in fluid, glowing animation, symbolizing purification and divine acceptance. Next comes the scene of Jesus’ temptation in the desert, where he faces and resists Satan’s temptations in a stark, haunting landscape, highlighting his spiritual strength.
The film then depicts Jesus gathering his disciples, a ragtag group of followers who soon witness numerous miracles. These include scenes of healing the sick with tender compassion, feeding the five thousand with a sense of miraculous generosity, and Peter walking on water—a visually stunning moment that captures Peter’s faltering faith and Jesus’ support. More dramatic are the moments where Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead, a scene charged with emotion, the jubilant reunion contrasting starkly with the oppressive atmosphere that follows in Jerusalem.
The narrative intensifies as Jesus enters Jerusalem amid crowds waving palms in celebration, leading into his confrontation at the temple where he upends the money changers’ tables in righteous fury. This scene is rendered with kinetic energy, the anger and justice palpable. The Last Supper is a solemn, intimate scene filled with symbolic gestures and quiet tension, foreshadowing the trials ahead.
In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus wrestles with anguish and fear, his prayers whispered under the night sky. The subsequent arrest follows, dark and chaotic, leading to his trial before Pontius Pilate, who is portrayed with a conflicted bearing as he weighs political pressure against justice.
The climax unfolds with Jesus’ crucifixion, portrayed with solemn reverence, focusing on the gravity and sacrifice of the moment. The film does not shy away from the emotional weight, emphasizing love and redemption through detailed animation of Jesus’ suffering and the reactions of those around him. The story concludes with the resurrection, a triumphant and luminously animated sequence that brings hope and affirmation, echoing the father’s closing words to his son, reinforcing the power of hope and faith.
Throughout the film, the arc of young Walter parallels the biblical narrative. As Charles tells the story, Walter’s imagination and understanding deepen, and Charles himself becomes more reflective and patient, softening from a stern disciplinarian to a more tender father, symbolized in the film by his removal of a "Do Not Disturb" sign from his study to make room for family and forgiveness.
The King of Kings thus unfolds as an intimate, vividly animated retelling of Jesus Christ’s life, seen through the eyes of a child whose imagination bridges the past and present, infusing the ancient story with fresh life and enduring meaning.
What is the ending?
⚠ Spoiler – click to reveal
Short, Simple Narrative of the Ending
At the end of The King of Kings (2025), the young boy, Walter, who has been living the story of Jesus through the tale told by his father, experiences a deeply personal encounter with Jesus during the crucifixion and resurrection. Jesus speaks words of forgiveness and love directly to Walter, and together, Walter witnesses the empty tomb and the triumphant resurrection. The movie closes leaving Walter—and the audience—deeply moved by the message of redemption, with a powerful song playing over the end credits.
Chronological and Expanded Narrative of the Ending
As the movie approaches its climax, the narrative centers on Walter, Charles Dickens’ young son, who has spent the film journeying imaginatively alongside Jesus as his father retells the story of Jesus’ life. The tone grows heavy as the scenes shift to Jerusalem during Jesus’ final days.
From the Upper Room to the Garden of Gethsemane, Walter watches as Jesus faces the weight of his upcoming sacrifice—he sees the anxiety in Jesus’ face as he prays, and the fear of the disciples when Jesus is arrested. Walter follows the crowd as Jesus is taken before Pontius Pilate, listens to the jeering voices, and sees the sorrow of those who love Jesus, like Peter and Mary.
The film then moves to the crucifixion. Walter is present in the crowd, his eyes wide as Jesus is nailed to the cross. The film does not shy away from showing Jesus’ pain, but also focuses on his words of forgiveness for the people around him. Here, the film takes a unique turn—Walter is not just an observer. As Jesus is on the cross, he looks directly at Walter as if he is speaking to him, telling him words of love and forgiveness, making the message personal for Walter.
After Jesus dies, darkness covers the land. Walter’s face reflects confusion and sorrow as the disciples mourn. The scene shifts to the tomb where Jesus is laid. The film does not rush this moment—it lingers on the stillness and grief.
Early on the morning of the third day, Walter and a companion—perhaps Mary Magdalene in the story, but in Walter’s imagination, it could be anyone—approach the tomb. The stone is rolled away. Walter steps inside, finding the tomb empty. The moment is hushed, filled with wonder. The angel appears to announce that Jesus is risen.
The film then brings Walter and Jesus together in a moment of quiet joy—Jesus, resurrected, stands before Walter, who is overwhelmed and unable to speak. Jesus smiles at him, assuring him with a gentle look that he is present and that his sacrifice is for everyone, including Walter.
The last scenes bring Walter back to the present, sitting with his father, who asks him what he learned. Walter is thoughtful, his eyes shining, realizing that the story is not just a tale—but a message meant for him, personally. The camera lingers on Walter’s face as the end credits roll, a song about living with faith and love plays, and the film closes with the sense that the story has deeply touched both Walter and the viewer.
Throughout these final scenes, the film makes it clear that the story of Jesus is not just a historical event. It shows how, through the power of imagination and storytelling, a child can feel Jesus’ love and forgiveness as if it were meant directly for him. The movie underscores the universality of the message of redemption, emphasizing that it is a story for every generation and every person.
This answer is based on available information for the animated film The King of Kings (2025) directed by Seong-ho Jang and inspired by Charles Dickens' work, not the live-action film referenced in some sources. All descriptions are consistent with this version unless otherwise stated in future confirmations of the film’s details.
Is this family friendly?
The 2025 animated movie The King of Kings is generally considered family-friendly and suitable for children, particularly those aged 6 and older, though parental guidance is suggested for younger children due to some mild sensitive content.
Potentially objectionable or upsetting scenes for children or sensitive viewers include:
- Mild violence and scary scenes: References to events like the slaughter of innocents and scourging of Jesus, which are presented in a way appropriate for children but could be unsettling.
- Sexual references and nudity: There is a scene where Adam and Eve are shown nude but with genitals covered, and a woman accused of adultery is depicted; Judas also kisses Jesus on the cheek.
- Use of substances: Wine drinking is shown during the Last Supper, reflecting biblical context.
- Mild coarse language: Includes words like "gosh".
Despite these elements, the movie is praised for its warm, reverent, and engaging retelling of the life of Jesus, with beautiful animation, music, and a message emphasizing biblical values such as love, forgiveness, unity, and kindness.
Overall, The King of Kings is recommended as an excellent faith-based film that families can watch together, with the benefit of providing opportunities to discuss real-life moral and ethical themes in an age-appropriate way.
Does the dog die?
⚠ Spoiler – click to reveal
In the movie The King of Kings produced in 2025, there is no mention of a dog dying. The film focuses on a father telling his son the story of Jesus Christ, with vivid reenactments of Jesus' life and teachings. Therefore, the question about a dog dying is not relevant to this movie.