Many may still be unaware of the South African animated movie, David. But it’s quickly turning into the ultimate South African feel-good story of 2026. And the good news is it’s still showing at Ster Kinekor and Nu Metro cinemas around the country. However, it’s away from home, in the United States, that this South African animated movie is making waves.
In true David-vs-Goliath style, it’s currently in second place on the weekend Hollywood box office, behind only Avatar: Fire and Ash. It’s earned $75 million (roughly R1.23 billion) across 3 000 screens in North America since Christmas. This places it ahead of another major animated studio movie, The SpongeBob Movie: Search for Squarepants.
SOUTH AFRICAN ANIMATED MOVIE – DAVID
Better still, the South African animated movie broke several historic milestones in its opening week at the box office, reports NovaNews.
- Highest three-day opening for Angel Studios, surpassing Sound of Freedom.
- Top-grossing opening weekend ever in the US for a faith-based animated film.
- Best North American opening for a South African film since District 9 in 2009.
Better still, four weeks since its debut, the South African animated movie remains in the Top 10 US box office. Impressive when you consider the film faced a crowded marketplace on its Christmas release, competing against two of cinema’s biggest franchises – Avatar and SpongeBob.
MADE IN NOORDHOEK, CAPE TOWN
The South African animated movie was co-directed by two Cape Town-based filmmakers, Phil Cunningham and Brent Dawes. They led a team of more than 400 local and international animators and artists, across 32 countries, from Noordhoek’s Sunrise studio.
“After 30 years of dreaming, planning, working, failing and trying again, it is incredible to see the film out there. And it’s wonderful to hear so many stories of how the film is genuinely encouraging and inspiring people,” says Cunningham.
CRITICAL ACCLAIM FOR SOUTH AFRICAN ANIMATED MOVIE
Meanwhile, besides box-office success, there’s been widespread industry recognition for the South African animated movie:
- New York Times called it ‘surprisingly magnificent.’
- Rotten Tomatoes praised the film’s ‘gorgeously animated backgrounds.’
- Variety hailed it a ‘spectacular showcase for the technical capabilities of South African animation.’
Likewise, audiences have responded enthusiastically, with a CinemaScore of 98% on Rotten Tomatoes. Grammy nominee Phil Wickham voices the adult David. And the score is composed by The Greatest Showman’s Joseph Trapanese.
But what do you think? Are you proud of a South African animated movie doing so well internationally? Be sure to let us know in the comments section below …
