Student Review: Angel Studios, Transforming Entertainment One Story at a Time
Image courtesy of CBN
By Francesca Jonica
In an era dominated by franchises, blockbuster films, and numerous streaming platforms, the entertainment landscape was able to find room for a small company like Angel Studios to flourish. Founded in 2013 by brothers Neal, Jeffrey, Daniel, and Jordan Harmon, along with their cousin Benton Crane, the studio began as a mission-driven enterprise to deliver compelling stories that resonate with family values. A decade later, Angel Studios is not just telling stories but also reshaping the way audiences can consume various forms of media.
Angel Studios made its debut with smaller projects, quietly gaining momentum while cultivating a loyal audience. One of its early successes was partnering with Dallas Jenkins to bring The Chosen to life. Since its release in 2017, the faith-based series about the life of Jesus Christ has since become a global phenomenon, watched by millions in dozens of languages. While The Chosen solidified the studio’s reputation for quality storytelling, it was only the beginning.
In 2022, Angel Studios released its first feature film, Testament: The Parables Retold, which offered a fresh take on biblical parables, reimagined in a modern context. Although it didn’t make waves at the box office, it laid the groundwork for what was to come.
The summer of 2023 marked a turning point for Angel Studios with the release of Sound of Freedom. Directed by Alejandro Monteverde and starring Jim Caviezel, Mira Sorvino, and Bill Camp, the film tackled the harrowing issue of child trafficking. Released on July 4, the film faced stiff competition, debuting alongside Disney’s Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. Yet, Sound of Freedom defied expectations, earning a staggering $250.6 million at the box office. The film’s box office success catapulted Angel Studios into mainstream recognition and demonstrated the power of independent, purpose-driven filmmaking.
The company followed up this success with The Shift in December 2023. Directed by Brock Heasley, the movie offered a modern-day retelling of the biblical story of Job, blending elements of science fiction with timeless themes of faith and perseverance. Starring Kristoffer Polaha and Neal McDonough, the film garnered mixed reception, with some critics expressing disappointment over its lighter-than-expected sci-fi elements. However, audiences were captivated by its heartfelt performances and thought-provoking narrative.
The momentum continued with Cabrini, released on March 8, 2024 to coincide with International Women’s Day. This biographical drama chronicles the life of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, the first U.S. citizen to be canonized as a saint. Starring Christiana Dell’Anna in the titular role, Cabrini celebrates the spirit of a woman who dedicated her life to serving others, further cementing Angel Studios’ reputation for inspiring storytelling. Cabrini has over 1k reviews with a 4.8 star rating, with most reviews stating that it was very emotionally well-written and the actors were truly pure. The film made around $20 million worldwide.
While known for its live-action dramas, Angel Studios also excels in other genres. Comedy fans have embraced Dry Bar Comedy, the studio’s clean stand-up comedy platform that features comedians from diverse backgrounds delivering laughs without the need for explicit content. It’s a hit for audiences seeking humor that’s both clever and family-friendly.
For younger viewers, Angel Studios offers The Tuttle Twins, an animated series based on the popular book series by Connor Boyack. The show follows twins Ethan and Emily as they navigate engaging adventures that teach valuable lessons about economics, history, and family values. Angel Studios continues to expand its slate of projects. Recent releases have garnered varied audience reactions and box office performances. Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot, which premiered on July 4, 2024, earned an estimated $6.8 million in its opening weekend and received an A+ rating from CinemaScore. Audiences praised its uplifting portrayal of community and compassion, with one reviewer noting, “This movie did very well connecting the audience to what they were watching.”
In contrast, Bonhoeffer: Pastor. Spy. Assassin., released on November 22, 2024, debuted with approximately $5.1 million. While it achieved an A CinemaScore, audience opinions were mixed. Some viewers found the narrative choppy and the pacing slow, stating, “Having high hopes, I was disappointed in Bonhoeffer.”
Despite the lackluster performance of Bonhoeffer, these outcomes highlight the studio’s commitment to producing content that resonates with audiences, as evidenced by the strong positive reception of Sound of Hope.
Angel Studios’ success isn’t just about box office numbers; it’s about redefining what audiences can expect from entertainment. By prioritizing values-driven storytelling and engaging directly with their audience—often through crowdfunding campaigns—the studio has built a model that’s both innovative and deeply connected to its fan base. This grassroots approach allows Angel Studios to remain true to its mission.
From faith-based dramas to thought-provoking comedies and educational children’s programming, Angel Studios is proving that entertainment can be meaningful without sacrificing quality. As it continues to rise, one thing is clear: Angel Studios is more than a production company—it’s a movement. And for audiences hungry for stories that inspire and unite, it’s a movement worth following.
