Faith-Based Film ‘His Only Son’ Makes Nearly $11 Million at Box Office Over Easter Weekend

“His Only Son,” a film based on the biblical account of when God required Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac, was projected to make $10.8 million at the box office by the end of Easter weekend, according to to a press release from Angel Studios, which also distributes the hit series, “The Chosen.” Released on March 31, “His Only Son” is the first crowdfunded film to be released in theaters. 

“For many, this passage from Genesis 22 has fueled much confusion or even contention toward God and his Word,” said the film’s creator, David Helling, “and many believers are left without an answer for the scoffers. That’s why I wanted to make this film.”

‘His Only Son’ Shows Demand for Faith-Based Films

“His Only Son recounts one of the most controversial moments in the Old Testament—when Abraham was commanded by God to sacrifice his son Isaac on the mountain of Moriah,” says a description on the film’s website. “While traveling to the place of the sacrifice, alongside Isaac and two servants, Abraham is flooded with vivid memories from the years he and Sarah spent longing for the son they were promised—the son he must now lay upon the altar.”

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“His Only Son” had a strong opening weekend, coming third in the box office behind “Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves” and “John Wick: Chapter 4.” The faith-based film played in 1,920 theaters and made $5,501,070, according to Box Office Mojo. A press release for “His Only Son” says that 100 new theaters were added for Easter weekend. That weekend, the movie ranked sixth at the box office, beating “Creed III” and “Shazam! Fury of the Gods.”

Fans have used Angel Studios’ unique “pay it forward” software to purchase movie tickets on behalf of other fans, and moviegoers have so far given away more than 24,000 tickets to see the film, according to CBN.

“His Only Son,” which cost $250,000 to make, has had positive responses from audience members and from critics. It has been rated 82% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, where it has received an audience score of 96%. Audiences also gave the movie an A through CinemaScore. 

“This incredible film is already hitting above its weight,” said Jared Geesey, Senior Vice President of Global Distribution at Angel Studios on April 6, “and—between word-of-mouth, strong reviews online, and a surge in people using our ‘Pay it Forward’ technology to buy tickets for others to see, we are expecting a very strong Easter weekend at the box office. HIS ONLY SON is the first theatrical release in history to crowdfund its Prints and Advertising [P&A], and now it’s the first theatrical release to use Pay it Forward to send more people to theaters to experience this faith-inspiring film just in time for Easter weekend.”