The Light of the World (2025) Review — An Animated Gospel That Shines with Truth and Hope

Light of the World is a 2D-animated retelling of the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, uniquely framed through the perspective of his youngest Apostle, John. The narrative follows John's rambunctious early life as he gets into trouble, incurring debt to the Roman authorities, before seeking out Jesus. The film covers the core events of Jesus' ministry, from his initial call to the disciples and his miracles, through the profound events of the crucifixion and resurrection. It’s an ambitious project that aims to bring a classic animation style and depth of character to the Gospel story.

It is easy for Christian-themed films to fall into the trap of poor production quality or saccharine sentimentality, yet Light of the World avoids this pitfall by focusing on solid storytelling and robust visual artistry. The choice to anchor the life of Christ through the eyes of the Apostle John provides a fresh, humanizing lens. We see Jesus not merely as a theological concept, but as the 'Rabbi' who challenges a young man's worldly burdens—represented by his Roman debt—with an eternal invitation. The film beautifully captures the essence of John's Gospel: that Jesus is the true, life-altering light, offering a powerful, accessible witness to families without sacrificing spiritual depth.

The directors lean into classic 2-D hand-drawn stylings (with digital polish) to create an aesthetic that feels timeless. The pacing is brisk—appropriate for younger viewers—so it doesn’t linger for long on heavy theological exposition. The trade-off: some character arcs, like John’s internal growth, feel abbreviated. Certain moments—miracles, crucifixion—carry emotional weight, but perhaps not the full weight a longer film might allow.

The decision to tell from John’s vantage brings freshness to a familiar story and makes the gospel approachable for children. However, at times the scale of events (multiple miracles, large crowds, fast transitions) diminishes the quieter moments of reflection. For families looking more for a contemplative experience, that may feel like something missing.

The voice acting is notably strong across the board, moving past the common issue of flat, overly pious performances that plague some Christian animation. Ian Hanlin’s portrayal of Jesus is gentle yet authoritative, steering clear of either a stoic prophet or an overly casual friend, striking a necessary balance. Benjamin Jacobson’s John is the emotional core, whose development from a troubled youth to the "beloved disciple" is genuinely earned and provides the audience a relatable proxy for the transformation inherent in following Christ. The supporting cast, particularly David Kaye as Judas, hints at the underlying dramatic tensions that give the biblical accounts their power.

This one is a clear win for Christian families—especially those with children aged ~6 to teens—who want a gospel-centered film with family-friendly tone. Because it explicitly portrays the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, it’s appropriate for faith formation and discussion. Younger children will enjoy the animation and story, while older kids and teens can engage with deeper themes (faith, identity, calling).

Parents should note the PG rating and be prepared for some intense moments around the crucifixion and persecution of Jesus—not graphic, but emotionally weighty. Use those moments as intentional teaching points: what does this mean? Why did Jesus do it? What difference does it make?

In short: this film can serve as both worship and entertainment. It may be best viewed together, with time afterward for questions and conversation.