The King is Born Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 17, 2026
Movie Overview: The King is Born
| Movie | The King is Born |
| Release Year | 1987 |
| Director | Richard Rich |
| Genre | Animation / Family / Drama |
| Runtime | 26 minutes (26m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The King is Born (1987) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.6/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Animation.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in The King is Born are led by Pat Jackson . The supporting cast, including Maikel Bailey and Michael Flynn , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
The King is Born stands out as a strong entry in the Animation genre. The film benefits from engaging storytelling, memorable performances, and solid production values that help keep viewers invested.
- Compelling performances from the main cast
- Strong visual storytelling and direction
- Well-structured Animation narrative
- Satisfying emotional or dramatic payoff
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, The King is Born has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Animation fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: The King is Born
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1987, The King is Born is a Animation, Family, Drama film directed by Richard Rich, written by Orson Scott Card. The narrative combines stunning visual artistry with storytelling that appeals to all ages. As part of the Animated Stories from the New Testament Collection, it provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Pat Jackson as Mary (voice).
Ending Explained: The King is Born
The King is Born Ending Explained: The King is Born is a video classic about the birth of Jesus based on the Bible. Directed by Richard Rich, this 1987 animation film stars Pat Jackson (Mary (voice)), alongside Maikel Bailey as Joseph (voice), Michael Flynn as Herod (voice), Oscar Rowland as Simeon (voice). With a 6.6/10 rating, the ending has divided audiences.
What Happens at the End of The King is Born?
The King is Born is a video classic about the birth of Jesus based on the Bible. Beginning with Gabriel announcing God's blessed plan for Mary, this video brings all the elements of this timeless store to life. Journey with Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem and witness the humble birth of our Savior together with the shepherds.
Richard Rich's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Pat Jackson (Mary (voice))'s journey. Beginning with Gabriel announcing God's blessed plan for Mary, this video brings all the elements of this timeless store to life.
As part of the Animated Stories from the New Testament Collection, the ending carries additional weight for fans following the franchise.
How Does Pat Jackson (Mary (voice))'s Story End?
- Pat Jackson: Pat Jackson's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Maikel Bailey (Joseph (voice)): Maikel Bailey's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Michael Flynn (Herod (voice)): Michael Flynn's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
Is The King is Born Based on a True Story?
Yes — The King is Born draws from real events. The ending reflects documented outcomes, though Richard Rich has taken creative liberties in dramatizing specific scenes for cinematic impact.
What Does the Ending of The King is Born Mean?
The King is Born's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Pat Jackson may feel rushed. Richard Rich's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.
The King is Born Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is The King is Born Based on a True Story?
Yes, The King is Born uses real-world events as inspiration. Directed by Richard Rich and starring Pat Jackson, this animation, family, drama film explores how real events have been adapted into a dramatic narrative.
Real Story vs Movie Version of The King is Born
The film takes creative liberties to strengthen its narrative. Certain scenes are likely dramatized to enhance emotional impact.
While inspired by real events, the narrative focuses more on storytelling than strict historical accuracy.
Accuracy Assessment: The King is Born uses real-life inspiration as the foundation for a dramatized narrative. The film prioritizes thematic storytelling over strict documentary accuracy.
Who Should Watch The King is Born?
Age Advisory: Rated G — suitable for all ages.
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Animation films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Pat Jackson or the director
- Want solid genre entertainment
At just 26 minutes, it's a quick watch.
The King is Born Parents Guide & Age Rating
1987 AdvisoryWondering about The King is Born age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The King is Born (1987) is 26 minutes (26m). Directed by Richard Rich, the film runs for 26 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.6/10, and global performance metrics, The King is Born is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1987 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The King is Born worth watching?
The King is Born is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Animation movies. It has a verified rating of 6.6/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The King is Born parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The King is Born identifies it as G. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of The King is Born (1987)?
The runtime of The King is Born (1987) is 26 minutes (approximately 0h 26m).
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
Useful Links
More with Pat Jackson
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Part of the Animated Stories from the New Testament Collection
Explore the full watch order, ratings, and collection details.
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