Sound of Freedom, the surprise summer box office hit, has officially crossed the $175 million mark this week.
The Angel Studios-produced film, which was released on July 4, has become the No. 10 highest-grossing movie of 2023. This film beat out several big budget franchises, including Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny at No. 11 with $173 million, Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One at No. 12 with $161 million, and Transformers: Rise of the Beasts at No. 13 with $157 million.
Sound of Freedom was also the first summer film with a wide release to increase its revenue on the second weekend, jumping 38 percent according to data from BoxOfficeMojo.com.
The film is based on the true story of Tim Ballard (portrayed by The Passion of the Christ star Jim Caviezel), a former government agent who embarks on a mission to rescue children from the clutches of sex traffickers in Colombia.
Christians and conservative media have rallied behind the film, which received partial crowdfunding support. Angel Studios employed innovative promotional methods, such as an app that allows moviegoers to purchase tickets and then donate them to individuals who cannot afford the price of admission.
Last week, Angel Studios announced its plan to reimburse the 6,678 individuals who invested in the film’s marketing budget, encompassing the prints and advertising expenses. These investors will not only reclaim their initial investments but also accrue a substantial 20 percent profit.
“6,678 Angel Guild members have now received $1.20 for every $1 they invested into the launch budget for Sound of Freedom, and we are thrilled to be able to get funds back to them in three months,” said Neal Harmon, CEO of Angel Studios. “The Angel Guild is key to our theatrical strategy and paying out as quickly as possible is always our first priority.”
