A Great Awakening

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A Great Awakening

PG-13

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2h 9m

History

Drama

Faith & Spirituality

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8 Reviews

97%

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100+ Verified Ratings

A GREAT AWAKENING, tells the true story of an unlikely friendship between the Reverend George Whitefield and Benjamin Franklin that resulted in one of the most defining moments in American history. With the colonies on the brink of collapse, the Reverend George Whitefield ignites the first Great Awakening, uniting an entire generation with his thundering and faithful sermons and proclamations of liberty. In a miraculous turn of events, one of Whitefield's closest friends and greatest promoters becomes none other than Benjamin Franklin. With the nation's freedom hanging in the balance, the founders discover true liberty cannot only be written into law -- it must be awakened in the hearts of the people.

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Glenn Kenny

New York Times

1d

It’s an earnest account of a religious movement that still resonates.

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Shawn Edwards

Fox 4 Kansas City

13h

3/5

It is highly effective entertainment.

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Rachel Wagner

Rachel's Reviews (YouTube)

16h

A nuanced depiction of believers and non-believers for this genre. Worth watching

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Russ Simmons

KKFI-FM (Kansas City)

1d

3/5

While it glosses over some of controversial aspects of Whitefield’s life and his debatable positions, it’s a thoughtful, well-acted and sometimes moving account aimed at a receptive Christian audience.

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Carla Hay

Culture Mix

1d

An awkward biographical mashup of Benjamin Franklin and evangelical preacher George Whitefield. This uneven drama pushes an agenda that the U.S. government should have a Christian bias, which contradicts U.S. Constitutional rights.

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Al Alexander

Movies Thru the Spectrum

1d

C-

Faith-based movies are inherently didactic. But rarely are they as shamelessly corny as "A Great Awakening," the fire and brimstone version of how Benjamin Franklin befriended and carried the water for evangelist George Whitefield.

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Kristi

1h

Strong performances by lead actors. This country was founded on Christian values and beliefs, and only by prayer will it remain.

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Garlyn

5h

One of the best movies Ive seen, an eye-opener, compelling, and it definitely awakens you. A must see.

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Heather Y

5h

An exceptional movie! Fascinating historical link between Franklin and Whitfield. Outstanding acting and cinematography. Very moving story for people of faith but also for those who are searching. Lives up to its name.

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Amy

6h

Great celebration of our country’s 250th birthday!

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Tom B

6h

Nicely done film. I enjoyed it very much.

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Richard S

7h

A very great movie that told an important story of our countries founding. The preaching was incredible & moving. The friendship between Franklin & Whitefield displayed the give & take between them, the Whitefield's challenge to Franklin to surrender the Source in a realistic & moving way. It's a movie I would gladly watch again, which I can't say of many movies.

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Joshua Enck

Director

John Paul Sneed

Benjamin Franklin

Jonathan Blair

George Whitefield

Josh Bates

Alexander Hamilton

Joshua Enck

Writer

Jeff Bender

Writer

A Great Awakening: Exclusive Clip - Friendship

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A Great Awakening: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

A GREAT AWAKENING, tells the true story of an unlikely friendship between the Reverend George Whitefield and Benjamin Franklin that resulted in one of the most defining moments in American history. With the colonies on the brink of collapse, the Reverend George Whitefield ignites the first Great Awakening, uniting an entire generation with his thundering and faithful sermons and proclamations of liberty. In a miraculous turn of events, one of Whitefield's closest friends and greatest promoters becomes none other than Benjamin Franklin. With the nation's freedom hanging in the balance, the founders discover true liberty cannot only be written into law -- it must be awakened in the hearts of the people.

Director: Joshua Enck
Producer: Steve Buckwalter, Troy Thorne
Screenwriter: Joshua Enck, Jeff Bender, Jonathan Blair
Distributor: Roadside Attractions
Production Co: Sight & Sound Films
Rating: PG-13 (Brief Violence)
Genre: History, Drama, Faith & Spirituality
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Apr 3, 2026, Limited
Runtime: 2h 9m