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A Great Awakening

Play trailer 2:07 Poster for A Great Awakening PG-13 Apr 2026 2h 9m History Drama Faith & Spirituality Play Trailer Watchlist
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69% Tomatometer 16 Reviews 97% Popcornmeter 1,000+ 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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Audience Says

A Great Awakening is especially powerful for those drawn to faith-driven, uplifting stories with a strong dose of history.

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Critics Reviews

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Thelma Adams AARP Movies for Grownups Apr 13, 2026
3/5
For fans of faith-based films, A Great Awakening provides an ideal way to celebrate a treasured holiday and the pending 250th anniversary of the United States with one theater ticket. Go to Full Review
Glenn Kenny New York Times Apr 2, 2026
It’s an earnest account of a religious movement that still resonates. Go to Full Review
Jeffrey M. Anderson Common Sense Media May 23, 2026
2/5
This biographical drama clicks when it spends time on the friendship between Franklin and Whitefield but sinks when it's focused on the latter, who is depicted as a one-dimensional messiah type. Go to Full Review
James Kendrick Q Network Film Desk May 7, 2026
3/4
A Great Awakening shows, quite powerfully at times, how religious belief can shape political thinking and action, but it would be a real shame to mistake it for a simplistic Christian nationalist screed. Go to Full Review
Sarah Vincent Sarah G Vincent Views Apr 12, 2026
the story is appealing in an old fashioned, old orator declaratory fashion, but the story squints aplenty and uses the bombastic style to disguise the pacing issues. Go to Full Review
Hosea Rupprecht Pauline Media Studies Apr 7, 2026
"A Great Awakening" reminds audiences that belief in freedom is not divorced from belief in the providence of God. Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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Ruth Adams 4 days ago excellently done -acting content all five star stars. wish more movies were made like this family friendly well written well acted. See more William Jun 11, 2026 George Whitfields preaching was insane!!!!! See more Heidi K May 31, 2026 Incredible, historically sound, and we'll presented representation of Benjamin Franklin and the many impactful events and individuals in his life eventually leading to him finding God's hand! Tears of joy as a Christian, who today feels like we're long overdue for another awakening! Thank God there are actors and studios willing to represent the forever important, Faith-based history of this great country. See more Donna O May 20, 2026 INCREDIBLE MOVIE!!! I’ve seen it 5 times!!! See more Catherine F May 14, 2026 Very interesting and rarely told story of the relationship between George Whitefield and Benjamin Franklin. Terrific acting. See more Sonia May 12, 2026 Superb acting! Worthy Movie See more Read all reviews
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A Great Awakening

A Great Awakening: Exclusive Clip - Friendship A Great Awakening: Exclusive Clip - Friendship 1:46 Now Playing View more videos
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Movie Info

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, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
May 5, 2026
Box Office (Gross USA)
$7.9M
Runtime
2h 9m
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