
Sony Pictures Entertainment’s AFFIRM Films today announced that SOUL ON FIRE has earned an “A” grade from CinemaScore® and a 98% Audience Score on Rotten Tomatoes™ (as of 10/13/2025) following its opening weekend, signaling exceptional audience satisfaction and strong word-of-mouth for the inspirational true-story drama, now playing exclusively in theaters nationwide.
“Few honors mean more than the voice of the audience,” said John O’Leary, bestselling author and subject of the film. “To see people respond with such hope and joy reminds me of why we made this movie in the first place. SOUL ON FIRE isn’t just my story; it’s an invitation to live boldly after the fire.”
“From the beginning, our prayer was to tell a truthful, life-giving story,” said director Sean McNamara (Soul Surfer, Reagan). “An ‘A’ CinemaScore and a 98% audience rating affirm that the film is connecting where it matters most, in the hearts of moviegoers.”
Starring Joel Courtney (Jesus Revolution, Super 8), John Corbett (My Big Fat Greek Wedding, All Saints, “Sex and the City”), Stephanie Szostak (“A Million Little Things”), Masey McLain (“The Baxters”), with DeVon Franklin (Jesus Revolution, Woodlawn), and William H. Macy (Fargo, Marmaduke), SOUL ON FIRE brings to life the remarkable journey of John O’Leary, who survived a near-fatal accident at age nine and—through the unwavering love of family, the kindness of St. Louis Cardinals legend and Baseball Hall of Fame announcer Jack Buck, faith, and community—discovered a mission to inspire millions.
Directed by Sean McNamara, written by Gregory Poirier and based on O’Leary’s bestselling memoir On Fire, the film is produced by David Brookwell, Sean McNamara, Margaret French Isaac and J. Todd Harris J. Executive producers include Linda B. Huntington, John O’Leary, Terry Schnuck, Michael W. Riney, Quirsis V. Riney, and Gregory Poirier.
AFFIRM Films, launched in 2007, is an industry leader in faith-based/inspirational films with worldwide box office of over $720 million including such hits as SOUL SURFER, WAR ROOM, RISEN, FIREPROOF, THE STAR, COURAGEOUS, PAUL: APOSTLE OF CHRIST, OVERCOMER, WHEN THE GAME STANDS TALL, SHOW ME THE FATHER and HEAVEN IS FOR REAL, MIRACLES FROM HEAVEN, and A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD in partnership with TriStar Pictures and BIG GEORGE FOREMAN in partnership with Columbia Pictures.
AFFIRM Films released a unique and epic Christmas musical, JOURNEY TO BETHLEHEM in December 2023. In 2024 AFFIRM Film released the much-anticipated, powerful and faith-filled Kendrick Brothers’ film, THE FORGE. SOUL ON FIRE is AFFIRM Films’ newest film and is based on the book On Fire written by John O’Leary about his inspirational journey that would inspire millions – now playing exclusively in theaters everywhere.
AFFIRM produces, acquires, and markets content that inspires, uplifts, and entertains audiences around the world focusing on family and faith through its three divisions, AFFIRM Films, AFFIRM Television, and AFFIRM Originals. Sony Pictures Entertainment is a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation.
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