The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

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2:24

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

PG

Released Nov 8, 2024

1h 39m

Kids & Family

Holiday

Comedy

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Popcornmeter

92%

Tomatometer

63 Reviews

97%

Popcornmeter

2,500+ Verified Ratings

The Herdmans are absolutely the worst kids in the history of the world. They lie, they steal, they bully... and now they've hijacked the town Christmas pageant. Directed by Dallas Jenkins ("The Chosen") and based on the international bestseller by Barbara Robinson, THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER follows six siblings who sneak into church searching for snacks and walk away with the lead roles in the town pageant. Grace (Judy Greer) is directing the performance for the very first time; she and her daughter Beth (Molly Belle Wright) and husband Bob (Pete Holmes) are in over their heads, especially against a town that wants them to kick the Herdmans out. But the play's mischievous stars might unwittingly teach a community the true meaning of Christmas.

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Critics Consensus

Decking the halls with unflappable charm and sincere spiritual conviction, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is winningly wholesome family entertainment.

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Audience Says

Based on the beloved book and rooted in the true meaning of Christmas, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever warms your heart like a cup of hot cocoa without forgetting to sprinkle the laughs – the perfect brew for a new family holiday classic.

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Dennis Harvey

Variety

“Pageant” goes a little too sentimental and instructive too soon for those viewers whose attention spans are better suited to the antic earlier going. Nonetheless, this is a well-cast, well-crafted diversion for the whole family.

Nov 15, 2024

Full Review

Lovia Gyarkye

The Hollywood Reporter

Working from a screenplay by Ryan Swanson, Platte Clark, and Darian McDaniel, Jenkins crafts a tale that moves unsteadily between poignancy and a kind of emotional sterility.

Nov 15, 2024

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Christy Lemire

FilmWeek (KPCC - NPR Los Angeles)

A faith-based film that is going to be really entertaining and accessible for secular audiences as well.

Nov 13, 2024

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Abhishek Srivastava

The Times of India

The plot is straightforward and uncomplicated, with its charm rooted in the performances and the nostalgic portrayal of the Christmas spirit.

Rated: 3.5/5

Dec 28, 2024

Full Review

Tania Lamb

Lola Lambchops

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever will put the Scrooges and Grinches in the holiday spirit.

Dec 23, 2024

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Michael Cook

KLRT-TV

This is going to be a holiday classic. It's very touching and moving and not at all cloying. A great family film.

Rated: 9/10

Dec 17, 2024

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Funny & cute with a great message.

Great family movie. It has a good meaning and is very entertaining. My husband and I both loved it. It was a refreshing change from some of the movies that weve seen lately.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/07/25

Full Review

Justin T

It was a WONDERFUL Christmas movie and did justice to the book it was based on. It made my wife happy cry some at the end along with her best friend. My wife said she definitely wants it on Blu ray when it comes out. Would definitely recommend for a family and Christian movie!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/07/25

Full Review

Alma L S

if I had more time I would have seen it for the second time. It was just that good for family wholesome movie

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/06/25

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Mike

Great movie! The story was really good. The acting and production was very good also.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/05/25

Full Review

Cliff H

Wonderful movie. Very well done, and heartwarming!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/04/25

Full Review

Anna D

Such a touching movie! If you’ve read the book, the movie will be perfect for you! Great Christmas and Christian movie🩷

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/04/25

Full Review

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Dallas Jenkins

Director

Judy Greer

Grace

Pete Holmes

Bob

Molly Belle Wright

Beth

Lauren Graham

Adult Beth

Beatrice Schneider

Imogene

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The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: Trailer 2

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Synopsis

The Herdmans are absolutely the worst kids in the history of the world. They lie, they steal, they bully... and now they've hijacked the town Christmas pageant. Directed by Dallas Jenkins ("The Chosen") and based on the international bestseller by Barbara Robinson, THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER follows six siblings who sneak into church searching for snacks and walk away with the lead roles in the town pageant. Grace (Judy Greer) is directing the performance for the very first time; she and her daughter Beth (Molly Belle Wright) and husband Bob (Pete Holmes) are in over their heads, especially against a town that wants them to kick the Herdmans out. But the play's mischievous stars might unwittingly teach a community the true meaning of Christmas.

Director: Dallas Jenkins
Producer: Kevin Downes, Jon Erwin, Andrew Erwin, Darin McDaniel, Chet Thomas, Daryl C. Lefever
Screenwriter: Ryan Swanson, Platte F. Clark, Darin McDaniel
Distributor: Lionsgate
Production Co: Kingdom Story Company
Rating: PG (Thematic Material|Brief Underage Smoking)
Genre: Kids & Family, Holiday, Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Nov 8, 2024, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Dec 10, 2024
Box Office (Gross USA): $40.0M
Runtime: 1h 39m
Aspect Ratio: Digital 2.39:1

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