The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

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2:24

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

PG

Released Nov 8

1h 39m

Kids & Family

Holiday

Comedy

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

92%

Tomatometer

61 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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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

Full Review

Micheal Compton

Bowling Green Daily News

This cast is more than enough to make “Pageant” one of the stronger faith based films in recent memory, a Christmas tale that can be appreciated by the entire family.

Rated: B-

Dec 13, 2024

Full Review

Sarah Knight Adamson

Sarah's Backstage Pass

Director Dallas Jenkins said he’d been preparing for & visualizing the movie for over fifteen years, and it shows in his well executed directing style.the entire cast steps up to create a memorable Christmas story for all to enjoy for generations to come.

Rated: 3.5/4

Dec 12, 2024

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Mike

Excellent movie. But yiu need to dig into the characters and relize all ariund you. We have families just like this that all need love. It tells us that one person can change the entire trajectory of an individual by believing in that person

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/21/24

Full Review

Christopher T

I think it shows the true meaning of what christmas is supposed to be. But in a zany kind of way. That it shows that even those who may not be the best can still change their ways. No matter where they come from.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

12/20/24

Full Review

VB

EWVERYTHING! Honored the original book and movie and powerful message!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/20/24

Full Review

Anita

It was a very good movie. You can bring your family to and enjoy. It reminds us what Christmas is really about.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/20/24

Full Review

alex

Sweet and lighthearted movie that is a good reminder of the true meaning of Christmas.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

12/19/24

Full Review

Janet S

Well done, good casting and character devleopment. Heartwarming conclusion.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

12/19/24

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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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
Runtime: 1h 39m
Aspect Ratio: Digital 2.39:1

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