The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

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The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

PG

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1h 39m

Kids & Family

Holiday

Comedy

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90%

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52 Reviews

98%

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1,000+ 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

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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Mark Meszoros

The News-Herald (Willoughby, OH)

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever isn’t the best Christmas movie ever, but it likely will see you and the fam leaving the theater more in the holiday spirit than when you entered.

Rated: 2.5/4

Nov 16, 2024

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Jackie K. Cooper

jackiekcooper.com

Destined to be a Christmas classic.

Rated: 7/10

Nov 14, 2024

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M.N. Miller

InSession Film

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever has flaws but has so much genuine heart that it’s hard not to get lost in it.

Rated: B

Nov 13, 2024

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Matthew T

I laughed I cried. Terrific movie for the whole family!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/17/24

Full Review

Elizabeth D

Its so close to home. To many times we judge people by what we see all knowing they need help. We need to see them the way God sees us. I truly enjoyed this film and recommend it to all to watch.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/17/24

Full Review

Ann

Suitable for the whole family. Funny and poignant. You will leave this movie feeling the hope that Christmas brings!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/17/24

Full Review

Brandon

Wonderful family movie! Really helps you remember why we celebrate Christmas and how important it is to welcome everyone to church and/or to know Jesus! Loved it!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/17/24

Full Review

Patricia Wiggin

Such a funny, nice and poignant story! Its well acted and well written. A beautiful Christmas sort with heart and humor!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/17/24

Full Review

Robert M

very sweet and wholesome

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/17/24

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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The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: Movie Clip - A Big Lesson

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The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: Movie Clip - Delivering Ham

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The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: Trailer 2

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The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: Trailer 1

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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 (Brief Underage Smoking|Thematic Material)
Genre: Kids & Family, Holiday, Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Nov 8, 2024, Wide
Runtime: 1h 39m
Aspect Ratio: Digital 2.39:1

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