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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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

92%

Tomatometer

64 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 (LAist)

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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John Serba

Decider

This is a fun, meaningful, warm and hopeful movie, and I can see some of us integrating it into the holiday-movie rotation every year.

Apr 7, 2025

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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

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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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Jacob

this was a pretty funny story to be honest troubled kids became best friend toward the end and interesting how they made a musical play bout baby Jesus

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/26/25

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Doris

Heartwarming without being cliched or cloying. Just what the holidays are made for.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/01/25

Full Review

Lp

Great story. Great actors. Feel-good and funny.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/22/25

Full Review

Cindy

Thought provoking- attitude adjustment needed by viewer

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/16/25

Full Review

Theresa

Sweet movie. Get the DVD. For the whole family.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/10/25

Full Review

KM

A new Christmas Classic! So heartwarming and beautiful. Truly captures the Christmas spirit.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/10/25

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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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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