The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

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2:24

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

PG

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

11/15/2024

“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.

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Lovia Gyarkye

The Hollywood Reporter

11/15/2024

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.

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Christy Lemire

FilmWeek (LAist)

11/13/2024

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

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John Serba

Decider

Apr 7

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.

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Abhishek Srivastava

The Times of India

Dec 28

3.5/5

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

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Tania Lamb

Lola Lambchops

Dec 23

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

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LaSydia P

Sep 17

If you’ve never read the book, I would highly recommend it.

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Jacob

Aug 26

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

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Doris

Aug 1

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

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Lp

Jul 22

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

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Cindy

May 16

Thought provoking- attitude adjustment needed by viewer

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Theresa

Apr 10

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

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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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