The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (2024) | Rotten Tomatoes (original) (raw)

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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 Full Review 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 Full Review 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 Full Review 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 Read all reviews

Ny I really enjoyed this movie during the holiday season. It was funny, but there was also a life lesson in the film. It wasn’t too festive or corny. There was an equal balance. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/28/25 Full Review Britt Fun!!! Perfect family movie with a great message. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/26/25 Full Review 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 Full Review 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 Read all reviews

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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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