The Verdict
"Decking the halls with unflappable charm and sincere spiritual conviction,The Best Christmas Pageant Everis winningly wholesome family entertainment."
"Based on the beloved book and rooted in the true meaning of Christmas,The Best Christmas Pageant Everwarms your heart like a cup of hot cocoa without forgetting to sprinkle the laughs – the perfect brew for a new family holiday classic."
Movie Review and Other Insights
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is a visionary Kids & Family, Holiday, Comedy film directed by the acclaimed Dallas Jenkins (Kevin Downes). Released in theaters on Nov 8, 2024, Wide, this cinematic experience offers a fresh take on the classic narrative. Produced by Kingdom Story Company and distributed by Lionsgate, the film features a runtime of 1h 39m.
The story follows 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. Leading the cast are star performers Dallas Jenkins, Judy Greer, Pete Holmes, who bring depth and intensity to their roles.
Rated PG for Thematic Material|Brief Underage Smoking, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever delivers a audio experience presented in a Digital 2.39:1 aspect ratio. Critics have praised the film, stating: "Decking the halls with unflappable charm and sincere spiritual conviction,The Best Christmas Pageant Everis winningly wholesome family entertainment."
Images
Cast & Crew
Critic Reviews
"“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."
"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."
"A faith-based film that is going to be really entertaining and accessible for secular audiences as well."
"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."
"The plot is straightforward and uncomplicated, with its charm rooted in the performances and the nostalgic portrayal of the Christmas spirit."
"The Best Christmas Pageant Ever will put the Scrooges and Grinches in the holiday spirit."
Audience Reviews
If you’ve never read the book, I would highly recommend it.
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
Heartwarming without being cliched or cloying. Just what the holidays are made for.
Great story. Great actors. Feel-good and funny.
Thought provoking- attitude adjustment needed by viewer
Sweet movie. Get the DVD. For the whole family.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was The Best Christmas Pageant Ever released?
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever hit theaters on Nov 8, 2024, Wide. It became available for streaming on Dec 10, 2024.
How long is the movie and what is the genre?
The film has a runtime of 1h 39m. It falls under the Kids & Family, Holiday, Comedy genre, featuring a sound mix in .
Who is the director of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever?
The movie is directed by Dallas Jenkins. The script was penned by Ryan Swanson, Platte F. Clark, Darin McDaniel.
Who are the main actors in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever?
The top billed cast includes:
- Dallas Jenkins as Director
- Judy Greer as Grace
- Pete Holmes as Bob
- Molly Belle Wright as Beth
- Lauren Graham as Adult Beth
Why is The Best Christmas Pageant Ever rated PG?
It is rated PG (Thematic Material|Brief Underage Smoking)
Which studio produced the movie?
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever was produced by Kingdom Story Company and distributed worldwide by Lionsgate.
About the movie
NEWThe 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
- Producers
- Kevin Downes, Jon Erwin, Andrew Erwin, Darin McDaniel, Chet Thomas, Daryl C. Lefever
- Screenwriter
- Ryan Swanson, Platte F. Clark, Darin McDaniel
- Distributor
- Lionsgate
- Production
- Kingdom Story Company
- Genre
- Kids & Family, Holiday, Comedy
- Release Date
- Nov 8, 2024, Wide
- Run Time
- 1h 39m
- Rating
- PG
- Aspect Ratio
- Digital 2.39:1