Common Sense Media Review
By Sandie Angulo Chen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Sweet, funny take on classic holiday book; some smoking.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 25 parent reviews
Parents say that the film elicited a range of responses, with many praising its heartwarming message and ability to engage the whole family, while others found it slow and uneventful, recalling much more lively adaptations from the book. Overall, it seems to resonate well with families as a holiday tradition, despite some critiques regarding pacing and depth.
- heartwarming message
- family friendly
- mixed reviews
- slow pacing
- holiday tradition
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 9 kid reviews
What's the Story?
Based on the 1972 children's book by Barbara Robinson, THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER is set in the early '70s. Narrated by an adult Beth (Lauren Graham), it tells the story of the Christmas that young Beth's (Molly Belle Wright) local church was planning its 75th annual pageant, only to have it nearly ruined by the six destructive Herdman siblings, who are notorious for lying, stealing, arson, and bullying. When the pageant's longtime director unexpectedly breaks both of her legs, Beth's mom, Grace (Judy Greer), volunteers to take it over. But when the neglected Herdmans find out that the church gives out free snacks and desserts, they show up at church on the day of the pageant auditions and muscle their way to plum roles. The Herdman takeover of the pageant angers the other church moms, who demand that Grace kick the unruly kids out. But, instead, the siblings surprise everyone.
Is It Any Good?
This feel-good family Christmas movie stays true to the book's humor and heart. Like the beloved novel it's based on, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever doesn't shy away from showing the six Herdman siblings—Imogene, Ralph, Leroy, Claude, Ollie, and Gladys—in all of their "worst kids ever" glory (yes, they smoke!). Beatrice Schneider shines as Imogene, the intimidating, fiery ringleader who relishes the drama of the pageant. The Herdmans' growing interest in the nativity story is both endearing and a reminder of how little they've learned about Christmas in their homogenous Christian community. Their mostly absent mother has never explained its meaning and leaves the kids to fend for themselves in every way.
The young cast captures their characters well, and the church moms are amusingly judgmental, making the "terrible" Herdmans all the more sympathetic. Graham's narration is both sincere and funny. Director Dallas Jenkins, known for faith-based projects like The Chosen, makes this adaptation accessible to secular audiences while retaining enough spiritual elements to please Christian families. With a light touch on evangelizing, the film offers an old-school Christmas comedy that's filled with laughs and a heartfelt message.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the Herdman siblings' iffy behavior in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. How does their reputation impact the way they are treated by the people around them?
For those who've read the book, what differences did you notice between that and the movie? Do you think the changes were necessary?
Do you think viewers need to celebrate Christmas to enjoy the movie? Why are holiday movies often popular?
Who do you consider to be a role model in the movie? What character strengths do they display?
Movie Details
- In theaters : November 8, 2024
- On DVD or streaming : December 10, 2024
- Cast : Judy Greer , Molly Belle Wright , Pete Holmes , Lauren Graham , Beatrice Schneider
- Director : Dallas Jenkins
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Lionsgate
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Book Characters , Friendship , Holidays
- Character Strengths : Empathy , Humility
- Run time : 99 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : thematic material and brief underage smoking
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : November 30, 2025
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