The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
Lionsgate | Release Date: November 8, 2024 CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
60
METASCORE
Mixed or average reviews based on 12 Critic Reviews
Positive:
5
Mixed:
7
Negative:
0
Watch Now
Stream On
Stream On
Stream On

Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
88
RogerEbert.comNell MinowNov 5, 2024
Its lessons about how kindness and inclusion benefit both the giver and the receiver are welcome, but its gentle reminder to view even the oldest and best-known story with fresh attention and connection may be even more meaningful. Read full review
85
TheWrapWilliam BibbianiNov 4, 2024
A bright, entertaining, intelligent film about how easy it is to get distracted by superficiality, and how important it is to look at Christmas — and by extension, Christianity — from a fresh and even critical perspective. Read full review
80
Christian Science MonitorStephen HumphriesDec 5, 2024
The film is directed by Dallas Jenkins, the creator of “The Chosen,” a long-running TV series about Jesus’ life. His tonally perfect adaptation of Barbara Robinson’s book boasts a gentle wit. He deftly conveys the movie’s message without a heavy hand. Read full review
80
Screen RantMary KasselNov 7, 2024
Even if it's ultimately forgettable, the movie has an undeniable feel-good appeal, and during the cold winter months, there's no reason to take that away from anybody. Flaws and all, there's no question that this movie will find its audience and be celebrated for its nostalgia and pathos. Read full review
72
The Film VerdictAlonso DuraldeNov 4, 2024
Director Dallas Jenkins comes from the world of faith-based media, and that world is not generally known for delicacy in its messaging, so it counts as a Christmas miracle that Best Christmas Pageant generally avoids heavy-handed sermonizing. Read full review
60
VarietyDennis HarveyNov 18, 2024
The preachier tenor may be welcomed by older patrons, but younger ones might’ve appreciated more humor being retained to prevent restlessness during the last half hour or so. Read full review
60
The New York TimesGlenn KennyNov 7, 2024
The movie manages to provide moments of witty dialogue while moving forward with its spiritual duties. Read full review
50
Los Angeles TimesKatie WalshNov 8, 2024
As far as family-friendly, faith-based holiday movies go, you could do worse than “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” though it might not quite connect with all young audiences, as the film leans more toward poignant than playfully riotous. Read full review
50
IndieWireChristian ZilkoNov 8, 2024
The film, adapted by Ryan Swanson and Platte F. Clark & Darin McDaniel from Barbara Robinson’s 1972 novel of the same name, is much more interested in providing spiritual lessons than narrative excitement. Read full review
50
Movie NationRoger MooreNov 8, 2024
Uplifting in the right spots, touching near the end, cute and yet cloying, maudlin and manipulative everywhere else, it punches a lot of familiar buttons when it comes to faith-based films for the holidays. Read full review
50
The Hollywood ReporterLovia GyarkyeNov 7, 2024
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever never quite lands its most poignant moments because Imogen and her siblings remain stubbornly at a distance. Read full review
42
Paste MagazineJesse HassengerNov 8, 2024
Despite the amateurish lack of comic or dramatic timing, Christmas Pageant does have some old-fashioned charm. Read full review
More From This Movie

60 Critic Reviews

tbd User Reviews

Details & Credits|Trailers

Current Movie Releases
By MetascoreBy User Score
1 77 Project Hail Mary
2 75 Send Help
3 73 Hoppers
4 72 The Sheep Detectives
5 68 Crime 101
SEE ALL
Essential Links
New on Amazon Prime Video
New on Netflix
Coming Soon to DVD/Blu-ray
SEE ALL