Some Christmas stories make you laugh. Some make you cry. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever manages to do both, and it may even remind you what Christmas is really about. The good news for families: the 2024 movie is now streaming on Netflix in the United States, just in time to start the season.
Here is what parents should know, plus a few more family picks coming to Netflix later this month.
The Story: Chaos Comes to Church
The film is based on Barbara Robinson’s beloved 1972 children’s book. In a small town, the six Herdman kids are known as the wildest children around. Then they show up at church and grab the lead roles in the annual Christmas pageant.
Grace Bradley, played by Judy Greer, is directing the pageant for the first time, and she has no idea how to handle them. The Herdmans have never heard the Christmas story before. As they hear it for the first time, they ask blunt questions, and slowly something in them begins to soften. So does everyone watching.
It is a story about grace for the people we least expect, which is pretty much the whole point of Christmas.
Who Made It
The movie was directed by Dallas Jenkins, known to many families for his work on The Chosen. According to Variety’s review, the cast includes Judy Greer, Pete Holmes, Molly Belle Wright and Beatrice Schneider, with Lauren Graham providing voiceover. The film came from Lionsgate and opened in theaters in November 2024. Tom’s Guide notes it earned positive reviews, and singles out Greer and Schneider as standouts.
For Parents: Rating and Content
- Rating: PG.
- Runtime: About 99 minutes, according to Variety.
- What to expect: The Herdman kids are rowdy and mischievous, which is the joke. Some children may notice the bad behavior before they notice the lesson, so it is worth talking about afterward.
- Faith content: The Nativity story is at the heart of the film, told in a sincere, warm way.
As always, you know your children best. A quick look at a parents’ guide before movie night never hurts.
Questions to Ask After the Movie
- Why do you think the Herdmans acted the way they did?
- What surprised them about the Christmas story?
- Is there someone at school or church who might need a little extra kindness this season?
“And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.”
Luke 2:10 (KJV)
“All people” includes the Herdmans. It includes us on our worst days, too.
More Family Picks Coming to Netflix in November
According to What’s on Netflix and DiscussingFilm, these titles are also scheduled for Netflix in the U.S. this month:
- Sesame Street (Volume 4) on November 23: A fresh batch of episodes for the youngest viewers.
- Mark Rober’s CrunchLabs (Season 6) on November 23: More hands-on science fun from the former NASA engineer and YouTube creator. Great for curious kids who love to build things.
- The Super Mario Galaxy Movie on November 30: Illumination’s sequel to the 2023 hit, arriving on Netflix after its run on Peacock. It is rated PG for action, mild violence and rude humor, according to Age Rating Juju. The voice cast includes Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, Charlie Day and Jack Black. Some of the cartoon space battles may feel intense for very young or sensitive kids.
Please note: Streaming dates can change, and titles may vary by country. Check the Netflix app for the latest schedule and the rating shown for each title.
Make It a Tradition
Holidays can be busy and, for many families, hard. Some of us are carrying grief, money worries or tired hearts into this season. A simple movie night with popcorn, blankets and the people you love can be a small gift in a heavy time.
And if a story about six unruly kids discovering the manger can soften a whole town, imagine what God can do with a willing heart in your home this Christmas.
Through every storm, we rise together.
Have you read The Best Christmas Pageant Ever or seen the movie? What is your family’s favorite Christmas movie to watch together?
Sources: Tom’s Guide via Yahoo Entertainment, “Netflix is getting 31 Christmas movies and shows this month — here are the 5 to watch first” (Nov 5, 2026); What’s on Netflix, “What’s Coming to Netflix in November 2026” (Nov 4, 2026); DiscussingFilm, “New Arrivals for Netflix November 2026” (Nov 1, 2026); Variety, “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever Review” (Nov 2024); Age Rating Juju, “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie Parents Guide”; KJV Luke 2:10
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