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Is The Best Christmas Pageant Ever Kid Friendly? Parents Guide

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is a wonderful family film to remind us all about the spirit of Christmas – whether you’re a believer or not. Is The Best Christmas Pageant Ever kid friendly? Yes, though some of the content may not interest some younger viewers. Here’s what parents need to know in this Parents Guide to the Best Christmas Pageant Ever. 

Best Christmas Pageant Ever Parents Guide

Essek Moore as Ollie Herdman, Ewan Wood as Leroy Herdman, Lorelei Olivia Mote as Alice, Matthew Lamb as Claude Herdman, Molly Wright as Beth, Beatrice Schneider as Imogene Herdman, Mason Nelligan as Ralph Herdman, Kynlee Heiman as Gladys Herdman, Sebastian Billingsley-Rodriguez as Charlie in Best Christmas Pageant Ever. Photo Credit: Allen Fraser

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever Parents Guide

Directed by Dallas Jenkins (“The Chosen”) and based on the international bestseller by Barbara Robinson, THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER follows six siblings who are known as the worst children ever in the small town they live in. They somehow bullied their way into the lead roles of the church pageant.

Grace (Judy Greer) is directing the performance for the very first time and 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. However, Grace is not about to be bullied by the kids or the town. The play’s mischievous stars might just teach a community the true meaning of Christmas. 

Age Rating: Why is The Best Christmas Pageant Ever Rated PG?

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is rated PG for thematic material and brief underage smoking which means some content may not be suitable for all ages.

Language

There is no profanity but there are uses of the Lord’s name in vain like “My g-d!” Parents should also be aware that words like “stupid,” “jerks,” and “hell” are heard.

Mature Content: Is The Best Christmas Pageant Ever Ok for Kids?

The Herdman kids are seen bullying other kids including some physical violence. Other kids do not like the Herdmans and they and their parents judge them.

The Herdmans burn down a shack.

Kids are seen smoking a cigar.

Best Christmas Pageant Ever Age Rating

Kynlee Heiman as Gladys Herdman, Matthew Lamb as Claude Herdman, Mason Nelligan as Ralph Herdman, Beatrice Schneider as Imogene Herdman, Ewan Wood as Leroy Herdman and Essek Moore as Ollie Herdman in Best Christmas Pageant Ever. Photo Credit: Allen Fraser

Is The Best Christmas Pageant Ever Appropriate for Kids Under 8?

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is kid friendly for kids over 8 and those who understand the story of the birth of Jesus. While The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is a faith-based film, it’s not one that hammers the message of religion over and over. It focuses on following a Christ-like attitude and choosing kindness over  judgment. 

Younger kids will be entertained by some of the trouble that the Herdman kids get themselves into, but when the story moves into the more sentimental parts, they may lose interest. However, that’s when the film packs an emotional punch.

The whole cast is funny, relatable, and charming. You can’t help but find yourself rooting for the Herdmans even though we’ve all known some spirited and misunderstood individuals that may grate on our nerves. This movie will even put the Scrooges and Grinches in the holiday spirit. It’s a wonderful combination of spiritual and secular messages for everyone.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever can be filed under Christmas classics for families and must-watch holiday films for years to come.

Best Christmas Pageant Ever Movie Poster