A Holiday Miracle: “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” Shines Bright at the Box Office with $10 Million Opening
The holiday season has officially arrived, and with it comes a heartwarming new tradition in the making. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, a delightful faith-based comedy directed by Dallas Jenkins, has taken the box office by storm, debuting at an impressive number 3 spot with over $10 million earned this weekend alone.
This film adaptation of Barbara Robinson’s beloved 1972 book is capturing the hearts of moviegoers across the nation, and Jenkins, best known for creating the blockbuster Bible-based series The Chosen, could not be more thrilled. “This is a dream come true and the movie I’ve most wanted to make my whole career,” Jenkins shared earlier this year. “And I wouldn’t want to do it with anyone other than Lionsgate and Kingdom, who make great movies while supporting filmmakers.”
A Family’s Holiday Miracle
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever tells the story of the Herdman siblings—six mischievous troublemakers notorious for wreaking havoc on their town. But after sneaking into a church, they unexpectedly find themselves at the center of the annual Christmas pageant. These out-of-place kids, who have never experienced the traditional holiday spirit, end up teaching their community the true meaning of Christmas in the most unlikely, humorous, and touching way.
Opening in more than 3,000 theaters nationwide, the movie earned rave reviews, with audiences giving it an “A” rating from CinemaScore, just shy of the coveted “A+.” Critics are calling it a holiday gem, with The Observer‘s Shannon Lipscomb noting, “Even if you are not religious, it is not hard to realize that we are all searching for a community and a deeper meaning in life.”
A New Christmas Classic in the Making
Jenkins sees this film as more than just a holiday flick—it’s his vision of bringing the true essence of Christmas to the screen. “It’s trying to take the story of Christmas and the story of Jesus, and taking it down from stained-glass windows and pretty paintings…and revealing what it actually is. Through the eyes of these kids, they actually do that,” he explained.
The film also brings an important message of inclusion and unity, as actor-comedian Pete Holmes, who plays Bob Bradley, shared. “The message of the film is that instead of seeing these riffraff kids as the outliers, you fold them into the community,” Holmes said. “Anything that helps you see the oneness and lack of division between each of us is a great message.”
A Strong Opening and an Even Stronger Impact
On its opening day, the film reached the number 1 spot, grossing a staggering $5 million. By the end of the weekend, it finished strong in second place, only behind Sony’s Venom: The Last Dance. Jenkins’ hopes for the film are high, believing that it could quickly become a new Christmas classic. With its humor, heart, and uplifting message of faith, love, and unity, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is bound to become a cherished holiday tradition for years to come.
Watch Trailer:
For those looking for a feel-good, family-friendly movie that reminds us of the deeper meaning behind the holiday season, this heartwarming comedy is an absolute must-see. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is now playing in theaters nationwide, so gather your loved ones and get ready for a holiday movie experience you won’t forget!