A Christmas Story
1983, Kids & family/Comedy, 1h 33m
59 Reviews 250,000+ RatingsWhat to know
critics consensus
Both warmly nostalgic and darkly humorous, A Christmas Story deserves its status as a holiday perennial. Read critic reviews
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Where to watch
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Movie Info
Based on the humorous writings of author Jean Shepherd, this beloved holiday movie follows the wintry exploits of youngster Ralphie Parker (Peter Billingsley), who spends most of his time dodging a bully (Zack Ward) and dreaming of his ideal Christmas gift, a "Red Ryder air rifle." Frequently at odds with his cranky dad (Darren McGavin) but comforted by his doting mother (Melinda Dillon), Ralphie struggles to make it to Christmas Day with his glasses and his hopes intact.
Cast & Crew
Peter Billingsley
Ralph 'Ralphie' Parker
Ralph 'Ralphie' Parker
Darren McGavin
Mr. Parker
Mr. Parker
Melinda Dillon
Mrs. Parker
Mrs. Parker
Ian Petrella
Randy Parker
Randy Parker
Scotty Schwartz
Flick
Flick
R. D. Robb
Schwartz
Schwartz
Critic Reviews for A Christmas Story
Audience Reviews for A Christmas Story
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Jun 21, 2016There's a reason that TBS plays this one for 24 hours straight every Christmas. This is about as classic a Christmas movie as you can get, right up there with It's a Wonderful Life and Rudolph. Story of Ralphie who wants, more than anything, for Christmas a Red Ryder BB gun. Full of classic gags and great lines.Patrick W Super Reviewer
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Dec 25, 2012It's a classic movie that demands to be re-watched year after year, and it deserves that prestigious status. The best scene of all has to be when Ralphie opens up the big present at the end. The relationship between the main character (Ralphie) and his father comes to a true high point in this scene, and the actors do an amazing job of conveying those feelings. The family depicted in this film has got to be, if not the greatest, one of the greatest families to ever be depicted in film. You have the grouchy old man, the (relatively) gentle mom, the spoiled favorite child, and of course the overlooked hero with a lot going on in his mind. Now that I'm older, it's interesting to see how families in the 40's, as depicted in the film, differ in the ways they celebrate Christmas compared to modern times. Filled with countless quotable lines and at least a dozen iconic scenes, A Christmas Story still remains the greatest live-action holiday film ever made.Kevin M Super Reviewer
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Dec 25, 2012One of the most beloved Christmas films ever made, A Christmas Story is a fun, nostalgic look at the innocence of childhood. The story follows a 9-year-old kid named Ralphie who wants a Red Rider BB Gun for Christmas, and attempts to do everything that he can think of to get it; from bribing his teacher to seeing Santa Claus (at the department store). The film is especially well-written, particularly in how it presents the childhood point-of-view. Additionally, the sets and costumes are quite authentic, making the audience feel as if they've been transported to the 1940s. There's also a sincerity and earnestness to the performances and the humor that gives the film a certain charm. A Christmas Story is a heartwarming film that captures the wonder and magic of Christmas.Dann M Super Reviewer
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Dec 24, 2012A Christmas Story is a true holiday classic. I see this movie, whenever it comes on TBS every Christmas, and I loved every minute of it. Some people might find it overrated, but it does not matter to me. All I know is that it was good for what it was tended to be!Giovanni C Super Reviewer
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