A Christmas Story

A Christmas Story (1983)

  • 89% of critics liked it
    (46 reviews)

  • 82% of users liked it
    (263,318 ratings)

Nine years after the Yuletide slasher flick Black Christmas, Porky's director Bob Clark once again took on the holiday genre, switching from gasps to laughs with A Christmas Story. Adapted from a memoir by humorist Jean Shepherd (who narrates), the film centers on Ralphie Parker (Peter… More

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PG,
Directed By
,
Written By
Jean Shepherd, Leigh Brown, Bob Clark
Genres
Drama, Kids & Family, Comedy
In Theaters
Nov 18, 1983 Wide
On DVD
Sep 28, 1999
MGM

Critic Reviews

  • J. R. Jones, Chicago Reader

    Shepherd provides the voice-over of the grown hero narrating, and his prominence on the sound track forces Clark to focus on visual humor, resulting in some wild Our Gang-style slapstick.

  • James Berardinelli, ReelViews

    If you're a fan of Christmas movies or films that use nostalgia as a driver, A Christmas Story cannot be missed. Then again, if you're in either category, you have probably already seen it.

  • , Time Out

    Delightfully entertaining, with a wryly amusing narration to keep the adults in the audience smirking.

  • Vincent Canby, New York Times

    There are a number of small, unexpectedly funny moments in A Christmas Story, but you have to possess the stamina of a pearl diver to find them.

  • Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

    There is a real knowledge of human nature beneath the comedy.

Read all 21 critic reviews

See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

  • Chris W


    Little Ralphie really wants a Red Ryder B. B. Gun for Christmas, and not even the objections of authority figures will dampen his quest to get it. Good Lord, I love this movie. It seems like a funny, charming, and quirky little film, and it is, but it's also rather dark,… More

  • Anthony L


    I don't get the warm and fuzzy feeling of nostalgia watching this film as until this Christmas just passed, I'd never seen it. That is due to the fact that it never really took off in the UK as it did in the US, so was never on the telly. I wouldn't expect an American… More

  • Alice S


    I tuned in halfway during TBS's A Christmas Story marathon. Everything was five-star gold. Watching it three more times kinda wore on me.

  • Everett J


    Not many movies do I make sure to watch at least once a year, let alone watch it more than once a day. But, every year I look forward to watching this numerous times on Christmas Day. "Christmas Story" is the perfect Christmas movie. It captures what it's like to be… More

  • Melvin W


    Narrator: Was there no end to the conspiracy of irrational prejudice against Red Ryder and his peacemaker? "Peace. Harmony. Comfort and Joy... Maybe Next Year." Sure, I like A Christmas Story, but I still think it is extremely overrated. The fact that it is played for 24… More

Read all 20 featured audience ratings

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