7.9
Where can I stream A Christmas Story legally?
You can rent or buy it from Apple TV, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Google Play Movies. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
A Christmas Story fingerprint
Big heart, striking style.
Energy
Calm and low-key
- Fast Pace6
- Tension4
- Adrenaline3
Heart
Nostalgic and wholesome
Much of it is about family and growing up.
- Nostalgia9
- Family Dynamics9
- Wholesome8
Humor
Some situational comedy and slapstick
Not a comedy at heart.
- Situational Comedy7
- Physical Comedy6
- Wit & Wordplay5
World
Family, history, and growing up
Holds up on a rewatch.
- Rewatchability9
- Dialogue Centrality8
- World Immersion7
Craft
Standout performances
- Acting8
- Direction7
- Dialogue Quality7
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing7
- Music Composition7
Energy
MediumCalm and low-key
A Christmas Story is calm and low-intensity.
All energy traits
- Fast Pace6Quick tempo and momentum.
- Tension4Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Adrenaline3High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Spectacle3Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence1Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare0Frightening moments and scares.
Heart
HighNostalgic and wholesome
Much of it is about family and growing up.
Emotionally, it's nostalgic, wholesome, and hopeful. Much of it is about family and growing up.
All heart traits
- Nostalgia9Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Family Dynamics9Relationships and generational ties.
- Wholesome8Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Hopefulness8Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Coming of Age7Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Catharsis6Emotional release and payoff.
- Pathos5Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Wonder5Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Melancholy4Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Romance2Love stories and emotional connections.
Related traits
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
Humor
MediumSome situational comedy and slapstick
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some situational comedy and slapstick.
All humor traits
- Situational Comedy7Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy6Slapstick and visual gags.
- Wit & Wordplay5Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Satire & Parody4Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Absurdist Humor3Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Cringe Humor2Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Dark Humor2Humor from taboo or grim topics.
Related traits
- Wholesome8Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Camp & Irony6Stylized exaggeration and wink.
- Eccentricity6Oddball tone and quirks.
World
MediumFamily, history, and growing up
Holds up on a rewatch.
Its world is built around family, history, and growing up. It holds up on a rewatch.
All world traits
- Rewatchability9Invites repeat viewing.
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity2Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Historical7Period settings and real events.
- Pop Culture7References and cultural commentary.
- Social Commentary5Perspectives on society and norms.
All craft traits
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Narrative Structure6Story architecture and form.
- Intrigue5Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity5Layered plots and ideas.
- Meta Narrative4Stories about storytelling.
- Non-linear Narrative0Time-shifts and structure play.
Related traits
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Fast Pace6Quick tempo and momentum.
- Homage & Reference5Allusions to other works.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization5Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality5The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Sound Centrality4Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- Camp & Irony6Stylized exaggeration and wink.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFamily Movie NightFriends NightParty VibeIntergenerationalKidsPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensBackground WatchBinge-FriendlyComfort WatchDrop-in FriendlyPure Escapism
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About
A tribute to the original, traditional, one-hundred-percent, red-blooded, two-fisted, all-American Christmas.
The comic mishaps and adventures of a young boy named Ralph, trying to convince his parents, teachers, and Santa that a Red Ryder B.B. gun really is the perfect Christmas gift for the 1940s.
Christmas ClassicNostalgic ComedyComing-of-AgeFamily-Friendly1940sChildhoodHumorHeartwarmingAmerican Suburbia
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
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Sequels and Prequels
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Questions about A Christmas Story
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is A Christmas Story worth watching?
80
GreatGoodWatch scoreYes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 81/100 (IMDb 7.9, Rotten Tomatoes 87%, and Metacritic 77). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is A Christmas Story rated?
PGStrong language
It's rated PG in the United States. Content advisories: strong language.
How long is A Christmas Story?
1 h 33 min
A Christmas Story runs 1 h 33 min.
Is A Christmas Story based on a true story?
No. It's adapted from a novel.
Do critics and audiences agree on A Christmas Story?
Critics82
Audiences82
Yes. Critics average 82 and audiences 82 out of 100, so both groups see A Christmas Story much the same way.
Was A Christmas Story a box office hit?
Budget$3 million
Box office$21 million
Yes, a big one. It cost about $3 million to make and earned $21 million worldwide, 6.3 times its budget.
What language is A Christmas Story in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United States, Canada.
In how many countries can I watch A Christmas Story?
72
+58
+58GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for A Christmas Story in 72 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does A Christmas Story use?
Bratty Half-PintGood ParentsGeneration XeroxMeaningful GiftSly Exaggerated WinkHonest John's DealershipAsian Speekee EngrishStop Being StereotypicalCrappy HolidaysBad SantaBrick JokeBerserker Tearsand 222 more
TV Tropes lists 234 storytelling tropes for A Christmas Story, including Bratty Half-Pint, Good Parents, Generation Xerox.