Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Mild
- Complexity
- Simple
- Violence
- None
- broad
- wacky
- festive
- christmas viewing
- family movie night
What critics said
Critics broadly regarded the film as a poorly written, aimless, and aggressively unfunny Christmas comedy, with Danny DeVito's performance receiving the main measure of praise.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Buddy Hall's effort to make his house visible from outer space drives increasingly elaborate Christmas-light rivalry with Steve Finch.
Steve's carefully scheduled Christmas traditions repeatedly collide with Buddy's impulsive, scam-oriented approach to life.
Steve and Buddy feud over who serves as Cloverdale's trusted Christmas authority and whose decorations command attention.
The film turns Christmas lights, trees, town customs, and family schedules into exaggerated displays of community identity.
Films like Deck the Halls, and why
Christmas with the Kranks
Both are Christmas comedies about escalating neighborhood competition, oversized holiday displays, and family-centered seasonal chaos.
The Santa Clause
Both use broad holiday comedy, suburban domestic conflict, and competitive Christmas traditions as their central comic engine.
Jingle All the Way
Both are family-friendly seasonal comedies built around clashing personalities, festive spectacle, and the restoration of holiday spirit.
Movie Details
- Director
- John Whitesell
- Release Date
- 2006-11-22
- Runtime
- 93 min
- Rating
- 5.6 / 10 (832)
Cast
- Danny DeVito
- Matthew Broderick
- Kristin Davis
- Kristin Chenoweth
- Alia Shawkat
- Fred Armisen
- Jorge Garcia
- Dylan Blue
- Kelly Aldridge
- Sabrina Aldridge
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Deck the Halls about?
- A tradition-obsessed optometrist and his flamboyant new neighbor turn Christmas lights into an escalating suburban rivalry that threatens their families’ holiday peace.
- What is Deck the Halls like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Deck the Halls as brisk, its intensity as mild and its storytelling as simple.
- Is Deck the Halls violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Deck the Halls.
- What did critics think of Deck the Halls?
- Critics broadly regarded the film as a poorly written, aimless, and aggressively unfunny Christmas comedy, with Danny DeVito's performance receiving the main measure of praise.
- Which films are like Deck the Halls?
- Films with a similar feel include Christmas with the Kranks, The Santa Clause, and Jingle All the Way.
- How long is Deck the Halls?
- Deck the Halls runs 93 minutes.
- Where can I watch Deck the Halls?
- In United States, Deck the Halls is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
