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Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol stands as the ultimate Christmas story, surpassing even the tale of Mary, Joseph, and the manger. Since the 1901 release of Scrooge; or Marley's Ghost, this 1843 narrative of a miser haunted by moralistic spirits has become one of the most frequently adapted stories in cinematic history. From theatrical releases to TV specials, and even sitcom episodes, countless versions exist. But which one reigns supreme?
I’ve meticulously evaluated every significant theatrical and television adaptation of A Christmas Carol, assessing each for festive atmosphere, Dickensian charm, and the essence of Scrooge. This definitive ranking presents the best-to-worst list of Christmas Carol adaptations, leaving no room for dispute.
Ranking Christmas Carols requires defining what the story means to you. My criteria: adaptations must be full-length (approximately an hour or more), widely released in theaters, on network TV, or major streaming platforms, and remain faithful to the original narrative. Modernizations, sequels, and re-imaginings, like Scrooged, are excluded. Based on these standards, I’ve narrowed down the top 16 Scrooge adaptations, ranked from best to worst, complete with streaming details.
A Christmas Carol (1984)
Choosing the ultimate adaptation of A Christmas Carol is challenging, but the 1984 TV movie featuring George C. Scott stands out as a flawless rendition. While other versions excel in certain aspects, this one excels in every way—executing everything flawlessly. It remains faithful to Dickens' text, boasts impeccable production quality, and maintains a consistent tone and vision, making it the most well-rounded adaptation. George C. Scott’s portrayal of Scrooge, though not the absolute best, is a strong nine out of ten. Additionally, this version showcases the most endearing Tiny Tim and the finest Ghost of Christmas Present, portrayed by Edward Woodward, known for his role in The Wicker Man.
Where to stream it: Starz, Roku, Tubi, Plex
Scrooge (1935)
Filmed during The Depression, the first sound adaptation of A Christmas Carol delves deeper into the story’s despair and horror than any other version. This German expressionist-inspired Christmas film is stark and grim, with Seymour Hicks’ portrayal of Scrooge as a frail, tormented figure perfectly matching the tone. Hicks’ Scrooge isn’t a gleeful miser but a suffering soul, akin to a damned figure in The Divine Comedy. His miserliness is depicted as a psychological affliction—he wears tattered clothes, shivers while eating gruel, and refuses to burn coal. Even his redemption feels more like a manic episode than genuine Christmas joy, suggesting the story is about a man descending into madness.
Unfortunately, the Prime Video version is colorized, so it’s best to watch it on YouTube in its original black-and-white format, as it was meant to be seen.
Where to stream: Prime Video, YouTube
Scrooge (1970)
This lavish musical adaptation of the Christmas classic amplifies Dickens’ story to new heights. Scrooge is a grand, energetic musical spectacle, featuring massive crowds, intricate sets, and a show-stopping performance by Albert Finney that ties it all together. Despite its extravagance, the film retains the emotional heart of the tale. The soundtrack is exceptional, with standout numbers like “I Hate People,” delivered with a snarl rather than a song by Finney. Additionally, this version boasts the most impressive ghosts in any A Christmas Carol adaptation, thanks to the delightfully over-the-top special effects of 1970s cinema.
Where to stream it: Paramount, Hoopla, Fandor, Plex
A Christmas Carol
(1999)
Before Hallmark became synonymous with generic holiday rom-coms, it co-created one of the finest adaptations of A Christmas Carol. Patrick Stewart dominates this film with his deeply nuanced and layered performance as Scrooge, arguably the best ever captured on screen. His transformation scene is so raw and genuine that it moved me to tears, despite having seen similar scenes in countless other adaptations, plays, and sitcoms. Unfortunately, the limited budget of 1990s basic cable results in some cheap-looking sets and unintentionally humorous special effects, which slightly detract from an otherwise stellar production.
Where to stream it: digital rental only
A Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
I’ve placed A Muppet Christmas Carol here somewhat arbitrarily because it defies comparison to other adaptations. This version is in a league of its own, offering unparalleled charm for audiences of all ages—children, adults, pets, and even extraterrestrials. The unlikely pairing of Michael Caine’s earnest portrayal of Scrooge with a cast of Muppets somehow feels perfectly natural, creating a film that’s utterly delightful from beginning to end.
Where to stream it: Disney+
Scrooge (1951)
Alastair Sim delivers a transformative performance as Ebenezer Scrooge in this adaptation. Initially, he embodies Capitalism incarnate—cold, ruthless, and driven solely by greed. This Scrooge seems unshakable, even by ghosts, until Marley’s ghost arrives, shattering his composure with sheer terror. As the spirits guide him through his past, present, and future, Sim’s Scrooge evolves into a vulnerable, almost childlike figure, ultimately reborn as a selfless, Christmas-loving man. While this film is a standout in the genre, an unnecessary subplot about Scrooge’s business slows the pacing in the second act.
Where to stream it: Plex
Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol (1962)
Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol holds the distinction of being the first animated adaptation of A Christmas Carol and the inaugural animated holiday special on American television. Despite Mr. Magoo’s origins as a one-note character from limited-animation cartoons of the early 1960s, this rendition of A Christmas Carol is remarkably well-crafted and impactful. Its quirky, unforgettable songs, like "Razzleberry Dressing," leave a lasting impression, and the emotional depth of the story is unexpectedly moving. Jim Backus, who voices Magoo/Scrooge, delivers a standout performance.
Where to stream it: Peacock, IndieFlix
A Christmas Carol (1971)
I’m bending my own rule about excluding abbreviated versions of the story because this animated Carol is exceptional. Its visually stunning, hand-drawn style, crafted by animation legend Richard Williams, draws inspiration from the original woodcut illustrations of A Christmas Carol. While it’s a cartoon, it’s not aimed solely at children, as it doesn’t shy away from the eerie nature of the ghosts. Additionally, Alastair Sim reprises his role as Scrooge, lending his voice to the character once again.
Where to stream: YouTube
A Christmas Carol (1938)
This adaptation of A Christmas Carol is a safe, crowd-pleasing rendition that lacks the story’s darker, more impactful elements. The ghosts are toned down, Scrooge is less miserly, and the overall tone is softened to appeal to a wide audience. While it’s enjoyable as lighthearted holiday entertainment, the absence of tension and emotional depth diminishes the power of the story’s climax, resulting in a rather average version of A Christmas Carol.
Where to stream: Max
An American Christmas Carol (1979)
I’ve included this adaptation because it’s a personal favorite of Mytour editor Meghan Walbert. However, this 1970s TV movie hasn’t aged gracefully. Henry Winkler delivers a solid performance as Scrooge, and it’s nostalgic to see Burgess Meredith and other classic stars. Unfortunately, the film suffers from excessive sentimentality and a slow pace, with much of Dickens’ brilliant prose replaced by less inspired 1970s TV writing.
Where to stream it: Peacock, Tubi, Kanopy, Crackle, FreeVee, Plex, PlutoTV
Disney's A Christmas Carol (2009)
I had high hopes for Disney’s A Christmas Carol, given Robert Zemeckis’ directorial prowess and Jim Carrey’s dynamic talent. However, the film’s reliance on 2009-era motion-capture technology to create hyper-realistic characters was a baffling choice. The result feels more like a PS3 video game cut-scene than a cinematic experience, leaving me wishing I could fast-forward to the actual story. Despite its potential, the visual style overshadowed the narrative for me.
Where to stream it: Disney, Fubo, TNT, IndieFlix, Plex
A Christmas Carol (2012)
This little-known 2012 direct-to-streaming film appears to have been made on a shoestring budget, which is unfortunate. With more resources, the filmmakers might have brought their unique horror-inspired take on the classic tale to life more effectively. While the concept is intriguing, the execution falls flat, failing to deliver the scares needed to sustain a feature-length film. Despite its creative ambitions, it ultimately misses the mark.
Where to stream it: Prime Video
A Christmas Carol (1997)
The 1997 animated musical version of A Christmas Carol suffers from outdated, uninspired, and unappealing animation. The musical numbers are lackluster, and the inclusion of Scrooge’s pet bulldog, named "Debit," feels unnecessary and out of place. Despite a star-studded cast featuring Tim Curry as Scrooge, Ed Asner, and Whoopi Goldberg, the film fails to impress, leaving much to be desired.
Where to stream it: YouTube
A Christmas Carol (2019)
This BBC adaptation attempts a brooding, philosophical take on Scrooge, but it struggles to find its footing. The tone is excessively dark and heavy-handed, making it feel overly self-important and ultimately unconvincing.
In an attempt to explore uncharted territory, such as "How Marley got his chains," this version of A Christmas Carol completely reimagines Dickens’ original text. Unfortunately, it feels more like an unfinished draft than an enhancement. The subtlety and artistry of Dickens’ themes, which are woven into engaging characters and thrilling scenarios, are lost here. Instead, the film opts for a blunt, overly direct approach that lacks finesse.
Where to stream it: Prime Video, Tubi, Plex, FreeVee
Scrooge: A Christmas Carol (2022)
The current trend in adapting Dickens’ work is disappointing. Netflix’s rendition of A Christmas Carol relies on uninspired CGI, slapstick humor, and forced jokes, resulting in a shallow, cynical interpretation. The dialogue is oversimplified and littered with gags, including a comic-relief dog and even fart jokes. It’s baffling that the creators thought Dickens’ timeless tale needed such trivial additions.
Where to stream it: Netflix
A Christmas Carol: The Musical (2004)
While A Christmas Carol is a robust story that even a school play can bring to life, a cynical adaptation feels especially jarring given its moral themes. This version reeks of a cash grab, with Kelsey Grammer delivering a lackluster performance as Scrooge and Jason Alexander failing to impress as Marley. Jennifer Love Hewitt shines as Scrooge’s past love interest, but her performance is a rare highlight in an otherwise dull production. The film’s TV-like cinematography, bland sets, and forgettable songs make it feel like a rushed, uninspired project.
