Consider a time when hardly anybody celebrated Christmas. By the 1600s, the holiday had died out for a variety of reasons, including the ironic antagonism of Puritans and the extensive poverty and awful working conditions of most people; if Christmas existed at all, it was mainly for the rich. A confluence of forces changed all this by 1843 — new technologies and factories created affordable presents, labor laws like the 1833 Factory Act gave families time to celebrate, and a middle class grew out of poverty thanks to these trends and other social reforms.
Then there wasCharles Dickens. When Dickens publishedA Christmas Carolin 1843, it fundamentally shifted conceptions of the holiday and inspired people of all social classes with the Christmas spirit. His book was perhaps the most important factor in the ubiquity of the modern Christmas experience, helping (along with Coca-Cola) to cement now-standard practices like indoor Christmas trees, Christmas cards, caroling, and paid Christmas vacation. It’s mostly thanks to him that Christmas became a federal American holiday in 1870.
It’s understandable, then, thatA Christmas Carolhas inspiredalmost countless adaptations, with literally hundreds of versions across theater, radio, television, opera, and even video games. Cinema alone has delivered approximately 57 adaptations, from 1901’s silentScrooge, or Marley’s Ghostto the comedySpiritedwith Ryan Reynolds and Will Ferrell. There will likely be even more to come, as the story and its message never go out of style. While there are excellent television versions of the story, from stand-alone specials to Christmas episodes in almost every sitcom, these are the best theatrically-released movie versions ofA Christmas Carol, ranked.
Updated August 01, 2025: This article has been updated to include even more content to keep the discussion fresh and interesting.
10The Right to Be Happy (1916)
The Right to Be Happyis a silent film, so it may not be for the average moviegoer. However, for those who want to broaden their horizons or just want to see a version ofA Christmas Carolthey haven’t seen before, this is a film worth watching. Rupert Julian both directs the film and stars as Ebenezer Scrooge, a man who desperately needs to learn the meaning of Christmas.
A Straightforward, Silent Adaptation
The story does not deviate from the original, so there aren’t any plot twists in this version that can’t be found elsewhere, but the old-school charm of it may help one slow down and enjoy the simplicity of holiday joy.The Right to be Happyis not available on streaming.
9Spirited (2022)
Read Our Review
Spiritedis a musical adaptation ofA Christmas Carol, and while that doesn’t make it entirely unique compared to the other movies on this list, the angle this comedy takes makes it highly unusual.Spiritedgives audiences a look into what things are like from the point of view of the holiday spirits that have to help one human a year redeem themselves. Will Ferrell plays the Ghost of Christmas Present, who actually took on this ghostly occupation when he passed away before being redeemed himself during the events of the classicA Christmas Carol. Determined to save Clint Briggs (Ryan Reynolds) from his same fate, Christmas Present takes him on a wild holiday adventure where they both must face their past failings.
A Modern Musical Christmas Carol
While this film isn’t groundbreaking, it does offer a fresh and fun take on the same story. Octavia Spencer, Sunita Mani, Patrick Page, and Tracy Morgan round out the film’s exemplary cast, and its songs — which were written by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul — are infectiously festive. As a bonus, it may be theonly musical Ryan Reynolds ever does, so why not take a chance this holiday season withSpirited?Spiritedcan be streamed on AppleTV+.
8A Christmas Carol (2009 Animated Feature)
Disney’s A Christmas Carol
The 2009 adaptation ofA Christmas Carolis certainly one of the most visually interesting on this list. Directed by Robert Zemeckis, this straightforward adaptation of Dickens' tale sees Jim Carrey taking on the role of Ebenezer Scrooge, with additional performances provided by Gary Oldman, Colin Firth, Bob Hoskins, Robin Wright, and Cary Elwes.A Christmas Carolwould mark the penultimate film by ImageMovers Digital, a joint studio created by Zemeckis' ImageMovers and The Walt Disney Company, prior to the studio’s closure after the release ofMars Needs Moms.
A Creepy Christmas Carol
Before his version ofA Christmas Carol, Robert Zemeckis had created two hit films,Beowulfand the similarly snowyThe Polar Express, using a then-pioneering animation technique known as performance capture. The style has been divisive for critics and audiences alike,creating a kind of creepy presentationwith its almost-too-real moments, but it is well suited to this Dickens adaptation.
The voice acting and motion-capture performances are also spectacular — Jim Carrey oscillates between Scrooge and the three ghosts of Christmas; Gary Oldman switches between Bob Cratchit, Marley, and even Tiny Tim; Bob Hoskins, Colin Firth, and Robin Wright Penn are all additionally wonderful. Perhaps too bizarre in its animation for some, the 2009A Christmas Carolis still an eccentric and worthy addition to the Dickens' legend.A Christmas Carolcan be streamed on Disney+.
7Mickey’s Christmas Carol (1983 Animated Short)
Mickey’s Christmas Carolis significant for being the first original theatrical Mickey Mouse film in over thirty years, and Disney was wise to pick the classic and timeless Dickens tale as its story. It’s honestly surprising that they didn’t do it sooner, what with Scrooge McDuck being based on old Ebenezer and having been created in 1947. Other classic Disney characters fill out the story’s main players. Mickey Mouse plays Bob Cratchit, Goofy plays Jacob Marley’s ghost, Donald Duck plays Scrooge’s nephew, and so on.
Mickey Mouse Makes a Modest Adaptation
Using the famous Disney characters in the roles of ghosts and townsfolk,Mickey’s Christmas Carolis perhaps the most kid-friendly adaptation of the story; short but sweet, the colorful animation is efficient at whittling down the novella to the essentials in an entertaining way. The short would later snag an Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Short Film.Mickey’s Christmas Carolcan be streamed on Disney+.
6Scrooge (1970 Musical)
The 1970 musical adaptationScroogepiggybacks on the massive success of another musical Dickens adaptation from two years prior,Oliver,but manages to hold its own. Directed by Ronald Neame,Scroogetakes the classic story we know and love and incorporates an impressive collection of songs into its memorable plot beats. Albert Finney plays Ebenezer Scrooge, with additional performances provided by Alec Gunness, Edith Evans, Kenneth More, Laurence Naismith, and Michael Medwin.
Scrooge is Boisterous and Bold
Nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Original Song and Best Costume Design,Scroogeis perhaps the most boisterous and bigger-than-life adaptation ofA Christmas Carol. Albert Finney and Alec Guinness work incredibly well together as Scrooge and Marley, and Finney chews up the scenery in a delightfully exaggerated way, producing a lively version of a story that is often somewhat solemn.Scrooge (1970)can be streamed on Paramount+.
What Are the Best and Worst Rated Christmas Movies of All Time?
Here are the best and worst-rated Christmas movies of all time, using Rotten Tomatoes.
5A Christmas Carol (1938)
The first American rendition of Dickens' tale was MGM’sA Christmas Carolfrom 1938, and it’s one of the most delightful. Reginald Owen, famous for his prolific films throughout the early 1900s, plays Scrooge here, with additional performances provided by Gene Lockhart, Kathleen Lockhart, Terry Kilburn, Barry MacKay, and Lynne Carver. Edwin Marin directed this film after previously directingThe Death KissandA Study in Scarlet.
A Christmas Carol Classic
While most adaptations steer into the darkness and poverty at the heart of the story, Edwin Marin’s version was filmed after the austere Great Depression had spent years decimating the socioeconomic lives of many, so it almost makes sense that the production would remove the sadder and more haunting material. This also reduces the film to a brisk hour and ten minutes, meaning that it is a lean, mean, humbug machine. Efficient and spirited, the 1938 version is essential for those who prefer a lighter re-telling.A Christmas Carol (1938)can be streamed on Max.
4A Christmas Carol (1971 Animated Short)
The Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film of 1971 went to Richard Williams' version ofA Christmas Carol, which is on the darker end of the holiday spectrum. This brief special originally aired on television before heading to theaters, with Chuck Jones ofLooney Tunesfame acting as an executive producer. Interestingly, the short takes more directly after the original story than previous entries on this list, even going so far as to mimic the style of the story’s original illustrations provided by John Leech.
A Surreal Story From the Seventies
Withsurprisingly disturbing imageryand often terrifying sound effects, Williams' adaptation steers directly into the horror and misery inherent in the Dickens narrative. Williams would go on to be the pioneering animation director forWho Framed Roger Rabbitand his work here perfectly complements the vocal performance from Alastair Sim, who was legendary for his work as Scrooge two decades prior. As a theatrically released short, it’s perfect, condensing the classic story into a brief and bleak narrative sure to haunt viewers with their own Christmas ghosts.A Christmas Carol (1972)is currently unavailable on streaming.
3The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
The Muppets Christmas Carolis a strong contender forthe most beloved adaptationof the Dickens story. Not only does the movie mark the triumphant return of the Muppets after the tragic deaths of creator Jim Henson and puppeteer Richard Hunt, but it is also, surprisingly, one of the most faithful adaptations of the tale ever made. Michael Caine stars as Ebenezer Scrooge, with several Muppets playing essential characters throughout the story. The Great Gonzo narrates the tale, Robin the Frog plays Tiny Tim, Kermit the Frog plays Bob Cratchit, Miss Piggy plays Emily Cratchit, and Statler even makes an appearance as Jacob Marley.
Muppet Madness Makes for a Magnificent Movie
Michael Caine gives an impressively hateful and sadistic performance which is perfectly balanced by the joy and delight of the surrounding Muppets, preventing the film from becoming too cruel in places. While the songs occasionally go on for too long and are a weak aspect in an otherwise wonderful film, the combination of Caine and The Muppets with excellent production design and seamless technical achievements all make for a winning adaptation the whole family can enjoy.The Muppet Christmas Carolcan be streamed on Disney+.
The Best Muppets Christmas Specials, Ranked
The Muppets have celebrated Christmas with holiday specials for decades. Here are the best ones, ranked.
2Scrooged (1988)
Scroogedupdates the Victorian setting of the 1843 Dickens tale to 1980s New York, with all its materialism, loud traffic, and corporate greed. This time around, Bill Murray took on the role of Ebenezer Scrooge, bringing his comedic sensibilities to the character under the direction of Richard Donner. Karen Allen, John Forsythe, Bobcat Goldthwait, and Carol Kane each play supporting roles throughout the story. Due to its divisive twists on Dickens' story, the film has since become a cult classic, still splitting critical opinions to this day.
Why Was Scrooged Divisive?
Maybe too mean-spirited for some, and definitely more disturbing than most versions, Richard Donner’s film locates the anger and despair found in Dickens' original tale, and yet presents it with scorching wit. The film is schismatic and hated by many, yet it has gained a cult following over the past three decades for its innovative, sarcastic, and metatextual deconstruction of the Christmas classic. Both the funniest and the darkest big-screen adaptation ofA Christmas Carol, and containing one of Bill Murray’s most cynical and venomous performances,Scroogedis a much-maligned masterpiece begging to be revisited.Scroogedcan be streamed on Prime Video and Paramount+.
1Scrooge (1951)
Considered the gold standard ofA Christmas Caroladaptations, Brian Desmond Hurst’sScroogerises above the rest with its perfect balancing act of somber sadness and happy hope. Alastair Sim, who rose to prominence throughout the 1940s, plays the lead role of Ebenezer Scrooge here, with additional roles played by Kathleen Harrison, Mervyn Johns, Hermione Baddeley, Jack Warner, and George Cole. The film would be released in the latter half of Hurst’s filmography, quickly gaining critical recognition through repeated broadcasts in the following decades.
Bah Humbug or Best of the Bunch?
Most versions dwell within one end of the story’s polarities, becoming either too dark or too light in the process, but Hurst manages to delve deep into the melancholy of ghostly apparitions and painful regret only enough to provide the final act with a sense of hope, spiritual transformation, and social change which feels genuine. Alastair Sim is almost universally recognized as the greatest Scrooge, with his 1951 performance practically defining what the role requires. Ebenezer Scrooge, like Hamlet, is one of the juiciest roles an actor can have, as it requires an authentic but careful sense of change from cruelty to generosity. Sim underplays the role more so than other luminaries like George C. Scott or Patrick Stewart, and yet still manages to evoke a sense of menace and anguish on his way to transformation. The opening sections stray from the source material in order to flesh out Scrooge’s life, which allows for better character development, and the film delivers an ending worthy of Dickens himself.Scrooge (1951)can be streamed on Plex.
