Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” is arguably one of the most popular Christmas stories, so naturally, it has been adapted many times. I watched eight of these adaptations (including niche ones) and ranked them to see which ones are worth watching.
8. “Scrooge: A Christmas Carol” (2022)
This animated musical adaptation took a modern approach to the classic tale. While I didn’t dislike this adaptation, the modern animation style didn’t fit the story. However, I do appreciate that the Ghost of Christmas Past isn’t creepy, unlike some others (we’ll get to that later).
One change I enjoyed is that rather than Scrooge pleading with the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come for his own life, he begs to be given a chance to save Tiny Tim. This shows that Scrooge has become a selfless person since he changes for a selfless reason, rather than selfishly trying to avoid his own death.
Overall, I don’t think this is a bad adaptation, I just think others are more impactful and stylistically fit the original story better. You can watch this film on Netflix.
7. “Mickey's Christmas Carol” (1983)
This 25-minute featurette keeps the story short, telling the narrative in a digestible way while being authentic to the original. I loved the use of the classic Disney characters and animation (which does NOT include a creepy candle guy version of the Ghost of Christmas Past). If I had to choose an adaptation to watch, it probably wouldn’t be this one since it doesn’t pack as much of a punch. However, if you’re looking for a less intense version of this tale to watch with the whole family, this would be a good choice. You can watch this film on Disney+.
6. “A Christmas Carol” (1984)
This is one of the more accurate retellings on this list. It was given the time it needed to make the character arc realistic and the content more poignant. My main issue with this film is it was slow at parts and the visuals were not great. This story requires a level of creepiness that these older visuals don’t provide (but at least the Ghost of Christmas Past isn’t a creepy candle guy). If you’re looking for an accurate retelling, this is a good option, but I think there are better alternatives. You can watch this film on Disney+.
5. “The Muppet Christmas Carol” (1992)
This retelling includes charming Muppets characters who add entertainment to the film. I especially enjoyed the Muppet version of Charles Dickens, as it paid homage to the original story with a fun twist.
However, the film was slow at parts and the songs weren’t very memorable. This adaptation also includes a demonic looking version of the Ghost of Christmas Past (not a creepy candle guy, but a creepy doll-like girl), which didn't help with its ranking. If you're a Muppets fan, or you’re looking for a fun take on this story, this adaptation is for you. You can watch this film on Disney+.
4. “Scrooged” (1988)
“Scrooged” is a modern take on “A Christmas Carol” where the role of “Scrooge” is taken on by Frank Cross (Bill Murray), a television executive. This adaptation was one of the most entertaining ones (and doesn’t include a creepy candle guy or demonic doll-girl), however, Frank's arc isn’t very believable.
More time should have been spent on Frank’s journey with the Ghosts to make it more impactful and make his redemption less abrupt. If you’re not worried about watching a complex character arc that sticks closely to the source material, but want an entertaining version of this classic story, this movie is for you. You can watch this film on Paramount+ and Amazon Prime Video.
3. “A VHS Christmas Carol” (2020)
This is a staged musical adaptation of “A Christmas Carol,” created by the musical theatre company StarKid Productions. This adaptation was first performed during lockdown, with a rentable online version of the show. Since then, they have done annual performances of the show in Chicago, which have expanded to include two other well-known Christmas carols, “The Gift of the Magi” and “The Little Match Girl.” The storytelling and songs in the musical are inspired by the ‘80s, hence the name “A VHS Christmas Carol.”
While I don’t think this adaptation is as impactful as others, it's one of the most entertaining, while staying true to the original. This musical adaptation has the best songs out of the musical retellings, in my opinion, and it effectively captures the ‘80s spirit. If you’re looking for a new “A Christmas Carol” adaptation and you’re a fan of the ‘80s, I would recommend it! You can watch a filmed version of the original musical for free on StarKid Productions’ YouTube channel, or you can rent the most recent performance they did of it, which includes the two other Christmas tales.
2. “A Christmas Carol” (2009)
This adaptation stands out among the others. I believe this is the most accurate adaptation, not only because of the story but also because of the visuals. While I don’t love the animation style, the way the characters were brought to life was by far the best. I love how creepy Marley looks with his face literally ripping apart. I love how the Ghost of Christmas Present is this big, looming but warm and energetic figure. And I absolutely love how the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come was interpreted as being this ominous shadow that’s able to reach out of the ground.
What I really do not love about this movie is the creepy candle guy, otherwise known as the Ghost of Christmas Past. I don’t care if this is accurate to the book’s description, this character didn’t need to look like that. It’s terrifying and unsettling, and I will never forgive this movie for creating that creature. However, if you can look past the creepy candle guy, this movie brings the original story to life in a vividly striking way that allows it to have the depth and impact it needs. You can watch this film on Disney+.
1. “Barbie in a Christmas Carol” (2008)
Yes, I know what you’re thinking. And yes, I genuinely believe this is the best adaptation of “A Christmas Carol.” First, this is the only adaptation I know of that has a gender-bent cast of characters, which works so well. Secondly, this adaptation has a chubby, fluffy, sassy cat who is arguably the best character. I love the way the film took this original story and made it more grounded and emotionally driven.
What I love the most about this film is the end. Eden (this film’s “Scrooge”) doesn’t change because she’s going to die, but because she sees that her closest friend, Catherine, ends up being as cold and selfish as her, inspiring her to change her ways. While this isn't as dramatic as being faced with her mortality, it provides a selfless reason for Eden to transform herself.
If you’ve never seen this movie, I would highly recommend you check it out because it is an amazing, fresh take on this classic tale (that doesn’t include a creepy candle guy). You can rent this film on movie rental sites.
