To get into the holiday spirit(s), here are the best adaptations of A Christmas Carol. We suggest you watch them with three visiting ghosts.
It’s Called “A Christmas Carol.”
The venerable British actor Reginald Owen took on the role of Scrooge in the adaptation, which also chose to focus on the lives of Scrooge’s clerk Bob Cratchit and his nephew Fred. This decision was made because the original story did not include these characters. As a result of this, we are able to observe Scrooge’s transformation into a more generous person over the course of one night through the perspectives of the people around him. Although the ghosts could use some improvement, Reginald gives a performance that is worth mentioning. As we accompany him through his fear, we cannot help but shed a few tears along the way.
You can stream “A Christmas Carol” (1938) on Paramount Plus or rent “A Christmas Carol” (1938) on Prime Video.
The Mickey Claus Christmas Carol
If you’re a fan of Disney, you should see this movie for Goofy’s performance as Jacob Marley. Who could have predicted that such a large number of Disney’s already established characters would be able to fit so perfectly into “A Christmas Carol”?
Of course, Scrooge McDuck is supposed to be Scrooge, and Donald Duck is supposed to play the role of Scrooge’s nephew, but has there ever been a more perfect embodiment of Bob Cratchit than Mickey Mouse? It goes without saying that Jiminy Cricket is in fact the Ghost of Christmas Past, in case you were wondering. Every time, may the Lord bless this movie.
You can either stream Mickey’s Christmas Carol on Disney Plus or rent it on Prime Video.
‘Scrooged’ (1988)
This is a challenging situation due to the problematic nature of Bill Murray’s performance; however, there are so many exciting performances in this adaptation that we simply cannot ignore it.
The greed that was prevalent in the 1980s provides the ideal backdrop for a then-modern-day take on the story, in which Scrooge is reimagined as Frank Cross, the head of a television network that is broadcasting a live version of A Christmas Carol. Murray plays the role of Frank Cross. It’s not only funny but also very meta. Please take note of the ethereal Carol Kane playing the role of the Ghost of Christmas Present, and former New York Dolls singer David Johansen playing the role of the Ghost of Christmas Past.
Scrooged is currently available to stream for free on Prime Video for Prime members.
“A Christmas Carol with the Muppets”
In classic Muppet fashion, you’re getting a solid mix of muppets and humans as Michael Caine takes on the role of Ebenezer Scrooge to Kermit the Frog’s long-suffering Bob Crachit. This delightful journey is all at once heartwarming, hilarious, and nostalgic. Gonzo and Rizzo the Rat share the narration duties for this adventure. Also, we think it would be hilarious if Miss Piggy and Kermit got married and had a large family. This is exactly the kind of life we envisioned for Miss Piggy all along!
Prime Video and Disney Plus both offer streaming services where users can watch “A Muppet Christmas Carol.”
It’s Called “A Christmas Carol.”
This list comes to a close, just as it did at the beginning, with an undeniable classic. The performance of Sir Patrick Stewart as Scrooge is remarkable. You can’t help but be curious about what took him so long to get to this point in the story. Because this movie was produced specifically for television, it has that slightly cheesy and low-budget feel that audiences of a certain age will likely find endearing. Anyone who has an appetite for a film featuring an entirely British cast, including but not limited to a young Dominic West, Richard E. Grant, and Jeremy Swift, should definitely give this one a try. You’ll be muttering “bah, humbug” after you’ve had a cup of tea.
You can stream or rent “A Christmas Carol” (1999) on Vudu or rent it on Prime Video.
