The greatest film adaptations of ‘A Christmas Carol’

The story of A Christmas Carol – featuring the surly Ebenezer Scrooge, the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come, and Tiny Tim’s hopeful line – has been told and retold for nearly two centuries. From black‑and‑white classics to animated spectacles, there’s a film version for everyone. But this raises the question: which A Christmas Carol adaptation is the best?

Whether you’re settling down for a Christmas movie night, planning a festive family viewing or looking for that one version you’ll rewatch annually, you want to know you’re getting something that honours Dickens’ original story. So, we’ve picked the best and most faithful A Christmas Carol films – ranked and discussed – to help you choose the one that feels just right for your annual viewing.

7. The Man Who Invented Christmas (2017)

It might not be a traditional adaptation, but this version of A Christmas Carol is the greatest of the latest tellings. Directed by Spooks and Hustle’s Bharat Nalluri, the story follows Charles Dickens as he attempts to write his holiday bestseller, complete with apparitions of his characters.

In essence, you get two movies for the price of one: it’s part biopic, part Christmas fantasy. And whilst there’s a whiff of cheese about the whole thing (“I thought this was a ghost story, not a fairy tale,” remarks Scrooge himself), it’s undeniably well-acted and produced, and offers a much (much) needed twist on the many (many) remakes. 

6. A Flintstones Christmas Carol (1994)

Some things are just better with dinosaurs (sorry, Charles). A Flintstones Christmas Carol isn’t the most heart-wrenching adaptation, but it’s surprisingly one of the more faithful – even with Scrooge played by Fred Flintstone, in this play-within-a-play short film. 

The made-for-TV movie is nostalgic good fun with plenty of real, genuine Dickens quotes to yabba dabba do! at. It’s a cosy, clever reminder that even in Bedrock, the heart of the story holds strong.

5. A Christmas Carol (2009)

Robert Zemeckis’s retelling starring Jim Carrey has divided opinion over the years, but if you’re after an adaptation that sticks closely to the original text, this is one of the best. The script lifts lines directly from Dickens’ novel, and the film doesn't shy away from the darker, more unsettling aspects of the story.

Carrey’s performance as Scrooge – plus all three ghosts – is unexpectedly nuanced beneath the motion-capture style. It might be an animated tale, but if you're after accuracy and atmosphere, this A Christmas Carol film is more than worth a watch.

4. Scrooged (1988)

Too many A Christmas Carol adaptations gloss over the fact that Ebenezer Scrooge is an absolute Dickens-head, throwing in a few half-hearted humbugs and a couple of mean stares before calling the job done. Not so in the eighties classic Scrooged.

Bill Murray plays an angry TV network president and modern-day Ebenezer who is broadcasting a live production of the classic tale. He overworks his assistant, fires people on Christmas Eve, steals taxis from old women, and screams – a lot. Scrooged is a modern classic and also one of the best comedy versions of A Christmas Carol, with sharp dialogue and a surprisingly emotional finish.

3. Scrooge (1951)

From the haunting chill of the windy sound effects to the unparalleled acting of Alastair Sim, watching this black-and-white classic should be firmly entrenched as one of your holiday traditions. This is your one-stop-shop for drama, darkness, and distinctly-not-for-kids sequences – the character acting and moody soundtrack bring the real horror of the story alive like no other adaptation. 

When Scrooge quakes in the snow in the presence of the cloaked Ghost of Christmas Future, you’re there. The mere memory of Tiny Tim gazing up at toys in a shop window is enough to make you cry. And can any adaptation really rival the remarkably powerful redemption scene, which cuts to the heart of Dickens’ original story? If you're after the best traditional Christmas Carol film, Scrooge is the gold standard.

2. A Christmas Carol (1999)

For many Dickens fans, Patrick Stewart’s take on Scrooge is the definitive performance. Adapted from his acclaimed stage show and produced by TNT, this version leans into the original novel’s language, tone and pacing. 

There are no musical numbers or comedic relief — just a faithful, sombre retelling with a powerful central performance. If you're wondering which A Christmas Carol movie is closest to the book, this might just be the one.

1. The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)

There’s no contest when it comes to the best A Christmas Carol movie. Michael Caine’s Ebenezer Scrooge goes down in history as one of the most powerful, straight-faced portrayals, but the most-faithful, most heart-wrenching performance belongs to the Muppets.

The Muppet Christmas Carol is not only the most beloved adaptation, it’s also one of the most accurate – thanks to Gonzo’s steadfast narration, which uses direct quotes from the novel. And when the movie does veer from the source material, it is undeniably superior.  There is not a single flaw, from tiny, joy-filled moments like Rizzo kissing Gonzo on the nose, to the big blockbuster songs. 

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