Best ‘A Christmas Carol’ adaptations ranked according to Rotten Tomatoes
When it comes to Christmas classics, nothing quite compares to Charles Dickens’ 'A Christmas Carol', which first hit shelves as a novella in 1844.
The iconic plot follows the miserable life of Ebenezer Scrooge, who transforms into a kinder man after being visited by the spirits of Christmas past, present and future. The first movie adaptation was released in 1901, and the story has since been told countless times, with many of them featuring the famous quote "Bah humbug!"
While Dickens’ is rumoured to have spent just weeks on the seasonal book, there are almost two centuries worth of film adaptations. As many Brits snuggle up on the sofa to watch the festive flick, we have rounded up the top versions of 'A Christmas Carol', as ranked by Rotten Tomatoes.
4: Scrooged (1988)
In 1988, Bill Murray starred as the lead in Richard Donner’s Scrooged, which pulled viewers into the world of a cynical television executive Frank Cross who had driven away his girlfriend Claire Phillips with his cold nature. On Christmas eve, Frank was haunted by three ghosts who helped re-evaluate his actions and embark on a more positive life.
The popular version has scooped an impressive 71 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, with more than 50 reviews. In response to the film, one top critic wrote: "Despite the juicy, on-the-edge craziness, Murray is able to layer his outrageous histrionics with an inner sensibility, making his ultimate transformation not only believable but Christmas-cheer uplifting." Another penned: "Whenever Bill Murray is in a film, there's always one simple rule. Give him a decent set-up and you've got yourself a classic."
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3: Scrooge (1970)
The 1970 musical retelling of the timeless story features Albert Finney as Scrooge, who runs a bank alongside his badly-treated employee Bob Cratchit. He declines an invitation to a Christmas dinner with his nephew Harry, and has a sour approach to the festive season.
After being visited by the famous ghosts, Scrooge changes his ways and becomes a more positive person. The festive film has scooped 75 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, as one top critic wrote: "Finney's performance as cold-hearted Scrooge is a professional high-water mark." A second shared: "If Charles Dickens were alive today, he would wish he had written Scrooge instead of A Christmas Carol."
2: The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
You’re in for an evening of entertainment when you combine the Muppets and Christmas, especially with Sir Michael Caine thrown into the mix as Scrooge. The unique twist on the classic tale features Kermit the Frog as Bob Cratchit, Miss Piggy as his wife Emily, Statler and Waldorf as the Marley brothers and Rizzo the Rat as himself.
The 1992 film received a whopping 77 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, as one critic gushed: "Every single scene is a delight and every song – including the stoical One More Sleep ’Til Christmas and joyful Thankful Heart – hits the perfect note."
Another echoed: "Working on multiple levels with an inspiring amount of effort and heart, it is hard to find any other version of the story to stand out quite this much and really capture the full potential of what this story can be."
1: A Christmas Carol (1951)
The 1951 adaption of the holiday staple has been described as the "most faithful film version", which stars Alastair Sim as the lead character. It portrays the tale of a cold-hearted Victorian businessman Scrooge, who’s wicked ways are pointed out by three ghosts just in time for Christmas.
The charming scene between Scrooge and the young boy on Christmas morning has been recognised as a groundbreaking performance. In fact, the film has received a near-perfect rating of 86 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, as one critic posted: "Inarguably the definitive and best adaptation of Charles Dickens' seminal Christmas fable." "Lashings of festive cheer and a fair dollop of fine performances will leave you in the mood for mince pies and a renewed sense of seasonal goodwill to all men," expressed a second.
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