The 10 Best A Christmas Carol Adaptations, According to Reddit
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The new Christmas movie, animatedstarring Will Ferrell and Ryan Reynolds, is a musical interpretation of A Christmas. This is a modern, comedic take on the classic tale, changing the story to focus heavily on the spirits rather than Ebenezer Scrooge.
There have been dozens of film and television adaptations of Charles Dickens’ novel, A Christmas. Some of them stay close to the source material, while others try to transform the original story into something new. These Redditors shared their opinions on which are the best adaptations of this classic.
The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
Stream on Disney+
Fans of this Christmas classic love the Muppets’ ability to adapt this tale in a fun way while honoring the original story. Viewers are also praising Michael Cain’s portrayal of Scrooge, and as Reddit user res30stupid says, “it takes a special actor who can be cool and calm and still do it with goddamn Muppets at the same time.”
This is a favorite adaptation of this old tale because of the way the Muppets are able to entertain audiences while representing the themes of the original. The film also manages to use thought-provoking quotes from classic history to pay homage to Dickens’ tale.
A Christmas Carol (1984)
Stream on Prime Video
This is one of the most faithful adaptations of the Scrooge story. He is visited by the three spirits known by the names of Dickens’ novel and when Ebenezer becomes a changed man, he performs the three remarkable good deeds as he did in the original tale.
One aspect of this faithful adaptation most praised by viewers is how George C. Scott played the role of Ebenezer. Reddit user clwestbr said, “The movie is pretty good,” before adding, “but he plays Scrooge perfectly.” While there are many adaptations that follow Dickens’ source material, this film is a favorite because of Scott’s portrayal of the title character.
A Christmas Carol (1999)
Available to stream on DirectTV
While there are many adaptations that stick close to the original story, this one A Christmas it is considered the most accurate in terms of staying close to subjects and characters. Despite being only a made-for-TV adaptation, this film is many viewers’ favorite version of the classic.
Reddit user thenightisyoungish said: “As much as I like many of the other adaptations, this is my favorite.” These viewers thought that Patrick Stewart did a phenomenal job as Scrooge and his performance made this faithful adaptation even more enjoyable.
Mickey’s Christmas Carol (1983)
Stream on Disney+
This classic Disney adaptation highlights the main themes of the original, but uses iconic Mickey Mouse characters. This animated film stays surprisingly true to the original story, while making the dark themes a little more palatable for younger viewers.
Reddit user Tebeku mentioned that this is the adaptation they grew up watching and still finds the film to be a “fantastic piece of animation”. This version may not be the closest to Dickens’ tale, but it’s perfect for introducing young viewers to the classic story. This is also why many adults enjoy this version and watch it during the holidays.
A Christmas Carol (1951)
Stream to Plex TV
This 1951 version of A Christmas it’s the best black and white Christmas movie ever. This older film adaptation of the classic is another one that sticks pretty close to the source material, following the story and ending almost to Dickens’ exact detail.
What makes this version stick with fans is another phenomenal actor who nails the role of Ebenezer Scrooge. Reddit user skinschamps2000 said: “Alistair Sim Version 1951 is by far the best version out there as his turn from evil to cheerful is more believable.” To truly capture this iconic story, viewers must believe in the character of Scrooge and how he goes through his transformation.
A Christmas Carol (2009)
Stream on Disney+
This is one of the darkest A Christmas adaptations, which aptly captures Scrooge’s despicable nature early in the story and portrays the ghosts as truly ominous presences. This dark portrayal makes the happy ending all the more impactful.
Although this version has many controversies, many viewers think that the emotions portrayed by Scrooge are really convincing. Reddit user road-hogwithanolddog said: “The part of the movie where he visits his past when he was a little kid at boarding school, that was really profound for me.” These moving scenes resonated with viewers and help them understand the character as more than just a grumpy old man.
Blackadder’s Christmas Carol (1988)
(Currently not available for playback)
This is not a full-length film, but a television special that captured this classic story in a unique way. Instead of turning Ebenezer into a greedy, evil man, this story begins with him being one of the nicest men in London. As a twist, he ends up becoming a bitter, bad boy because he thinks they’re having more fun.
A now-deleted Reddit user said: “A little ‘twist’ in the story (going from good to bad, because he sees how the ‘bad’ can make money).” This isn’t the choice for those looking for a faithful adaptation, but it’s an interesting watch for viewers who like a comical and different take on the familiar tale.
Scrooged (1988)
Stream on Prime Video
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Stuck is a modern twist on this story, starring Bill Murray as a television president who is cruel to his workers and forces them to work during the holiday season. However, it does honor the original story by having him encounter three ghosts and then change his ways.
This is another adaptation where viewers think the actor nailed the role. A now-deleted Reddit user said: “Wonderful job by Bill Murray.” Murray does an excellent job of creating a grumpy, traditional Scrooge, but with an added sense of humor that fits his quirky demeanor in other films.
Scrooge (1970)
Stream to Plex TV
This is another adaptation that stays close to the source material but ups the ante by being a musical. The musical numbers in this version capture the character throughout the story, especially the three ghosts, who each have a unique song for their particular purpose.
Reddit user TheCountofMonteZebra said: “I found Albert Finney’s take on Scrooge much more believable as a man who was supposed to reach the end of his life.” Even with the musical aspect of this interpretation, viewers still found Finney’s Scrooge to be realistic based on his current time in life.
The Christmas song of Mr. Magoo (1962)
Stream On Peacock
This performance was a short television special that also has a musical quality. This special of Mr. Magoo follows the character as he plays the role of Scrooge. The version of Mr. Magoo captures the original story, but in a more concise and fast-paced way than a film adaptation.
While music isn’t often included in this classic tale, viewers loved the fun songs in this special short, with Reddit user MBAMBA3 even saying, “I’m surprised it wasn’t edited on Broadway, the songs are so good.” This version manages to honor Dickens while creating something fresh and fun for the whole family to enjoy.
