Scrooge Showdown: The Movie Adaptation Rating System
Because let’s be honest—half the fun of loving A Christmas Carol is arguing over which version is the best. So, in the spirit of ghostly judgment, here’s my totally biased, possibly controversial, Scrooge Ranking System:
George C. Scott (1984) – 5/5 Humbugs Redeemed
This is the definitive Scrooge. Scott doesn’t play a cartoon villain; he plays a man haunted by real regret and pride. The transformation feels earned, not cheesy. The atmosphere is perfectly bleak, the ghosts are spooky without being ridiculous, and that final “God forgive me for the time I wasted” line? Gets me every time. Pure gold.
Alastair Sim (1951) – 4.5/5 Chains of Marley
Black-and-white brilliance. Sim’s Scrooge is sharper, funnier, and slightly unhinged, but in the best possible way. You believe his change of heart because he feels the weight of it. If you want classic Dickens energy, this is your guy.
The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992) – 4.5/5 Singing Ghosts
Michael Caine acting his heart out opposite felt puppets deserves an Oscar just for commitment. It’s funny, it’s heartwarming, and somehow, it still carries all the same emotional punches. The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come in this version is terrifying in the best family-friendly way.
Scrooged (1988) – 4/5 Ironic Ghosts
Bill Murray’s cynical TV exec version is peak 80s energy. Darkly funny, a little chaotic, and surprisingly heartfelt by the end. Think “A Christmas Carol meets corporate burnout.” Works way better than it has any right to.
Jim Carrey (2009) – 3.5/5 Uncanny Valley Spirits
Visually stunning, emotionally... kinda weird. Jim Carrey goes all in (because of course he does), but the motion-capture animation makes everyone look like wax figures possessed by AI. Still worth a watch for the artistry and Carrey’s manic brilliance.
Honorable Mentions:
Mickey’s Christmas Carol (1983) – Short, sweet, and emotionally effective. Scrooge McDuck was born for this role.
The Man Who Invented Christmas (2017) – Not an adaptation, but a great “making of” movie about Dickens wrestling with his own ghosts while writing it.
At the end of the day, whatever version you watch—or rewatch—this season, the message hits the same: you can always change. Even if the ghosts have to drag you there kicking and screaming.
So pour a little eggnog, light the fire, and let old Scrooge remind you: redemption never goes out of style.