Christmas a humbug? Not for me! (Well, maybe those years when I worked retail…) And with all due respect to Clark Griswold and Mr. Narwahl, my favorite movie to watch this time of year is any adaptation of A Christmas Carol. Ah, but which to choose?
Below is the definitive #TBT ranking of the best film adaptations of Dickens’ Christmas classic. Not only do they have high-quality acting, directing, and production, but they also draw my friends and family together for 90 joyous, peaceful, and loving minutes every single time. They are ways that I know that God blesses us, every one.
In the combox below, let us know which holiday classic is a must-see in your household! May Advent patience and Christmas peace reign in your hearts these holy days.
3. “Scrooge” (1951), starring Alastair Sim as Ebenezer Scrooge
Plot overview: In a world where spirits walk the earth, Ebenezer Scrooge has a chance to look back on his life and the opportunities he missed. Christmas morning provides him a chance to change his life and to live generously for a change. Will he take it?
Favorite scene: Scrooge’s giddy and slightly inappropriate jig that he does when he finds out he’s not dead. Skip to about 2:37.
2. “A Christmas Carol” (1999), starring Patrick Stewart as Ebenezer Scrooge
Plot overview: Ebenezer-Luc Picard likes his Earl Grey hot, his business office cold, and the poor in prisons and workhouses.
Favorite scene: One of my favorite actors singing my favorite carol with gusto after realizing he has been saved.
1. “The Muppet Christmas Carol” (1992), starring Michael Caine as Ebenezer Scrooge
Plot overview: In this prequel to Christopher Nolan’s “Batman” trilogy, Michael Caine reprises his role as Alfred the Butler wherein we learn his secret backstory and his conversion to become the humble servant of Bruce Wayne. And there are Muppets everywhere.
Favorite scene: “Our assets are frozen!”
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Cover image: Scrooge’s Third Visitor, by John Leech — via Wikimedia Commons
