From Muppets to musicals, we have the 7 best 'Christmas Carol' adaptations

Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” is a holiday tale that has stood the test of time, a reminder of the true meaning of the holiday season.

The story has been adapted hundreds of times over, from the stage to the screen, with some versions sticking close to the original, while others switch up styles, while still keeping the message of generosity and care at their core.

Check out our picks for the best of the bunch.

"A Christmas Carol" (1951)

This black and white isn’t the earliest film adaptation, but it is one of the best and set the standard for many that followed. Alistair Sim plays Scrooge with the quintessential white hair and snarl in a version that sticks fairly close to original story (yes, closer than the Muppets version).

"Scrooge" (1970)

This version is a full blown musical, with songs and lyrics by “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” composer Leslie Bricusse. “Scrooge” earned four Oscar nominations, including Best Original Song Score and Best Original Song. The film stars the excellent Albert Finney as Scrooge, along with Alec Guinness as Scrooge’s ghostly former partner Jacob Marley.

"A Christmas Carol" (1984)

For the generation raised by the one who grew up with the 1951 version, this 1984 entry into the “Christmas Carol” catalog stars George C. Scott as a suitably grumpy but ultimately changed Scrooged. Originally airing on CBS in 1984, Scott gives a stunning performance as Scrooge, truly transforming on his journey with Christmases Past, Present, and Future.

"Scrooged" (1988)

This dark comedy starring Bill Murray completely revamps the story to a contemporary 80s setting, with Murray’s greedy and cutthroat TV executive Frank Cross standing in for Scrooge. But the classic story beats are still there as Frank is taken through the past, present, and future by three ghosts, but tinged with Murray’s signature humor.

"The Muppet Christmas Carol" (1992)

Believe it or not, Sir Michael Caine delivers an incredible performance as Scrooge while completely surrounded by Muppets like Kermit and Miss Piggy. But that’s what makes this adaptation work so well. The story isn’t overly softened for kids (the Ghosts of Christmas Past and Future are certainly spooky enough), but having the Muppets play out the story with an absolutely dedicated Caine at the center makes the tale a little easier to follow for kids, even when much of the dialogue and narration (courtesy of Gonzo) is lifted directly from the original book.

"A Christmas Carol" (1999)

Before playing Scrooge in this 1999 adaptation for TNT, Patrick Stewart actually performed a one-man show of “A Christmas Carol,” playing all 40-plus characters. It must have been a relief when they asked him to play just the one in Scrooge! This version also has a great moody vibe and a fun who’s who of character actors like Joel Grey, Richard E. Grant, and Dominic West.

"A Diva’s Christmas Carol" (2000)

Another unique twist on “A Christmas Carol” set in the world of show biz, “A Diva’s Christmas Carol” stars Vanessa Williams as Ebony Scrooge, a pop star turned, well, total diva. Originally airing on VH1, “A Diva’s Christmas Carol” is a super fun update on the classic tale, with fun details like the Ghost of Christmas Future being a “Behind the Music” episode and famous names popping up in the movie like Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas from TLC and Brian McKnight as himself.