How to See the Best “Christmas Carol” Movies

Of the many film adaptations of “A Christmas Carol,” one ranks as the clear favorite: 1951’s “Scrooge,” starring Alastair Sim. Here’s how you can see it on television.

Best Christmas Carol Movies

The best movie version of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” is, by most accounts, “Scrooge,” a British production from 1951 starring Scottish actor Alastair Sim.

“Scrooge” is ranked as the number 1 adaptation by Collider, and The Wrap, and other review sites, with Sim being credited as the definitive Scrooge.

“Alastair Sim might not be the most famous actor to have played Scrooge, but he’s still the best in this, the definitive “A Christmas Carol.” Known mostly for his stage roles, he brings an extra depth to the role, and the most convincing joy to the reformed miser,” says The Wrap.

“The performances, music, and lighting in Scrooge all hit the mark, and the special effects are surprisingly well-executed for a film of its age,” says Collider.

The London Times gives the film a perfect five-star rating and says, “Alastair Sim is Scrooge. It’s that simple. On film, at least, he has never been bettered. His Dickens antihero is definitive, a cynical brute who nonetheless seems to be hiding tiny glimmers of kindness behind those huge, sad and soulful eyes.”

How to See Scrooge

“Scrooge” was broadcast regularly on American TV during the 1950s and 1960s, but it is rarely broadcast today.  It is not included in Turner Classic Movies’ Christmas Marathon nor is available for streaming from any of the major services except for Amazon, which charges a $1.99 rental.

However, you can stream the film on TV for free with Plex, an ad-supported streaming service.  You can stream the film anytime at:

See “Scrooge” on Plex

More “Christmas Carol” Movies

Here are the rest of the top 5 versions of “A Christmas Carol, according to The Wrap, and a link to where you can view them.

• Number 2:  “The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)” starring Michael Caine. Available on Disney+
• Number 3: “A Christmas Carol (1984)” starring George C. Scott. Available on The Roku Channel, Starz and Tubi
• Number 4: “A Christmas Carol (1999)” starring Patrick Stewart.  Available on Amazon for a $2.89 rental fee.
• Number 5: “Scrooged (1988), starring Bill Murray.  Available on Amazon Prime Video, Paramount+ and Pluto TV

Trailers are below.

https://youtu.be/GDlG0snPvuM?si=37eje-F_GBpzotNf