A Christmas Carol (1984)
Kernel Score: 84% · 412 ratings · Rated PG
Genres: Drama, Fantasy, TV Movie, Family
Released: 1984-10-09
Runtime: 101 minutes
Where to watch A Christmas Carol
- Stream: MGM+
- Free with ads: Fawesome, The Roku Channel, Plex, Xumo Play, Mometu
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Miser Ebenezer Scrooge is awakened on Christmas Eve by spirits who reveal to him his own miserable existence, what opportunities he wasted in his youth, his current cruelties, and the dire fate that awaits him if he does not change his ways. Scrooge is faced with his own story of growing bitterness and meanness, and must decide what his own future will hold: death or redemption.
A Christmas Carol parents' guide: ages 6+
Parents need to know that A Christmas Carol (1984) is a classic ghost story about redemption, with some mild frightening imagery, rated PG.
- Violence & scariness: Some — Ghostly and frightening imagery meant to unsettle the miserly protagonist.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like A Christmas Carol
If you liked A Christmas Carol, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- A Christmas Carol (1999) — 76%
- FX's A Christmas Carol (2019) — 79%
- Scrooge (1951) — 83%
- The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992) — 84%
- Lucy Shimmers and the Prince of Peace (2020) — 92%
- A Street Cat Named Bob (2016) — 87%
- The Unforgivable (2021) — 84%
- Udaan (2010) — 81%
Director
Clive Donner
Cast
- George C. Scott as Ebenezer Scrooge
- Roger Rees as Fred Holywell / Narrator
- David Warner as Bob Cratchit
- Susannah York as Mrs. Cratchit
- Edward Woodward as Ghost of Christmas Present
- Angela Pleasence as Ghost of Christmas Past
- Michael Carter as Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come
- Anthony Walters as Tiny Tim
- Caroline Langrishe as Janet Holywell
- Lucy Gutteridge as Belle
A Christmas Carol FAQ
Is A Christmas Carol good?
A Christmas Carol has an 84% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 412 audience ratings.
Where can I watch A Christmas Carol?
In the US you can stream A Christmas Carol on MGM+, watch it free with ads on Fawesome, The Roku Channel, Plex, Xumo Play and Mometu and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is A Christmas Carol OK for kids?
A Christmas Carol is rated PG. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 6+. Parents need to know that A Christmas Carol (1984) is a classic ghost story about redemption, with some mild frightening imagery, rated PG.
What movies are like A Christmas Carol?
If you liked A Christmas Carol, try A Christmas Carol, FX's A Christmas Carol, Scrooge and The Muppet Christmas Carol.