The Top Five Movie Versions of "A Christmas Carol"

"A Christmas Carol" is probably the most loved holiday story of all, so it's no wonder so many film producers, directors and actors have been drawn to bringing the classic characters of Ebeneezer Scrooge and Tiny Tim to the big screen. The latest version, starring Jim Carrey as Scrooge - and as the ghosts of Christmas: past, present and yet-to-come.

"Disney's A Christmas Carol" opens Nov. 6. It's a 3D animated version that seems to stick fairly close to Dickens' original tale. I haven't seen this version, but I'm willing to go out on a limb and (drum roll please) name this the best version of "A Christmas Carol" to hit the big screen. Watch a trailer here. Why am I willing to go out on a limb with this one?

After you've watched the trailer, I think you'll understand. I heard a critic (sorry, i don't remember which one) compare this to a thrill ride at one of Disney's amusement parks and that seems accurate if the trailer is an indication. I don't have 3D capability on my computer, yet I can almost feel the snow as it flurries around.

I'll be honest, I'm not a big Jim Carrey fan. I did not like the plot or even the concept of "Bruce Almighty" and I haven't seen a Jim Carrey movie since then. Call me a narrow-minded prude, but that's how I feel. Carrey does have some excellent cast members: Robin Wright Penn, Michael J. Fox, Colin Firth, Bob Hoskins...just to name a few. The movie is directed by Robert Zemeckis, whose credits include Back to the Future series, three of my favorite movies of all time (and three of the most family-friendly movies in recent history). This alone makes me think "Disney's A Christmas Carol" will be good.

So, will I see this movie and end my self-imposed boycott of Jim Carrey? Maybe. After all, the whole premise of Dicken's work is the hope offered by the ability to change.

After you've seen this version, I recommend the following four. I religiously watch each every Christmas.

No. 2 - Scrooged
This hilarious and heartwarming take on "A Christmas Carol" stars Bill Murray as a television mogul planning a live broadcast of "A Christmas Carol" on Christmas Eve. Murray's performance is terrific, and is backed by Karen Allen's wonderful talent as his overworked and underpaid assistant and Margot Kidder as his former wife, who runs a homeless shelter. The real star, though, turns out to be Rick Moranis in one of his earliest performances...years before he hit it big with "Honey I Shrunk the Kids." Moranis plays a disgruntled worker who, after being fired, takes the production team hostage. He's visited by some unusual, although not very scary ghosts, who take him to the hippie days of his youth then to his assistant's humble home at Christmas and on to his own cremation. The result will have you singing "Put a Little Love in Your Heart" right through the holidays! Click here to see the trailer.

No. 3 - The Muppets Christmas Carol
Don't let Ms. Piggy and Kermit the Frog fool you. This 1992 version will be a hit with the entire family (even the Ebenezer Scrooge at your house). Michael Caine does an excellent job as Ebenezer Scrooge to Kermit's Bob Cratchit. (Mrs. Cratchit? Miss Piggy, of course!) Other spots are filled with Muppets...most from the Muppet Show (as opposed to Sesame Street) and including Gonzo who actually plays Charles Dickens in narrating the story. This is probably the most kid-friendly version of the story and it comes with the multi-level humor the Muppets are known for. Get a glimpse here. (The soundtrack to this is a Christmas classic, too.)

No. 4 - A Christmas Carol starring Allister Sim
This British version is one of the original classics, debuting in 1951. It's also getting some press this year as it will be released on blu-ray Nov. 3. This movie sticks the closest to Dickens' novel. This version is colorized, but I have had reports that the black-and-white version will also be on this DVD set. Here's a clip of his visit with the ghost of Christmas past.

No. 5 - A Christmas Carol, 1984 made-for-television
Why does this made-for-television production fall on this list? George C. Scott. He gives a riveting performance as Scrooge. You can feel his misery, his regret. More serious than the others on this list, this version will help everyone rediscover (or perhaps just discover) love for his fellow man.