The holidays are here, and you know what that means: it’s time to get Dickensian.
For December’s Hoopla Movie Club list, our team has put together a collection of films inspired by the works of the great Charles Dickens. Patrons can start with The Man Who Invented Christmas for a fictionalized account of how Dickens created his famous holiday characters, then move into three modern retellings of his most famous work: A Christmas Carol.
Here’s a quick look at what the Hoopla Movie Club has under tree in December:
The Man Who Invented Christmas (2017)
With a charming blend of biography and fantasy that explores how one man’s creativity reshaped holiday traditions forever, this film follows Charles Dickens as he struggles with writer’s block and financial woes while creating A Christmas Carol. Through vivid imagination, Dickens interacts with his characters—especially Scrooge—bringing the timeless tale to life.
A Christmas Carol: The Musical (2004)
A vibrant musical adaptation of Dickens’ classic, this version brings Scrooge’s journey of redemption to life with memorable songs and lavish production. Guided by three spirits, Scrooge confronts his past, present, and future, ultimately discovering the true meaning of generosity and Christmas spirit in a heartfelt, theatrical retelling.
Scrooged (1988)
A darkly comedic modern twist on the story, this perennial favorite stars Bill Murray as a cynical TV executive producing a live Christmas special. Haunted by three eccentric spirits, he faces his selfishness and greed in hilarious yet poignant ways. Packed with satire and heart, it’s a sharp, contemporary take on redemption.
Ghosts of Christmas Always? (2023)
In this Hallmark original, a team of Christmas spirits helps guide souls toward holiday joy. When Katherine, a seasoned ghost, meets Peter—a man who seems destined for more than a simple lesson—their encounter sparks unexpected magic. Blending romance, humor, and heartfelt themes, it offers a fresh, uplifting spin on the classic ghostly tradition.
Don’t be a Scrooge—spread the word!
As with all movies on Hoopla, patrons can stream on Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Samsung TV, LG TV, and more. Be sure to visit the Hoopla Resource Center for social media assets you can use to promote the December Movie Club picks and give your patrons the gift of entertainment!
