The Man Who Invented Christmas

PG

Released Nov 22, 2017

1 hr. 44 min.

Holiday

History

Drama

Biography

TRAILER

for The Man Who Invented Christmas: Trailer 1

List

79%

172 Reviews

Tomatometer

78%

2,500+ Ratings

Audience Score

In 1843 London, author Charles Dickens finds himself in financial trouble after writing three unsuccessful novels in a row. Desperate for a hit, Dickens relies on real-life inspiration and his vivid imagination to bring Ebenezer Scrooge, Tiny Tim and other classic characters to life in "A Christmas Carol," forever changing the holiday season into the celebration known today.

Read More

Read Less

Watch on Fandango at Home

Premiered Feb 20

Buy Now

Fandango at Home

Prime Video

Apple TV

Watch The Man Who Invented Christmas with a subscription on Prime Video, rent on Fandango at Home, Apple TV, or buy on Fandango at Home, Apple TV.

Critics Consensus

The Man Who Invented Christmas adds holiday magic to the writing of A Christmas Carol, putting a sweetly revisionist spin on the story behind a classic yuletide tale.

Read Critics Reviews

Patrick

I’m so glad this was brought back to the big screen for Christmas ‘22! I missed its original run in 2017 and had forgotten all about it. A compelling film based on a true story, and it was such a heartwarming tale.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/13/22

Full Review

Samuel S

It's clever and well written. It has a unique take on an old classic, though it is still a rift, no matter how new it tries to feel. You will start to get wary if you have seen many, many, Christmas Carols. That's partially how I felt. Worth one watch though. I also am not sure about every message the film pushes.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/19/24

Full Review

Alec B

Not a bad idea, but this movie desperately needed a director who was more visually inventive.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

01/15/24

Full Review

Holly S

meio brisa demais akakak

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

12/26/23

Full Review

Dan H

Not what you may think it is. What it is , is a enjoyable Christmas movie that once it's discovered by the masses will become a classic. My new favorite Christmas movie.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

12/25/23

Full Review

Brian K

While a bit Disney-like, the story and acting generally stand up well. An interesting, and fairly uplifting, take on Dickens and his novel -- if somewhat over the top about his "inventing" Christmas.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

12/24/23

Full Review

Read all reviews

Post a rating

Bharat Nalluri

Director

Dan Stevens

Charles Dickens

Christopher Plummer

Ebenezer Scrooge

Jonathan Pryce

John Dickens

Justin Edwards

John Forster

Morfydd Clark

Kate Dickens

Show Less Cast & Crew

Show More Cast & Crew

64%

71%

Goodbye Christopher Robin

TRAILER

for Goodbye Christopher Robin

49%

54%

Churchill

TRAILER

for Churchill

73%

80%

Woodlawn

TRAILER

for Woodlawn

29%

66%

The Letters

TRAILER

for The Letters

67%

69%

Tommy's Honour

TRAILER

for Tommy's Honour

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

How Well Do You Know Legion Star Dan Stevens? Take the Quiz

New On DVD in March: Thor: Ragnarok, Lady Bird, Jumanji and More

Coco Is Certified Fresh

The Man Who Invented Christmas: Trailer 1

2:21

View more videos

View more photos

Wenlei Ma

News.com.au

The Man Who Invented Christmas isn't a barnstormer but it's exactly the kind of holiday fare that will cure a bout of humbugness. Bring the family.

Rated: 3/5

Dec 7, 2017

Full Review

Dan Jolin

Empire Magazine

A lightweight, tinselly film with some nice touches and appealing performances, though it never lands its darker moments.

Rated: 3/5

Dec 3, 2017

Full Review

Simran Hans

Observer (UK)

There are a few bright spots, like Christopher Plummer's Scrooge, but with its too-bright visuals and laboured dialogue, at best, the film belongs on television.

Rated: 1/5

Dec 3, 2017

Full Review

Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

A warm PG-rated feature for families with older kids who won't grow restless with its adult preoccupations and leisurely pace.

Rated: 3/4

Aug 31, 2021

Full Review

Joanne Laurier

World Socialist Web Site

The simplistic, unnecessarily slight film makes only insubstantial, passing references to poverty among children-a major issue then as it is today.

Feb 21, 2021

Full Review

Richard Crouse

Richard Crouse

A festive film, a movie for the holidays that reminds us of the spirit of the season. No "Bah! Humbugs" here.

Rated: 3.5/5

Feb 3, 2021

Full Review

Read all reviews

Synopsis

In 1843 London, author Charles Dickens finds himself in financial trouble after writing three unsuccessful novels in a row. Desperate for a hit, Dickens relies on real-life inspiration and his vivid imagination to bring Ebenezer Scrooge, Tiny Tim and other classic characters to life in "A Christmas Carol," forever changing the holiday season into the celebration known today.

Director: Bharat Nalluri
Executive Producer: Paula Mazur, Mitchell Kaplan, Andrew Karpen, Laurie May
Screenwriter: Susan Coyne
Distributor: Bleecker Street Media
Production Co: Parallel Films, Rhombus Media
Rating: PG (Thematic Elements|Some Mild Language)
Genre: Holiday, History, Drama, Biography
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Nov 22, 2017, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Feb 13, 2018
Box Office (Gross USA): $5.7M

Most Popular at Home Now