Not Only 'A Christmas Carol': 8 Best Charles Dickens Adaptations, Ranked by IMDb
This is a journey into a world where Victorian England is brought to life, showcasing its splendor and contradictions.
The works of Charles Dickens never grow old, and they live on by taking on new forms on screen. His novels are filled with unforgettable characters, and timeless plots that have inspired hundreds of adaptations worldwide.
We've compiled a list of the eight best Dickens adaptations, which go beyond the traditional A Christmas Carol.
8. 'Great Expectations', 2023
IMDb Score: 5.4/10
The orphan Pip is chosen to become the ward of the odious Miss Havisham and her adopted daughter, Estella. Despite coming from a poor family, Pip is destined for a life in high society, the consequences of which will be dire.
In 2011, the BBC released a three-part adaptation starring Gillian Anderson as Miss Havisham, a man-hater who instills the same sentiment in her ward, Estella.
In 2023, the BBC collaborated with FX to release another miniseries consisting of six episodes and casting Olivia Colman as Havisham.
7. 'The Personal History of David Copperfield', 2019
IMDb Score: 6.4/10
The young writer David Copperfield tells the theater audience the story of his life. He recounts his happy early years with his widowed mother, the arrival of his abusive stepfather, his time working in a factory, and his studies at a private school.
He will experience many ups and downs, and amazing new people will continually appear in his life.
Fate presents the young man with many obstacles and challenges, which he overcomes to find happiness.
6. 'The Mystery of Edwin Drood', 2012
IMDb Score: 6.8/10
The Mystery of Edwin Drood is Dickens's final, unfinished novel. In it, Dickens takes on the detective genre, addressing critics who accused him of failing to craft an intriguing plot.
Dickens constructed the plot so dramatically that, due to the lack of final chapters, the novel's denouement is impossible to predict.
According to the plot, Edwin Drood, Rosa's fiancé, disappears after quarreling with Neville, who is in love with Rosa. There is insufficient evidence to convict Neville, so he is released, leaving the murderer's identity unknown.
5. 'Great Expectations', 1998
IMDb Score: 6.8/10
After accepting help from a secret patron, the modest Finnegan Bell sets off for New York City, determined to become a famous artist and win the love of Estella, his childhood sweetheart.
Despite the obstacles he faces, Finn pursues his goal, unaware of the identity of his mysterious patron.
Director Alfonso Cuarón cast Ethan Hawke as Finnegan, Gwyneth Paltrow as Estella, and Robert De Niro as Lustig. Most importantly, however, Cuarón set the action in the modern day.
4. 'Scrooged', 1988
IMDb Score: 6.9/10
A Christmas Carol has been adapted dozens of times in various media. Scrooge transformed into Scrooge McDuck and appeared in the Ghostbusters universe.
In 1988, he appeared as a media executive played by Bill Murray. The setting is Manhattan on Christmas Eve. Murray was perfect for the role, successfully translating the myth of virtue and repentance into the realm of inhumane business.
3. 'Oliver Twist', 1948
IMDb Score: 7.8/10
Oliver Twist is undoubtedly one of Dickens's most famous novels. The protagonist, Oliver, wins the reader's sympathy and trust from the first page. The first film adaptation of the novel was released in 1909.
There are nearly 20 adaptations of the story, and among them, there is a classic – the movie by English director David Lean. In his 1948 work, Lean cast John Howard Davies, a child actor at the time, to play Oliver.
Fagin, the villain who trains Oliver in the art of thievery, is played by Sir Alec Guinness, an absolute legend of the British stage and film.
2. 'Little Dorrit', 2008
IMDb Score: 8.2/10
The story follows the family of William Dorrit, a weak and vain bankrupt who spent twenty years in London's Marshalsea debtors' prison.
His youngest daughter, Amy, who was born and raised in the prison, remains modest, loyal, and kind throughout life's circumstances, whether she is working for a living or experiencing unexpected wealth.
Claire Foy plays the lead role, and Matthew Macfadyen appears in a supporting role here. The BBC series received high ratings and became a fully-fledged adaptation of the classic novel.
1. 'Bleak House', 2005
IMDb Score: 8.3/10
Esther was fourteen years old when her godmother passed away unexpectedly. After the funeral, Mr. Jarndyce offered her a place at an excellent educational institution where she would have everything she needed.
She spent the next six years there, the happiest of her life. Then, John Jarndyce generously sent Esther to his estate, Bleak House.
Until recently, Bleak House had fallen into disrepair due to years of grueling litigation, but now, under the care of an intelligent and sensible young woman, life is improving there.
