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Scrooged

Scrooged

The spirits will move you in odd and hysterical ways.

1988101 minPG-13Midcredits score: 74th percentile of all films
Director
Richard Donner
Starring
Bill Murray, Karen Allen, John Forsythe, John Glover

Frank Cross is a wildly successful television executive whose cold ambition and curmudgeonly nature has driven away the love of his life. But after firing a staff member on Christmas Eve, Frank is visited by a series of ghosts who give him a chance to re-evaluate his actions and right the wrongs of his past.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Scrooged?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove does not list Scrooged on any major US streaming service.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Scrooged?

Scrooged earns 7 badges, led by Guilty pleasure and Crowd Pleaser.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is Scrooged worth watching?

Scrooged's Midcredits score is the 74th percentile of all films, from 285K ratings across 6 sources. 69% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

74th percentile

Better received than 74% of films

82nd percentile among Comedy76th percentile among 1980s
Acclaim (how much people like it)69th
Approval (how many liked it)77th

67 /100

69th percentile of all films

78th percentile among Comedy72nd percentile among 1980s

Critics 38 · Audience 68

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 7.1 — solid but not unanimous.

69% liked it

77th percentile of all films

84th percentile among Comedy78th percentile among 1980s
69% rated it 7–1031% rated it 1–6

Critics 72% · Audience 71%

On Rotten Tomatoes, critics and audiences approve at similar rates.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 1 Oscar noms · 0 wins / 5 noms overall

  • NominatedAcademy Awards· Best Makeup

96th percentile

285K ratings across platforms

96th percentile among Comedy96th percentile among 1980s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 3% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$32M
Opening weekend$13M
Domestic gross$60M
Worldwide gross$60M

Returned 1.9× its budget — 92nd percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

Bill Murray delivers a caustic sarcastic performance as a selfish TV executive in this brash loud modernization of A Christmas Carol.

Fans praised

  • Bill Murray's sarcastic caustic performance perfectly embodying a modern Scrooge
  • Witty modern spin on Dickens that balances dark satire with genuine holiday warmth
  • Inventive ghost portrayals, especially Carol Kane's violently cheerful Present and David Johansen's cabbie Past

Detractors panned

  • Loud over-the-top tone that feels mean-spirited and unfunny
  • Bill Murray's shouting abrasive performance lacks charm or subtlety
  • Unconvincing redemption ending feels forced and insincere

What stands out

ActingDivisive75

Murray dominates every frame with caustic sarcasm; fans love his energy, detractors find it grating and overdone; strong supporting cast from Kane Johansen Woodard

DialogueDivisive65

Witty one-liners and sharp satirical barbs from Murray; detractors find the shouting repetitive and forced

OriginalityDivisive60

Fresh modern 1980s TV-exec spin on Dickens; meta-layer of producing Scrooge live; still follows classic formula closely

HumorDivisive55

Divisive: fans adore the dark slapstick and sarcasm; detractors find it unfunny grating and mean-spirited

CharactersDivisive55

Frank Cross written as one-dimensionally mean with thin backstory; ghosts are vivid but grating to some; romance and redemption feel unearned

Plot and storyDivisive50

Faithful but simplistic modern retelling of Christmas Carol structure; predictable beat-by-beat progression with little surprise

Emotional impactDivisive45

Ending aims for heartfelt catharsis but feels abrupt and unearned to many; few moments of genuine pathos

EndingDivisive40

Extended rambling fourth-wall-breaking monologue overwhelms resolution; sentiment feels forced to detractors

Preferred by

Under-30s vs over-30s

Preferred by Over-30s

Over-30s scored it 24 points higher than under-30s.

No notable difference between the other groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men 4 points apart
  • Critics vs users 2 points apart
  • US vs non-US 5 points apart

Watch experience

What is Scrooged like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Easy laugh: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want something light that makes you laugh and does not take itself seriously.

It never lets up and leaves you feeling good. Skip it when you want something with weight.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Nothing out of the ordinary.

What it feels like

Easy laugh.

Moods
TenseWarmManic
Heaviest: middle
Satirical humor
Register
Satirical · 5% of filmsWry · 7% of films: Amused and slightly dry about it.Sentimental · 8% of films
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film is a satirical comedy that mocks corporate Christmas commercialism, but it plays its central redemption arc with sincere warmth, especially in the final act.
The rideThe film shifts between sharp, fast-paced comedy and genuine emotional moments, with the ghost visits (especially the future) providing the most intense and serious stretch.
StructureThe story follows a conventional three-act structure, with Frank's visitation by the three ghosts serving as the inciting incident, climax, and resolution.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Feeling good.

Feel-goodHopeful
Why it leaves you this wayAfter the credits, viewers are left with a warm, hopeful feeling, having witnessed Frank's genuine transformation and the movie's reaffirmation of Christmas spirit.
How it ends · evidence
Happy ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).Rebirth
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13% (this title): Redemption 3% (this title) · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Rebirth: A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed. · Redemption: Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).

13% of films fit this archetype

with Comedy underneath

Why this archetypeFrank Cross, a modern-day Scrooge, is visited by three ghosts who force him to confront his past, present, and future, leading to a heartfelt redemption. The film is structured as a rebirth journey, albeit with a comedic, satirical edge.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelf
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% (this title) · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% (this title) · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16% (this title): Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% (this title) · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Morality

Redemption · 6% of filmsFamily bondsGreed · 3% of films
Satirizes its theme: Attacks its theme through ridicule.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe film explores Frank's moral reawakening, emphasizing the importance of family, kindness, and the emptiness of corporate greed.
StanceThe film satirizes corporate greed and the cynicism of the television industry, using Frank's redemption as a vehicle to critique these themes while ultimately celebrating the possibility of change.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanInstitutionalDomesticRealistic
PopOrchestral modernSupportive music · hybrid · Danny Elfman
SettingA television network executive's office and studio in Manhattan during the Christmas season.
MusicThe score blends Elfman's whimsical, orchestral style with pop songs like 'Put a Little Love in Your Heart' to underscore the film's mix of comedy and sentiment.

Content guide

Is Scrooged okay for kids?

PG-13

Scrooged is rated PG-13. As of October 2, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at moderate (45/100), sexual content at moderate (45/100), language at moderate (60/100), drug and alcohol content at moderate (44/100) and frightening material at intense (61/100). Overall it is heavier than 80% of PG-13-rated films.

Ratings in 12 other countries
  • UKPG
  • AustraliaM
  • Germany12
  • FranceU
  • IrelandPG
  • Brazil12
  • Denmark15
  • FinlandK-16
  • Netherlands9
  • PortugalM/12
  • SpainA
  • Sweden15
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 50% of all filmsHeavier than 80% of PG-13-rated films
Violence & Gore
Moderate
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 48%
Sex & Nudity
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
heavy for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 82%
Profanity
Moderate
heavy for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 89%
Alcohol & Drugs
Moderate
heavy for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 87%
Frightening / Intense
Intense
heavy for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 76%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

The reason to think twice is frightening material.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does Scrooged have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Scrooged?

Cast

Bill Murray
as Frank Cross
Karen Allen
as Claire Phillips
John Forsythe
as Lew Hayward
John Glover
as Brice Cummings
Bobcat Goldthwait
as Eliot Loudermilk
Robert Mitchum
as Preston Rhinelander
David Johansen
as Ghost of Christmas Past
Carol Kane
as Ghost of Christmas Present
Michael J. Pollard
as Herman
Alfre Woodard
as Grace Cooley

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Scrooged?

Movies like Scrooged include Holy Man (1998), One Fine Day (1996) and Ghostbusters (1984). Of the 12 closest matches, most are enemies-to-lovers stories, and several are films about corporate life.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

6 of these 12 share its subject: redemption. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Scrooged?

1.1K other films share the rarest tag below, follows: tycoon. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.