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Comedy · Drama

Scrooged (1988) — Review, Streaming & Trivia

A cynical, selfish television executive is haunted by three spirits on Christmas Eve who try to show him the true meaning of the holiday.

Released
1988
IMDb
6.9
Runtime
1h 41m

Last updated:

1988

Scrooged

1988 Dir. Richard Donner ★ 6.9/10 IMDb
ComedyDramaFantasy

About Scrooged

Scrooged (1988) is a sharp, darkly comedic modern retelling of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, starring Bill Murray at his sardonic best as Frank Cross, a ruthless television network president who fires employees on Christmas Eve and green-lights exploitative holiday programming. When three wildly unconventional ghosts visit him on Christmas Eve, Frank is taken on a journey through his past, present, and future that challenges his cold-hearted worldview. Directed by Richard Donner, Scrooged blends biting satire of 1980s corporate culture with genuine holiday heart, culminating in one of cinema's most memorable and improvisational closing speeches.

Cast

  • Bill Murray
  • Karen Allen
  • John Forsythe
  • Bobcat Goldthwait

Where to Watch

Scrooged is currently available on the following platforms:

Paramount+
Amazon Prime

Trivia & Fun Facts

  • Bill Murray reportedly improvised much of his dialogue, including the famous final speech to the camera.
  • The production was troubled, with Murray and director Richard Donner frequently clashing on set.
  • The film's depiction of a live television broadcast of A Christmas Carol was inspired by actual TV specials of the era.
  • Buddy Hackett, Lee Majors, and Mary Lou Retton all make cameo appearances in the film-within-a-film.

More to watch and sing

Film picks, carol histories and what's newly streaming — one email a week through the season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I watch Scrooged?
Scrooged is currently available to stream on Paramount+, Amazon Prime. Availability may change by season and region, so check your preferred streaming service for the latest information.
Who directed Scrooged?
Scrooged was directed by Richard Donner and released in 1988. The film stars Bill Murray, Karen Allen, John Forsythe.
Is Scrooged a good family Christmas movie?
Scrooged is a popular Christmas movie, though parents may want to preview it first as it may contain content more suited for older viewers. Check the rating before watching with young children.

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