Whether you're a big fan of the holiday season or not, there's no denying that The Muppet Christmas Carol , which came out 22 years ago, is a heartwarming classic you can't help but fall in love with. This unique and fun take on the Charles Dickens-inspired tale about a bitter old miser's road to redemption is made all the more enjoyable by Michael Caine's Scrooge and his charming muppet comrades. To be honest, this has to be my all-time favorite Christmas movie to date — one that I still make a point of watching at least once over the holiday season.
And while the acting itself is more than adequate (because, let's face it, a muppet's acting range is kinda limited), what makes this particular film stand out from the rest begins and ends with its incredible song list. Seriously, there isn't one song throughout this 85-minute story that I don't enjoy. It just adds an entirely new element to this widely popular tale that you won't find among any of the other well-known adaptations. Not to mention that it harkens back to the days of our youth when muppets who could talk and sing seemed just as magical as Santa Claus himself.
So to help bring back that nostalgia and get all of the Scrooges out there out of their bah, humbug funk, I thought it would be fun to rank all of The Muppet Christmas Carol songs from my least to most favorite. A task that, let me assure you, was a lot harder than I thought it would be.
"Bless Us All"
Don't get me wrong, it's a beautiful song with a lot of love and sentiment behind it, especially given that Tiny Tim is the one singing. However, I've always tended to favor fast songs over slower ones, so for me this had a tendency to drag on a little bit longer than I cared for. It's still a great one, though.
"Christmas Scat"
It's a short little tune to break up some of the dialogue, but still extremely entertaining while it lasts. You won't be able to stop yourself from bee boppin along to the melody.
"When Love Is Gone"
Again, this is a great song, but super depressing given that it's centered entirely around a break up. (Happy Holidays, everyone!) But on another note, does anyone else find the young version of Scrooge extremely attractive? No bah, humbugs from this direction.
"One More Sleep 'till Christmas"
Perfectly encapsulating the feeling we all get when work is done and Christmas break is on the horizon. Plus anything that includes a penguin Christmas skating party is alright in my book.
"Marley and Marley"
Upping the ghostly creep factor of the film, this song is equal parts entertaining and eerie as the Marley brothers show Scrooge chain-ridden fate if he continues down this path of greed. Let this be a lesson to us all.
"Scrooge"
True to its title, fans are given their first look at Ebenezer Scrooge as the townsfolk explain just how cynical and bitter this businessman has become. Nothing like a little holiday hatred to bring a town together.
"It Feels Like Christmas"
It's in this song that you feel Scrooge is finally beginning to understand what Christmas is all about. You can practically see his Grinch-like heart growing three sizes while the lovable Ghost of Christmas Present shows him just how wonderful this time of year can really be.
"Thankful Heart"
As much as I love all the others, this still remains my absolute favorite song. Scrooge takes to the streets and vows to be a better man to the entire town, proving once and for all that he truly is a changed man. God bless us, everyone!
Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to go watch this movie in its entirety. I suggest you do the same.
Images: Buena Vista Pictures
