How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Play trailer

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

PG

2000

1h 45m

Kids & Family

Holiday

Fantasy

Comedy

Play Trailer

Watchlist

Watchlist

Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

50%

Tomatometer

146 Reviews

59%

Popcornmeter

250,000+ Ratings

In this live-action adaptation of the beloved children's tale by Dr. Seuss, the reclusive green Grinch (Jim Carrey) decides to ruin Christmas for the cheery citizens of Whoville. Reluctantly joined by his hapless dog, Max, the Grinch comes down from his mountaintop home and sneaks into town to swipe everything holiday-related from the Whos. However, the bitter grump finds a hitch in his plans when he encounters the endearing Cindy Lou Who (Taylor Momsen).

Now in Theaters

In Theaters Dec 12, 2025

Buy Tickets

Critics Consensus

Jim Carrey shines as the Grinch. Unfortunately, it's not enough to save this movie. You'd be better off watching the TV cartoon.

Read Critics Reviews

Nathan Rabin

AV Club

11/06/2019

Director Ron Howard aims for the beautifully stylized mayhem of Frank Tashlin and Tim Burton, but he comes closer to the clamorous, headache-inducing visual overkill of Joel Schumacher's Batman movies.

Go to Full Review

Richard Corliss

TIME Magazine

11/29/2018

Director Ron Howard usually lets his comedies gestate organically, but his Grinch is frantic from start to finish.

Go to Full Review

Nell Minow

Common Sense Media

12/24/2010

4/5

Live-action version of classic has some crude, scary moments.

Go to Full Review

Douglas Davidson

Elements of Madness

1d

... GRINCH stories have done little to excite my imagination. That said, one can very easily appreciate the technically aspects that apply to the creation of the Grinch figure in live action, the world of the Whos, the art direction, and set design.

Go to Full Review

Tina Kakadelis

Beyond the Cinerama Dome

Nov 24

In this restored, 4K Ultra HD format, How the Grinch Stole Christmas feels more alive than ever.

Go to Full Review

Allison Rose

FlickDirect

Nov 10

3.5/5

What makes this adaptation work, in any way, shape, or form, is the brilliant comedy of Carrey.

Go to Full Review

Read all reviews

Nancy

4h

Loved everything about it still!

See more

Marcos

4h

10/10 amazing movie still holds up amazing after 25 years

See more

mildred

5h

Love love love love love love double love…………..loafjntrany

See more

Sylvia

8h

I didnt see this movie 25 years ago so I wanted to experience it with my child for the first time on the big screen. Youd have to understand my child has watched this movie every day for years and I am not joking at all. Overall we loved it! Interestingly enough my party of three were the only ones in the theatre. All in all I thought it was a fun experience!

See more

Kortne

8h

Fav movie of all time!

See more

Mr Hollywood

1d

Fun family film. Good to see it on the big screen. I always felt something was missing here but still enjoyed it. Jim Carrey brought Grinch to life like no one else could’ve.

See more

Read all reviews

Read More

Read Less

POST RATING

WRITE A REVIEW

EDIT REVIEW

Ron Howard

Director

Jim Carrey

Grinch

Jeffrey Tambor

Mayor of Whoville

Christine Baranski

Martha May Who-vier

Bill Irwin

Lou Lou Who

Molly Shannon

Betty Lou Who

How the Grinch Stole Christmas: Jim Carrey's Grinch Didn't Need to Go THAT Hard

7:41

How the Grinch Stole Christmas: Official Clip - What's Christmas Really About?

2:58

How the Grinch Stole Christmas: Official Clip - His Heart Grows Three Sizes

3:00

How the Grinch Stole Christmas: Official Clip - The Grinch Finally Cares

2:59

How the Grinch Stole Christmas: Official Clip - You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch

2:32

How the Grinch Stole Christmas: Official Clip - Oh, the Whomanity!

2:29

How the Grinch Stole Christmas: Official Clip - I Hate Christmas

2:54

How the Grinch Stole Christmas: Official Clip - Kids Today

2:13

How the Grinch Stole Christmas: Official Clip - Baby Grinch

2:24

How the Grinch Stole Christmas: Official Clip - The Grinch and Whovenile Delinquents

2:49

View more videos

Elf

85%

79%

Elf

Watchlist

TRAILER

for Elf

Dr. Seuss' The Cat in the Hat

10%

58%

Dr. Seuss' The Cat in the Hat

Watchlist

Hocus Pocus

42%

72%

Hocus Pocus

Watchlist

TRAILER

for Hocus Pocus

Jack Frost

19%

40%

Jack Frost

Watchlist

Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas

95%

92%

Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas

Watchlist

TRAILER

for Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

18 Rotten Christmas Movies We Love

“Rotten Tomatoes Is Wrong” About… How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Hear Us Out: Ron Howard’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas Is A Modern Holiday Classic

View more photos

Synopsis

In this live-action adaptation of the beloved children's tale by Dr. Seuss, the reclusive green Grinch (Jim Carrey) decides to ruin Christmas for the cheery citizens of Whoville. Reluctantly joined by his hapless dog, Max, the Grinch comes down from his mountaintop home and sneaks into town to swipe everything holiday-related from the Whos. However, the bitter grump finds a hitch in his plans when he encounters the endearing Cindy Lou Who (Taylor Momsen).

Director: Ron Howard
Producer: Brian Grazer
Screenwriter: Dr. Seuss, Jeffrey Price, Peter S. Seaman
Distributor: Universal Pictures
Production Co: Imagine Entertainment
Rating: PG (Crude Humor)
Genre: Kids & Family, Holiday, Fantasy, Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Nov 17, 2000, Wide
Rerelease Date (Theaters): Dec 12, 2025
Release Date (Streaming): Dec 1, 2015
Box Office (Gross USA): $260.4M
Runtime: 1h 45m
Sound Mix: Dolby Stereo, DTS, SDDS, Surround, Dolby Digital, Dolby SR
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)

Most Popular at Home Now