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Over the decades since the publication of Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas, there have been several movie versions of the Grinch – here’s every one, ranked from worst to best. Released in 1966, the first movie was the iconic animated adaptation of Dr.Seuss’ children’s book. Later, in 2000, the first live-action interpretation starring Jim Carrey’s Grinch was released, with a zany story that expanded on Seuss’ story. In 2018, Illumination re-animated the classic and again expanded on the characters. The Mean One, the most recent adaptation released in December 2022, is another live-action Grinch, this time re-imagined as a slasher horror. There have been other Grinch movies like Halloween Is Grinch Night and The Grinch Grinches The Cat In The Hat, but neither were meant to be adaptations of Dr.Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas.
Each movie’s take on the Dr.Seuss classic builds on the last and has a unique and distinct approach to the story. As a result, they all appeal to different audiences and age groups. Every generation likes to compare which Grinch is better, with each generation typically favoring the story they grew up watching. Nonetheless, the films can be ranked using a standard film review checklist, with considerations of plot, acting, characters, dialogue, score, cinematography, directing, and more. Each interpretation is entertaining in its own right, but they’ll be ranked based on if they’re good movies on their own, adapt the story well, and lend themselves to being re-watched.
4. The Mean One (2022)
The Mean One was entertaining when watched as a parody. The plot was simple enough to follow. Cindy vowed to kill the Mean One after he killed her mother and father for celebrating Christmas. Continuing one slasher movie trend, The Mean One stars David Howard Thornton as the central villain, and his performance as the Grinch is one of the films redeeming qualities. When Cindy forgave the Mean One, and his heart grew so large it exploded, the audience couldn’t help but laugh at the hilarious take on the Grinch’s heart growing three sizes. The way they avoided copyright infringement by using names like “Dr. Zeus” was also funny, in a meta-textual way.
However, the overacting and cheesy writing made it feel more like a violent Hallmark movie. Overused film tropes, like a fight training montage and a random shower scene reminiscent of Psycho, made the movie entertaining, though clearly not award-winning. The direction, dark lighting, and the loud, dissonant score were what you’d expect from a low-budget horror film. The Grinch’s Halloween movie helped set up The Mean One, so the concept didn’t feel entirely out of left field. Despite the copyright issue, the movie’s adaptation was not bad, but its previous successors depicted the Grinch much better. Overall, the film was average and a one-time watch.
3. Dr.Seuss’ The Grinch (2018)
Illumination’s 2018 version of the Grinch, Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch, is ranked second to last because its modern and polished interpretation lacked originality, losing some of the source material’s quirkiness. Dr. Seuss’ stories appealed to a wide audience with their wacky illustrations and writing. 2018’s Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch had the Grinch living in a renovated cave that looked like a modern-day home with eccentric appliances. The Grinch also shopped in town; even though he was a recluse, some Whos even knew who he was. The Grinch’s persona didn’t align with the original story, or with what made it so entertaining.
Upon its release, the animated Grinch movie was compared to Jim Carrey’s version. Benedict Cumberbatch voiced the Grinch, and while he brought some sarcasm and sass to the role, it lacked the zaniness the Grinch is known for. However, the movie did a fantastic job expanding Cindy Lou Who and the Grinch’s storylines by giving them depth and allowing the audience to sympathize with them. The film also beautifully brought Whoville to life with its bright colors and bizarre inventions. The original story’s theme remained intact as well, as the Grinch and the Whos learned that Christmas is about love and family, making it a great Christmas re-watch for children.
2. Dr.Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)
Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas is ranked number two for its classic score and animation style, which perfectly capture the story’s essence. The reason the movie has so many adaptations is due to Seuss’ unique storytelling. Even Jim Carrey’s Grinch movie featured Easter eggs in reference to other Dr. Seuss books, as an homage to the writer. Seuss’ involvement in the first film cements it as one of the best retellings. It’s an all-around great movie with a straightforward plot, perfect use of narration, and animation that wonderfully conveys the characters’ emotions.
The simplicity of Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas is why it’s so re-watchable; however, the direct adaptation could do with more character depth and editing. It’s a terrific animation for its time, but the movie could’ve benefited from some re-writing that expanded a bit more on the characters. Of course, it was initially a children’s book, but given how well other Grinch movies have re-imagined the story, it just misses the number one slot on that point.
1. Dr.Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
Ranked at the top spot is one of Jim Carrey’s best movies, Dr.Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas. This film is the perfect balance of every retelling; the movie has excellent acting, inspired production design, hair, and makeup, and it’s entertaining for children and adults. Jim Carrey’s performance as the Grinch has informed almost every performance of the Grinch since. The way he moves, his peculiar facial expressions, and his gruff voice perfectly fit a character who’s likely gone mad with loneliness. They also expanded on his character by giving him a backstory that explained his hatred of Christmas in a heartfelt, but comedic way.
While no one can beat Thurl Ravenscroft’s performance of “You’re A Mean One Mr.Grinch,” the addition of Faith Hill’s “Where Are You Christmas” added depth to Cindy Lou Who’s character. Dr.Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas is one of Ron Howard’s best movies, as a family film based on a children’s book that’s wacky, creepy, light-hearted, and, at times, dark all at once. Given the nature of Dr. Seuss’s books, it’s easier to adapt them through animation, but the set design, coupled with hair and makeup, managed to capture that feeling of whimsy.
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