Which Grinch Is The Best?

We are all familiar with Dr. Seuss, How the Grinch Stole Christmas. However, something we might disagree on is which Grinch movie is the best one. Having seen all of them, it was interesting to contemplate this question myself as I had to consider each movie. From 1966 to 2018, the three movies all follow the same storyline: the Grinch is trying to ruin Christmas. Each movie does a great job portraying his character while also trying to create a unique story: the original, the 2000 version with Jim Carrey, and the newest one with Benedict Cumberbatch. Let’s take a closer look at each movie:

Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas

The original Grinch short first aired in 1966 as a television special. This was the first one I watched. My elementary school teacher played it for the class when it got close to winter break. I remember really enjoying this short. For 1966, I believe the animation is pretty cool. After all, it was good enough to warrant an actual movie with Jim Carrey. 

In the original movie, the narration is more abundant than in the other films. The only character who really talks in this movie is the Grinch himself. Boris Karloff narrates over everything else. It is easy to see from this movie that Dr. Seuss wrote the story. Thanks to the crazy drawings in the animation, those familiar with Dr. Seuss can easily tell this is one of his stories. In that way, this movie seems most accurate to what it was meant to be.

Since the original Grinch is only a tv special, it is the shortest out of the movies. Therefore, there is not much time to build the characters or storyline. It’s easy to follow. There is a character, the Grinch, who is the only person from Whoville that hates Christmas. All of the other characters love it, and he wants to ruin Christmas for everyone. Our main characters are the Grinch and his dog Max, who helps the Grinch steal everyone’s Christmas decorations. Thankfully Max becomes a recurring character in the other movies and, even better, a fan favorite.

Jim Carrey’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Let’s be real. You can’t go wrong with Jim Carrey. The 2000 version of the Grinch movie is the one most of us are familiar with. We grew up with the live animation of the movie. It wasn’t until I watched it again recently that I caught all the adult jokes and asides, which made the movie even more enjoyable. The Grinch costume and makeup of all the characters is also something no other movies have, especially movies of that time. 

This movie is a longer version of the original from 1966. Because it is longer, more details are included in this movie, so the story is fleshed out a little more. We get the Grinch’s backstory and learn why he hates Christmas; he was bullied in school for being different from all the other kids around him. Because we got his backstory, we are able to sympathize with him more and not automatically dislike him. By the end of the movie, the Grinch has taken everyone’s Christmas decorations, presents, and belongings.

He is on his way to throw everything off the mountain when he changes his mind. Cindy Lou Who finally got through to him. She was in his sled full of Christmas belongings and convinced him to take everything back. Together, they ride back down the mountain into town, where everyone is waking up to see all of their Christmas things gone. They make it just in time for everyone to realize that Christmas isn’t about presents and decorations, but it’s about the people and love that surrounds you. The movie ends with all of our characters enjoying a feast together.

Netflix’s The Grinch (2018)

The newest Grinch movie, The Grinch, was released in 2018 with Benedict Cumberbatch voicing our main character and other A-list actors like Kenan Thompson and Pharrell Williams included in the cast too. This animation is much different from the original, making sense since it came out more than 50 years after the original one. The Grinch is still a familiar green, fluffy character, and we still follow some of our main characters from the previous movie. Each movie includes the infamous “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” song. This movie is no different. However, the soundtrack for this movie is much more prominent than in the previous movies.

With a score by Danny Elfman, what more could be expected? This movie includes songs performed by artists like Jackson 5 and Tyler the Creator. The audience seemed to respond positively to this soundtrack, stating that the soundtrack was the best out of any of the movies. This movie seems to be the most kid-friendly out of the three. The animation is cute enough for people of all ages to enjoy, and there isn’t too much adult humor like in the Jim Carrey version of the film. So if you’re looking for the most appropriate version for kids, this one might be the best option since many people believe the original animation is creepy. The 2000 Jim Carrey one includes subtle adult humor.

Which One Is Best?

Having seen all three movies, my favorite was 2018’s The Grinch. This might come as a surprise since I grew up watching either one of the other two, but the animation on this movie is just so cute and quirky that I had to choose this one. This movie’s soundtrack is also the best out of any of the movies, and I’m a sucker for a good soundtrack.

If you want to keep it authentic, though, I would say sticking with the original is your best bet. The first one pays a true homage to Dr. Seuss and will always remain a classic. The Jim Carrey version is also great since most of us grew up watching that one. It’s nostalgic and even funnier now for the adults who can understand some of the humor better. All in all, each movie is unique and has quirks and things that make it great. One has better music, while another one stays truest to the character. However, what remains true is that all of them are worth watching at least once. Even if you didn’t like the original, you might be surprised at how well the others are portrayed.