Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Heartwarming TV special true to Seuss' classic.
Themes in this movie include: friendship, honesty, revenge
updated 11.04.09
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 4 and Up
The good stuff
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What to watch out for
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Consumerism:
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What Parents Need to Know
This review of Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas was written by Heather Boerner
Parents need to know that this classic children's tale -- read line-by-line by Boris Karloff -- contains moments of extremely mild peril. The Grinch's dog is abused -- slammed into snow drifts and run over by the sleigh. And very young or sensitive children may become slightly distraught at the Grinch stealing all the Whos' Christmas presents. But there's far more to recommend in this TV special than there is to worry about. It's a classic that should be required holiday viewing for every family that celebrates Christmas.
Families Can Talk About
Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
- Families can talk about whether they act like the Whos or not.
- Would you enjoy Christmas as much without lots of presents?
- How do you make Christmas special?
Have you seen it? Review It!
More on Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas
What’s the Story?
It's the day before Christmas, and all the Grinch can think about is how much he hates the whole Christmas season. "No one quite knows the reason. It could be perhaps that his shoes were too tight. It could be his head wasn't screwed on just right. But I think that the most likely reason of all may have been that his heart was two sizes too small." Naturally, then, the Grinch hates the Whos in Whoville, who string up the lights, hang the holly Who-wreath, and play with the confoundingly loud jing-tinglers, floobfloobers, and tar tinkers. He can't stand it! So he hatches a plot to stop Christmas from coming. Dressed as a rag-tag Santa, the Grinch sneaks into every home and, with the coerced help of his dog, drags all their Christmas decorations, food, and presents back up the mountain. But can he stop Christmas from coming? And can the love that Christmas embodies save his shriveled heart? If you were born in the past 50 years, you know the answer to that question.
Is It Any Good?
Forget those nasty Christmas movies that are too cynical and cool to be heartwarming, and settle your family down for a viewing of DR. SEUSS' HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS. This classic, animated retelling of the beloved Theodore Geisel book is true to its roots and its heartwarming moral. It's a sweet, soothing story, nearly the polar opposite of movies like Jingle All the Way or even the classic A Christmas Story, with their focus on consumerism. This 30-minute cartoon will introduce a new generation to the adorably put-up dog; the nasty, green face of the Grinch; and the angelic Cindy Lou Who. And it will have youngsters bopping along to great songs like "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch." Kids are likely to howl in delight at descriptions like, "You have termites in your smile. You have all the tender sweetness of a seasick crocodile!"
Movie Details
Studio: Warner Home Video, Director: Chuck Jones
Run time: 26 minutes
Theatrical release: 11/16/1966, DVD release: 10/30/2000
MPAA Rating: NR
Run time: 26 minutes
Theatrical release: 11/16/1966, DVD release: 10/30/2000
MPAA Rating: NR
Our Members Say
See all 10 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
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I rate this title on for age 6 and give it
- My highlights are:
I wish I had more hands so I could give a greater number of thumbs up
Never gets old.
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I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Educational
- Good role models
I love the Grinch and still won't miss it even at age 47!
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I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
way better than the other one
i like this one alot better than the real people one! this one is cute and clever
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I rate this title on for age 4 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
much less intense then the none animated version
the movie was very cute and designed for kids age 4-9. But the none animated one however was not it had lots of iffy content. The none animated one was made for a more mature audence. But this one is OK for kids.
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I rate this title on for age 4 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Educational
- Good role models
Great, charming, and classic movie for all ages!
This movie is really good and I still enjoy watching it! It teaches kids great lessons and isn't spoiled by crude language or anything bad or questionable. Great family movie and classic for anyone and everyone!
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I rate this title on for age 4 and give it
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I rate this title on for age 0 and give it
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I rate this title on for age 0 and give it
Very Good
I recommend this movie for 2+.
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I rate this title on for age 0 and give it
I love this show and have been watching since I was a little girl with my parents and younger brother now me and my little girl watch it every year and will continue to I just love it and so does she.
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Ratings at a Glance
| 67% | of parents say it gives kids positive messages |
| 33% | of parents say there are good role models |
| 33% | of parents say it's educational |
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