How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Movie review by Nell Minow, Common Sense Media
How the Grinch Stole Christmas Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 8+

Live-action take on classic has some crude, scary moments.

PG 2000 105 minutes
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Parents say

age 9+

Based on 34 reviews

Kids say

age 7+

Based on 82 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this movie.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that How the Grinch Stole Christmas is an imaginative version of Dr. Seuss' beloved classic picture book, but it may be too intense and scary for the youngest or most sensitive kids. Ominous music accompanies the Grinch and his cartoon trouble making in multiple scenes. Jim Carrey, behind a rubbery green face, is the master of cackles and distorted facial expressions. A heroic little girl is in danger more than once. Kids who understand the difference between the real and the fantastical will delight in the chaotic, very funny mayhem. So will grown-ups. There are a few moments of crude humor along the way (i.e., the Grinch sticks his butt out and says, "Pucker up and kiss it," and several males ogle a buxom woman).

Community Reviews

Jessica M.
Jessica M. Adult
December 23, 2020
age 12+

Language disappointing

It wasn’t scary for our kids but the use of language (“what the hell” and “bitchin’”) has no place in a kids’ movie. That’s enough for me to say we won’t be watching it again.

This title has:

Too much swearing
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
Rose O.
Rose O. Adult
December 23, 2020
age 8+

My favorite Christmas movie

This is a must watch around Christmas time. It does say the b word toward the end. He said the sun is shining and the snow is b*ing. I was pretty surprised. There are a few other scenes when he lands in her chest. And couple times mentions alcohol. I like the message about what Christmas is about, including outsiders and people who are alone and redemption. I do still love this movie.

This title has:

Great messages
See all 34 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Based on the Christmas classic by Dr. Seuss, HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS is the story of a Christmas-hating Grinch who tries to steal Christmas from the Christmas-loving Whos by taking all of their presents and decorations. But they and he come to realize that Christmas is in their hearts, not under their trees. The movie expands the story to let us explore Whoville and its residents and to tell us just how the Grinch came to hate Christmas in the first place.

Is It Any Good?

Jim Carrey and the Grinch were made for each other, while Taylor Momsen, as Cindy Lou Who, is adorable without being sugary. The script has some clever lines, including a parody of the film's director (former Andy Griffith Show star Ron Howard) and a dig at those who say that "kids today are desensitized by movies and television." Another of the movie's great joys is hearing Anthony Hopkins reads Seuss' words the way we have always heard them in our hearts.

Bill Irwin as Cindy Lou's harried mailman father, Jeffrey Tambor as the vain mayor, and Christine Baranksi as a Who with Christmas decorations that would make Martha Stewart gnash her teeth in envy all make vivid impressions. Whoville, as imagined by production designer Michael Corenblith, is the most magical setting since Dorothy landed in Munchkinland. The structures suspend the laws of gravity; there are a fantastic series of archways, bridges, stairs and spirals. Whoville clothes and hairstyles echo these shapes and then are topped with candy canes, cups of hot chocolate, and frosted cookies. Overall How the Grinch Stole Christmas is a bright, colorful addition to family-friendly Christmas fare.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how this live-action version of How the Grinch Stole Christmas differs from the beloved animated version made for TV. Which do you like better? Which seems truer to the original Dr. Seuss book?

  • Families can also talk about why it's so easy to forget the simple pleasures of the winter holidays, and how damaging it can be to peoples' feelings to tease them about being different.

  • The Grinch often does things that he thinks will make him feel better, but they don't seems to work or help help him forget his loneliness. Why doesn't being bad feel as good as you might think it will?

Movie Details

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