Common Sense Media Review
Live-action take on the Grinch has crude, scary moments.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
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How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 38 parent reviews
Parents say the movie is a divisive adaptation of a beloved children’s classic, with some praising Jim Carrey's energetic performance and the heartwarming message about redemption and the spirit of Christmas, while others criticize its adult humor and darker elements that may be inappropriate for younger audiences. Overall, it has become a holiday staple for many families, though opinions on its suitability for children vary greatly.
- family fun
- holiday staple
- mixed reviews
- adult humor
- message about redemption
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 98 kid reviews
Kids say this movie is a beloved Christmas classic for some, with many praising Jim Carrey's humorous performance and the humorous storytelling. However, a significant number of viewers find it to be creepy or inappropriate for children due to the crude jokes and unsettling visuals, leading to mixed opinions on whether it's suitable for young audiences.
- humorous performance
- creepy visuals
- crude jokes
- mixed suitability
- classic favorite
- grading concerns
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Based on the classic book by Dr. Seuss, HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS is the story of a Christmas-hating Grinch (Jim Carrey) who tries to steal the holiday from the Christmas-loving Whos, lead by Cindy Lou Who (Taylor Momsen) and the Mayor of Whoville (Jeffrey Tambor), 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.
Is It Any Good?
Carrey and the Grinch were made for each other, while Momsen, as Cindy Lou Who, is adorable without being sugary. How the Grinch Stole Christmas has some clever lines, including a parody of the film's director, 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 read Seuss' words the way many fans have likely always heard them in their hearts.
Bill Irwin as Cindy Lou's harried mailman father, 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. And 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 with fantastic 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
- In theaters : November 17, 2000
- On DVD or streaming : November 19, 2001
- Cast : Christine Baranski , Jeffrey Tambor , Jim Carrey
- Director : Ron Howard
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Universal Pictures
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Book Characters , Family Stories ( Dads ) , Fantasy ( Magic ) , Holidays ( Christmas )
- Run time : 105 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : mild peril and brief crude humor
- Awards : Academy Award - Other Category Winner , Academy Award - Other Category Nominee , BAFTA - BAFTA Winner , Golden Globe - Golden Globe Award Nominee , Kids' Choice Award
- Last updated : December 15, 2025
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