6.4
Where can I stream How the Grinch Stole Christmas legally?
You can rent or buy it from Apple TV, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Google Play Movies. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas fingerprint
Big heart, striking style.
Energy
Calm and low-key
- Spectacle6
- Fast Pace5
- Adrenaline3
Heart
Heartwarming and uplifting
Much of it is about family.
- Wholesome9
- Hopefulness9
- Family Dynamics9
Humor
Some slapstick and situational comedy
Not a comedy at heart.
- Physical Comedy6
- Situational Comedy5
- Wit & Wordplay4
World
Family and fantasy
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
- World Immersion8
- Rewatchability8
- Dialogue Centrality5
Craft
Standout performances
- Acting8
- Direction7
- Narrative Structure7
Style
Standout score and visual style
A distinctive visual signature.
- Music Composition8
- Visual Stylization8
- Cinematography7
Energy
MediumCalm and low-key
How the Grinch Stole Christmas is calm and low-intensity.
All energy traits
- Spectacle6Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
- Adrenaline3High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Tension2Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Violence1Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare0Frightening moments and scares.
Heart
HighHeartwarming and uplifting
Much of it is about family.
Emotionally, it's heartwarming, uplifting, and cathartic. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Wholesome9Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Hopefulness9Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Family Dynamics9Relationships and generational ties.
- Catharsis8Emotional release and payoff.
- Nostalgia8Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Wonder7Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Pathos6Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy4Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Romance2Love stories and emotional connections.
- Coming of Age2Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Spiritual5Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
Humor
MediumSome slapstick and situational comedy
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some slapstick and situational comedy.
All humor traits
- Physical Comedy6Slapstick and visual gags.
- Situational Comedy5Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Wit & Wordplay4Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Absurdist Humor3Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody2Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Cringe Humor1Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Dark Humor1Humor from taboo or grim topics.
Related traits
- Wholesome9Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Eccentricity7Oddball tone and quirks.
World
MediumFamily and fantasy
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
Its world is built around family and fantasy. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in. It holds up on a rewatch.
All world traits
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability8Invites repeat viewing.
- Dialogue Centrality5Stories driven by conversation.
- Novelty3Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity1Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Fantasy8Mythic worlds and magical systems.
- Psychological5Inner worlds and mind games.
- Spiritual5Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
All craft traits
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Dialogue Quality6Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Intrigue4Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity3Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative0Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Homage & Reference6Allusions to other works.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
Style
HighStandout score and visual style
A distinctive visual signature.
Look and sound: the score and visual style stand out.
All style traits
- Music Composition8Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization8Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Music Centrality7The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Editing6Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Sound Centrality6Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Spectacle6Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Dialogue Centrality5Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsFamily Movie NightFriends NightParty VibeIntergenerationalKidsPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensComfort WatchDrop-in FriendlyPure Escapism
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About
You better watch out!
The Grinch decides to rob Whoville of Christmas - but a dash of kindness from little Cindy Lou Who and her family may be enough to melt his heart...
Heartwarming Holiday ClassicRedemption ArcWhimsical Fantasy WorldFamily-Centric NarrativeJim Carrey PerformanceEmotional TransformationVisual SpectacleSentimental Musical NumbersNostalgic Charm
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
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Sequels and Prequels
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Questions about How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is How the Grinch Stole Christmas worth watching?
56
DecentGoodWatch scoreOpinions are mixed, with a GoodWatch score of 56/100 (IMDb 6.4, Rotten Tomatoes 50%, and Metacritic 46). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is How the Grinch Stole Christmas rated?
PG
It's rated PG in the United States.
How long is How the Grinch Stole Christmas?
1 h 45 min
How the Grinch Stole Christmas runs 1 h 45 min.
Is How the Grinch Stole Christmas based on a true story?
No. It's adapted from a novel.
Do critics and audiences agree on How the Grinch Stole Christmas?
Critics48
Audiences64
Not quite. Audiences rate How the Grinch Stole Christmas higher (64) than critics (48). It's more of a crowd-pleaser than a critics' pick.
Was How the Grinch Stole Christmas a box office hit?
Budget$123 million
Box office$346 million
Yes. It cost about $123 million to make and earned $346 million worldwide, 2.8 times its budget.
What language is How the Grinch Stole Christmas in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United States, Germany.
In how many countries can I watch How the Grinch Stole Christmas?
130
+116
+116GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for How the Grinch Stole Christmas in 130 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does How the Grinch Stole Christmas use?
Canon ForeignerDelivery StorkThe DreadedExtreme OmnivoreVillainous BreakdownHide Your OthernessBurn Baby BurnThe Dog Bites Back"The Reason You Suck" SpeechUsed to Be a Sweet KidBeware the Silly OnesAdaptational Sympathyand 238 more
TV Tropes lists 250 storytelling tropes for How the Grinch Stole Christmas, including Canon Foreigner, Delivery Stork, The Dreaded.