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NEED TO KNOW
The classic Grinch animated TV special aired in 1966, nearly a decade after the book was released
Jim Carrey and Benedict Cumberbatch have played the Christmas cynic
All three versions of the Grinch are available to stream
The holidays mean green Christmas trees and the green "mean one" —the Grinch.
Every December, theGrinchmovies are at the top of the list of favorite classic Christmas watches. Inspired by Dr. Seuss' 1957 book,How the Grinch Stole Christmas, all three of the cinematic films bring their own charm to the story.
The first — and shortest — of the three versions was released on the CBS network as a TV special in 1966 titledHow the Grinch Stole Christmas. Two more variations followed: TheJim Carrey-led live-action filmHow the Grinch Stole Christmasin 2000 and the animated movieThe Grinchin 2018.
All of the films follow the Grinch, a bright green cynic, as he sets out on a mission with his dog, Max, to ruin the Christmas season for the citizens of Whoville. Cindy Lou Who, a young Who, believes the Grinch may have some goodness in his heart and helps him learn the true meaning of Christmas.
Taylor Momsen, who starred as Cindy Lou Who inHow the Grinch Stole Christmas(2000), toldTodayin 2020, "I think that people loveThe Grinchjust simply because the core of the story is so sweet and it's so heartwarming and it hassuch a good message."
Here's everything to know about each film's take on the iconic narrative and where to watch everyGrinchmovie this holiday season.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas(1966)
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The first and shortest feature to bring Dr. Seuss' book to life came in 1966 and introduced the infamous song, "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch," sung by Thurl Ravenscroft.
Narrated by Boris Karloff, this version of the Grinch sparked the start of the holiday icon's popularity.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas(1966) is available to rent or buy onGoogle Play,Prime Video,Apple TVandFandango at Home. The film is also streaming onPeacock.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas(2000)
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The live-action version was created 34 years after the 1966 special was introduced. Directed byRon Howardand starring Carrey as the Grinch, it has a darker feel compared to the original animation, thanks to the grim setting of the Grinch's cave on Mt. Crumpit and the eerieprosthetics and makeupapplied to Carrey, which took around two and a half hours to complete for each day of filming, perEntertainment Weekly.
Momsen was 7 years old when she portrayed Cindy Lou Who, and was one of the few characters who didn't sport the infamous Who citizen nose in the film. Speaking toToday, she shared, "I was too young to wear the prosthetics, so they wrote a line into the film, 'She hasn't even grown into her nose yet,' so they just put full blush on my nose."
This rendition also delves deeper into the Grinch's reasoning for disliking the Christmas season, including his time spent in an orphanage and his negative experiences in elementary school with his fellow Who classmates.
Rent or buyHow the Grinch Stole ChristmasonApple TV,Google PlayorFandango at Home. It is also available to stream onPrime VideoandPeacock.
The Grinch(2018)
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Despite being the villain of the feature film, the Grinch is tough to dislike in the 2018 title. The bright and friendly animations bring an overall joyful tone to the movie.
Most notably known forTyler, The Creator's version of "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch," the song maintains the familiar sound of Ravenscroft's original tune but adds a fun twist, synonymous with the film's lightheartedness and modern animations.
Cumberbatch and Cameron Seely voice the Grinch and Cindy Lou Who, whileKenan Thompson's take on Bricklebaum, an extra cheerful Who, adds a comedic element to the film.Rashida Jones,Pharrell WilliamsandAngela Lansburyalso star.
The Grinchis available to rent or buy onPrime Video,Apple TV,Google PlayandFandango at Home. It can also be streamed onPeacock.
Read the original article onPeople
