How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (1966 TV Movie) User Reviews

Dr. Suess + Chuck Jones equals to a classic cartoon.

[emasterslake · 8/10 · 13 November 2005]

This has been a favorite Holiday cartoon since I was a kid.

Not only is it based off of a Dr. Suess book, the whole cartoon is done with Chuck Jones' Style.

Plus Boris Karloff is the voice of the grinch, and the Grinch song is sang by the guy who originally did Tony the Tiger.

The story involves this town of Whoville with citizens known as Whos. They love Christmas a lot. But the Grinch who lived high on a mountain top did not. He hates Christmas and the Whos so much he plans to steal it from the Whos. By dressing up as Santa Claus and rob every thing the Whos own.

Has the stuff you'd find in an average Chuck Jones cartoon. Including the style of the characters, Wille Coyoate like gizmos and Gadgets, and plenty of comedic elements.

The story to it is perfect. It's very memorable and enjoyable to see again and again.

It's highly recommend to Dr. Suess, Chuck Jones, Animation, and Holiday Fans.

It's a great Holiday Toon.

Superb

[grantss · 9/10 · 30 April 2020]

It is Christmas Eve and everyone in Whoville is looking forward to tomorrow. Everyone, that is, except the Grinch, who hates Christmas and can't stand to see people so excited over it. He decides to ruin Christmas for the people of Whoville by stealing all their presents and other Christmas goodies.

Superb short film, based on the Dr. Seuss book. Has Dr. Seuss's incredibly creative and imaginative names for things, the clever rhyming narration, the wordplay in general. Some great songs too that blend effortlessly into the flow of the film.

Throw in the voice of Boris Karloff as the narrator and the Grinch and a wonderful, profound ending and this is one of the greatest Christmas films. It is certainly the greatest adaptation of a Dr. Seuss story.

So Good, It Need Not Even Be Christmas

[gavin6942 · 8/10 · 20 November 2010]

Take a Dr. Seuss classic, animate it by Chuck Jones, and give the voices to horror icon Boris Karloff and Thurl Ravenscroft (Tony the Tiger). What do you get? A cartoon so great, it can be enjoyed even outside of Christmas, and so great that it actually outdoes the original Suess story (something other adaptations have not been as successful at).

Karloff is excellent. Many people recognize Vincent Price's voice as good narration, but Karloff was not as respected, I think. This is a chance for him to shine.

There are some interesting questions that could be raised here: why does Whoville celebrate Christmas? I mean, you know, that would imply they are a traditionally Christian people. I do not think that is likely. Also, at one point they refer to Christmas' "true meaning"... not sure how to take that meaning.

This is something of a lighter version of the Scrooge tale -- although it is not about money, it very much has the same basic point; a man who thinks Christmas is humbug is convinced that such a day is truly wonderful for all.

It just ain't Christmas without this show!

[planktonrules · 10/10 · 24 December 2008]

I know that I will catch a lot of heat for saying this, but this is the ONLY version of Dr. Seuss' tale that you should bother to watch. That's because it closely follows the book (with, of course, songs added for this Christmas special) and the moral of the original tale is preserved (that the Whos don't really NEED presents and they are truly filled with the Christmas spirit). Years ago, an abomination arrived in movie theaters and parents dutifully took their kids to see it--and it was a total bastardization of the story. This time, the moral is completely changed and the Whos are selfish jerks who are 100% commercially-oriented and annoying!! And, to make things worse, since it's only a short story, it's horribly padded by allowing Jim Carrey to shamelessly overact. My advice is stick to the original!

Why is this original telling so great? Well, much of it is because the quality of the animation is very good and Chuck Jones had a wonderfully devilish quality about the Grinch that makes the character come to life. And, with the terrific voice talent of Boris Karloff (who is PERFECT for the role), you can't help but love this rogue! For the special, Seuss wrote some great songs--particularly the Grinch song that was so perfectly sung by Thurl Ravenscroft. You can't help but adore this film from start to finish--it's about as well-made as any Christmas production and is a definite must-see in my home.

UPDATE: When I wrote this in 2008, the other version was the hellishly bad Jim Carrey live action film. So, when I said that this cartoon is the only version to watch, I didn't know they'd one day make a CGI version that was actually quite good. Is it as good as this cartoon? No way...but it is respectably good and is also well worth your time.

Perfection.

[La Gremlin · 10/10 · 7 December 2001]

It doesn't get any better than this.

This is, quite possibly, the one perfect Holiday movie. There has never ever been a more wonderful combination of talent than Chuck Jones and Dr. Suess. Only a quick tug on my brow hairs can bring me quicker to tears than the scene where the Grinch learns the truth about Christmas.

Pure perfection.

The True, Original Classic!

[shark-43 · 10/10 · 20 November 2001]

There is only one TRUE version of the GRINCH and this is it. Practically perfect, this little cartoon has all the heart andbite and sweetness of the classic book. Between Karloff's wonderful reading and Chuck Jones' spirited animation and direction, this is a Christmas masterpiece. I cant begin to hide my contempt for the mega-budgeted, bloated, all flash disaster that Ron Howard made recently. Hey, fine, go crazy, what worries me is that small kids will ONLY see the Jim Carrey's latex puppet mess andnot the original. PLEASE seek this out for your kids. It is beautiful.

A Cartoon only a GRINCH could hate

[medrjel · 10/10 · 7 April 2002]

This is the classic. The Best. When it comes to christmas cartoons, this is one of only 2 cartoons that really captures the Christmas Spirit outside of the religious and social aspects of the holiday. And what is not to love with Boris Karloff narrating, Chuck Jones animating, and a story by the loveable Dr Seuss himself!

A Christmas classic

[Smells_Like_Cheese · 10/10 · 9 February 2004]

How the Grinch Stole Christmas! is the ultimate Christmas tale of greed, bitterness, but the ultimate moral of good and kindness of people. Dr. Suess wrote this fine tale that is read and watched on TV each year during the Christmas season. I think the reason why people love this cartoon so much besides good memories is that fact that we all need a good smile during the holiday season, and How the Grinch Stole Christmas is guaranteed to do that. The story is just so heart warming and also it's very cute and funny. The story has a memorable narration by Boris Karloff, also who sung the nasty grinch song. The story is so much fun to watch how one grinch could take Christmas so bitterly.

Each year down in Whoville, the who's are just getting ready for Christmas, it's always a joy each year to do so. They get presents, make a mighty delicious feast, and sing and dance with each other. But not everyone is so happy, there is a grinch that lives above them and doesn't want to celebrate Christmas one year. Maybe because his heart was just too small that he couldn't have a passion like the who's. But he's gonna steal Christmas along with his puppy, Max. But when he realizes that maybe Christmas might just mean a little bit more, he may have a change of heart.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas! is a must see film for the Christmas season. It's always a joy to watch each year and brings back happy memories of watching it with my family. The Grinch and Max are two of the most memorable characters since Santa Clause, this is such a touching story of how Christmas could be a little bit more than just gifts and dinner, but what it truly is; being with your family and friends and making sure that you are grateful for everything you have. I love this film and I'm sure you will too, I would say rent it, but you'll see it on TNT this Christmas.

10/10

An absolute classic, not to be missed !

[Samus Aran · 10/10 · 23 June 2005]

Our family has had a tradition for many years each Christmas -- we watch this short animated film some time on Christmas Day. We still enjoy it after all these years. Poor, loyal Max, always trying to please his two-sizes-too-small-hearted master. The silly toys and instruments that the kids play with. And of course little Cindy Lou Who, who was no more than two, who manages to get through to, the Grinch.

The anti-commercialism messages are simply wonderful. All the more-so now in the 2000s with corporate globalisation taking over the bodies and minds of the majority of the human population of Earth.

A simple, funny and beautiful message of compassion and caring. A message of family and community being more important than wealth and possessions.

Three Giants

[tedg · 27 December 2008]

In my life, there are very, very few "children's" storyworlds that I believe matter. Few, very few of these have made successful films. I know of only two. Both are American.

One is the "Muppet Movie," the first one, which I think is still a sort of gold standard for films of any type. The other is this.

Suess is the only writer that I believe equals Lewis Carroll on his own terms. He finds that sweet spot triangulating the parts of real life we acutely know, parts of fantasy life that we don't but from non-adjacent locations, and text-centric rhythms. His drawings are the things we notice, in a clever strategy of distraction; we infuse them with the mysteries from those others.

This little movie preserves all those qualities, and I think it is because of a rare collaboration of three giants. One is Suess (Geisel) of course. His books are inherently cinematic, with the drawings containing more information than the words. Sure, the "message" is usually from a Norman Rockwell fantasy, but the means of telling the story is unique.

A second is Chuck Jones. He invented modern animation, the kind of work that grows from the situation rather than simply served. He changed our imagination as much as Kubrick or Hitchcock. Turns out he had been friends with Suess for 25 years before making this. Now, I can report that the entire intent of this thing is that somewhat repellent stuff that has grown up around Christmas, that sickly sweet stuff that is wholly modern and has nothing to do with the Christian celebration or its several predecessors. But the manner in which this is animated is pure genius.

Sure, he had the Suess illustrations and Seuss himself. But look at how he has assembled the thing. The edits are just a hair shorter than you would expect, even today, giving energy. The transitions do something clever, for instance look at the business about the little girl's service of a strawberry (Russian doll-style), how it transitions to the Grinch's eye and how that is mirrored with the transfer from her heart to his.

And third, there is Boris. Its my opinion that merely by being there when scary movies were invented, his presence, even in voice — especially in voice — turns this project into a masterpiece of illustrated narrative.

Ted's Evaluation -- 3 of 3: Worth watching.

funny, touching and with a perfect voice artist

[didi-5 · 7/10 · 16 December 2008]

Running at around half an hour, this Christmas classic has grown to cult status in the USA due to constant seasonal showings over the past forty years. The UK equivalent might be Raymond Briggs' 'The Snowman'.

In the UK, we didn't really see the Grinch until the Jim Carrey movie. Dr Seuss doesn't have the same impact here. But that being said, this Chuck Jones-Dr Seuss short is a lot of fun as well as being a nice spoonful of sugar for Christmas. Narrated by Boris Karloff, who also voices The Grinch himself, this is the perfect match of music, mood, animation, and voice. Thurl Ravenscroft's singing of the song 'You're a Mean One, Mr Grinch' also makes a big impact.

The residents of Whoville are also to be seen in the companion Jones-Seuss classic, 'Horton Hears a Who'. In both, the animation is charming and the individual expressions render the characters memorable, especially Max the dog. The Grinch himself is a perfect representation of evil, a kind of green-tinged, nastier Scrooge. But it isn't ghosts which seek or influence his change in personality - it is purely the spirit of Christmas.

You're a great one, Dr. Seuss/You're the king of children's books/They always are the best/In the east and in the west, Dr. Seuss!

[lee_eisenberg · 10/10 · 24 December 2005]

"How the Grinch Stole Christmas!" is a wonderful flick/with some truly great lines, it isn't a trick/It could only have come from the great Dr. Seuss/otherwise, the whole thing would've been loose/Narrated by Karloff and directed by Jones/this Grinch is one who elicits no groans/It's the story of one weird Christmas-hating man/who one Christmas Eve, came up with a plan/He'd steal the presents and everything else/where does this plan go? I cannot tell/You must watch the movie, and then you will know/why this cartoon's still a tradition in the two-zero-Os/And one more thing that I should remind/avoid the live action, which I heard was unkind/They fouled it up, they fouled it down/every part of the story just came unwound/But this classic is always something to love/whether you're down below, or way up above!

Classic.

[igornveiga · 7/10 · 1 September 2022]

Although I had never heard of the Grinch's story until then, in the first minutes of the short, we already realized that it is a classic, I was surprised after reviewing the film with the presence of the legendary Frankenstein, Karloff.

Although short in time, the work is enormous in meaning, making clear the real meaning of Christmas, which is first the commemoration of the life of Christ and after that, the fraternization and love for our neighbors and not what we are used to. And etc, first of all Christmas is about family and togetherness. The most amazing thing about this work is that the story is fun for both adults and children. Absolutely a classic.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

[jboothmillard · 5/10 · 23 June 2005]

I first saw this seasonal TV special on Cartoon Network when my Dad used to have Sky, it is the first version of the famous story by Dr. Suess, has become an enduring tradition in the United States, produced and directed by Looney Tunes genius Chuck Jones. Basically it is Christmas Eve, the Whos in the town of Whoville are in the the festive spirit, decorating, wrapping presents and singing. While on top of Mount Crumpit lives the Grinch (voiced by Boris Karloff), a green, hairy, pot-bellied, pear-shaped, snub-nosed creature, with a heart two sizes too small, who has hated Christmas for 53 years. He has finally become fed up of putting up with hearing and watching the yuletide activities, and wishes there was a way to stop Christmas from coming. It is when the Grinch sees his dog Max with snow on his face, like the beard of Santa Claus, that he gets a wonderful, awful idea. The Grinch decides to steal Christmas, he creates his own Santa Claus coat and hat to disguise himself, makes Max into a makeshift reindeer, and builds a sleigh. He travels through Whoville and goes to every house to steal their decorations, food, presents and trees, and loads them into bags. The Grinch is almost caught by little Cindy Lou Who (June Foray), who sees him stealing the tree, but he lies, pretending he is Santa taking it to fix at his workshop, and sends her back to bed. He repeats the process of stealing all Christmas related items from every household, and also the Whoville village. With all of Christmas stolen, the Grinch and Max travel back to the top of Mount Crumpit to dump it. He waits to hear the sadness of the Whos as they wake up on Christmas Day, but he is puzzled to hear happy singing coming from below. The Grinch begins to understand that Christmas does not depend on material items, realising the true meaning of Christmas his heart grows three times larger. He is in time to save the stolen items from falling off the cliff, he gains strength to lift the sleigh, and he brings everything back to the Whos. In the end, the Grinch hands back all the presents and returns the decorations, he and Max join in the large feast, and the Grinch is given the honour of carving the roast beast. Boris Karloff narrates and voices the hairy, green pest well, the animation is colourful, and the song "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch" by Thurl Ravenscroft (the voice of Tony the Tiger from the Frosties adverts) is recognisable, it is regarded as a classic, an enjoyable animated short. It was number 82 on The 100 Greatest Cartoons. Worth watching!

One of the best Christmas cartoons

[mermatt · 19 November 2000]

This is one of the few Christmas shows that deserves its reputation. It never dips into mawkishness and yet makes its point. Chuck Jones gives us a Grinch who has the madcap qualities of Bugs Bunny (and even looks a bit like the waskely wabbit).

The narration and voice of the Grinch are by Boris Karloff, a wonderful choice. The music is clever, and the animation is excellent.

This classic certainly will withstand not only the test of time but also the competition of the live-action version which is unfortunately an example of a big budget and tons of FX burying a sweet, touching, and simple story. Go ahead and see the live-action version -- it has its moments. But definitely see this cartoon version.

Boris Karloff is the grinch

[Genkinchan · 8/10 · 9 February 2022]

An oldie but a goodie applies to this short and sweet animation with the voice of legendary Boris Karloff and creator Chuck Jones what could go wrong

If you haven't watch it before what are you waiting for.

The definitive version. Pure delight.

[NateWatchesCoolMovies · 10/10 · 25 December 2015]

Dr. Seuss's How The Grinch Stole Christmas lifts the unique images right off the pages of the beloved book and brings them to dazzling life, with just the right amount of movement and sound added. This is really the only film version you need of the tale, and while Ron Howard's overstuffed Jim Carrey vehicle is fun eye candy, it doesn't capture a shred of the magic found in the book. This translation fares eternally better, thanks to a slim running time and the gnarled vocal talents of Boris Karloff, who presides as narrator as well as playing the Grinch himself. A classic little package of Christmas magic, and in my mind, the definitive version of the classic.

You're A Fun One, Mr. Grinch.

[filmbuff-05706 · 9/10 · 17 December 2022]

Many people are familiar with the Dr. Suess book published in 1957. If you like that, then this cartoon from 1966 will put you in Heaven.

It's true to the story, it hardly changes an inch, it's the story of that green creature named The Grinch. He hates the Who's and he hates December 25th, so he decides to go and steal all the decorations and all of the gifts.

I loved this as a kid, but I only like it now. But how any childhood could pass this...I have no idea how. Like I said, it follows the story- to every last rhyme, and that's part of why it's lasted all this time.

The best part however, even after this long, is the addition of the You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch song. I love the Christmas hymns, like O Come All Ye Faithful, but after those, for this song I am most grateful.

It's sung by Thurl Ravenscroft, who you may not know, but in December you're sure to hear it on the radio. He later voiced the Vaccum in The Brave Little Toaster, that role is first rate, and he also is Tony The Tiger, who says "Theeeeey're GREAT!"

June Foray is Cindy Lou Who, the Whoville little child, and she later voiced the Grandma in Mulan, that's pretty wild. Boris Karloff is in it too, he narrates just fine, but he is most famous for playing the monster of Frankenstein.

Their voices make it special, on top of the tale, and that's all this brief cartoon pretty much entails. It's a good holiday movie if your heart is 2 sizes too small, and it's a good watch for the young, old, and all.

That's all I have to say, all that I wish. Expect for, as a special, you're a fun one, Mr. Grinch.

A Faithful To The Book Adaptation of How The Grinch Who Stole Christmas

[rebeccaajclarke · 10/10 · 15 November 2022]

I find the original 1966 Hand-Drawn Animated Adaptation of How The Grinch Who Stole Christmas is very Delightful, Because it is very faithful to the Dr. Seuss' book, the animation did captured the Dr. Seuss' illustrations very well, It also describing the Little Cindy Lou-Who's age very well and also captured the Christmas Spirit very well too. The narration is done by the wonderfully talented the late Boris Karloff, the Characters are voiced by The Late Boris Karloff, Dallas McKennon and June Foray, The song called You're The Mean One Mr. Grinch is awesomely sung by the late Thurl Ravenscroft, and The Moral is very Delightful and Wonderful, Also it is directed by the Looney Tunes Animator and Story Writer Chuck Jones, I'm giving this a 10/10, and Merry Christmas.

I can see nothing wrong with How the Grinch Stole Christmas- for me it is a quintessential Christmas treat

[TheLittleSongbird · 10/10 · 21 December 2009]

One thing for certain, your entire Christmas is incomplete without this. Who cares if the ending is a tad predictable, all that matters is that it is a completely lovable short film, at only 26 minutes or so, and a quintessential Christmas treat. Along with the Rankin'/Bass Christmas specials I watch this every year with my family, and it never disappoints, in fact I love it even more than I did when I was a kid.

So what did make this gem so wonderful? Well the animation is a definite plus. While very simple, it is very colourful and heart warming. I don't care whether it was simple, I do think its simplicity added to its charm. Also the music is wonderful. The tunes are memorable, and I constantly find myself humming them. The story is the ultimate story of greed and bitterness and is very touching as well, and this film has been referenced in some Christmas films, Home Alone 2:Lost in New York immediately springs to mind. The characters are very lovable, the Grinch is very nasty without being too scary, Max the dog is adorable, and the citizens of Whooville represent everything we love about Christmas.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas is also very true to Dr Seuss's story, which is every bit as funny, exciting and charming. Out of the adaptations of Dr Seuss's work I have seen so far, this is the only one I'd deem so far as a masterpiece; the Jim Carrey version of this gem was good not not in the same league as this but Cat in the Hat with Mike Myers was a disgrace. But what made the cartoon work so well, other than the wonderful message, is the narration. Boris Karloff was perfect, this was the same person who provided the definitive portrayals of Frankenstein and the Mummy, yet you can't tell here. His rich voice dominates the cartoon, he has this melodious intonation as the narrator and he expertly made his Grinch mean enough without being too sinister for kids. All in all, see this gem, otherwise your Christmas is incomplete. 10/10 Bethany Cox

heart warming classic

[SnoopyStyle · 10/10 · 16 December 2014]

The Grinch lives in a mountain cave. He hates Christmas and hates the Whos in Whoville celebrating. Who knows why but his heart is two sizes too small. He comes up with an awful idea to disguise himself as Santa Claus and his dog Max as a reindeer. Then he steal everything Christmas from the Whos in Whoville. He encounters Cindy Lou Who but he lies to the little child.

This is the perfect marriage of Chuck Jones' animation style with Dr. Seuss' wacky writing and illustrations. Both are originals in their own rights. Both are masters in their field. Add to that, there is the great voice work by Boris Karloff. It's got a great message and will make anybody's heart grow three sizes.

How Karloff stole my heart!

[jamesjustice-92 · 6/10 · 25 December 2020]

I guess you have to watch such cute little cartoons as a kid to really get the best of them (otherwise my rating would probably be a lot higher out of nostalgia) because if you're watching this as an adult for the first time it will not impress you one bit. Well, maybe only with Boris Karloff's fantastic voice-over work which was badly incorporated into the film anyhow - you can literally hear that this is a studio recording. I'm no fan of Chuck Jones' work either (and still think that he ruined Tom & Jerry cartoons with his poorly drawn animation and weak stories) but he did a decent job here, no less. The story itself is the same old story of evil being evil and doing the evily stuff to spread his evilities around - Grinch thinks that Christmas is only a decoration piece and if he steals it then there will be no celebration, no festivities, no nothing; everything will be ruined so everybody could be as miserable as he is. But he hadn't thought that Christmas is not just a date in the calender or a tree in your house - it's love and kindness. They are bigger than anything else in the world and no one can ever take that away from people. "You're a mean one, Mr. Grinch" song brightens the cartoon slightly and, combined with everything I said, presents it as a "not too bad" piece of cinema history.

Classic and Iconic

[Christmas-Reviewer · 9/10 · 10 December 2016]

Maybe not the first Christmas Holiday Classic but it is one of the best beloved Holiday Specials of all time. This special was the perfect combination of animators and storytellers. Chuck Jones who gave us the "Bugs Bunny" cartoons and Dr. Seuss who has written some of the most beloved Children's books of all time. They joined forces and gave us what is most likely one of the most iconic Christmas Special ever produced. Now I have a soft Spot for "Rudolf" and "Charlie Brown" however when it comes to pure imagination "The Grinch is #1"

In case you didn't the story

This is about the Grinch who dislikes people and Christmas. HE hates everyone and everything so much that on Christmas Eve he decides to steel everything in everyone home so "Christmas won't come".

If you have not seen this in years do yourself a favor WATCH IT. You might be surprised how great this special truly is. In fact you might even enjoy it more as an adult.

This was so popular as annual Holiday Special that Hollywood made a live action version in 2000.

In 2018 a feature length animated film will be released.

You're a mean one, but a good one Mr. Grinch.

[Aaron1375 · 7/10 · 1 December 2011]

This is a staple of the holiday X-mas season, one of those cartoons I watched every year as a child and one of the best. By now, most know the story as the mean old Grinch who lives in a cave simply hates Christmas. He hates all the noise from the presents, hates the singing, and hates the feast. Well this year things are going to be different as he is going to steal Christmas! He is going to take all the toys so he will not have to listen to the racket they make and he is going to take the food as well. When the inhabitants of Whoville awake they are going to encounter a sad scene and the Grinch for once will be happy. This one is rather funny as the Grinch puts antlers on his dog and makes himself a cheap Santa costume to sneak into town and loot the presents. They would make a live action version starring Jim Carey, but I have never seen it and have no real urge to. This little cartoon is short and sweet and to the point and I do not see this one needing any extending. In fact, you extend it and I am sure what you have is the same film only with a lot of pointless padding. Of course, the cynical side of me does not think this one would end as happily in the world today as if someone stole the gifts he would probably be dragged out of his home and beaten to death because these days it is pretty much all about the presents.

I don't get what all the fuss is about.

[k-j-n · 5/10 · 1 April 2009]

As an Englishman who has moved to the US, I first saw and became aware of the Grinch during the Christmas of 2001.

Ever since then my wife insists that we watch it every Christmas, especially now that we have children. This cartoon, it would seem, is a national obsession in the US. Perhaps it has some sentimental value for Americans who were raised on it (like my wife), but for this 30 something, coming to it fresh, I just can not see what all the fuss is about.

The story revolves around The Grinch (some sort of green animal) who plans to destroy Christmas for the people of Whoville. The Who's of Whoville meanwhile continue with Christmas and during which The Grinch himself discovers the joy of Christmas.

Whilst it may be a nice little tale, it is only a cartoon and now one which is quite outdated. I'll admit that I have warmed to it over the years, but the bottom line is that I just don't get what all the fuss is about with these old TV specials.