The Grinch

The Grinch lives alone above Whoville, grumbling at the noise and cheer below while the town prepares for its biggest holiday celebration. When the townspeople’s festivities push his patience to the limit, he hatches a plan to stop Christmas from coming. The film follows his preparations and the interactions that complicate his scheme, especially with a determined young girl whose curiosity starts to crack his icy routine. The story keeps the original mischief and heart, focusing on characters and mood without revealing how things turn out.

Directed by Yarrow Cheney and Scott Mosier, the 2018 animated film is adapted from Dr. Seuss' classic book and scripted by Michael LeSieur and Tommy Swerdlow. Benedict Cumberbatch leads an ensemble voice cast, giving the tale a high-profile animated reboot for modern families.

The Grinch was a strong performer at the box office, functioning as a major holiday release that attracted family audiences and seasonal repeat viewings. Its broad appeal helped studios market tie-ins and streaming windows around the holidays.

The movie refreshed the Grinch look and tone for a new generation, and Benedict Cumberbatch's voice work became a talking point. Cindy Lou Who was reimagined with a more contemporary, active sensibility, which kept the story feeling current. The film's imagery and seasonal timing helped it become a go-to option for family holiday movie nights.

Critical and audience reaction leaned positive overall, with a user vote average near 6.9 out of 10 from several thousand votes, reflecting generally favorable views. Reviewers tended to praise the animation and seasonal cheer while noting that the adaptation makes some changes to the source material's simplicity. Major themes include loneliness versus community, the pressures of holiday consumerism, and the small acts that can open someone up to belonging.