The movie Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas is a well-known holiday classic. Many people consider it their go-to Christmas movie during the holidays.

Since the 1966 release of the original animated movie, there have been two remakes. Those are How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) and The Grinch (2018). The 2000 version is a live action remake of the 1966 version, while the 2018 version is animated. However, The Grinch is a more modern style of animation while Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas is animated in a classic cartoon style. After the release of the 2018 version, there has been an ongoing debate about which of the two remade Grinch movies is better. Which remake of the classic Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas is better, the 2000 version, or the 2018 version?

How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) Versus The Grinch (2018)

Many people agree that How the Grinch Stole Christmas is better due to the actor that played the Grinch. An article from Screen Rant emphasizes how the role of Jim Carrey contributed to the movie’s greatness. Cathal Gunning explains “Buoyed by the actor’s talent for improv, Carrey’s Grinch is an inspired comic creation whose fourth-wall-breaking and zany asides are as memorably surreal as anything from the actor’s earlier hits…” Mrs. Jessica Martin, a librarian at the Nashville Public Library Green Hills Branch seems to agree with how excellent Carrey’s role was by clarifying that he acted as the Grinch phenomenally. In comparison to Benedict Cumberbatch, she says “The way that he was the Grinch, it wasn’t as comedic and it was a little too serious, which was off-putting.” Benedict Cumberbatch’s role as the Grinch is commonly known to be less comedic among several people. Another article, also published by Screen Rant supports this. Stephen Barker, the author, says Illumination’s cast for the movie was uninspiring, and he uses Benedict Cumberbatch’s role of the Grinch as an example, specifically how he used the same accent used for his role as Dr. Strange.

Contrarily, many have come to the conclusion that the 2018 version is better because of the animation. Ariana Hodge, a senior at Hillsboro High a part of the AIBDP academy explains that she feels The Grinch (2018) was more visually appealing and entertaining while the 2000 version’s characters looked scary because of their SFX makeup. She goes on to recount nightmares she had, as a child, because of the movie. Cathal Gunning also says “The glossier look of the movie also doesn’t fall into the unfortunate uncanny valley trap of Howard’s live-action movie.

While Carrey may look great, the rest of Whoville is populated by creepy creations whose prosthetics are far from makeup mastermind Rick Baker’s best work.” That being said, the animation style of The Grinch is seen as more delightful and comforting than the live-action version’s style. Kaelin Bond, also a senior at Hillsboro High School in the Academy of Global Health and Science agrees about the animated style. Although she believes the live-action version is better, she says the newest one is more cute than funny, and definitely a movie for younger generations.

Who’s Better?

In conclusion, both movies have their reasons to potentially take the trophy of the best Grinch film. Whether you consider How the Grinch Stole Christmas to be better, or The Grinch, both films are great holiday movies. It just all depends on personal viewpoints. So, in celebration of the holidays, which remake do you believe is better?