You can watch The Grinch movies through a variety of streaming services, purchase or rent them digitally, or find them on physical media like DVD and Blu-ray. This guide will provide you with all the details you need to find your preferred method of viewing this holiday classic.
Finding Whoville: Where to Stream, Buy, and Rent The Grinch
With multiple versions of The Grinch available, from the classic animated special to the live-action Jim Carrey version and the recent animated adaptation, finding the right one and accessing it can be a bit like navigating a snowy mountain path. Here’s a breakdown of your options:
Streaming Services
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Subscription Services: The availability of The Grinch on subscription services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video fluctuates based on licensing agreements. These agreements are often seasonal, meaning you’re most likely to find The Grinch available for streaming during the holiday season (November and December). Check these platforms frequently as the holidays approach.
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Peacock: Because Illumination produced The Grinch (2018), it often finds its way to Peacock, NBCUniversal’s streaming service. Keep an eye on Peacock’s movie library, particularly as Christmas nears.
Digital Purchase and Rental
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Major Platforms: Digital marketplaces like Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies & TV, Apple TV (iTunes), and Vudu offer the option to purchase or rent The Grinch. This is generally the most reliable way to guarantee you can watch the movie whenever you want, regardless of seasonal availability.
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Rental vs. Purchase: Renting is typically cheaper but provides access for a limited time (usually 48 hours). Purchasing gives you permanent ownership of the digital copy, allowing you to stream it whenever you choose.
Physical Media
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DVD and Blu-ray: For those who prefer owning physical copies, The Grinch is readily available on DVD and Blu-ray. You can find these at most major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Target, and Best Buy. This is a reliable option, especially if you’re concerned about streaming services removing the movie.
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Collector’s Editions: Keep an eye out for special collector’s editions, which may include bonus features like behind-the-scenes footage, interviews, and more.
Choosing Your Grinch: Which Version is Right for You?
Understanding which version of The Grinch you’re looking for is key to finding it. Here’s a quick overview:
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How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (1966): The classic animated special directed by Chuck Jones, narrated by Boris Karloff. This is a short and sweet adaptation, perfect for younger viewers. It’s often available on seasonal television airings as well as digital purchase/rental.
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How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000): The live-action film starring Jim Carrey. This version is known for its elaborate sets, costumes, and Carrey’s over-the-top performance. It is the most popular and widely available version.
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The Grinch (2018): The animated version produced by Illumination (the studio behind Despicable Me). Featuring the voice of Benedict Cumberbatch, this adaptation is more modern and focuses on the Grinch’s backstory. This version is often available on Peacock.
Understanding Licensing and Availability
Movie availability on streaming services and even digital marketplaces can change due to licensing agreements. Studios license their content to different platforms for specific periods. When those agreements expire, the movie may be removed or transferred to a different platform. This is why checking multiple sources is important.
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Seasonal Availability: Keep in mind that The Grinch movies, particularly the live-action and animated versions, are often available on streaming services and television around the holiday season.
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Check Regularly: Before you settle in for a movie night, double-check the streaming platform or digital store to ensure the movie is still available.
The Grinch: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about watching The Grinch, answered to help you find your perfect viewing experience:
What streaming service has The Grinch right now?
The availability of The Grinch on streaming services fluctuates. As of today, The Grinch (2018) is often available on Peacock, while the other versions cycle through services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video, especially during the holiday season. Check each platform directly for the most up-to-date information.
Is The Grinch on Netflix?
Netflix’s catalog changes frequently. The Grinch is sometimes available on Netflix, particularly around Christmas time. Check Netflix’s “Coming Soon” and “Leaving Soon” sections to see if it’s currently streaming.
Can I watch The Grinch for free?
Watching The Grinch for free typically involves using a streaming service that offers a free trial, such as Peacock (if it is streaming there) or potentially utilizing free movie channels that might air the movie seasonally. Always be cautious about unofficial streaming sites, as they may be illegal and unsafe. Legal methods are always recommended.
How can I rent The Grinch online?
You can rent The Grinch from digital storefronts like Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies & TV, Apple TV (iTunes), and Vudu. The rental price usually ranges from $3 to $6, and you’ll typically have 48 hours to watch the movie after you start playing it.
Where can I buy a physical copy of The Grinch?
You can purchase The Grinch on DVD or Blu-ray from major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Target, and Best Buy, as well as smaller independent stores.
Which version of The Grinch is the best?
That’s a matter of personal preference! The classic animated special (1966) is beloved for its simplicity and charm. The live-action version with Jim Carrey (2000) is known for its over-the-top humor and elaborate sets. The animated version from Illumination (2018) offers a more modern take on the story. It depends on your taste and what you’re looking for in a movie experience.
Is How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) on Disney Plus?
Generally, How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) is not available on Disney Plus. This is because it was produced and distributed by Universal Pictures, not Disney.
Are there any extended or unrated versions of The Grinch available?
There are no widely available extended or unrated versions of The Grinch (2000). However, the DVD and Blu-ray releases often include bonus features like deleted scenes, behind-the-scenes footage, and outtakes.
Will The Grinch be on TV this holiday season?
Many television networks, such as ABC, NBC, and Freeform, often air The Grinch movies during the holiday season. Check your local TV listings closer to the holidays to see if it’s scheduled to air.
How can I ensure I can watch The Grinch every year without worrying about streaming rights?
The most reliable way to ensure you can watch The Grinch every year is to purchase a physical copy on DVD or Blu-ray. Owning a physical copy means you don’t have to rely on streaming services or digital marketplaces to have the movie available.
Is the 1966 Grinch movie available to stream?
The 1966 animated special, How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, is often available on demand through digital retailers like Apple TV (iTunes) and Amazon Prime Video as a purchase, but is less reliably on subscription streaming services. Additionally, it is frequently aired on television networks like NBC during the holiday season.
Why do streaming services keep removing The Grinch?
As mentioned earlier, the removal of The Grinch from streaming services is usually due to expiring licensing agreements. These agreements determine how long a streaming service can host a particular movie. Once the agreement expires, the streaming service must remove the movie unless they renew the agreement.