Summary

• The Grinch's bad Christmas mood is unexplained, adding intrigue to his character and suggesting he overcomes it.
• The Grinch hates the noise on Christmas morning, criticizing the commercialization of the holiday.
• The Grinch's idea to stop Christmas is awful, but the narrator understands his intentions, inviting empathy for the character.

As one of the most beloved Christmas stories of all time, the How the Grinch Stole Christmas quotes remain memorable and touching decades after the TV special aired. Based on the children's story by Dr. Seuss, How the Grinch Stole Christmas is the tale of a grumpy and meanspirited resident of Whoville who wants to ruin the holidays for everyone. The special first aired in 1966 and is constantly viewed by generations of fans as a classic feature of the holiday season.

The story has been adapted into blockbuster movies with A-list talents like Jim Carrey and Benedict Cumberbatch, but the short and nostalgic cartoon remains the best representation of Dr. Seuss' original story, with humor, oddness, and worthwhile message at its center. All of these aspects are reflected in the best How the Grinch Stole Christmas quotes, which add to the specials' long-lasting legacy as a must-watch Christmas treat.

"Whatever The Reason, His Heart or His Shoes, He Stood There On Christmas Eve, Hating The Whos."

The Narrator On The Grinch's Unexplained Bad Christmas Mood

This quote encapsulates the beginning of The Grinch's journey. The first time audiences see him is at the top of a mountain, looking down on Whoville with his classic "grinchy" frown on display. The narrator explains that no one quite knows why The Grinch hates Christmas so much, something other adaptations might have lost sight of. The feature-length Grinch movies attempted to explain his history with sympathetic backstories, but it is perhaps more interesting to suggest his bad mood comes from some vague discomfort that he eventually overcomes.

"That's One Thing I Hate! All The Noise, Noise, Noise, Noise!"

The Grinch Laments The Holiday Festivities

The Grinch was perfectly aware of what was coming on Christmas day. While he dislikes the entire season, it is the noise on Christmas morning that truly irritates him. He is already anticipating the mayhem that will ensue. This realization is what motivates him to take action in an attempt to ruin Christmas day for the Whos. However, it also speaks to the general criticism of the commercialization of Christmas that he featured in the story as it is the excessive use of toys and elaborate gifts that produces the noise The Grinch cannot stand.

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"Then He Got an Idea. An Awful Idea. The Grinch Got A Wonderful, Awful Idea!"

The Narrator Teases The Grinch's Plot

Even though The Grinch's idea to stop Christmas from coming is awful, at the same time, it's a wonderful idea from The Grinch's perspective. In a way, the narrator understands The Grinch's intentions, which in turn helps viewers empathize with the character. This is also the moment that the menacing grinchy smile that continues throughout modern adaptations is seen. It is a creepy yet hilarious look that shows the pride and excitement Grinch has in his idea. It also contrasts with the much warmer smiles he has when he finds his holiday spirit.

"You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch!"

Lyrics From The Classic Song

This quote is one of the most iconic in the movie and is thanks to composer Albert Hague and Dr. Seuss himself. The song "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch" has become known not only as the perfect representation of The Grinch's persona but also for the holiday season. The song has been performed by many, including Jim Carrey, Tyler the Creator, and the original version, sung by Thurl Ravenscroft, which even won a Grammy Award in 1967. In the movie, the musical moment is also accompanied by a montage of The Grinch creating his Santa Claus suit and getting ready to stop Christmas. It remains a frequently played song during the festive season.

"If I Can't Find A Reindeer, I'll Make One Instead."

The Grinch Brings Max Into The Plan

Max is known for being The Grinch's sidekick, but he's not exactly a willing participant in The Grinch's plan to steal Christmas. Whether he likes it or not, Max is recruited for a pivotal part of the plan when The Grinch realizes that he needs a reindeer for his sleigh. It is easy to feel sorry for Max as he is forced to pull the massive collection of stolen items, but it is also a hilarious look at The Grinch's plan as he finds it necessary to be authentic to the Santa role by including a reindeer, but doesn't see a problem in using a single small dog to fill the role.

"Pooh-Pooh To The Whos!"

The Grinch Celebrates His Victory

After going to every house in Whoville, meeting little Cindy Lou Who, and stealing everyone's presents and decorations, The Grinch is pretty pleased with himself. With this quote, he celebrates his success and imagines the Who's reactions: "Their mouths will hang open a minute or two, then the Whos down in Whoville will all cry, 'Boo hoo.'" This short one-liner encompasses just how tired The Grinch was of the Who's antics and the satisfaction it gave him to take away all of their presents, as he thinks that's what means so much to the Whos, and not the spirit of Christmas itself.

"Every Who Down In Whoville, The Tall And The Small, Was Singing, Without Any Presents At All!"

The Narrator Describes The Whos' Surprising Reaction To The Grinch's Theft

This quote comes when the film reveals the real nature of the Whos. With all their presents and decorations gone, The Grinch hears people in the distance singing around the Christmas tree. The song charmingly communicates the spirit of togetherness as the lyrics say "Heart to heart, and hand in hand." While it seemed as though the villainous Grinch had won, this revelation remains a touching and brilliant way to show the Whos have the ultimate victory. At this moment, the lesson of the story begins to take shape, and The Grinch, confused at this behavior, begins to ponder the true meaning of Christmas.

"Maybe Christmas, He Thought ... Doesn't Come From A Store. Maybe Christmas, Perhaps ... Means A Little Bit More!"

The Narrator On The Grinch's Growth

Through the narrator, audiences here get a glimpse of what's going on in The Grinch's head. All this time, The Grinch was annoyed at the presents, the noise, the decorations, the singing, and didn't really understand the point of Christmas, at all. This quote brings home the idea that Christmas is not something that can be bought, and it's one of the most beautiful aspects of the story. Just like the narrator said: "He hadn't stopped Christmas from coming, it came! Somehow or other ... it came just the same." The harmony of the Whos is enough to make him realize there are those who don't need material things to enjoy the holidays.

"The True Meaning Of Christmas Came Through, And The Grinch Found The Strength Of 10 Grinches, Plus Two!"

The Narrator On The Power Of Christmas

This is a quote not featured in the original story but has become one of the most iconic lines from How the Grinch Stole Christmas. After having a change of heart in terms of the holidays, the tension is not over as the presents begin to slide off the cliff, seemingly too heavy for The Grinch to stop. However, the new love that has entered The Grinch's heart allows it to grow exponentially and he easily lifts the sleigh over his head. This scene represents the true power of the Christmas spirit and leaves the audience with a heartwarming message that anything is possible.

"Christmas Day Will Always Be Just As Long As We Have 'We.'"

The Narrator On The Meaning Of Christmas

By the end of the film, The Grinch returned all of the presents and even carved the roast beast for the holiday celebration. Audiences get to see a touching scene of him finally warming up to the Whos with a grinchy-free smile. This quote from the end of the movie explains the meaning of Christmas and its importance in the simplest of terms. The character of The Grinch serves as a vehicle to show audiences how Christmas is not about the things people have or buy, but about the people themselves who are there to share the holidays with. It is a simple message that continues to resonate with people and helps to make How the Grinch Stole Christmas remains a classic.

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  Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas

  Release Date:

  1966-12-18

  Director:

  Chuck Jones, Ben Washam

  Cast:

  Boris Karloff, June Foray, Dal McKennon, Thurl Ravenscroft

  Runtime:

  26 Minutes

  Genres:

  Animation, Comedy, Family

  Writers:

  Dr. Seuss, Irv Spector, Bob Ogle

  Budget:

  $315,000

  Studio(s):

  Cat in the Hat Productions

  Franchise(s):

  The Grinch