---
title: "The Grinch"
year: 2018
kind: "film"
canonical: "https://film.one/film/the-grinch"
fi1m_id: "the-grinch"
imdb_id: "tt2709692"
tmdb_id: 360920
wikidata_id: "Q15632949"
fi1m_score: 62
critics_score: 62
critics_reviews: 19
published: "2026-10-05T14:35:09.178553+00:00"
updated: "2026-10-05T14:35:09.514853+00:00"
region: "IL"
licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL."
---

# The Grinch (2018)

Directed by Yarrow Cheney, Scott Mosier · 1h 25m · IFRB הותר לכל · Animation, Comedy, Family, Fantasy

## Identity

The Grinch

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/film/the-grinch
- **Type:** Film
- **Fi1m ID:** the-grinch
- **IMDb ID:** tt2709692
- **TMDB ID:** 360920
- **Wikidata ID:** Q15632949
- **Same entity:** https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2709692/, https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/360920, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q15632949

**Fi1m score: 62** · Critics 62 from 19 reviews

*In a sentence:* The Grinch has a reasonable objection to Christmas noise and far too much equipment for dealing with it

> Benedict Cumberbatch’s restrained grumbling and the detailed animation make *The Grinch* a decent choice for younger children. The humour is too mild, and the extra subplots too thin, to make it equally rewarding for the adults beside them.

## Synopsis

Christmas is approaching in Whoville, and The Grinch (voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch) wants as little to do with it as possible. He has his dog Max for company, but the town’s celebrations are harder to keep at a distance. A visit to the grocery shop gives his bad temper an outing. Elsewhere, Cindy-Lou Who (voiced by Cameron Seely) and Donna Who (voiced by Rashida Jones) are part of the community preparing for the holiday. With Christmas decorations all around, the Grinch’s wish to avoid the festivities puts him at odds with the people determined to enjoy them.

## Review

*The Grinch* is a decent diversion for younger children, but it is too gentle and overextended to become a satisfying Christmas comedy. Directors Yarrow Cheney and Scott Mosier want us to understand the lonely creature beneath the bad temper, and make him easy to like almost immediately. That is reassuring, though it leaves his grumpiness with surprisingly little force. The jokes and decorated streets have to do a good deal of work across the film’s 85 minutes.

Benedict Cumberbatch gives The Grinch a dry, restrained voice, allowing irritation to register without turning every line into a performance of villainy. His grocery-shop antics are the useful exception to the general mildness: here his annoyance has an ordinary setting and a comic purpose. We laughed at the pettiness, which is easier to recognise than the bigger schemes. More of this small-scale bad behaviour would have given the character something firmer to resist when the film asks him to be sympathetic.

His relationship with his dog Max supplies the warmth more successfully than the explanations of his loneliness. The affection is easy to read, and the comedy benefits from putting his exasperation beside a companion rather than another Christmas spectacle. Cameron Seely’s Cindy-Lou Who brings a similarly welcome directness to the gentler scenes. Rashida Jones makes Donna Who sound like a person rather than someone employed to deliver the film’s lesson, although the surrounding subplots do not all justify the time spent on them.

Whoville is crowded with Christmas decoration, and the animation makes its surfaces look satisfyingly tangible. For a while, simply looking around the town is a pleasure. The visual detail also gives the central complaint some weight: this is a place where escaping Christmas looks like a substantial undertaking. The trouble comes when the action accelerates and the plentiful detail competes with whatever we are supposed to be following.

Editors John Carnochan, Chris Cartagena and Ken Schretzmann keep the movement brisk, but speed does not solve the problem of a slender story stretched by extra business. The gadget-driven physical comedy is often neatly staged; the high-speed spectacle is less rewarding because it gives the jokes less room. Danny Elfman’s music fits the bustling mood without making the quieter emotions feel much deeper. The film could afford to pause more often, particularly when it has a relationship worth watching.

The screenplay by Tommy Swerdlow and Michael LeSieur has a workable idea in treating loneliness as something children can understand. The difficulty is that explaining a bad mood does not automatically make it more interesting, especially when its owner is already rather sweet. There is too little resistance to the kindness the film wants to encourage. Added characters and incidents keep the story occupied, but they cannot supply the comic bite missing from the central character.

A family Christmas comedy need not be cruel, but it does need to let someone behave badly enough for the goodness to matter. This one seems anxious that even its grump should never make the gathering uncomfortable. Its small domestic jokes and animal companionship are more persuasive than the rush of activity around them. Choose it for younger children who want a gentle festive outing, and save the argument about compulsory Christmas cheer for after they have gone to bed.

*Fi1m score 62, published 5 October 2026.*

## What the critics say

The reviews lean towards mild approval, with mixed responses outnumbering outright endorsements. Praise centres on the detailed animation, particularly Whoville’s Christmas decorations, and the physical comedy of the Grinch’s schemes. Benedict Cumberbatch’s restrained voice performance also earns approval. Several critics find warmth in the Grinch’s loneliness and his relationships with Cindy Lou Who and his animal companions, suggesting that the gentler approach works best as entertainment for children.

The disagreement is over how much this version adds to a familiar story. Den of Geek welcomes the explanation of the Grinch’s loneliness and the influence of new characters; Slant Magazine finds the result conventional and stripped of the original’s distinctive charm. Between those positions, reservations cluster around shallow storytelling, surplus subplots and frantic spectacle. The spread is wide, but the recurring complaint is modest: an agreeable diversion does not necessarily make a memorable adaptation.

## Straight answers

**How long is The Grinch, and what is it rated?**

*The Grinch* runs 1h 25m and is rated הותר לכל by the IFRB in Israel. It is an animation and comedy film.

**Where can I watch The Grinch in Israel?**

*The Grinch* is available to rent from Apple TV from ₪16.90. Availability is checked daily; the links above go straight to each service.

**What should I watch after The Grinch?**

After *The Grinch*, try [*Arthur Christmas*](https://film.one/film/arthur-christmas) (2011, Fi1m 82): A busier Christmas operation, with family squabbles that give the machinery purpose. Then [*Klaus*](https://film.one/film/klaus) (2019, Fi1m 77): Another Christmas recluse, with sharper comic friction and more convincing warmth; and [*Ernest & Celestine*](https://film.one/film/ernest-and-celestine) (2012, Fi1m 84): Gentler animation that gives its unlikely friendship room to grow.

### Reviews we read (19)

- **Evening Standard**, Charlotte O'Sullivan (4/5): O’Sullivan finds the familiar, Gru-like take entertaining and likely to delight young viewers. She praises the magical encounters between the lonely Grinch and Cindy Lou Who. [Read](https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/film/the-grinch-review-a-festive-adventure-destined-to-make-millions-of-tots-happy-a3985491.html)
- **The Hollywood Reporter**, Michael Rechtshaffen (80/100, inferred): The critic finds the film a vibrant, amusing, and warmly rendered improvement on the 2000 adaptation. They praise Whoville’s dazzling visual detail, while wishing Angela Lansbury had more screen time. [Read](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/dr-seuss-grinch-review-1158305/)
- **Vulture**, Bilge Ebiri (72/100, inferred): Ebiri finds the film pleasantly moving and faithful to the spirit of Seuss’s story. He praises the brief, touching flashbacks but faults the unnecessary, high-speed spectacle. [Read](https://www.vulture.com/2018/11/the-grinch-review.html)
- **Variety**, Owen Gleiberman (70/100, inferred): Gleiberman finds the film buoyant and agreeable, though it cannot replace the original special. He praises Cumberbatch’s restrained, droll voice performance and the film’s affectionate visual design. [Read](https://variety.com/2018/film/reviews/dr-seuss-the-grinch-review-benedict-cumberbatch-1203020841/)
- **RogerEbert.com** (64/100, inferred): The page could not be accessed, so the critic’s verdict and specific praise or complaint are unavailable. The browser-check message provides no review content to summarize. [Read](https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/the-grinch-2018)
- **The New York Times** (64/100, inferred): The article text was unavailable, so its critical verdict cannot be established. No specific praise or complaint could be verified. [Read](https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/07/movies/the-grinch-review.html)
- **Los Angeles Times**, Katie Walsh (60/100, inferred): Walsh finds the film pretty and diverting but says its additions do not resonate. She praises the detailed animation and Cumberbatch’s voice performance, while noting the original story’s poignancy remains unmatched. [Read](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-et-mn-the-grinch-review-20181107-story.html)
- **Radio Times**, Victoria Luxford (3/5): The review finds the story simple but faithful to the spirit of the source material. It is strongest when the Grinch’s exasperated antics play out with his dog Max and a reindeer. [Read](https://www.radiotimes.com/movie-guide/b-panjp7/the-grinch/)
- **Time Out**, Dave Calhoun (3/5): Calhoun calls the film an instantly forgettable holiday diversion. He notes that the story returns to animation, where the Grinch belongs, while finding this version less grinchy than expected. [Read](https://www.timeout.com/movies/the-grinch)
- **Empire**, Amy West (55/100, inferred): The review finds the film colourful and engaging for children, but too safe and unambitious to be memorable. Its visual gags, especially the Grinch’s gadget-filled Christmas Eve schemes, are singled out for praise. [Read](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/grinch-2-review/)
- **The Guardian**, Cath Clarke (2/5): Clarke finds the animation frenetic and bland, making it an unwelcome Christmas gift. She praises the animation and Pharrell Williams’s narration, while noting a particularly effective grocery-store scene. [Read](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2018/nov/08/the-grinch-review-benedict-cumberbatch-dr-seuss)
- **Screen Daily**, Tim Grierson (30/100, inferred): The critic finds the animated adaptation unsuccessful. It fails to capture the original material’s spirit or sass. [Read](https://www.screendaily.com/reviews/the-grinch-review/5134349.article)
- **Slant Magazine**, Keith Watson (1/4): The critic finds the film dull, conventional, and lacking the original story’s distinctive charm. Tyler, the Creator’s take on the Grinch song is singled out as the closest the film comes to making its own distinctive mark. [Read](https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/the-grinch/)
- **HeyUGuys** (85/100, inferred): The review is warmly positive, calling the film a charming, heart-filled Christmas treat. It especially praises the elaborate Christmas-theft sequence and the story’s big-hearted sentiment. [Read](https://www.heyuguys.com/the-grinch-review/)
- **Den of Geek**, Andrew Husband (4/5): The critic calls this a fantastic, refreshingly unique adaptation that balances the familiar story with thoughtful additions. He especially praises its explanation of the Grinch’s loneliness and the new characters’ influence on him. [Read](https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/the-grinch-review-benedict-cumberbatch/)
- **The Wrap** (75/100, inferred): The critic finds this remake warm, witty, and charming, with its sentiment earning plenty of laughs. They especially praise Whoville’s dazzling, richly detailed holiday animation. [Read](https://www.thewrap.com/dr-seuss-the-grinch-film-review-benedict-cumberbatch-illumination-2018/)
- **Consequence**, Caroline Siede (68/100, inferred): Siede finds the film an enjoyable holiday diversion, though it never becomes a modern Christmas classic. She praises the animation’s tactile textures and sparkling visual design, while noting the shallow storytelling. [Read](https://consequence.net/2018/11/film-review-the-grinch/)
- **The Ringer**, Shea Serrano (65/100, inferred): Serrano finds the film enjoyable and sweet, though too similar to earlier versions to inspire much interest in watching it again. He singles out its gentle portrayal of the Grinch’s relationships, especially his kindness toward Max and Fred. [Read](https://www.theringer.com/2018/11/12/movies/the-grinch-review-benedict-cumberbatch-rashida-jones-dr-seuss)
- **/Film**, Hoai-Tran Bui (6/10): The critic calls the film harmless but dull, with a familiar story stretched across too many subplots. She praises its physical comedy and singles out Rashida Jones as a standout performer. [Read](https://www.slashfilm.com/562229/the-grinch-review/)

## Details

- **Director:** Yarrow Cheney, Scott Mosier
- **Director:** Yarrow Cheney, Scott Mosier
- **Screenplay:** Michael LeSieur, Tommy Swerdlow
- **Editor:** Chris Cartagena, Ken Schretzmann, John Carnochan
- **Music:** Danny Elfman
- **Producer:** Janet Healy, Chris Meledandri
- **Cast:** Benedict Cumberbatch as The Grinch (voice); Rashida Jones as Donna Who (voice); Kenan Thompson as Bricklebaum (voice); Cameron Seely as Cindy-Lou Who (voice); Angela Lansbury as Mayor McGerkle (voice); Pharrell Williams as Narrator (voice); Ramone Hamilton as Axl (voice); Sam Lavagnino as Ozzy (voice)
- **Runtime:** 1h 25m
- **Certificate (IFRB):** הותר לכל
- **Release (Israel):** 29 November 2018
- **Genres:** Animation, Comedy, Family, Fantasy
- **Budget:** $75 million
- **Box office:** $553 million
- **Trailer:** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_UOh0UX3alI

## Where to watch in Israel

- Apple TV: rent ₪16.90, hd
- Apple TV: buy ₪29.90, sd

*Checked 2026-10-05.*

Also available in: AE, AR, AT, AU, BE, BG, BR, CA, CH, CL, CO, CZ, DE, DK, EC, EE, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, HK, HR, HU, ID, IE, IL, IN, IT, JP, KR, LT, MX, MY, NL, NO, NZ, PA, PE, PH, PL, PT, RO, RS, SE, SG, SI, SK, TH, UA, US, VN, ZA. Add `?region=XX` to this URL for another country.

## Awards

- Kids' Choice Award for Favorite Animated Movie 2019: Kids' Choice Award for Favorite Animated Movie (nominated)
- Critics' Choice Awards 2018: Best Animated Feature (nominated)

## If you liked this

- *Arthur Christmas* (2011), Fi1m 82: A busier Christmas operation, with family squabbles that give the machinery purpose. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/arthur-christmas.md)
- *Klaus* (2019), Fi1m 77: Another Christmas recluse, with sharper comic friction and more convincing warmth. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/klaus.md)
- *Ernest & Celestine* (2012), Fi1m 84: Gentler animation that gives its unlikely friendship room to grow. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/ernest-and-celestine.md)
- *The Muppet Christmas Carol* (1992): Keeps the Christmas kindness without sanding every unpleasant edge off its miser.
- *Tokyo Godfathers* (2003), Fi1m 82: For adults, a Christmas tale with difficult company and hard-earned generosity. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/tokyo-godfathers.md)

---
© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/film/the-grinch