The holiday season is right around the corner. It is the most wonderful time of the year to get under a cozy blanket, put on fuzzy socks, make a steamy cup of hot chocolate, and watch the famous Christmas movies featured on Netflix. Most people enjoy the various Christmas stories, ranging from romantic to classical. With there being many Christmas movies featured on Netflix that receive feedback, two movies create a bit of compelling difference: How the Grinch Stole Christmas and The Grinch. Though both were based on the same book, by Dr. Seuss, they still have visible differences featured throughout the movie. 

In How the Grinch Stole Christmas, produced in 2000, a green, revenge-seeking creature named the Grinch (Jim Carry) lives on the outskirts of Whoville. The film consists of real-life motion; viewers experience how the citizens of Whoville, the Whos, just want to celebrate Christmas together. However, the Grinch plans to ruin their happiness, until he meets a little girl named Cindy Lu Who (Taylor Momsen). After they grow a connection, she tries to get the Grinch to see the real meaning of Christmas. 

Accentuating the older look, actors in How the Grinch Stole Christmas wore dresses and pea coats. It also consists of a flashback to when the Grinch was bullied in school, resulting in the start of his evilness. Some fans were very impressed with the festive movie. For instance, a junior, Lindsey Miest, enjoyed watching the real-life film. “I really like the older one better because it is the movie most people grew up watching and I prefer the movie with real people rather than animation.” 

Illumination Entertainment’s The Grinch, on the other hand, has very dazzling and colorful animated pictures. As the storyline differs from How the Grinch Stole Christmas, the audience sees how Cindy Lu Who tries to capture Santa, so that she can do something nice for her overwhelmed mother. Similar to the other movie, the Grinch (voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch) has the urge to ruin the Whoville’s Christmas. Since he was a little creature, he has always felt lonely throughout the holidays.

Watching The Grinch, many can infer how modern the setting appears to be. For example, there’s a multi-purpose candy cane tool the Grinch proceeds to use. This movie also features modernized songs that are sung by the famous rapper, Tyler the Creator. The remaking the song “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” has become a popular song among many listeners. “The new Grinch movie is really fun if I want to switch it up but what I love the most is the soundtrack. I listen to it on a daily basis,” another junior, Aizlynn Thim, highlighted.

Despite the differences, both films on Netflix have become a go-to Christmas movie for many fans.  In my opinion, How the Grinch Stole Christmas follows the story line portrayed by Dr. Seuss. The acting, costumes, and voices of the characters are out of the ordinary. In How the Grinch Stole Christmas, the theme of being together on Christmas is clear to understand when told by Cindy Lu Who. So, when watching either movie, grab a family member, and enjoy either the film this holiday season.