Jim Carrey's Grinch Movie Returns to Theaters for 25th Anniversary

Get ready to dust off your Santa hats and warm your Grinchy hearts because Ron Howard's live-action classic, Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas, is making a grand return to the big screen this holiday season for its 25th anniversary!

TL;DR: Quick Bites of Whoville's Big Screen News

Jim Carrey's "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" (2000) is returning to theaters nationwide on December 12, 2025.
This special theatrical run celebrates the film's 25th anniversary, with tickets available for purchase now.
The movie was a massive hit upon release, grossing nearly $350 million globally, and won an Oscar for Best Makeup.

Get Ready to See the Grinch Back on the Big Screen Where He Belongs!

Can you believe it's been 25 years since Jim Carrey first donned that unforgettable green fur and brought the Grinch to life in spectacular, albeit grumpy, fashion? Well, mark your calendars because Universal Pictures is bringing the beloved holiday classic, Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas, back to theaters on December 12, 2025! This is your chance to relive the magic, or introduce a new generation to the Whos of Whoville and their curmudgeonly mountain-dwelling neighbor.

It's a limited Yuletide engagement, meaning you'll want to grab your tickets quickly to ensure you don't miss out on seeing this festive favorite on the biggest screen possible. Imagine all the heartwarming (and sometimes terrifyingly funny) moments with the Grinch, Max, and Cindy Lou Who, amplified by the cinema experience!

Reliving the Magic: The Enduring Charm of the 2000 Grinch Film

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The year 2000 saw the release of a cinematic event that truly redefined how many of us envisioned the Grinch. Directed by the talented Ron Howard (who also produced alongside Brian Grazer for Imagine Entertainment), this live-action adaptation took Dr. Seuss's timeless 1957 book and gave it a vibrant, larger-than-life makeover. While older generations fondly remember the 1966 animated TV special (where animation legend Chuck Jones famously gave the Grinch his iconic green color!), the 2000 film carved out its own special place in holiday movie history.

The screenplay, penned by Jeffrey Price and Peter S. Seaman, expanded on Dr. Seuss's original tale, which itself was inspired by his frustration with the increasing commercialization of Christmas. This live-action version really delved into the Grinch's backstory and his deep-seated hatred for the Whos' annual holiday festivities, making his eventual change of heart even more impactful. It's a story that resonates year after year, reminding us that Christmas means a little bit more than just presents and decorations.

Jim Carrey's Iconic Transformation and Oscar-Winning Makeup Masterpiece

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Perhaps the most talked-about aspect of the 2000 film was Jim Carrey's transformative performance as the Grinch. Known for his rubbery facial expressions and physical comedy, Carrey completely disappeared into the role, delivering a portrayal that was both hilarious and, at times, surprisingly poignant. His Grinch was theatrical, a little bit terrifying, and ultimately, deeply empathetic. It’s no wonder he earned a Golden Globe nomination for his efforts!

But Carrey's performance wouldn't have been possible without the incredible work of the makeup and hairstyling team. Legendary makeup artist Rick Baker, alongside Gail Rowell-Ryan, created the elaborate, full-body green fur suit and prosthetics that brought the Grinch to life. Their phenomenal artistry was recognized with an Academy Award for Best Makeup and Hairstyling – a truly well-deserved win that solidified the film's visual impact. The film also garnered Oscar nominations for Best Production Design (Michael Corenblith and Merideth Boswell) and Best Costume Design (Rita Ryack), highlighting the overall stunning visual creation of Whoville.

A Star-Studded Cast Brought Whoville to Life Around The Grinch

Beyond Carrey's central role, the film boasted an impressive ensemble cast that helped flesh out the quirky world of Whoville:

Jim Carrey as The Grinch: The grumpy green creature who despises Christmas.
Taylor Momsen as Cindy Lou Who: The brave little girl whose kindness and spirit soften the Grinch's heart. This was Momsen's film debut!
Jeffrey Tambor as Mayor Augustus Maywho: The pompous mayor of Whoville.
Christine Baranski as Martha May Whovier: The Grinch's childhood crush and the object of the Mayor's affection.
Bill Irwin as Lou Lou Who: Cindy Lou Who's kind-hearted father.
Molly Shannon as Betty Lou Who: Cindy Lou Who's mother.
The late Josh Ryan Evans also had a role, in what would sadly be his final film appearance.
Director Ron Howard's brother, Clint Howard, made a memorable appearance as Whobris.

Each actor contributed to the vibrant, fantastical atmosphere, making Whoville feel like a real, if slightly exaggerated, place. Their performances complemented Carrey's Grinch perfectly, creating a dynamic and engaging holiday experience.

Box Office Domination and Lasting Cinematic Impact

When "Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas" first hit theaters on November 18, 2000, it wasn't just a holiday movie; it was a phenomenon. The film quickly became a box office sensation, topping U.S. charts for four consecutive weeks. It pulled in an astounding $260 million domestically and nearly $350 million worldwide!

This made it the highest-grossing film of 2000 domestically and the sixth-highest-grossing film globally that year. For a long time, it held the title of the second-highest-grossing holiday film of all time, sitting just behind the iconic "Home Alone" (1990), until it was eventually surpassed by the 2018 animated "The Grinch." These numbers aren't just statistics; they represent a film that truly captured the hearts and imaginations of audiences worldwide, becoming an instant classic and a staple of seasonal viewing.

Why This Theatrical Re-Release is a Must-See Event for All Movie Lovers

Seeing "Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas" on the big screen offers a unique chance to experience the film's vibrant production design, intricate costumes, and Jim Carrey's larger-than-life performance as they were meant to be seen. The theatrical experience adds an extra layer of magic to this already enchanting story, making it perfect for a festive outing with family and friends.

For those who grew up with this film, it's a nostalgic trip back to a cherished part of their childhood. For newer viewers, it's an opportunity to discover why this version of the Grinch has become such an enduring holiday favorite. The timing, just ahead of Christmas, makes it a perfect way to kick off the holiday spirit!

Other Holiday Classics and Anniversary Treats Returning to Theaters This Season

The Grinch isn't the only classic making a comeback this holiday season! Film buffs have a few other exciting re-releases to look forward to:

Stanley Kubrick's "The Shining": Celebrating its 45th anniversary, this horror masterpiece will be returning exclusively to IMAX screens on December 12, 2025. Be prepared for a truly chilling experience on the big screen!
Disney's "The Emperor's New Groove": The beloved 2000 animated comedy is getting a special theatrical run at Los Angeles' El Capitan Theatre from November 21st-23rd. This coincides with a new 4K disc release on December 9th. It's a fantastic chance to celebrate this cult favorite, which, despite not being a huge box office hit initially, became 2001's best-selling home video release and gained immense popularity over time. The film features the voices of David Spade, John Goodman, Eartha Kitt, Patrick Warburton, and Wendie Malick.

It's clear that studios are embracing nostalgia and giving fans the opportunity to revisit beloved films in a theatrical setting. So, whether you're craving some holiday cheer with the Grinch, a terrifying journey into the Overlook Hotel, or a hilarious trip with Emperor Kuzco, there's something for every movie lover this season!

Frequently Asked Questions About The Grinch Re-Release and More When does "Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas" return to theaters? The live-action Jim Carrey version of "Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas" returns to theaters nationwide on December 12, 2025. Where can I buy tickets for "The Grinch" theatrical re-release? Tickets for the 25th-anniversary theatrical re-release are available now through various cinema ticketing platforms and local theater websites. Will "The Grinch" (2000) be streaming anywhere this holiday season? Yes, "Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas" will also be available to stream on Peacock in November 2025. Who directed the 2000 live-action "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" movie? The 2000 live-action film was directed by Academy Award winner Ron Howard, known for films like "Apollo 13" and "A Beautiful Mind."