20 essential classic holiday films to watch this year

Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)

“You’re a mean one, Mr. Grinch.” Throatily sung by Thurl Ravenscroft, the 1966 animated version of How the Grinch Stole Christmas is one of the best stories about a miser who learns the true meaning of the holiday (that’s not A Christmas Carol).

Co-directed by legendary Looney Tunes cartoonist Chuck Jones, How the Grinch Stole Christmas is packed with lovable weirdness for its scant 26-minute runtime. We’re introduced to the Grinch (voiced by Frankenstein’s monster himself, Boris Karloff) as he attempts to ruin the Whos’ Christmas. His relationship with his dog, Max, is the film’s highlight. I’ll always laugh at the discovery that Max isn’t pulling the sleigh but is actually on the back, waving impishly. Once the Grinch is in Whoville, we’re treated to that amazing title song, and the introduction of the cutest Who, little Cindy Lou (“who was no more than 2!”). Watching the Grinch steal from her is just the worst — or the best if you’re a cynical Christmas person. It all culminates with the nonsensical Who song “Hurry Christmas.”

The Grinch is just pure whimsy. It’s a quick story that gets its point across and tells a story as immortal as “’Twas the Night Before Christmas.” Just make sure you’re watching this version and not the nightmare-inducing remake from 2000.

Rent on YouTube, Google Play, and Vudu.