How to watch
The Grinch Watch Order in the correct order
How to watch the Grinch movies and specials in order
Last updated: November 7 2026
Written by: ChronoAlice
Dr. Seuss's Christmas-hating Grinch has starred in three animated TV specials and two blockbuster films. Here's how to plan the perfect Whoville holiday marathon.
Every Who down in Whoville liked Christmas a lot, but the Grinch, who lived just north of Whoville, did not. Chuck Jones' 1966 special with Boris Karloff's narration is a holiday staple, and it spawned two lesser-known follow-up specials. Jim Carrey's live-action film and Illumination's animated movie later brought the green grump to a whole new generation.
π Release Order
Release order lets you see how each era reimagined Dr. Seuss's mean one.
- How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (1966)
- Halloween Is Grinch Night (1977)
- The Grinch Grinches the Cat in the Hat (1982)
- How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
- The Grinch (2018)
The three classic TV specials share a loose continuity, but Halloween Is Grinch Night is generally treated as a prequel, since it shows the Grinch before his change of heart. The two feature films are standalone retellings.
π Story Chronology
This chronology places the Halloween special first, follows it with the original Christmas story, and ends the classic run with the Grinch's clash with the Cat in the Hat before moving on to the films.
- Halloween Is Grinch Night (1977)
- How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (1966)
- The Grinch Grinches the Cat in the Hat (1982)
- How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
- The Grinch (2018)
Which Order Should You Choose?
For most families, the 1966 special is the essential starting point β it's only 26 minutes and perfect for any Christmas Eve. Pick the 2000 film if you love Jim Carrey's manic energy, or the 2018 movie for younger kids. Save the 1977 and 1982 specials for a deep-cut Seuss night.
π Related Guides
Did we miss anything? Let us know and we'll keep this guide up to date!