The Grinch: How a 25-Year-Old Film Became This Season’s Holiday Icon

The Grinch’s Triumphant Return to Theatres

Twenty-five years after its release, Dr. Seuss’s beloved character is once again dominating the holiday season. Ron Howard’s holiday classic How the Grinch Stole Christmas is returning to theaters nationwide to celebrate its massive 25th anniversary, giving families the opportunity to experience Jim Carrey’s iconic performance on the big screen once more.

The 2000 film’s enduring appeal has proven remarkable. Released in November 2000, Ron Howard’s adaptation of the Dr. Seuss classic dominated theaters, grossing $261.9 million domestically and $347.2 million worldwide. Today, it stands as a defining cultural touchstone for an entire generation.

Behind the Scenes: The Torturous Truth

Recent revelations have shed new light on the gruelling production process. The actor told Vulture that his training for the role involved a man who trained CIA officers on enduring torture. The first day in makeup took eight hours, and Carrey went into the trailer and told Ron Howard and Brian Grazer that he wouldn’t be able to do the movie and was quitting.

The solution proved unconventional. A guy who trained the military on enduring imprisonment and torture was brought on to the film’s set to prevent Carrey from quitting the movie and to teach him how to endure the hardship of his Grinch transformation. Despite these challenges, Carrey’s performance became legendary, cementing the film as a holiday classic.

Brand Partnerships and Cultural Dominance

The Grinch’s influence extends far beyond cinema this season. Dr. Seuss’s The Grinch has successfully slipped into the Golden Arches and on Dec. 2, he’s unleashing The Grinch Meal at McDonald’s locations. The meal features Dill Pickle McShaker Fries and collectible socks with messages from the Grinch himself.

McDonald’s launched its Grinch Meal in the U.S. and U.K., and Walmart has featured him prominently in its 2025 holiday campaign, while Universal theme parks continue expanding “Grinchmas”. These partnerships demonstrate the character’s remarkable commercial staying power.

Why the Grinch Resonates Today

Millennials grew up watching this film and are now parents, and many say that the 2000 Grinch is the defining film of the millennial generation. This generational handoff has proven crucial to the film’s continued relevance, creating a feedback loop of nostalgia and renewed interest.

Perhaps most tellingly, the world is tired, the holidays can be overwhelming, and sometimes, the most-relatable Christmas icon is the one who didn’t want to go to the party because he couldn’t find anything nice to wear. In 2025, the Grinch’s reluctant transformation continues to speak to audiences seeking authenticity amid holiday pressures.