The 10 Best Quotes From How The Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)

There are very few Christmas characters as beloved as “The Grinch.” Even though Jim Carrey’s live-action adaptation remains one of the most memorable interpretations, it’s impossible to ignore the impact of the original How The Grinch Stole Christmas from 1966.

Even though the TV special only lasts 26 minutes, the adaptation closely resembles Dr. Seuss’s tale, which lets the rhymes and narration shine through, accompanied by a bright and colorful animation style. The classic one-liners are sometimes funny and cute, but in the end, they represent the essence of the Christmas spirit.

The Narrator On The Grinch’s Personality

“Whatever The Reason, His Heart or His Shoes, He Stood There On Christmas Eve, Hating The Whos.”

This quote encapsulates the beginning of The Grinch’s journey. The first time audiences see him is at the top of a mountain, looking down on Whoville with his classic “grinchy” frown on display. The narrator explains that no one quite knows why The Grinch hates Christmas so much, but this quote sets the stage for what’s to come.

The idea that The Grinch might hate Christmas because of his small heart or his tight shoes is one that persists in future adaptations, perfectly setting the tone for a film that’s wholesome at its core.

The Grinch Being Annoyed

“That’s One Thing I Hate! All The Noise, Noise, Noise, Noise!”

The Grinch was perfectly aware of what was coming on Christmas day: “… all those Who girls and boys, will wake bright and early, they’ll rush for their toys, and then … Oh, the noise!”

This realization is what motivates him to take action in an attempt to ruin Christmas day for the Whos. The Grinch snarls and growls, prompting one of the best ideas he has had in a long time.

The Narrator on Grinch’s Idea

“Then He Got an Idea. An Awful Idea. The Grinch Got A Wonderful, Awful Idea!”

Here is when audiences get to see The Grinch’s grand idea. The quote perfectly exemplifies that, even though The Grinch’s idea to stop Christmas from coming is awful, at the same time, it’s a wonderful idea from The Grinch’s perspective. In a way, the narrator understands The Grinch’s intentions, which in turn helps viewers also empathize with the character.

This is also the moment where for the first time, audiences experience that menacing grinchy smile that continues throughout modern adaptations.

The Grinch Having A Musical Moment

“You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch!”

This quote is probably one of the most iconic in the movie and is thanks to composer Albert Hague and Dr. Seuss himself. The song “You’re a mean one, Mr. Grinch” has become known not only as the perfect representation of The Grinch’s persona but also for the holiday season.

The song has been performed by many, including Jim Carrey, Tyler the Creator, and the original version, sung by Thurl Ravenscroft, which even won a Grammy Award in 1967. In the movie, the musical moment is also accompanied by a montage of The Grinch creating his Santa Claus suit and getting ready to stop Christmas, which ends up being quite festive in a weird way.

The Grinch Getting Creative

“If I Can’t Find A Reindeer, I’ll Make One Instead.”

Max is known for being The Grinch’s sidekick, but whether he knows of The Grinch’s evil plan is a different story. Still, here The Grinch shows his innovative attitude when he realizes he doesn’t have a reindeer for his DIY sleigh.

This is where his dog Max comes in, and as he tries to pull the gigantic sleigh, the end result is nothing short of sweet, sad and funny. Even though Max looks a bit scared, he fulfills his reindeer duties as The Grinch begins to embark on his quest to ruin Christmas.

The Grinch Celebrating His Success

“Pooh-Pooh To The Whos!”

After going to every house in Whoville, meeting little Cindy Lou Who, and stealing everyone’s presents and decorations, The Grinch is pretty pleased with himself. With this quote, he celebrates his success and imagines the Who’s reactions: “Their mouths will hang open a minute or two, then the Whos down in Whoville will all cry, ‘Boo hoo.'”

This short one-liner encompasses just how tired The Grinch was of the Who’s antics and the satisfaction it gave him to take away all of their presents, as he thinks that’s what means so much to the Whos, and not the spirit of Christmas itself.

The Narrator On The Who’s Christmas Spirit

“Every Who Down In Whoville, The Tall And The Small, Was Singing, Without Any Presents At All!”

This quote comes when the film reveals the real nature of the Whos. With all their presents and decorations gone, The Grinch hears people in the distance singing around the Christmas tree. The song goes, “Welcome Christmas, while we stand. Heart to heart, and hand in hand,” and it’s the same melody used for Jim Carrey’s 2000 version of How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

At this moment, the lesson of the story begins to take shape, and The Grinch, confused at this behavior, begins to ponder the true meaning of Christmas.

The Narrator On The Grinch’s Growth

“Maybe Christmas, He Thought … Doesn’t Come From A Store. Maybe Christmas, Perhaps … Means A Little Bit More!”

Through the narrator, audiences here get a glimpse of what’s going on in The Grinch’s head. All this time, The Grinch was annoyed at the presents, the noise, the decorations, the singing, and didn’t really understand the point of Christmas, at all.

This quote brings home the idea that Christmas is not something you can buy or touch, and it’s one of the most beautiful aspects of the story. Just like the narrator said: “He hadn’t stopped Christmas from coming, it came! Somehow or other … it came just the same.”

The Narrator On The Power Of Christmas

“The True Meaning Of Christmas Came Through, And The Grinch Found The Strength Of  10 Grinches, Plus Two!”

With this quote, The Grinch finally understands the true meaning of Christmas and realizes the error of his ways. He now feels guilty about stealing all of the presents, but problems still lie ahead.

In a moment of complete tension, the sleigh begins to fall from a cliff. With The Grinch’s newfound strength, he garners the strength to pull back the sleigh, saving all the presents. This scene represents the true power of the Christmas spirit and leaves the audience with a heartwarming message that anything is possible.

The Narrator On The Meaning Of Christmas

“Christmas Day Will Always Be Just As Long As We Have ‘We.'”

By the end of the film, The Grinch returned all of the presents and even carved the roast beast for the holiday celebration. Audiences get to see a touching scene of him finally warming up to the Whos with a grinchy-free smile.

This quote from the end of the movie explains the meaning of Christmas and its importance in the simplest of terms. The character of The Grinch serves as a vehicle to show audiences how Christmas is not about the things people have or buy, but about the people that are there by your side through thick and thin.

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