If there’s one movie that has become synonymous with modern Christmas celebrations, it’s Jim Carrey’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000).
This vibrant, over-the-top adaptation of Dr. Seuss’s classic tale combines Carrey’s iconic comedic style with heartfelt holiday cheer. With its exaggerated Whoville sets and Carrey’s unforgettable one-liners, the movie is a favorite for families across generations.
However, not everyone was charmed by this version. Audrey Geisel, Dr. Seuss’s widow, famously expressed her displeasure with the movie’s tone, feeling it veered too far from the simplicity and magic of the original book. Even so, the live-action adaptation has grown into a beloved holiday tradition for millions, standing out for its whimsical visuals and Carrey’s chaotic yet touching portrayal of the Grinch.
This year, though, the movie is noticeably absent from streaming platforms. While holiday staples like The Grinch (2018) and the 1966 animated classic are easy to find, the 2000 adaptation is only available for digital rental or purchase. Last year, Peacock offered a short streaming window for the film, but as of now, no platform has announced plans to make it available for subscribers.
For fans, the lack of access raises the question: why is it so hard to stream older holiday movies? The answer likely lies in the complicated world of streaming rights, where beloved classics like this often get lost in the shuffle. Whether you plan to rent from a platform like Amazon Prime or revisit an old DVD, this news is a reminder to double-check the availability of your favorite holiday movies before gathering around the TV.
With streaming platforms shuffling content more than ever, fans can only hope that Jim Carrey’s Grinch finds a home before the holidays. Until then, those famous words from the Grinch may ring true for disappointed viewers: “Maybe Christmas doesn’t come from a store.” Let’s just hope it comes from a streaming service—eventually.