This season, Netflix subscribers are in for a treat as two distinct and cherished adaptations of a classic Christmas yarn have been made available.
The streaming giant is no stranger to spreading holiday cheer with an array of seasonal favourites on offer – from heartwarming staples like The Holiday and Jack Frost to contemporary hits such as Klaus and The Princess Switch series.
Even though December is expected to unveil a treasure trove of holiday content, Netflix might have already topped the list with its latest additions.
Renowned for his less than jolly persona, this unique character has garnered the title of one of the ultimate festive icons, captivating audiences through portrayals by two leading Hollywood actors, reports the Manchester Evening News.
In both captivating takes, we meet a surly hermit with a deep-seated aversion to Christmas cheer, embarking on a mission to dampen the festive spirit around him until a transformative evening alters his perspective.
But we’re not talking about A Christmas Carol; what’s up for grabs are two takes on Dr Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas that viewers can enjoy as part of their subscription.
While the original animated version dates back to 1966, it was the 2000 adaptation starring Jim Carrey as the eponymous green grouch which refreshed the story for new generations and became an unforgettable hit.
Carrey’s performance, giving life to the misanthropic creature, has earned an enduring fan base over the last two decades, prompting a viewer on Letterboxd to enthusiastically declare: “I legitimately and without any shred of sarcasm or irony think that Jim Carrey deserved an Oscar nom for this.”
Another die-hard fan praised: “The best and funniest Christmas movie ever made. Sorry, but this one is absolutely amazing, and I never get tired of watching it.
“They literally aired it daily on TV between November and December during my childhood, and every time it was on, I watched it.”
The esteemed publication Empire reviewed: “Despite labouring under about three feet of latex, Jim Carrey still comes across loud and clear in this adaptation of the Dr Seuss poem. It’s also rather funny Carrey improvising away despite all the big-budget shenanigans going on around him.”
While perhaps not as lauded as the original, the 2018 animated Grinch rendition by Illumination nonetheless captivated millions of young viewers, with Benedict Cumberbatch delivering a masterful voice performance.
It has even been hailed as a misunderstood treasure, with a viewer insisting: “Rewatched this absolute masterpiece last night and it has solidified my belief that it’s only hated because people’s nostalgia goggles are on too tight.
“It’s hilarious and it has absolutely stunning animation. Don’t listen to the haters, give this a watch.”
Whether your allegiance lies with the classic or contemporary incarnations, the Grinch secures his place as an essential part of festive viewing.
Echoing the sentiment on social media, one enthusiast exclaimed: “The Grinch is the greatest Christmas character of all time!”
While another marked the season’s commencement, stating: “It’s December 1st. Time to introduce my daughter to the greatest Christmas movie of all time, the the the… THE GRINCH!!!”
MovieWeb has hailed the Grinch as the runner-up in their list of the most iconic Christmas movie characters, edged out only by Home Alone’s resourceful Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin).
“The Grinch is the ultimate Christmas curmudgeon-turned-hero committed to cinema,” they penned.
“The story is solid and casts a powerful spell in the image of holiday jeer-turned-cheer in both renditions, making him one of the most iconic Christmas characters of all time.”
How the Grinch Stole Christmas and The Grinch are available to stream on Netflix.