Raising How the Grinch Stole Christmas age rating: what parents of kids 4–7 should know
How the Grinch Stole Christmas age rating: the 2000 live-action film with Jim Carrey is rated PG in the US for some crude humor, according to the MPA, which means parental guidance suggested with no age limit. It's PG in the UK for mild scary scenes, rude humour and language, and 6 in Germany. Common Sense Media, an independent nonprofit, lists it for ages 8 and up. For comparison, the 1966 animated TV special is rated U in the UK and 4+ by Common Sense Media, and the 2018 animated film is PG in the US and U in the UK.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas at a glance
- –Official rating above age 7
MPA: PG; BBFC: PG; FSK: 6 - –Violence in rating descriptors
Not in MPA or BBFC descriptors - –Scary content in rating descriptors
BBFC: mild scary scenes only - ✓Bad language in rating descriptors
BBFC: occasional bad language, not aimed at others - ✓Sexual content, drugs, or alcohol in rating descriptors
BBFC: innuendo, rude humour - –Rated 12 or higher in the UK or Germany
BBFC: PG; FSK: 6
Each flag is a yes-or-no fact from the sources on this page. The number is a count of flags, not a safety score. How we count. Rating reasons marked mild, very mild, or brief don't count.
| Type | Live-action Christmas comedy (2000) by Ron Howard, with Jim Carrey as the Grinch source |
|---|---|
| US (MPA) | PG (parental guidance suggested; no age limit) — some crude humor source |
| UK (BBFC) | PG (parental guidance) — mild scary scenes, rude humour, language source |
| Germany (FSK) | 6 (from age 6), per Filmstarts source |
| Common Sense Media | 8+ — crude, scary moments |
| For comparison | 1966 TV special: BBFC U, Common Sense 4+. 2018 animated film: MPA PG, BBFC U, Common Sense 6+ source |
Checked October 2026. Ratings and settings change; check the official source before you decide. What do these ratings mean?
Facts for parents, not medical or legal advice. If you're worried about your child, talk to your pediatrician.
What How the Grinch Stole Christmas is about
How the Grinch Stole Christmas is a 2000 live-action comedy directed by Ron Howard and based on Dr. Seuss's 1957 book. Jim Carrey plays the Grinch, a green creature on Mount Crumpit who hates Christmas and sets out to ruin it for the people of Whoville. Anthony Hopkins narrates. It came out in US theaters on November 17, 2000.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas age rating: what's in it
Short answer: PG in the US and the UK, 6 in Germany.
- US (MPA): PG, some crude humor.
- UK (BBFC): PG, mild scary scenes, rude humour, language.
- Germany (FSK): 6.
The BBFC says the Grinch's attempts to scare people are brief and comic. It lists rude humor and innuendo, such as the Grinch telling a crowd to "kiss" his backside, and stunts like eating hot coals and lighting his breath with a blowtorch in a clearly fantastical world. Flashbacks show him bullied at school. Common Sense Media notes fires, explosions and falls, with no one injured.
Grinch movies compared: 1966, 2000 and 2018
Short answer: The 2000 live-action film has the highest UK rating of the three.
- 1966 TV special (Boris Karloff narrates): BBFC U, no material likely to offend or harm; Common Sense Media 4+.
- 2000 live-action film: MPA PG, BBFC PG, FSK 6; Common Sense Media 8+.
- 2018 animated film (Benedict Cumberbatch): MPA PG for brief rude humor; BBFC U for mild slapstick; FSK 0; Common Sense Media 6+.
The BBFC says the 2018 film's distributor cut one use of mild bad language to get a U.
Is there a sequel to How the Grinch Stole Christmas?
Short answer: One is in development. The Hollywood Reporter reported in June 2026 that Ron Howard would return to direct and that Jim Carrey was in talks to return. As of October 2026, it isn't rated.
The habit kids may copy: taking things to spoil the fun
The Grinch steals Whoville's presents and decorations to stop the holiday he resents.
Try tonight: who felt left out?
Talk about the flashbacks where the young Grinch is laughed at. Ask: "What could one kid in his class have done?" In our program, this is the lesson "Stepping In": noticing when someone's left out or hurt.
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FAQ
What is How the Grinch Stole Christmas rated?
The 2000 film is PG in the US for some crude humor. It's PG in the UK and 6 in Germany.
What age is the Jim Carrey Grinch for?
There's no age limit in the US. Common Sense Media lists it for 8+.
Is the Grinch movie scary?
The BBFC lists mild scary scenes and says the Grinch's attempts to scare people are brief and comic.
What is the 2018 Grinch movie rated?
PG in the US for brief rude humor, U in the UK and 0 in Germany.
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