← All show guides

updated for 2026

Is The Grinch OK for sensitive kids?

Movie · 2018 · About 85 min · Rated PG

Bigger feelingsSecular

The short answer

It depends on your kid. The Grinch is on our Bigger feelings list because a bully, a villain or a scary part is central to the story. Read the heads up below and decide.

Less scary looking than the original, with a kind little Cindy Lou.

Quick answers

Is The Grinch scary?

It can be for sensitive kids. Heads up: bright, busy animation; the plot is driven by mean, antisocial behavior.

What age is The Grinch for?

It's rated PG, parental guidance suggested.

How long is The Grinch?

About 85 minutes.

Where can I watch The Grinch?

With a subscription on Peacock. To rent or buy on Prime Video store, Apple TV store and Fandango at Home. Checked November 4, 2026.

Four things we check

PaceBusy

SoundLoud

TalkingA lot

ConflictSome

Heads up

• Bright, busy animation
• The plot is driven by mean, antisocial behavior

Where to watchThe Grinch

▶With a subscription

Peacock

🎟Rent or buy

Prime Video storerent $3.99, buy $7.99Apple TV storerent $3.99, buy $14.99Fandango at Homerent $3.99, buy $14.99

Checked November 4, 2026. Streaming changes often, so check before movie night.

a gentler one to try

A Trash Truck Christmas

Gentlest pick

Santa crash lands in the junkyard and Hank, Trash Truck and their animal friends help him. Same slow pace and soft music as the regular show. No villain.

Special · 2020 · About 28 min · Rated G

See it on the watchlist

this is just 1 of 155

Get the wholeGentle Holiday Watchlist

• 155shows and movies, each checked for pace, sound, talking and conflict
• 52you can watch free tonight
• Top 10for kids who get scared easily
• 12printable movie night menus

Unwrap the full listfree

Free with your email. It opens right away.

More show guides

• Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
• Frosty the Snowman
• How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
• The Polar Express
• Elf
• Home Alone
• A Charlie Brown Christmas
• Arthur Christmas
• The Snowman
• The Muppet Christmas Carol
• Klaus
• Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town
• The Year Without a Santa Claus
• The Nightmare Before Christmas
• A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving
• Mickey's Once Upon a Christmas
• The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
• Miracle on 34th Street
• The Snowy Day
• Olaf's Frozen Adventure
• Mickey and the Very Many Christmases
• Arthur's Perfect Christmas
• Shrek the Halls
• Bluey's Christmas shorts
• Daniel's Winter Adventure

Labels are judgments based on what parents and reviewers describe. They aren't clinical ratings. You know your kid best, so watch the first few minutes yourself. Service names belong to their owners, and this page isn't connected to or endorsed by any of them. The cover image links to the movie's product page through my LTK account, which is an affiliate link.