The Grinch is not currently on Paramount Plus

The animated 1966 version of How the Grinch Stole Christmas and the live-action 2000 film The Grinch are not part of Paramount Plus's regular catalog. Both films are owned by Universal Pictures and NBC Universal, which means they stream on different platforms depending on the time of year and licensing agreements.

Paramount Plus focuses on content from CBS, MTV, Nickelodeon, and Paramount Pictures. The Grinch films fall outside that ownership structure, so they do not appear there. However, there are several other places where you can watch these films during the holiday season and throughout the year.

Key Takeaways

  • The 1966 animated Grinch and the 2000 live-action Grinch are owned by Universal Pictures and do not stream on Paramount Plus.
  • NBC's streaming service Peacock carries the 1966 animated version during the holiday season, though availability varies by year.
  • Both films are available to rent or buy on digital platforms like Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, and Google Play year-round.
  • ABC broadcasts the 1966 animated special on television in December, which remains the most reliable way to watch it without paying.
  • You can check JustWatch.com or search Paramount Plus directly to see what holiday films are currently available on the service.

Where to watch the 1966 animated Grinch

The 1966 animated special How the Grinch Stole Christmas airs on ABC television in early December each year. This is the original broadcast, and it remains the easiest way to watch the film without paying. Check your local TV listings for the exact date and time in your area, as the broadcast date shifts slightly from year to year.

Peacock, NBC's streaming service, sometimes carries this special during the holiday season. Availability is not may provide every year, and it may require a paid Peacock subscription. Before you sign up, check Peacock's current catalog or contact their support line to confirm whether the 1966 special is available this season.

You can also rent or buy the 1966 version on Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, and Vudu. Rental typically costs $3 to $4, and purchase costs $10 to $15. These options let you watch anytime, not just during December, and you keep the purchase indefinitely on your account.

Where to watch the 2000 live-action Grinch

The 2000 Jim Carrey film The Grinch is available to rent or buy on the same digital platforms: Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, and Vudu. Rental costs around $3 to $4, and purchase costs $10 to $15. This version is not typically broadcast on television, so digital rental or purchase is your main option outside of Peacock.

Peacock may carry the live-action film during the holiday season, but like the animated special, availability changes year to year. Check Peacock's current offerings before assuming it will be there. If you have a Peacock subscription for other content, it is worth checking their holiday section in December.

Why the Grinch is not on Paramount Plus

Streaming rights are divided by studio ownership. Paramount Plus owns content from Paramount Pictures, CBS, MTV, and Nickelodeon. Universal Pictures, which owns the Grinch films, has its own streaming home at Peacock. When Universal licenses content to other platforms, it is usually temporary and seasonal, tied to specific holidays or events.

This is why you see the 1966 special on ABC in December — that is a separate licensing deal between Universal and the broadcast network. Paramount Plus does not have the rights to these films, and there is no indication that will change in the near future. The studio system keeps major films with their parent streaming services.

Other holiday movies on Paramount Plus

While the Grinch is not available, Paramount Plus does carry other holiday films that rotate through the platform during the holiday season. Elf, A Christmas Story, and Scrooged have appeared on the service in past years. Paramount Plus also produces original holiday content each year, including movies and specials made specifically for the platform.

Your best approach is to search Paramount Plus directly for "holiday" or "Christmas" to see what is currently available. The catalog changes frequently, especially around the holidays, so what was there last December may not be there this year.

Checking what is available right now

Streaming catalogs change constantly, and the only way to know for certain is to check directly. Open the Paramount Plus app or website and search for "Grinch." If nothing appears, it is not currently available on that service. This takes less than a minute and gives you a definitive answer.

You can also use third-party sites like JustWatch.com or Reelgood.com, which show where films are streaming across all major platforms in your region. These sites update daily and let you filter by whether you want to rent, buy, or stream free with ads. They can save you time if you are searching for multiple films.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the animated Grinch free on any streaming service?

The 1966 special airs free on ABC in December. Peacock may carry it free with ads during the holiday season, but this is not may provide every year. Check Peacock's current catalog or your local TV listings for the most reliable free option.

Can I watch the Grinch on Disney Plus?

No. Disney Plus carries Disney and some Fox content, but the Grinch films are owned by Universal and stream on Peacock. Disney Plus does have other holiday films like The Santa Clause and Noelle if you are looking for alternatives.

How much does it cost to rent the Grinch?

Rental costs $3 to $4 on Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, and Vudu. Purchase costs $10 to $15. Prices may vary slightly by platform and whether you are renting in standard or high definition.

Will the Grinch ever come to Paramount Plus?

It is unlikely. Universal owns these films and has Peacock as its streaming home. Paramount Plus focuses on Paramount Pictures, CBS, and Nickelodeon content. Licensing agreements could change, but there is no current indication of that happening.

What if I have a cable subscription that includes Paramount Plus?

Cable bundles do not change what is in the Paramount Plus catalog. The films available are the same whether you pay for Paramount Plus directly or through a cable package. You still will not find the Grinch there.