The 20 best Christmas movies of all time – readers' picks

What did Monitor readers choose as the best Christmas movie (or TV special) of all time?

11. 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas!'

Courtesy of Warner Home Video

Chuck Jones directed the 1966 TV animated special that's based on Dr. Seuss's book of the same name. The grumpy Grinch lives far above Whoville, which is peopled by cheerful residents who love Christmas a lot. Annoyed by their holiday spirit, the Grinch hatches a plan to steal the Whos' Christmas trimmings and gifts, but soon finds that the meaning of the holiday is different than he believed.

Actor Boris Karloff not only narrates the film but also provides the voice of the Grinch.

Actress June Foray, who voiced Cindy Lou Who in the special and has done vocal work for many other films, also provided the voices for Mulan's grandmother in the 1998 movie "Mulan" and for the fairy queen in the 1994 film "Thumbelina."

Seuss's story was also adapted into a 2000 live-action film starring Jim Carrey as the Grinch and Taylor Momsen of "Gossip Girl" as Cindy Lou Who. The film is the second-highest-grossing holiday movie ever, below only the film "Home Alone."

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