He must stop Christmas from coming... but how? However inventive the Grinch is, there is no way he could steal Christmas without his trusty companion, Max.
Whether you are watching the 1966 cartoon version of Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas, the live-action version from 2000 starring Jim Carrey, or the latest 2018 Illumination animated version, they all have one thing in common: Max the Dog.
Max is the endearing and loyal sidekick of the Grinch and has a special place in each film. The question is, which version of Max is superior? Let's look at how this loveable furry sidekick shines in each of the three adaptations of this holiday classic.
Ranking the Grinch movies based on our favorite versions of Max
1. The 1966 Animated Special
Sometimes, you just can't beat the classics. The 1966 animated special How the Grinch Stole Christmas, narrated by Boris Karloff, remains timeless.
In this version, Max's expressive animation and silent yet powerful presence make him memorable. He captures the viewer's hearts as we watch this long-suffering yet loyal companion of the Grinch engage in various antics, including pulling the sleigh and having reindeer antlers tied on the top of his head. Max's antics bring both humor and pity to the story.
The animated classic has a simplicity and charm that comes from Max's unwavering loyalty and expressive eyes that no other adaptation can capture, making it a favorite amongst the viewers.
2. The 2000 Live-Action Film
According to IMDB, the live-action version, directed by Ron Howard, of How the Grinch Stole Christmas stars Jim Carrey, who brought his unique humor to create a whole new level of charisma to the Grinch.
Although Jim Carrey portrayed the Grinch in an incredibly memorable way, his faithful dog, Max, is particularly endearing as well. Played by six different shelter dogs, Max's real-life performance added a heartfelt touch that can't be copied in a cartoon or animated movie.
Max's involvement in key scenes, such as when the Grinch and Max are on Mount Crumpit when the Grinch's heart grows three sizes, shows how important he is to the Grinch's transformation. Once the Grinch's heart grows, the first form of affection he shows is to his trusted furry companion, Max.
The physical comedy, combined with the genuine affection displayed by the canine companion, makes the live-action Max memorable and a favorite of many.
3. The 2018 Animated Film
After 18 years, Illumination released the latest adaptation of How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and with it came a new, vibrant look to Max with even more personality.
The CGI-animated version of Max is incredibly loveable and has an even wider range of emotions compared to the animated classic and the 2000 live-action films. In this movie, Max's expressions and behaviors highlight his loyalty to the Grinch. Their relationship is explored further, showing that Max is more than just a pet—he is a true friend and confidant.
The animated style of Max brings a fresh and engaging vibe, making him even more delightful of a character that many new and old fans will resonate with.
Each adaptation of the original Dr. Seuss book brings a new, unique way of telling the story of the Grinch, but it is clear that Max the Dog is an essential and well-loved character who adds depth and warmth to the story. Max remains the symbol of love and loyalty regardless of which movie version you prefer. He perfectly complements the Grinch's transformation and is the story's true heart.