As the holiday season officially begins, the infamous green grump is back, but tracking down his latest animated appearance requires some serious detective work. Can viewers find a way to watch the popular 2018 movie, The Grinch, or will his streaming status prove to be just as tricky as stealing Christmas?

This modern animated version has become a holiday staple, but its streaming availability is complex and location-dependent.

Finding the 2018 The Grinch available for free streaming in the United States is currently difficult, as it is not available with any subscription service. However, viewers can typically rent or buy the film from platforms like Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, Apple TV, and Vudu.

The 2018 film, simply titled The Grinch, brings the classic Dr. Seuss story to life with stunning CGI animation and a lighter, though still skeptical, touch. The plot follows the titular Grinch (voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch), who lives in solitary splendor on Mount Crumpit with his loyal dog Max, only venturing out to disrupt the Whos' overly cheerful holiday celebrations in Whoville.

His elaborate plan to steal every Christmas item from presents to feast food is complicated by the adorable and kind-hearted young Who, Cindy Lou Who. She attempts to trap Santa Claus (whom she believes is the Grinch) to personally thank him for making her overworked mother happy. Cindy Lou Who's selfless act of trying to thank him is the pivotal moment that softens the Grinch's cynical heart.

Where to Watch ‘The Grinch’? Is It Available on Netflix?

The 2018 animated film is just the latest adaptation in a long, storied cinematic tradition of Dr. Seuss’ Christmas tale.

The 2018 movie is the third major motion picture based on Dr Seuss’ original story, following two other beloved yet tonally different adaptations. The original 1966 animated classic, How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, is often available on Peacock for streaming, and sometimes airs on TNT and TBS during December.

The 2000 live-action film, Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas, starring Jim Carrey, also tends to have limited streaming runs, sometimes appearing on Peacock late in December, but is widely available to rent or buy digitally.

Ultimately, while the earlier Grinch adaptations have clear streaming homes, the 2018 version requires viewers to rely on rentals or purchases to guarantee watching the modern holiday favorite this season.

Movies Like ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas’ on Netflix

Have you watched the 2018 movie? If you are planning your holiday movie night, which of the three Grinch adaptations  — the classic animation, the Jim Carrey version, or the modern 2018 film, will you watch first? Let us know in the comments below.