Ranking Dr. Seuss movies
Emma Aviv '24
Executive Podcast Coordinator
There is a never ending catalog of Dr. Seuss content. My childhood was filled with his rhythmic stories like “Green Eggs and Ham” and “There’s a Wocket in My Pocket!”
Beyond these childhood tails, there are a plethora of screen adaptations. Since the year 2000, these adaptations have shifted from cartoons to animated and live action movies. I am here to rank, to the best of my abilities, those five movies following 2000.
Coming in last place is “The Grinch” (2018).
I’m only putting this movie in last place because it was beyond my prime years as a kid. While this adaptation does have some merit to it (like the two songs Tyler, The Creator contributed to the soundtrack), it isn’t entirely memorable and not as reminiscent of childhood as the other movies are. Not to mention how there was no need for another Grinch movie because we already have “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.”
Fourth place goes to… “The Lorax” (2012).
“The Lorax” is definitely one of, if not the most, widely known Dr. Seuss stories partly because of this very movie. It admittedly has iconic songs, lovable characters (the Once-ler) and overall social and environmental awareness. I personally did not grow up watching this movie, but upon watching it recently, I understand the hype. However, I personally don’t think it deserves more than fourth place.
A scene from The Lorax feturing the onceler as seen on a students computer.
Bronze metal: “Horton Hears a Who!” (2008).
Now, I was going to give this second place (as I remember loving this movie as a child) but I realize that there is a much more qualified (but controversial) candidate for this position. This particular movie is less popular among kids now, as it was released before 2010 and isn’t quite as “iconic” as other Seuss works. However, this movie is absolutely hilarious! Just as the many of the other movies in this ranking, this movie has influenced social media trends involving audios on TikTok and therefore deserves a solid third place.
Close second: “The Cat in The Hat” (2003).
I possibly do love this movie the most out of the movie selection; however, it is not nearly as popular as others on this list (probably because many find it scary). It is partly known for being the weirdest of the Dr. Seuss adaptations with its somewhat controversial scenes in the movie. Having been a recent TikTok trend, as a clip from the movie became a popular audio, the movie has gotten more attention. I grew up watching this film and absolutely loving it, but apparently many among our generation have not.
Lucky number one goes to… “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” (2000).
It goes without saying that this movie is an absolute Christmas classic. I did not realize until recently that this would be such a controversial take. From the sets to the hysterical one liners, this movie deserves to be number one on this list. Just as the last three movies on this list, the movie has contributed to multiple social media trends due its silly audio clips from the movie. I would even dare to call this film fine cinema. I cannot stop myself from rewatching it every December, as it is the perfect Christmas movie for all ages.