A classic Christmas film has to be the Dr Suess' How The Grinch Who Stole Christmas adaptation The Grinch, which starred Jim Carrey as the titular vilain.

With it humour, dark backstory, epic sets and Jim Carrey giving another memorably zany performances, it has cemented itself as a fixture of the festive season when it comes to watch Christmas movies.

The film, directed by Ron Howard, sees the Grinch (Carrey) set about ruining Christmas for the town of Whoville, by stealing presents and wrecking their decorations.

The tale did delve into the Grinch's motivations, however, meaning he may have more people that care about him that just sweet little Cindy Lou Who and dog Max.

Here are some facts you may not have known...

1. Jim Carey almost didn't play the Grinch

The Grinch was almost played by Eddie Murphy or Jack Nicholson, who were considered for the part.

2. Dr Suess didn't want it to be a movie

Dr. Suess refused to sell the rights to his book for film adaptations, but his widow auctioned them off after his death.

3. One day

Sir Anthony Hopkins recorded his voice-over narration in one day.

Dr Seuss - How the Grinch Stole Christmas (
Image:
Rex)

4. Director Ron Howard wore the suit

Director Ron Howard felt so indebted to Carrey wearing his uncomfortable Grinch costume and make-up for such long periods that he wore it himself for a day of filming.

5. The Grinch has a backstory

The tragic backstory of the Grinch is a completely original element that is absent from the book or the Chuck Jones animaiton.

6. Why is he green?

The Grinch is only green as it is a tribute to the Chuck Jones animation, in the book The Grinch is black and white with spots of red.

7. What happened to Taylor Momsen?

Cindy Lou Who actress Taylor Momsen grew up to play Jenny Humphrey in teen drama Gossip Girl and also become the lead singer of rock band The Pretty Reckless.

The Grinch (
Image:
Getty)

8. It's a success

The film is the highest grossing Christmas movie after Home Alone.

9. ...and Jim Carrey's most successful movie

It is also the most financially successful film of Jim Carrey's career.

10. It was improv

Many of the Grinch's lines were improvised by Jim Carrey.

11. He is a she

The dog portraying Max is actually a female dog called Kelley.

Jim Carrey Stars As The Grinch

12. The Grinch holds records

Apart from The Wizard of Oz, The Grinch is holds the record for the highest number of characters in make-up and costumes.

13. His costume is a bit unusual

The Grinch costume is maid of dyed-green Yak hair, sewn onto spandex.

14. It took ages to do his makeup

The Grinch make-up took 2 hours to apply and 1 to remove, meaning Carrey spent 3 hours a day whilst filming in the make-up chair.

15. Where's his love interest now?

Actress Christine Baranski, who plays the Grinch's love interest and Martha Stewart parody Martha May Whovier, also appeared in The Good Wife and is the lead character of its spin-off The Good Fight. She also appears in the Mamma Mia films alongside Meryl Streep and Julie Walters.

16. Cindy Lou got more material

Cindy Lou Who has an expanded backstory in the film, which is not a part of the novel.

Any facts you think we have missed out? Let us know in the comments below.