The Grinch 3 (2025) – “The Coldest Christmas Yet”
Voiced by: Benedict Cumberbatch, with new character Frostina
Rating: 9.1/10
Genre: Animation, Family, Comedy, Holiday

“Even the coldest heart can feel the warmth of Christmas.”

The holiday season is about to get a lot more frosty in The Grinch 3: The Coldest Christmas Yet (2025). This time, the green grouch himself, voiced once again by Benedict Cumberbatch, is facing an icy new threat to Christmas. The Grinch, now a reluctant yet beloved member of Whoville, finds himself in the middle of a magical and mischievous adventure that might just teach him — and all of Whoville — the true meaning of Christmas all over again.

A New Chill in Whoville

It’s been a while since the Grinch stole Christmas, and in this new installment, he’s embraced the joy and chaos of Whoville’s festive season. However, the peace is short-lived when a new character, Frostina — an enigmatic ice spirit — appears, bringing a deep chill to the land. Frostina, voiced by a new talent (yet to be revealed), is a mischievous and unpredictable force of nature determined to freeze Christmas forever. With her frosty powers, she creates snowstorms and an endless winter, slowly suffocating the warmth and joy of the holiday season.

The Grinch, Max (his loyal canine companion), and a now-teenage Cindy Lou Who, voiced by a new actress, must work together to face this frosty new foe. But this time, the stakes are higher. The warmth of Christmas is literally at risk, and it’s up to this unlikely trio to bring the season’s joy back to Whoville before Frostina’s icy grip consumes everything.

The Grinch: A Changed Heart… But Still a Grouch

Benedict Cumberbatch’s Grinch returns with all the snark, wit, and sarcasm that fans have come to love, but with a deeper layer of character development. Having become a part of Whoville’s vibrant community, the Grinch still struggles with his grouchy nature. His heart, now much larger than before, is still a little too cold for complete Christmas cheer. His hilarious antics continue to steal the show, but this time, he faces the challenge of confronting his own feelings and insecurities in the face of a Christmas that threatens to turn bitter and cold.

Cumberbatch’s voice performance shines again, balancing the Grinch’s lovable mischievousness with moments of genuine warmth and growth. His dynamic with Max remains as charming as ever, filled with humorous exchanges and the kind of loyal companionship that’s so central to the Grinch’s evolution.

Max and Cindy Lou: The Loyal Sidekicks

Max, the Grinch’s faithful dog, has always been a quiet yet steadfast presence, and his role here remains as endearing as ever. His humorous reactions to the Grinch’s increasingly wild plans and his ultimate devotion to his owner continue to be a highlight of the film. Max may not speak, but his actions speak louder than words, and he’s always there when the Grinch needs him most — whether it’s saving the day or simply offering a reassuring nudge.

Teenage Cindy Lou Who brings her own brand of heart and energy to the story. Now older and wiser, Cindy Lou’s role has evolved from the innocent girl who saved Christmas to a young woman who understands the power of hope, determination, and kindness. Her bond with the Grinch and Max is at the core of the film’s emotional arc, with her mature perspective and bravery playing a crucial role in confronting Frostina’s chilling threat.

Frostina: The Icy Villain

Frostina is a fascinating new antagonist who brings a fresh layer of magic and mystery to the world of The Grinch. As an ice spirit with the power to conjure endless snowstorms and freeze anything in her path, she is a formidable challenge for the Grinch and his team. Her motivations are rooted in a desire to impose order and quiet by freezing the world into a permanent winter, believing that coldness will force everyone to slow down and appreciate what really matters — even if it means erasing the joy of Christmas.

Frostina’s character offers both menace and a touch of sympathy, as her backstory unfolds throughout the film. She isn’t simply evil for the sake of being evil, and her complexity adds depth to her role. The movie explores how even the coldest hearts — like Frostina’s — can be thawed through warmth and understanding.

A Journey Beyond Whoville

In order to save Christmas, the Grinch, Max, and Cindy Lou must embark on a journey that takes them far beyond the familiar borders of Whoville. The quest to defeat Frostina leads them into new and magical realms, from frosty forests filled with enchanted snowmen to hidden caves where the secrets of the holiday season are stored.

Along the way, the trio encounters bizarre and whimsical characters, each one more strange and magical than the last. There are plenty of comedic moments in these interactions, as well as opportunities for the Grinch to face his own fears, doubts, and feelings of inadequacy. With each passing challenge, the Grinch’s heart grows even warmer, and he begins to realize that perhaps his role in Whoville — and in Christmas — is more significant than he ever thought.

Heartfelt and Hilarious: The Perfect Holiday Blend

The Grinch’s latest adventure blends the perfect mix of holiday warmth, humor, and heart. While there are plenty of laughs to be had — especially from the Grinch’s signature grumpy antics and Max’s comedic reactions — the film also delivers a powerful message about the importance of embracing change, understanding others, and the true meaning of Christmas. The bond between the Grinch, Max, and Cindy Lou grows even deeper as they face Frostina’s challenges together, and the ultimate message of the movie is one of warmth, redemption, and the ability to open one’s heart.

The film is visually stunning, with beautifully crafted snowy landscapes and whimsical designs that bring the world of Whoville and beyond to life. The animation is filled with color, humor, and holiday magic, making it a treat for viewers of all ages.

Final Thoughts

The Grinch 3: The Coldest Christmas Yet (2025) is a delightful and enchanting sequel that delivers everything fans love about the Grinch — humor, heart, and a dash of holiday magic. Benedict Cumberbatch’s return as the Grinch, alongside the beloved Max and the wise-beyond-her-years Cindy Lou, creates a heartwarming trio that is sure to resonate with audiences young and old. Frostina’s chilling presence adds an exciting new layer of intrigue, and the emotional arc of the Grinch’s journey from grumpiness to joy is beautifully executed.

Rating: 9.1/10 — A funny, heartfelt, and beautifully frosty adventure that will warm your heart and make you believe in the magic of Christmas all over again.