Did you know that being a Grouch is celebrated on October 15th? It’s National Grouch Day and what better way to be grouchy than to take a look at famous grouches that made being grumpy a beloved character trait in television and movies.

According to the dictionary, a grouch is a person who complains frequently or constantly and is a habitually irritable person who may only be happy when others around them are unhappy. It doesn’t sound like too much fun to have a goal in life to be as miserable as possible, but the following list of grouches shows how people have a soft spot in their hearts for even the grouchiest of them all.

Our Top 5 Famous Grouch List

It’s difficult to top our grouch list, but this group of 5 really are miserable in life and like to pass their grouchiness on to others, which is the only way that they seem to find any joy. After reading this list, I think you will agree that the color green should represent grouchy, not envy!

5 – Groucho Marx

You’re probably wondering why funnyman Groucho would make this list. Did you know that Groucho wanted to become a doctor and was an avid reader? He dropped out of school and went into show business due to family finances. While many wonder about his name, rumor has it that it was given to him at a poker game because he was the “moody one” of the Marx brothers. Known as being stingy and keeper of the stage act’s “grouch bag”, he wore his valuables and money around his neck. A fun fact about Groucho is that suffered from insomnia and would call people on the phone in the middle of the night and shout insults at them. That definitely makes him a candidate for our grouch list!

4 – Wicked Witch of the West

Maybe it was the ruby slippers that made her into a grouch and meanie, but don’t forget she had a legion of winged monkeys long before the house fell on her witchy rival. As the musical Wicked points out, it had to be difficult growing up green, especially when compared to the glorious glitter and beauty that was Glinda. However, she makes our grouch list because she had a lot to smile about in the land of Oz such as all of the lively and friendly munchkins as well as talking animals and unique creatures hanging about. The glittering Emerald City in the distance should have been enough to put a smile on her face at least once in awhile. I could never figure out what she had against Toto either?

3 – Oscar The Grouch

Let’s start with the fact that Oscar lives in a garbage can full of trash. That’s bound to make even the sunniest disposition turn into a grouch! Oscar’s traits were inspired by a “magnificently rude” waiter that his creator encountered and led to his signature greeting of “Have a rotten time”. Oscar’s Grouch Song declares: “Don’t let the sunshine spoil the rain, just stand up and complain” is a mantra that he sings to get the grouches of the world to stand up and unite. Oscar likes to point out everyone’s flaws, finds nothing right in the world and loves anything “dirty or dingy or dusty”. What we can’t figure out, is why he is so grouchy when his trash can home boasts a farm, swimming pool, ice rink, bowling alley and piano inside and he lives with his pet worm and pet elephant?

2 – The Grinch

The mean old, Mr. Grinch, is a favorite Dr. Seuss story in which this grumpy and greedy green grouch does not like anything to do at all with Christmas, from the hanging of stockings and lights to the decorated Christmas trees and holiday feast. This furry recluse allows the hatred he feels for Christmas take over his heart and vows to destroy Christmas for the residents of Whoville. Lucky for the Grinch he listens intently for the wails and cries on Christmas morning, but instead experiences the joy of Christmas without the presents and holiday decorations. His heart grows three sizes that day and that’s why he has been a beloved grouch since his introduction in 1957.

1 – Scrooge

Why is Dickens’ A Christmas Carol such a holiday classic? Because of the main character Ebenezer Scrooge, the biggest grouch around, who has a change of heart and transforms his grouchy ways just in time for Christmas morning. It is the feel-good story of the holiday season! The greed in Scrooge grips his heart into a vise, so that there is no room left for those in desperate need of a little charity. Scrooge is visited by the Ghost of Christmas Past, Christmas Present and Christmas Yet To Come, who open his eyes and magically transform his angry “Bah, Humbug” into a “Merry Christmas To All”.

On National Grouch Day, tell your favorite grouch how much you love him or her and curl up on the couch together with a bowl of popcorn and watch the movie Grumpy Old Men for a laugh.

Want to give your favorite grouch a gift to remember? Check out our series of Grinch ornaments, Oscar the Grouch, Scrooge inspired ornaments or even Wizard of Oz!