HOLLYWOOD - “The Grinch” proved it’s never too early for some holiday cheer as the animated family flick stole this week’s box office.

Illumination and Universal’s adaptation of the Dr. Seuss holiday tale now ranks as the best start for a Christmas film. Benedict Cumberbatch voiced the animated green grouch in “The Grinch,” which cost the studio $75 million to make.

“Bohemian Rhapsody,” Fox’s Queen biopic, showed staying power with its 10-day domestic total just shy of $100 million.

Paramount’s “Overlord,” produced by J.J. Abrams, was able to nab third place.

In fourth, Disney’s “The Nutcracker and the Four Realms” is banking on its overseas run to justify the family film’s pricey $125 million budget.

Meanwhile, “The Girl in the Spider’s Web” and “A Star Is Born,” now in its sixth week, are in a tie for fifth place.

Story Date: November 19, 2018