The Nightmare Before Christmas
1 Oscar Nominations·National Film Registry
Rent/Purchase
Tired of scaring humans every October 31 with the same old bag of tricks, Jack Skellington, the spindly king of Halloween Town, kidnaps Santa Claus and plans to deliver shrunken heads and other ghoulish gifts to children on Christmas morning. But as Christmas approaches, Jack's rag-doll girlfriend, Sally, tries to foil his misguided plans.
What critics thought
Tim Burton's stop-motion fantasy won critics over with its visual invention and Danny Elfman's songs, landing as one of the most distinctive animated films of its era. The source material contains no meaningful dissent — praise centers on the film's wholly original world-building and its refusal to condescend to younger audiences, while scholars and fans have kept its reputation warm for decades.
“there is not a single recognizable landscape in it. Everything looks strange and haunting. Even Santa Claus would be difficult to recognize without his red-and-white uniform.”
Roger Ebert·RogerEbert.com
“a restoration of originality and daring to the Halloween genre. This dazzling mix of fun and fright also explodes the notion that animation is kid stuff.”
Peter Travers·Rolling Stone
“The Nightmare Before Christmas has something to offer just about everyone. For the kids, it's a fantasy celebrating two holidays. For the adults, it's an opportunity to experience some light entertainment while marveling at how adept Hollywood has become at these techniques.”
James Berardinelli·ReelViews
Genres
Adventure, Animation, Family
Cast & Crew
DirectorHenry Selick
StarringDanny Elfman, Chris Sarandon, Catherine O'Hara, William Hickey, Glenn Shadix
ComposerDanny Elfman
The Nightmare Before Christmas
1 Oscar Nominations·National Film Registry
Tired of scaring humans every October 31 with the same old bag of tricks, Jack Skellington, the spindly king of Halloween Town, kidnaps Santa Claus and plans to deliver shrunken heads and other ghoulish gifts to children on Christmas morning. But as Christmas approaches, Jack's rag-doll girlfriend, Sally, tries to foil his misguided plans.
What critics thought
Tim Burton's stop-motion fantasy won critics over with its visual invention and Danny Elfman's songs, landing as one of the most distinctive animated films of its era. The source material contains no meaningful dissent — praise centers on the film's wholly original world-building and its refusal to condescend to younger audiences, while scholars and fans have kept its reputation warm for decades.
“there is not a single recognizable landscape in it. Everything looks strange and haunting. Even Santa Claus would be difficult to recognize without his red-and-white uniform.”
Roger Ebert·RogerEbert.com
“a restoration of originality and daring to the Halloween genre. This dazzling mix of fun and fright also explodes the notion that animation is kid stuff.”
Peter Travers·Rolling Stone
“The Nightmare Before Christmas has something to offer just about everyone. For the kids, it's a fantasy celebrating two holidays. For the adults, it's an opportunity to experience some light entertainment while marveling at how adept Hollywood has become at these techniques.”
James Berardinelli·ReelViews
Genres
Adventure, Animation, Family
Cast & Crew
DirectorHenry Selick
StarringDanny Elfman, Chris Sarandon, Catherine O'Hara, William Hickey, Glenn Shadix
ComposerDanny Elfman
Rent/Purchase