Nightmare Before Christmas, The

Movie Info

Genre(s): Musical

Written by: Tim Burton (poem)
Michael McDowell (adaptation)
Caroline Thompson

Directed by: Henry Selick

Release Date:
Theatrical: October 29, 1993
DVD: October 3, 2000

Running Time: 76 minutes, Color

Origin: USA

Summary

RATING: PG

Starring Chris Sarandon, Danny Elfman, Catherine O'Hara, William Hickey, Glenn Shadix, Paul Reubens, Ken Page, and Ed Ivory

Halloweentown's celebrated Pumpkin King, Jack Skellington, and a colorful cast of assorted ghosts, ghouls, and goblins, are back to scare up plenty of tricks and treats as holidays collide with chaotic and comical consequences in this stop-motion animated musical-fantasy. (Touchstone Pictures)

Also On Metacritic

FILM: Batman Beetlejuice Big Fish Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Ed Wood Edward Scissorhands Mars Attacks! Planet of the Apes Sleepy Hollow Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

Also On The Web: Internet Movie Database Official Studio Site

What The Critics Said

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

What Our Users Said

Vote Now!The average user rating for this movie is 9.3 (out of 10) based on 112 User Votes

Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Aaron G gave it a9:
I don't see why the reason for throwing a big fat "only emos and gothics like this movie" on this review. Yes, we all know Tim Burton it a bit weird, but that's his specialty and I appreciate it (even though the film was directed by Henry Selick). The thing that really got me on this movie is the absolutely EXTRAVAGANT soundtrack. Every single song fits the mood to near perfection, with great memorable lyrics and beautiful cinema to accompany it. The movie is just the right length with no drawn out scenes. The movie is a beautiful flower that not everyone sees the same. Some may see a dreary movie that does little to entertain, but others will see a moving musicals with emotional overtones, and one of the best soundtracks to date.

Victoria H. gave it a10:
I love this movie. I remember watching it when I was just 2 or 2 years old and being fascinated by Jack and Sally. I agree, it is whored out nowadays, and it bothers me. But yes, this movie = win.

Paul gave it a10:
Absolutely loved this film. As a trailer-maker, had to make a promo for this film in the 90s, and was knocked out by it from the opening moments: that brilliant segue from the silky voiceover into those heavy jabbing chords that take us into the opening introductory song (I had to play that, loud, man!), and those wonderful figures passing us by as we move in. Great music from Danny Elfman (what a genius he is, too!), stunning visuals and characters: you find yourself falling in love with Sally - so touching! - and the lovelorn stuff is just heart-rending. And Zero, the dog - don't ya just love him? A great film, a huge achievement - and I just can't understand anyone who doesn't agree. What kind of weird, insensitive people can they be? You know who you are! Would we want to know you? In summary - a very fine film. Everyone should see it!

Shay M. gave it a1:
The only people who can appreciate this movie are scenesters, mall goths, and emos. Honestly this movie is ridiculously pathetic and only Tim Burton's clout as a cult director makes this movie appear to seem accepted by the demographic of scene kids who need a fucking life. Overall rating = F

Michael D. gave it a10:
The world was an ordinary place:boring, dull and no fun. However, that all changed on October 23,1993 when Henry Selick (Not Tim Burton he was the producer) directed a amazingly awesome movie entitled:The Nightmare Before Christmas! The film composed by the musical genius Danny Elfeman is to cool to be alive! The film follows the adventure of Jack Skellington(Chris Sandaron) who is bored of his repetitive life style and wants something differant. So one day while walking in the woods with his dog zero he stumbled upon a town called Christmas Town! Jack loves it! He wants it to be celebrated in his hometown! However when the three tricketers :Lock,(Paul Reubens)Shock,(Catherine 'o ' Hera) and Barrel(Danny Elefman) kidnap the Santy Clause he is talking to their master's lair: Oogie Boogie(Ken Page)! He plans to torment,torture and kill Santa clause and put him in his favorite brew:Snake and Spider Stew! the film is a classic and well always be one 2 thumbs up!

Fabio C. gave it a10:
simply my all time favourite animation movie... Tim Burton's imaginary world that comes alive, amazing character design, great music and acting, top notch stop-motion animation this is not a cold and lifeless CGI movie, it's truly something different...

Alex S gave it a9:
A fantastic concept, backed by a fantastic score, with fantastic graphical style. I adore this film so very much, the intelligence of design in the characters, and how plain original the story is make this one of the most innovative animated films ever. Luvin it

Read more user comments >