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The Nightmare Before Christmas
The Nightmare Before Christmas
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The Nightmare Before Christmas

The Nightmare Before Christmas

1993
Musical, Family/Kids
1h 16m
Returning to big screen haunts for the first time in seven years, 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)

The Nightmare Before Christmas

1993
Musical, Family/Kids
1h 16m
Your probable score
Avg Percentile 62.17% from 11419 total ratings

Ratings & Reviews

(11504)
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Rated 20 Jun 2016
95
91st
It's telling that Tim Burton's best movie wasn't directed by him.
Rated 05 Dec 2007
9
90th
When skeletons, ghosts, and goblins are out there singing and dancing, you know Tim Burton is responsible, and I mean that in a good way. Watching Jack Skellington ruin christmas is more fun than watching the Grinch do the exact same thing. The film's charachters are crazy, sinister but at the same time enchanting. It's imaginative and haunting songs also make the film work. Tim Burton has created a magical but dark classic, a man whose films never cease to amaze me.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
95
98th
One of the reasons why I love movies
Rated 27 Mar 2007
85
97th
Boys and girls of every age, wouldn't you like to see something strange! The idea of halloween doesn't mean much to me other than a cultural motive. But Burton's best shot at looking from the other side is priceless. Especially for the ones that have holes on their chests. One of a kind.
Rated 12 Oct 2009
100
99th
Henry Selick and Danny Elfman elevates Tim Burton's gothic monster universe to pure brilliance.
Rated 30 Nov 2021
80
77th
In another life I am a big tit goth chick nightmare and this is my entire personality.
Rated 29 Dec 2015
100
98th
Amazing. Selicks dynamic, exquisite direction blends seamlessly with Elfmans awesome songs and score. Tying it all together is the incomperable imagination of Burton, well before he became the Delacroix of lukewarm shit. Immensely detailed with lots of references for conniseurs of the strange, from Robert Aickmans "The Swords" to (of all fucking things) The Incredible Melting Man. Also, I think this is where I finally confirm the rumors that I am, indeed, an Oogie Boogie Man. Woah oh.
Rated 16 Nov 2009
95
96th
Best musical ever made, stop-motion or otherwise.
Rated 04 Oct 2009
8
82nd
Visually gorgeous, even today (in 2009). And that is saying something considering all the advances Pixar has made with the genre. A lot of fun. Everyone should show this to their kids.
Rated 23 Apr 2009
90
96th
One of the most iconic (almost to a bad point) children's movies ever. I think I wore out the old VHS I had of this, it was watched so many times...
Rated 20 Dec 2008
72
80th
A bizarre musical horror-animation movie, I like more animal animation movies. Nevertheless beautiful done and never seen such movie before. The last 2 minutes are really beautiful and romantic.
Rated 23 Jul 2008
96
89th
Holds the record for my favorite score ever recorded. It's bizzare, creative, enjoyable, scary, creepy and just very clever.
Rated 06 Jan 2013
53
48th
Enjoyable music, mood, and animation, although the plot sometimes feels rather thin. I feel I would have enjoyed this more as a short.
Rated 05 Mar 2008
98
92nd
Not for all tastes (it's a little on the weird side), but I loved it! Incredible animation, a sweet, if bizarre, storyline, and lovable characters made this one I want to watch and rewatch.
Rated 13 Jan 2008
89
84th
The stop-motion effects give this somewhat untraditional Christmas movie a eery overtone that fits the creepy Halloweentown perfectly. Catchy songs and great character designs also help.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
55
11th
Visually impressive, but otherwise mostly a dud. The songs fell flat and seemed to slow everything down. Jack Skellington is not fleshed out enough (pun intended).
Rated 07 Mar 2007
100
99th
I grew up watching and loving this. The songs and story and imagination are unsurpassed.
Rated 03 Nov 2020
65
42nd
Undeniably, it has a unique aesthetic appeal, but it's no Laika production: the models and animation are second-rate, though the cheapness holds a certain charm, I guess. I don't know if it really *fills* its length, but the concept and artistic experimentation does manage to hold interest throughout, hitting a strikingly stand-out high with the delightful "What's This?" sequence. While it doesn't earn a place on my shrine, I can see why it's iconic.
Rated 27 Dec 2011
87
93rd
This is a really fun movie that I highly recommend. It is certainly not your typical Christmas movie. The animation is stunning and a joy to watch and there are several catchy songs.
Rated 05 Oct 2011
97
94th
I love this film. Definitely one of my favorite films with Tim Burtons name on it, with some excellent music and wonderful stop motion animation. I also loved the voice acting and world-building. It's just throughly interesting and entertaining in my opinion. I guess my only complaint is it's too short! One of my favorites.
Rated 10 Apr 2011
70
71st
One of the best musicals I've ever seen... Not a masterpiece as many would argue, but yet a charming and magical universe with some amazing songs and characters, cause storywise its a bit dull...
Rated 01 Jan 2010
99
98th
A must-see movie before Christmas
Rated 24 Dec 2009
95
97th
A childhood favorite that has stood the test of time and still brings a smile to my face. I love the music. The songs are all catchy and I find myself singing parts of them long after I have finished watching. I'm normally not a huge fan of claymation but I love it in this movie. It might be because the characters are all so unique and great. If only Henry Selick actually got credit from the general public for directing this; every time I bring it up people thought Tim Burton did.
Rated 02 Aug 2009
87
52nd
Inventive, clever, and spectacular.
Rated 01 Aug 2009
85
91st
Dark, beautiful and endearing animation. A Christmas favourite.
Rated 27 Apr 2009
84
62nd
Wonderful animation and design alongside awesome songs make this an excellent, excellent movie.
Rated 16 Oct 2008
100
98th
A horror fantasy clay animation musical: Genius. This is Tim Burton's best work by far. The songs are wonderful, the setting is brilliant and the characters are positively insane. Ranks high among my favourites!
Rated 28 Aug 2008
100
97th
My favorite holiday seasons film.
Rated 27 Mar 2008
82
38th
Though parts are a bit bizarre, and it's definitely more a Halloween movie than a Christmas one, this does have some imaginative and endearing elements.
Rated 07 Feb 2008
89
87th
The amount of work that went into this is beyond belief. The songs are awesome, too.
Rated 08 Sep 2007
91
98th
Burton's best work, gorgeously dark, lavish, funny, sweet and twisted.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
100
98th
One of the best movies out there
Rated 14 Aug 2007
85
92nd
Breezy and effervescent, this is Burton on full-tilt, despite his not directing it. Elfman shines throughout.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
73
80th
Danny Elfman, through his voicing of Jack Skellington and superb songwriting, is really the one who pushes this Burton-Selick work from 'good' to 'great'.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
80
76th
The little boy screaming as the giant snake eats his Christmas tree makes my life complete.
Rated 12 Jul 2007
91
74th
A fun Christmas/Halloween movie. Very original.
Rated 11 Jun 2007
95
94th
One of the greatest animated musicals about my favorite holiday.
Rated 19 Mar 2007
4
70th
Extremely enjoyable and creative, with great animation and really memorable musical numbers. I don't have a bunch to say about this, it's just a blast to watch.
Rated 27 Feb 2007
73
64th
A lot of stupid Hot Topic kids really like this movie, but don't let that spoil it for you, it actually IS really good. HOWEVER, I just watched it again recently, and I have to say, it really has not aged well. It still keeps a lot of points for being completely original, and I definitely loved it as a kid.
Rated 02 Nov 2023
90
90th
"I am the shadow on the moon at night" is one of the greatest lines of all time.
Rated 10 Nov 2020
6
42nd
The romance is unfounded (should've just focused on Jack if you're only going to develop it at the end) and the story arc is truly baffling (the first act "There must be something more! Let's try something different!" resolves with "Nah, don't try new things and don't fuck with tradition"), but as an exercise in humour and aesthetic it works great: Jack and the townsfolk's morbid and creepy yet enthusiastic take on Christmas is hilarious and the songs and animations are all uniquely delightful.
Rated 21 Oct 2020
66
89th
really pretty to look at and it has some cool songs as well but i don't think the story is too good, at least not nearly as good as its visuals for sure.
Rated 02 Nov 2019
70
76th
(Rewatch in 3D. The 3D effects die down after the intro, but the intro alone is worth the price of admission.) Starts strong and keeps up a good pace with the engaging creepy music. I enjoyed this twist on Santa as well as the lack of over-explaining the holiday worlds. Fav scene: haunting opening theme.
Rated 21 Oct 2019
47
12th
While the visuals are creative and distinctive, I don't think there's much else it offers.
Rated 29 Jan 2018
70
39th
Pretty good for a dark kids movie..And everybody thought this was tim burton... its his style all right but he didnt direct it! i was flabbergasted when i found out
Rated 04 Dec 2016
8
85th
As far as musicals go, especially of the Disney variety, this is pretty damn fun, charming and creative, and the animation holds up perfectly. Highly recommended for all ages.
Rated 11 Feb 2015
90
92nd
This is Henry Selick, dammit, not Tim Burton, Henry Selick deserves so much of the credit Tim Burton gets for this. A delightfully well-made stop-motion masterpiece, with some of Danny Elfman's most iconic musical work. Some of the screenplay wears a bit thin at times (particularly where Sally's involved), but the animation is so enchantingly sinister and the music and performances so wonderful that that doesn't really matter much in the end.
Rated 08 Aug 2014
80
44th
Instantly iconic character and a short run time makes this easily rewatchable, even though I'm just satisfied by the opening song.
Rated 05 Dec 2013
55
58th
Great technical work with the stop motion and the film looks great, but overall it's pretty bland, story wise. The songs are all kind of similar and there's no comic relief to be found (which is rare for any kind of animated project) The only amusing/engaging character was the Boogeyman.
Rated 02 Apr 2013
83
83rd
A bit overrated, but it's nice that you can more or less watch this film between October and December every year. Not many holiday films that fill a nice niche between two holidays.
Rated 13 Mar 2013
80
81st
A visual delight.
Rated 11 Dec 2012
65
27th
The sidestory of the Frankenstein girl completely falls flat and none of the characters are that interesting. The snake was very funny.
Rated 04 Sep 2012
58
60th
Although enveloped in nostalgia and deservedly regarded as a sinisterly charming animation, it's equally a surprisingly variable one. I found myself being turned off by the song and dance routines almost as frequently as I was engaged by them, leaving some extended scenes feeling somewhat wearisome towards the end despite the short 75 minute running time. Overall though I'd say it's still certainly worth a viewing, remaining a very competent and darkly creative experience.
Rated 10 Jul 2012
92
94th
A stunningly original and visually delightful work of stop-motion animation.
Rated 16 Jun 2012
90
74th
Fuck Hot Topic
Rated 12 Jun 2012
100
94th
The perfect melding of visual and music. Henry Selick (Coraline), not Tim Burton, deserves a lot of credit in making this film come to life with his amazing directorial skills. Danny Elfman produces some of the best songs and score to a movie in his long career that he has yet topped. The characters are a joy to watch in all their morbid fascination with their version of Christmas. Very few animated films, even kid's movies, rise up to masterpieces, but this one exceeds on all accounts.
Rated 18 Apr 2012
92
62nd
I liked it! I REALLY REALLY LIKED IT!
Rated 15 Apr 2012
80
89th
one of the 7 wonder of the animations.
Rated 16 Mar 2012
100
84th
Got, have the music on my phone, have it on in the background when I am busy.
Rated 12 Feb 2012
9
0th
Not sure if the greatest christmas movie or the greatest halloween movie.
Rated 20 Nov 2011
90
47th
A classic. I love Jack and I love the songs.
Rated 02 Nov 2011
80
97th
A very imaginitive work with memorable characters and visuals that will last all year. And what a concept, pitting the Pumpkin King and Halloween against Santa Claus and Christmas. No two holidays could be more diametrically opposed and the end result would have been disasterous were it not for the hilarity.
Rated 17 Oct 2011
90
93rd
One of my favorites as a kid and still one of my favorites. The stop-motion is perfect.
Rated 29 Sep 2011
96
80th
Absolutely loved this movie!
Rated 17 Sep 2011
96
99th
Still as fantastic as it was when I saw it as a child. Visually beautiful, revolutionary stop-motion animation, fantastic songs that never get old and just as heart warming as it was all those years ago. Probably my second favourite family film, behind "Wizard of Oz", it never has and never will get old.
Rated 11 Jul 2011
70
25th
I would rate it higher, but at this point I can't bring myself to care. I am so sick of seeing Jack Skellington's grinning mug everywhere I turn.
Rated 15 May 2011
85
90th
Sorry Jack, but sharing you with millions of stupid emo girls isn't really my kind of idea for Burtonness. It actually blows.
Rated 03 May 2011
92
80th
A magical, inventive little movie with stunning animation and great songs.
Rated 07 Apr 2011
70
38th
Selick and Burton collaborate well, the rickety, geometric animation feeling like a perfect melding of their collective sensibilities and the film itself unafraid to go big and do things in sweeping, all-encompassing gestures. However, it also feels rushed, and not enough time is given to the central relationship of Jack and Sally or the central threat of Oogie Boogie to really make those elements resonate.
Rated 21 Jan 2011
87
81st
Danny Elfman creates his best music and it is put to a charming story reminiscent of the puppet animations of Christmas television.
Rated 19 Jan 2011
50
11th
While the visuals are incredible, and the music is wonderful, you'd be hard pressed to find a very good story. Sure it's creative and the IDEA of the movie is great, but the story itself just isn't that great. A good example is the spontaneous romance that really comes out of left field, and, because of that, leaves you a little confused. It's more fun to delight in the technical wizardry of the film than to pay attention to it's story, or lack thereof.
Rated 03 Jan 2011
100
94th
I love this film. The music is catchy and will easily get stuck in your head; and the plot is amazing. It's a twisted sort of love story which also revolves around the kidnapping of Santa, known as "Sandy Claws" Highly recommended film.
Rated 24 Dec 2010
75
82nd
Imaginative, superbly animated (using stop-motion techniques with figures) musical, although children may not warm to its quirky humour.
Rated 21 Dec 2010
63
44th
Overrated. The transitions to songs don't seem to fit for me. I mean the songs themselves aren't so bad, but they seem a little forced into the movie. I felt the same for Sweeney Todd as well. Either Tim Burton can't nail this Musical genre or I'm obviously just not a fan of these types of films.
Rated 11 Dec 2010
42
3rd
This film is way too simple. Such a banal story and a climax almost devoid of any tension or excitement. This is all about style, and Burtonesque goth isn't really my thing. I did get the occasional laughs, though, and that "but what does it mean" quote is awesome!
Rated 21 Nov 2010
86
62nd
A great work of collaboration between Tim Burton's concept and characters, the lyrics and music of Danny Elfman, and the hard work and dedication of hundreds of artists, all held together and made better by the creative glue of Henry Selick's direction.
Rated 16 Nov 2010
65
60th
Great animation, and good for providing something different to all the schmaltz you find in other Christmas films (there's a bit at the end, but not too much). Elfman's music is very engaging, although some of the song refrains do get a tad repetitive over the course of 70 minutes. Some memorable characters too - in particular the Oogey-Boogey Man, who is truly bizarre and quite frightening. I could easily sit down to watch this every Christmas and still find it enjoyable.
Rated 18 Aug 2010
93
79th
Really cool animation!
Rated 17 Aug 2010
89
74th
love the puppets, love the songs, love the story and everything i saw in this movie
Rated 07 Jul 2010
95
99th
One of my most favorite movies of all time.
Rated 25 May 2010
80
59th
A holiday classic. Just not the holiday that's actually in the title.
Rated 01 Apr 2010
90
88th
Beautiful and lovely Movie! Quite enchanting!
Rated 24 Feb 2010
90
89th
I'm not a fan of musicals, and I like this movie.
Rated 24 Feb 2010
100
92nd
memories of my childhood, yay.
Rated 21 Jan 2010
8
79th
Magical. A pleasure to watch time and time again.
Rated 18 Dec 2009
100
99th
favorite
Rated 29 Jul 2009
90
90th
An entertaining, stylish musical.
Rated 02 Jun 2009
100
92nd
Exceptional animation, great storyline and memorable characters.
Rated 28 May 2009
99
99th
"Boys and Girls of every age, would you like to see something strange?" Yes ever and ever again!
Rated 01 Apr 2009
90
97th
This is Halloween!!!
Rated 17 Mar 2009
85
82nd
This is, for me at least, a shining example that stop motion and puppetry is not dead, and is still a relevant art form. I was fortunate enough to see this in the theatre when it first came around, and I as a kid, loved it. Now, as an adult, I am enchanted by it still all these years later. Its an incredibly fun movie to watch, with characters that are as lively as they are interesting an unique. Plus, the voice cast is amazing. Along with the South Park version, Santa Claus kicks ass here.
Rated 02 Mar 2009
70
86th
Dear to my heart, and Im not even a psuedo hot topic goth person.
Rated 16 Feb 2009
90
91st
Charming and imaginative. Elfman's music will stick in your head and Burton's imagery is just a treat to watch.
Rated 04 Feb 2009
6
95th
The most fun I can have with my pants on.
Rated 04 Feb 2009
85
91st
What a strange little flick this was, pure entertainment though. Full of great music, visuals and humor.
Rated 23 Dec 2008
85
45th
I give this movie lots of credit for being unique, creative, and very well made. The story is a bit different, but sweet and touching. The only downside is that I felt the movie didn't explain everything as well as it could have (this is pretty nit-picky, though, because overall the story is very easy to follow). Anyway, it's definitely worth the watch and a great movie to transition between Halloween and the Holidays. :)
Rated 23 Dec 2008
97
94th
I love the animation in this movie. Truly brilliant!
Rated 15 Dec 2008
88
91st
I loved this movie when I was six! I was Jack Skellington for Halloween that year. I genuinely adore this, I really hate most of the other people who adore it. For real, it's called color, put it in your wardrobe.
Rated 24 Nov 2008
100
94th
i love that movie
Rated 20 Nov 2008
100
81st
A miracle in the fine art of black humor, this movie stands as a classic in character design, animation, music, and for the holidays.

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