The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) is a darkly whimsical stop-motion musical fantasy about Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, who grows bored of the same yearly scares. When he stumbles into glittering Christmas Town, he becomes infatuated with the idea of Christmas and attempts to “improve” it by bringing it back to his ghoulish home — with predictably chaotic and comical results, including the kidnapping of Santa Claus and a climactic showdown with the menacing Oogie Boogie. Along the way Jack’s misunderstood enthusiasm and growing bond with the wistful rag-doll Sally add heart to the spooky fun. Seeing the film is an experience of striking, handcrafted visuals and a unique blend of macabre and cheer. The stop-motion animation gives every creature and set a tactile, surreal quality; the songs (by Danny Elfman) are catchy and theatrical; and Tim Burton’s gothic imagination infuses the story with humor, melancholy, and wonder. Viewers will feel equal parts eerie and enchanted as the movie explores themes of identity, longing, and the consequences of good intentions — making it a charmingly offbeat holiday favorite for families and fans of fantastical, musical storytelling.

Actors: Danny Elfman, Chris Sarandon, Catherine O'Hara

Director: Henry Selick

Runtime: 76 min

Genres: Animation, Family, Fantasy

7.7 /10 82 /100 7.9 /10 7.9 /10