The Nightmare Before Christmas

1993

1h 16m

IMDb RATING

7.8/10

10K

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8 Videos

99+ Images

Fantasy

Animation

Family

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.

Directors

Henry Selick

Writers

Caroline Thompson(screenplay by)

Michael McDowell(adaptation by)

Mike Cachuela(storyboard by)

Stars

Danny Elfman

Chris Sarandon

Catherine O'Hara

See production, box office & company info

Videos8

Photos199

Top cast

Danny Elfman

Jack Skellington (singing) …

Chris Sarandon

Jack Skellington (voice)

Catherine O'Hara

Sally …

William Hickey

Dr. Finkelstein (voice)

Mayor (voice)

Lock (voice)

Oogie Boogie (voice)

Santa Claus (voice)

Big Witch …

Corpse Kid …

Harlequin Demon …

Man Under Stairs …

Mr. Hyde …

Mummy …

Undersea Gal …

Wolfman (voice)

Additional Voices (voice)

L. Peter Callender

Additional Voices (voice)

Directors

Henry Selick

Writers

Caroline Thompson(screenplay by)

Michael McDowell(adaptation by)

Mike Cachuela(storyboard by)

All cast & crew

Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

User reviews2

Review

Featured review

7/10

This is a cracking animation fantasy centring around "Jack Skellington" - the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town. When he feels all just a bit deflated after one celebration, he happens upon Christmas Town and encounters Santa Claus preparing to bring jolity and happiness. "Jack" sends a few of his rather stupid henchmen to kidnap Santa, takes his place and proceeds to deliver Christmas gifts that... well... are not exactly typical. Can Santa be rescued in time?? The animation is wonderfully detailed, dark and enjoyable with plenty of characters including a mad scientist as well as a mummy, the two-faced mayor and plenty of witches and demons. Not for the first time, Tim Burton shows a visionary imagination that I couldn't help but smile at - and coupled with a marvellous score (and lead vocal) from Danny Elfman we are presented with a thoroughly engaging Christmas story with a bit of a twist. Interesting that in the cinema recently, it struggled to hold the attention of the youngsters which was a shame. Perhaps the intervening years have made this more suitable for adults now?

Geronimo196726 Aug, 2023