The Nightmare Before Christmas (PG, 2006)
common sense media says
Tim Burton magic with just a touch of scariness.
parents & educators say
- 36% say there are positive messages
- 31% say violence is an issue
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this offbeat, stop motion-animated movie is one of the great family films for all ages. That said, it does have scary Halloween creatures in it -- characters take off their own heads and limbs, and there are skeletons, nasty toys, and a creepy villain named Oogie Boogie. A Christmas tree even burns up. Some little kids who aren't old enough to distinguish this fantasy from the goings on at Halloween (or those prone to nightmares) might steer clear, although you can always pause the TV and talk about what's scaring them. The special 3D version is identical in content and storyline to the original, but the enhanced visuals may add marginal spookiness and could further blur the line between fantasy and reality for some younger kids.
Positive role models:
The hero, Jack Skellington, is a kind-hearted and likable character. He makes mistakes but through the course of the film learns from them and corrects them. He doesn't act out of malice and he is enduringly innocent. Sally, Jack's love interest, is the only character to speak out against his plan to take over Christmas and she also helps Jack to correct his mistakes at great risk to herself.
Violence & scariness:
Characters take off their own heads and limbs.
Sexy stuff:
Not applicable.
Language:
Not applicable.
Consumerism:
Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
Not applicable.
More on The Nightmare Before Christmas
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Review It
Based on 36 parent & educator reviews:
- 36% say there are positive messages
- 31% say violence is an issue
Most useful reviews by all members
Bob Wakowski
kid, 12 years old
kid, 12 years old
Might be O.K. for 5 year old's.
I LOVE THIS MOVIE!!!!!!!! I think it is violent but a mature 6 year old can take it. There is very creepy things when they (defeat) Oogie his cloth is torn off and his body is just a bundle of bugs that might be a bit scary for 6 year old's. Of course all in all it's a very good movie.
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andsoitgoes
parent of 6 and 6 year old
parent of 6 and 6 year old
This is Halloween!
I never enjoyed this movie as much as I did when watching it alongside my 4-yr old twins.
I was iffy on what they'd think about it. I knew there was some questionable subject matter within, the kids were pretty mean, Jack had a few situations where he got pretty nasty towards others and the obvious of Jack getting shot out of the sky and Oogie Boogie shooting at Jack with his contraptions.
However, I was willing to risk it, sit with my girls and explain the situation. In the end, it was worth it. I think they appreciated that the kids there were being nasty. That Oogie Boogie was bad, and that Jack was just confused about what he really wanted.
I know there are some things they don't FULLY get, but as long as you're willing to sit, explain and stress that there are things inappropriate about the BAD things, there are SO many good things about the movie.
The music, the end morals of wanting to be different, better and of course, the love story.
Give it a try by yourself. You know your kids the best, and will know if this is right for them. But heck, if you haven't seen it... DO. It's great for adults, too!
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pinkkittyninja
kid, 13 years old
kid, 13 years old
Pretty cool movie!
I LOVED this movie! It had a nice storyline and I love Jack! He's a good role model and means no harm. There was a lot of singing, too. Overall, nice movie to watch on Chrismas or Halloween!
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shanno15
teen, 16 years old
teen, 16 years old
:)
This is a really good movie, I love that jack and sally end up a couple it's so cute!
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Jesusrulz666
parent of 18 year old
parent of 18 year old
fine.
Its not that scary, but its mysterious. Has an oscar winning plot in my opinion.
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lilmissfrankie
kid, 12 years old
kid, 12 years old
ewwwwww but good :) a bit scary for say 4 year olds
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Niche
parent of 8 and 10 year old
parent of 8 and 10 year old
Perfect for families with dark tastes
Our family loves this movie. Not for all families in its quirky darkness. Fits our family's taste to a tee.
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robinrunner
teen, 14 years old
teen, 14 years old
Amazing perspective on the holiday that's not as dark as it seems in the trailers
That's not to say that it's gonna freak the little ones out though. It is gothic and at points creepy. But it does send positive messages to the audience on the clear fact that anything is possible if you set your mind to it, and to work towards your goals and dreams no matter how awkward or wierd they may seem.
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Christ-Lover
parent of and 7 , 7 , 8 , 11 , 14 year old
parent of and 7 , 7 , 8 , 11 , 14 year old
Cute Halloween romance.
I love this movie, and so do my children. They would always demand to watch this on family movie night (Except Jessica, my fourteen year old daughter).
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Mom0f4Blessings
parent of and 2 , 4 , 9 year old
parent of and 2 , 4 , 9 year old
Big Tim Burton Fan!!!!
This movie teaches kids how to be themsevles as Jack Skellington learns.It also REALLY stimulates your imagination and creativity which is always a plus.This is MY personal favorite movie with a ton of awesome visuals and catchy music for the kiddos.
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Trebuchet
parent of 6 year old
parent of 6 year old
An annual tradition in our house
This is one of my favorite movies. I don't love everything Tim Burton produces, but this one is charming and the music is great. In particular, I love that failure isn't the end of Jack. There is so much pressure to succeed, and so little about how to pick yourself up and find life after a setback. The religion and holiday topic was not an issue for me, but people who don't celebrate Christmas or who emphasize the religious nature of it might want to view it before sharing it with their kids. Also, it can be a little scary, so if your child frightens easily, wait another year or two.
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istackbread
kid, 11 years old
kid, 11 years old
Read 2 Find out
THIS IS THE BEST THING YOU COULD WATCH!!! All you people that say its scary or bad,you are crazy! I was Sally for halloween. unforgettable music, JACK IS ADORABLE (i called my cat after him ^^)My favorite evr. please see. JACK AND SALLY 4EVER!
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Xela9
kid, 12 years old
kid, 12 years old
might be Tim's best animated flick!
It's a mixture of negative role models and good role models. jack Skellington first turns evil and then soon gets nicer as he sings his song about his sorrow for making Christmas a ruthful holiday. It's a dark film but it's great. Best animated Tim Burton flick.
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FezesAreCool
kid, 12 years old
kid, 12 years old
A little bit scary but really good, 8+
This movie was really good and thought-provoking. Brilliant story about a skeleton who lives in the Halloween world and travels to the Christmas world. He then tries to bring Christmas to the Halloween world but it doesn't work out. Another masterpiece from Tim Burton.
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LLorenzen59
teen, 15 years old
teen, 15 years old
e.g. An Insperation
I am a 12 year old girl and i just watched this movie for the first time today.At first i thought it was, not only wierd, but also creepy. But throughout the first quarter of the movie I stard to understand the message of it. To me it was telling that you dont always need to go looking for something better. be pleased with what you have. it says that if you really believe in something to go for it, even if you make a few mistakes, there will be atleast one person in this world who loves you and backs you up. I really love this movie because my brother and cousin both comitted suicide this year. it made me think about all of the people that love me and loved them and that i need to never forget that. this movie is an insperation in my life
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manga123
kid, 11 years old
kid, 11 years old
appropiate for 10+
i think its good but some of the characters are a bit scary to young ones there for i think it would be best to rate it for age 10+ also there is a message saying that ghosts aren't so bad which is a positive feeling to people who think ghosts are scary but seriously ghosts cant return to there grave DUH?!
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Unixcorn Dinorawr
kid, 11 years old
kid, 11 years old
Love This Movie So Much
First off, this is one of THE greatest movies ever! My only concern is it is a little scary for the younger generation.
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XemnasSuperior
teen, 17 years old
teen, 17 years old
The best Tim Burton
I think this is the best Tim Burton movie good for all but sense there are "Monsters" probably 6+ is the best.
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coralinefan020 ...
teen, 15 years old
teen, 15 years old
Nightmare Before Christmas? More like dream.
Amazing Movie. This movie does take place in Halloween Town and the main character is a Skeleton, so it might scare younger kids, but it should be good for 7 and over. This movie is just in every way amazing, the message, role models, story, and just overall the movie. It's a movie, the whole family will love.
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superq4898
teen, 15 years old
teen, 15 years old
Great!
This is a great movie! It's one of my holliday favorites. My family watches it Halloween and Christmas!
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