Common Sense Media Review
By Liz Perle
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Tim Burton holiday magic, with a touch of scariness.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 7+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Nightmare Before Christmas
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 121 parent reviews
Parents say this movie can be enjoyable for some children, particularly those who are less sensitive to spooky themes, with many praising its catchy music and unique stop-motion animation. However, others warn that it contains disturbing content that may not be suitable for young kids, emphasizing the importance of gauging a child’s personality and sensitivity level before viewing.
- suitable for some
- catchy music
- spooky themes
- disturbing content
- child sensitivity
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 203 kid reviews
Kids say the movie combines Halloween spookiness with Christmas cheer through its unique stop-motion animation and captivating music, but it has moments that can be disturbing for younger viewers. While many parents recommend it for family movie nights, they advise assessing a child's maturity level due to some creepy imagery and themes, with mixed opinions on whether it's more suitable for Halloween or Christmas.
- unique animation
- catchy music
- spooky themes
- mixed age suitability
- disturbing imagery
- family favorite
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Stop-motion holiday fantasy THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS, directed by Henry Selick and based on Tim Burton's poem, centers around Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King (voiced by Chris Sarandon) -- a creature who is to Halloween what Santa is to Christmas. When Jack becomes bored with staging yet another fright night for the sketchy members of Halloweentown, he wanders away, stumbles across Christmastown, and becomes immediately entranced. Jack decides he needs to bring Christmas to Halloweentown, and he's willing to do just about anything to make it happen -- even if that means kidnapping Santa (Edward Ivory) himself.
Is It Any Good?
This is a funny, dark tale that pokes fun at two big holidays, Halloween and Christmas. The result is a magical marvel. With nods to Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas and twisted in the way of Roald Dahl or Maurice Sendak, The Nightmare Before Christmas is just as off-kilter as those classics. By changing the perspective on holiday icons, from Christmas trees to elves and flying reindeer, Selick makes us see these special traditions anew. And, of course, he does provide a happy ending. But the movie's personality comes from its producer, Burton -- utterly weird and totally enchanting.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how the holidays are represented in The Nightmare Before Christmas. Why do we celebrate the holidays we do? What does your favorite holiday mean to you? Has anyone ever tried to ruin one of your holiday experiences, and how did you overcome that?
When you get tired of something, what are some creative ways to bring excitement back into it? How do you remind yourself to be grateful for what you already have? Why is gratitude a useful character strength?
Why did Jack's attempt to take over Christmas fail? Is it fair to expect people who've done something the same way for a long time to change quickly? Could Jack have tried his ideas a different way?
Movie Details
- In theaters : October 29, 1993
- On DVD or streaming : October 3, 2000
- Cast : Chris Sarandon , Catherine O'Hara , Paul Reubens , Danny Elfman
- Director : Henry Selick
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Touchstone Pictures
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Fantasy ( Monsters ) , Holidays ( Christmas , Halloween )
- Character Strengths : Gratitude
- Run time : 76 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some scariness
- Last updated : February 9, 2026
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