MIRIAM BROOKS ’29
Updated 11:50 a.m. EDT, 31 October 2025
Warning mild spoilers
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) is a Halloween classic. Using stop-motion animation, spooky songs such as “This is Halloween” and “Making Christmas,” and an original storyline by Tim Burton, the film has remained a household name since its creation.
The film was directed by Henry Selick and features an 11-song score by Danny Elfman, who also doubled as the iconic singing voice for Jack Skellington. The movie featured big names like Chris Sarandon, Catherine O’Hara, and Ken Page, who helped bring the story to life. The film began production in 1991, and, with a crew of 120 people creating scenes frame by frame using stop-motion animation, it was ready for release in October 1993. The film used puppets, which required each character to have fluid movement and animated facial expressions. The dedication to this style of animation heavily influenced the length of the creation process. In just 76 minutes of runtime, The Nightmare Before Christmas managed to captivate audiences with its eye-catching visuals and new holiday perspectives.
The Nightmare Before Christmas follows the story of Jack Skellington—a Halloweentown public figure—the people of his community, and the people of Christmastown. Jack longs to change his world of Halloween to a world of Christmas after he no longer feels content with his life. Dragging his community along with him, Jack makes a mess of things as he tries and fails to understand Christmas.. After his failure, he realizes that his desire for change was unnecessary. Jack then sets everything right, recognizing that he can be happy with the world he knows and the people in it.
What initially appeared to be a bizarre and unique children’s film became an animated depiction of the struggles with self-identity and the roles people play in society. Jack’s character is relatable to many because longing for something greater is a natural human desire. Others may find that they connect best with the film’s theme of rebellion. Watching characters go against what society tells them to do can be refreshing for people who feel burdened by similar expectations. Children enjoy this film for its music and interactive animation, while adults find pleasure in its nostalgia and lasting impressions. The Nightmare Before Christmas found lasting success in its relatable plot and thematic elements that encouraged viewers to be content with what they have during the holiday season.
In 2023, the Library of Congress selected the film for preservation, a privilege awarded to films that are culturally, aesthetically, or historically significant. In the 32 years since its release, The Nightmare Before Christmas has symbolized holiday fun, the power of community, and the importance of being content. As a result, the timeless film remains a Halloween and Christmas movie masterpiece. ★
