The Nightmare Before Christmas
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.
Critics Sentiment
Jack discovers Christmas Town and sings What's This
Jack struggles to explain Christmas concept to Halloween Town
The film drops from Jack's joyous Christmas discovery to the slower-paced explanation sequence, then builds steadily toward the acclaimed climax.
The film opens strongly with praised musical numbers and visual spectacle, dips slightly during rushed middle sections that reviewers felt needed more development, then builds to a highly acclaimed climactic sequence. Critics consistently praise Burton's visual imagination and the opening/closing musical numbers while noting the brief runtime leaves some story elements underdeveloped.
Full cast
Showing 20 of 36
Danny Elfman
Jack Skellington (singing) / Barrel / Clown with the Tear away Face (voice)
Chris Sarandon
Jack Skellington (voice)
Catherine O'Hara
Sally / Shock (voice)
William Hickey
Dr. Finkelstein (voice)
Glenn Shadix
Mayor (voice)
Paul Reubens
Lock (voice)
Ken Page
Oogie Boogie (voice)
Edward Ivory
Santa Claus (voice)
Susan McBride
Big Witch / WWD. (voice)
Debi Durst
Corpse Kid / Corpse Mom / Small Witch (voice)
Greg Proops
Harlequin Demon / Devil / Sax Player (voice)
Kerry Katz
Man Under Stairs / Vampire / Corpse Dad (voice)
Randy Crenshaw
Mr. Hyde / Behemoth / Vampire Corpse Dad (voice)
Sherwood Ball
Mummy / Vampire (voice)
Carmen Twillie
Undersea Gal / Man Under the Stairs (voice)
Glenn Walters
Wolfman (voice)
Mia Brown
Additional Voices (voice)
L. Peter Callender
Additional Voices (voice)
Ann Fraser
Additional Voices (voice)
Jennifer Levey
Additional Voices (voice)
Crew
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