When was The Nightmare Before Christmas released?

It premiered on 9 October 1993. In the US it opened in limited release on 13 October 1993 and in wider release on 29 October 1993. It has been re-released several times since, most recently in theatres on 2 October 2026.

Where can I watch The Nightmare Before Christmas in the US?

It is streaming on Disney Plus and fuboTV. You can also rent or buy it on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube and Fandango At Home.

Who voices Jack Skellington in The Nightmare Before Christmas?

Chris Sarandon provides Jack's speaking voice and Danny Elfman provides his singing voice. The cast also includes Catherine O'Hara as Sally, William Hickey as Dr. Finkelstein, Glenn Shadix as the Mayor and Ken Page as Oogie Boogie.

How long is The Nightmare Before Christmas and what is it rated?

The film runs 76 minutes and is rated PG in the US.

Who directed The Nightmare Before Christmas?

It was directed by Henry Selick, with a screenplay by Caroline Thompson.

The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993): Cast & Where to Watch

The Nightmare Before Christmas: Plot Summary (No Spoilers)

In Halloween Town, every year builds to one night of frights, and nobody delivers them better than Jack Skellington, the lanky skeleton everyone looks up to as the Pumpkin King. Yet Jack has grown weary. The screams, the pumpkins and the familiar routine no longer thrill him, and he longs for something new.

That feeling leads him to Christmas, a holiday of twinkling trees, cheerful songs and presents that is utterly unlike his own. Captivated, Jack decides that he and his ghoulish neighbours can run the season themselves, with Santa Claus pushed out of the picture. Halloween Town throws itself into producing its own version of festive gifts, and the results are as creepy as you might expect.

Not everyone is convinced. Sally, a stitched-together rag doll created by Dr. Finkelstein, senses that Jack’s enthusiasm could lead to disaster and tries to steer events in another direction. Meanwhile the menacing Oogie Boogie lurks in the background. What follows is a darkly funny musical fantasy that collides Halloween with Christmas.

The Nightmare Before Christmas — Mood illustration, not a still from the film — Mood illustration, not a still from the film

What Makes The Nightmare Before Christmas Notable

Stop-motion craft: The film is a stop-motion animated feature, directed by Henry Selick from a screenplay by Caroline Thompson.
A musical at heart: Songs drive the story. Danny Elfman provides Jack’s singing voice and also voices Barrel and the Clown with the Tear-Away Face, while Chris Sarandon voices Jack’s speaking role.
Memorable voice cast: Catherine O’Hara (Sally and Shock), William Hickey (Dr. Finkelstein), Glenn Shadix (the Mayor), Paul Reubens (Lock), Ken Page (Oogie Boogie) and Edward Ivory (Santa Claus).
Two holidays in one: Mixing fantasy, family entertainment and a touch of ‘Christmas horror’, it remains a seasonal favourite from October through December. Its tagline sums up the mood: “A holiday film for the whole family… except yours.”
Origin: A US production from Touchstone Pictures and Skellington Productions, running a brisk 76 minutes in English.
Audience reception: For anyone looking for a review, TMDB users give it an average of 7.9/10 across more than 10,700 votes.

Who Will Enjoy It

Fans of stop-motion animation and handcrafted visual worlds
Families looking for a spooky-but-PG holiday film
Musical lovers who enjoy songs that carry the story
Viewers who can’t decide between a Halloween movie and a Christmas movie
Anyone after a nostalgic, gothic-tinged fantasy that’s short enough for one sitting

Release Date & Where to Watch in the US

The Nightmare Before Christmas premiered on 9 October 1993. In the US it opened in limited release on 13 October 1993, followed by a wider theatrical release on 29 October 1993, rated PG. It has come back to cinemas several times since, including a theatrical re-release in October 2006, limited runs in October 2020, 2023 and 2024, and another theatrical re-release on 2 October 2026.

Streaming: Disney Plus and fuboTV.

Rent or buy: Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube and Fandango At Home.

Streaming availability can change, so check your service before pressing play. A trailer is also available.

Trailer

Cast

Danny Elfmanas Jack Skellington (singing) / Barrel / Clown with the Tear away Face (voice)
Chris Sarandonas Jack Skellington (voice)
Catherine O'Haraas Sally / Shock (voice)
William Hickeyas Dr. Finkelstein (voice)
Glenn Shadixas Mayor (voice)
Paul Reubensas Lock (voice)
Ken Pageas Oogie Boogie (voice)
Edward Ivoryas Santa Claus (voice)

Photo: TMDB

FAQ

When was The Nightmare Before Christmas released?: It premiered on 9 October 1993. In the US it opened in limited release on 13 October 1993 and in wider release on 29 October 1993. It has been re-released several times since, most recently in theatres on 2 October 2026.
Where can I watch The Nightmare Before Christmas in the US?: It is streaming on Disney Plus and fuboTV. You can also rent or buy it on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube and Fandango At Home.
Who voices Jack Skellington in The Nightmare Before Christmas?: Chris Sarandon provides Jack's speaking voice and Danny Elfman provides his singing voice. The cast also includes Catherine O'Hara as Sally, William Hickey as Dr. Finkelstein, Glenn Shadix as the Mayor and Ken Page as Oogie Boogie.
How long is The Nightmare Before Christmas and what is it rated?: The film runs 76 minutes and is rated PG in the US.
Who directed The Nightmare Before Christmas?: It was directed by Henry Selick, with a screenplay by Caroline Thompson.

Sources

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