The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
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.
Rated PG • 1993 • 1h 16m
This stop-motion animated classic earns its PG rating for its gothic aesthetic and several sequences of peril and scary imagery that may frighten younger viewers. The story follows Jack Skellington of Halloween Town, whose attempt to take over Christmas leads to the kidnapping of Santa Claus and some macabre holiday chaos. The main villain, Oogie Boogie, is a menacing figure who threatens characters with death. While there is no… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is The Nightmare Before Christmas appropriate for kids?
This stop-motion animated classic earns its PG rating for its gothic aesthetic and several sequences of peril and scary imagery that may frighten younger viewers. The story follows Jack Skellington of Halloween Town, whose attempt to take over Christmas leads to the kidnapping… Read more — free account
Content severity in The Nightmare Before Christmas
What happens in The Nightmare Before Christmas, moment by moment
- 0:02 ⚔ Violence & Gore 3/10
- 0:07 🔥 Mature Themes 4/10
- 0:15 🔥 Mature Themes 4/10
Sex and nudity in The Nightmare Before Christmas
Content is very mild. Jack and Sally share a couple of brief, romantic kisses. In one scene, Sally, a rag doll, detaches her own leg and uses it to distract the villain Oogie Boogie in a moment that is played for cartoonish comedy rather than genuine sensuality.
Violence and gore in The Nightmare Before Christmas
Violence is moderate, stylized, and free of blood or gore. The overarching plot involves the kidnapping of Santa Claus, who is held in a dungeon. The villain, Oogie Boogie, is a sack full of bugs who gambles with Santa's life over a vat of boiling liquid. Jack's sleigh is shot down by military missiles in a fiery crash (he is unharmed). The film's climax features a fight where Oogie Boogie is unraveled, causing the bugs inside him to spill out and dissolve. Other scenes feature creepy but harmless ghouls and…
Read more — free accountLanguage in The Nightmare Before Christmas
None. There is no profanity in the film.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in The Nightmare Before Christmas
There is a single scene of substance use. To escape her confinement, Sally puts "Deadly Night Shade" into the soup of her creator, Dr. Finkelstein, causing him to pass out. This is presented in a fantastical, non-realistic context.
Mature themes in The Nightmare Before Christmas
The film deals with moderate themes that may be intense for the youngest viewers. The central plot involves kidnapping and imprisonment. Jack suffers from an existential crisis and ennui, feeling a lack of purpose in his life. The main villain threatens to kill Santa Claus and Sally. Sally is consistently held against her will by her creator, Dr. Finkelstein, who treats her as a possession. The villain's death, while not graphic, is definitive.
Scary moments in The Nightmare Before Christmas
No standout scary moments have been catalogued for The Nightmare Before Christmas yet. Because this title is recommended for younger kids, sign up to get community-flagged jump scares, tense scenes, and startling imagery as parents submit them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Nightmare Before Christmas appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests The Nightmare Before Christmas is best for ages 8+. It's rated PG. This stop-motion animated classic earns its PG rating for its gothic aesthetic and several sequences of peril and scary imagery that may frighten younger viewers. The story follows Jack Skellington of Halloween Town…
What age rating does The Nightmare Before Christmas have?
The Nightmare Before Christmas is officially rated PG. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 8+.
What is The Nightmare Before Christmas about?
This stop-motion animated classic earns its PG rating for its gothic aesthetic and several sequences of peril and scary imagery that may frighten younger viewers. The story follows Jack Skellington of Halloween Town, whose attempt to take over Christmas leads to the kidnapping of Santa Claus and some macabre holiday…
Is there sex or nudity in The Nightmare Before Christmas?
Content is very mild. Jack and Sally share a couple of brief, romantic kisses. In one scene, Sally, a rag doll, detaches her own leg and uses it to distract the villain Oogie Boogie in a moment that is played for cartoonish comedy rather than genuine…
How violent is The Nightmare Before Christmas?
Violence is moderate, stylized, and free of blood or gore. The overarching plot involves the kidnapping of Santa Claus, who is held in a dungeon. The villain, Oogie Boogie, is a sack full of bugs who gambles with Santa's life over a vat of boiling liquid…
Is the language in The Nightmare Before Christmas appropriate for kids?
None. There is no profanity in the film.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in The Nightmare Before Christmas?
There is a single scene of substance use. To escape her confinement, Sally puts "Deadly Night Shade" into the soup of her creator, Dr. Finkelstein, causing him to pass out. This is presented in a fantastical, non-realistic context.
What mature themes appear in The Nightmare Before Christmas?
The film deals with moderate themes that may be intense for the youngest viewers. The central plot involves kidnapping and imprisonment. Jack suffers from an existential crisis and ennui, feeling a lack of purpose in his life. The main villain threatens to…
How long is The Nightmare Before Christmas?
The Nightmare Before Christmas runs 76 minutes, directed by Henry Selick, released in 1993.
Where can I read the full The Nightmare Before Christmas parent guide?
Create a free Bontent account to unlock the full scene-by-scene notes, filter by your kids' ages, and save titles to your personal watchlist.
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