The Internet is no stranger to controversy and less than popular opinions; yet it seems as though no other debate has disturbed the peace more than answering the question: Is the Nightmare Before Christmas a Halloween or Christmas movie? While a seemingly obvious answer, the rest of the world has yet to land on the correct answer: Halloween! Without fail, the amount of people willing to die on the hill of Christmas is indescribably shocking – and while I try to maintain understanding for those poor troubled individuals, it is time for the undeniable truth to come to light! The Nightmare Before Christmas is a Halloween movie – no questions asked.
At this point, I must assume that I have lost a fair amount of people reading this article; however, for those remaining, I urge you to keep reading, as below you find undisputed proof of a Halloween classic.
Reason #1: Perhaps the smallest detail of evidence – yet still exceptionally relevant – is the actual release date of the film. In all its glory, The Nightmare Before Christmas was released on October 13th, 1993. As the creepiest date of the month, aside from Halloween (obviously!), the release date makes for a solid foundation for its Halloween-codedness.
Reason #2: In getting into the technical aspects of the film, it is impossible to ignore how all the necessary details point very much in the direction of Halloween. With palette and the characters shown within the duration of the movie (pictures shown below), there are clear inspirations being taken from the themes/characters/and colors consistent with fall and Halloween. Even “Sandy Claws”, himself, follows the darker and eerie presentation of the folks of Halloweenteen.
In reference to the plot alone, it is necessary to acknowledge most of the film is occurring in “Halloweentown” (pictured below) – clearing establishing Halloween as the dominant force at play.
Reason #3: Without giving away too much of the plot (Her Campus takes spoilers very seriously, everyone … Just kidding! Who hasn’t seen this movie?), the film is very clear in establishing that it is Halloween seeping into the practices and spirit of Christmas – not the other way around! In once again establishing Halloween as the holiday capable of such influence and power, it very clearly becomes the superior holiday – and thus, in having an opinion so favorable of Halloween, it becomes a rightful Halloween movie!
Reason #4: For the final piece of evidence in this very serious conversation, there are notes from the creators themselves. Danny Elfman, the composer for the film, said that “It’s Obviously about Christmas, but for me, it’s a Halloween movie” in a 2019 interview with USA Today. Similarly, director Henry Selick, ended the discussion by announcing “It’s a Halloween movie” at a Q&A at the 2015 ColoradoTelluride Horror Show film festival.
Despite this glaringly obvious proof, those promoting the Christmas movie agenda often cite:
Reason 1: NOTHING!
Reason 2: Just kidding! Usually, the opposing team offers the importance of Christmas to the plot and the characters; however, while it is incredibly important to recognize the importance of Christmas and the Christmas themes within the movie, that does not negate the fact that Christmas is simply a plot device for the Halloween town members and Halloween agenda. Almost every aspect of the film, from creators to actual content, solidifies its rightful place as a Halloween movie!