Since it was released on Oct. 29, 1993, the question of whether “The Nightmare Before Christmas” is a Halloween or Christmas movie has been hotly debated. A cult classic either way, the film was written by Tim Burton and directed by Henry Selick and is a holiday favorite in many homes.
While the beginning of the movie is all Halloween, the main character Jack Skellington wants more. After discovering Christmas, he decides to take over the holiday. The movie has many references to classic Christmas movies, with a Halloween twist including Halloween characters, but still, the debate remains.
The Clarion staff shared their thoughts.
“While it does have Halloween at the beginning along with some Halloween elements, it is more based on Christmas, so I feel it is more of a Christmas movie,” said Managing Editor Harley Johnson.
One shared the opinion of Johnson.
“It is a Christmas movie because the whole movie is in preparation for Christmas,” said graphic designer Anthony Dietz.
Not everyone in our office thought it qualified as a Christmas movie.
“I think it is a Halloween movie because it has a lot of Halloween elements and the characters are from Halloweentown,” said Executive Editor/Creative Director Jeri Hensley.
One staff member couldn’t place it in either category.
“It has equal aspects of Halloween and Christmas,” said graphic designer Mathew Flannigan.
No matter what side people agree with, it is still a classic movie and very enjoyable any time of the year.
Sara Collins
Reporter