The Nightmare Before Christmas

NZ release: 29 October 1993

Rated on: 29 October 1993

The Nightmare Before Christmas

What’s it about?

Jack Skellington, a resident of Halloween Town, stumbles upon Christmas Town and becomes captivated by its charm.

The facts

  • Directed by Henry Selick (Coraline, James and the Giant Peach)
  • English language
  • Runtime 76 minutes
  • Starring Catherine O’Hara, Danny Elfman and Chris Sarandon

Why did it get this rating?

This film was cross-rated by the Film and Video Labelling Body. You can find out more about cross-rating here.

Horror

Santa Claus is kidnapped and held in a dungeon where he is tormented.

Throughout the film, there are creepy visuals and some characters have creepy features. For example, a character sports a hatchet lodged in their head; another character has their eyes sewn shut. A character can detach their arms and legs, we also see loose eyeballs.

In one scene, a character flips open their skull to reveal their brain, which they massage. Later, they remove half of their brain to place it into another character.

Jack orders three characters to kidnap Santa. As they prepare to kidnap him, they sing about the different cruel ways to capture and torment Santa.

A young boy pulls out a shrunken head from a present box, his parents scream in horror.

Presents that Jack gives out start to frighten people. For example, a vampire doll and sharp-toothed duck chase characters, a scary-looking plant creature corners another character with it's vines.

Jack makes a scary face revealing sharp teeth and letting out a scream at characters to get their attention.

Content that may disturb

A character drugs another character with "Deadly Night Shade" which knocks him out.

Further information

Recent featured decisions

24 June 2025

Suitable for general audiences

When evil wizards Razamel and Gargamel capture Papa Smurf, Smurfette and the gang head into the real world on a daring rescue mission.

Read more

20 May 2025

Violence & coarse language

When kung fu prodigy Li Fong moves to New York City, he catches the eye of a local karate champion. With guidance from Mr. Han and Daniel LaRusso, Li sets out to prove himself in the ultimate karate competition.

Read more