The Nightmare Before Christmas has long been a favorite during the holiday season largely because you can watch it from October through the end of the year.
It’s longevity is because it blends both the Halloween and Christmas genres into one. While we can all agree this movie falls into both genres, there is some debate on whether it’s more a Christmas or Halloween movie.
Look, let’s all agree that it fits neatly into both genres. I’m certainly not debating that. What I am debating is which genre it leans into more.
Which genre does The Nightmare Before Christmas better fit into for you?
I lean toward Christmas. More specifically, I classify it as a Christmas movie with Halloween elements.
The Nightmare Before Christmas tells the story of what happens when Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King, decides to take over Christmas for the year. This plans sees him taking on the role of Santa Claus and delivering presents on Christmas Eve.
I believe this movie fits more in the Christmas category because the plot revolves around the idea of the true-meaning-of-the-holiday trope. This involves Halloween characters partaking in the festivities of Christmas and learning about this foreign concept.
You could trade out the Halloween characters and replace them with any number of casts and you’d still have the same movie. Sure, the use of Halloween characters gives it a unique flair but it doesn’t make it a Halloween movie.
Another point is the entire movie takes place after Halloween and during the leadup to Christmas. This point alone helps bolster the argument because it’s the sole reason people debate if Die Hard is a Christmas movie.
In order for me to consider The Nightmare Before Christmas a Halloween movie, I think the concepts would need to be flipped. If you had a look at what Santa’s elves did on Halloween or Santa himself visiting a haunted house, then it would be a Halloween movie.
The point that almost sways my opinion is the fact that Jack eventually comes to grips with his identity as the Pumpkin King, in a graveyard of all places. That said, this realization ultimately leads to him saving Santa and Christmas.
I am sure many have their own opinions and I welcome them. This is a ridiculous debate that, to me, is meant to be fun rather than life-altering.
I have to applaud Tim Burton for combining the two into such a fun adventure. That said, the movie still fits better in the Christmas category than the Halloween one.
But what about you? Do you consider The Nightmare Before Christmas more a Christmas or Halloween movie? Let us know in the comments below or head over to our Discord channel to join the conversation.
Featured Image: Walt Disney Studios (via Collider)
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