Things In The Nightmare Before Christmas Only Adults Noticed

Is The Nightmare Before Christmas a Halloween movie or a Christmas movie? Sure, viewers of all ages can indulge in the stylish animated film for months on end and still be in season, but no matter when you watch, there are probably some things you notice in the holiday classic as an adult.

It’s no secret that Nightmare Before Christmas writer and producer Tim Burton is a huge fan of classic monster films. Early in his career, he directed the animated short Vincent, in which a young boy dreams of becoming like his idol, the beloved classic horror master Vincent Price.

Shortly after, Burton directed the short Frankenweenie, which would be expanded to a full-length animated feature in 2012. In both versions, a boy named Victor Frankenstein resurrects his beloved pet dog. This love of monsters of movies past comes through loud and clear in Halloween Town, where The Nightmare Before Christmas takes place. The entire populace is monstrous in appearance, and adults will notice that they’re frequently references to specific literary and film monsters.

Dr. Finkelstein, the mad scientist who created Sally and helps Jack conjure up a skeleton sled team, very obviously draws on Burton’s love Dr. Victor Frankenstein. Just about every monster in town is a reference to a classic: Igor, the Wolfman, Mr. Hyde, the Undersea Gal, Mummy Boy, the Vampires. You name a classic, and you’ll find them living in Halloween Town.

Watch the video for more about things in The Nightmare Before Christmas only adults noticed!

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Honoring the monsters | 0:18
Jack’s midlife crisis | 1:33
Bad romance | 2:19
Horrible politics | 3:38
Boogie’s game | 4:37
Cultural exchange | 5:35