9. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Or, as I like to call it, Tim Burton’s Teenage Goth Girls Merchandising Machine.
Not directed by Tim Burton, The Nightmare Before Christmas is a sure-fire favourite of not just a generation, but a subculture of alternative kids who embraced its gothic style, creepy imagery and wonderful sing-a-long tunes. Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King, has become a well-branded face of many a cushion and pillow and the tragic Sally is popular choice for cosplay and Halloween.
The brilliant animation, which really holds up to this day, is just one of the reasons The Nightmare Before Christmas is beloved and Burton would use it again in the not-as-good The Corpse Bride and the exceptional Frankenweenie.
Pure magical fun, The Nightmare Before Christmas is far from a Nightmare in the eyes of the Flickering Myth writing team.
You can listen to the Flickering Myth Podcast’s thoughts on the Top 10 Christmas movies using the player below:
Originally published December 24, 2014. Updated July 3, 2023.
