The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

 

Yes, these are Tim Burton's designs and yes, it was his idea. But this film - like many other great stop motion films - was directed by the underappreciated Henry Selick.

Now that we've gotten that out of the way...

Gorgeous flick. Insanely catchy songs. Stunning visuals. A modern classic? Why yes.

But I assume you want more.

After yet another succesful Halloween the leader of Halloweentown, Jack Skellington, is feeling a bit under the weather. He thinks he is lacking something and the usual stuff brings him no more joy. Whilst pondering and walking, he accidentally comes across a couple of door that lead to other towns where different holidays are placed central. It is Christmas Town in particular that takes his fancy and all the impressions and feelings give Jack the idea that maybe this year, he and his collection of ghouls, monsters and spooks might take over Christmas. Not in any mean spirited way, mind you. They actually want to do their best to bring joy, but being only familiar with darkness and death you can imagine that they have no real grasp of the concept as a whole. 

So things don't go completely according to plan and Jack will eventually have to save Father Christmas and the lady of his life Sally from the clutches of Mr Oogie Boogie, who might be the only truly heinous and evil ghoul in the entirety of Halloweentown...

Where to start? It's visually so distinct and so Burtonesque, but in animation this always works just that little better. Heck, even if you have never seen this film, chances are you have seen the visages of Jack and Sally somewhere. They're thàt memorable. But the story has heart and resonates, because who wouldn't want a change of pace in their lives at one point or other? Add to that some of Danny Elfman's best songs ever (seriously, the opener alone is a complete banger) and you're in for a treat. 

There are so few faults with this film it's insane. The animation is jawdroppingly gorgeous, the characters memorable and fantasically designed, the pacing on point and the songs close to perfection. This, is one of those warm and fuzzy films that will resonate long after the credits roll.