20 Excellent Quotes from The Nightmare Before Christmas

20 Excellent Quotes from The Nightmare Before Christmas: The dialogue and song lyrics in The Nightmare Before Christmas are filled with memorable quotes that beautifully capture the essence of both Halloween and Christmas.

Throughout October to December, and indeed all year round, enthusiasts are prompted to recall the finest quotes from the stop-motion masterpiece, The Nightmare Before Christmas. Directed by Henry Selick, the film is adapted from an original poem by Tim Burton. The script by Michael McDowell and Caroline Thompson, coupled with Danny Elfman’s lyrics, has bestowed enduring quotes for the entire festive season.

The Nightmare Before Christmas encapsulates the essence of both Halloween and Christmas, portraying a protagonist who, following a calamitous Christmas Eve, discovers the beauty of embracing both realms. Despite Tim Burton’s lack of interest in creating a prequel to The Nightmare Before Christmas, fans’ enthusiasm for the film underscores the enduring appeal of Jack Skellington’s holiday escapades.

20. Would you like to see something strange, regardless of your age?

Expressed by the denizens of Halloween Town.

The initial sung phrase in the film is unsettling yet exudes an undercurrent of thrill. The inhabitants of Halloween Town, featuring meticulously crafted monsters and spirits, captivate viewers and transport them into their realm. While The Nightmare Before Christmas explores familiar Christmas themes of happiness and benevolence, its enduring charm lies in the eerie ambiance derived from Halloween. The opening line of “This is Halloween” guarantees the forthcoming arrival of “something strange,” promptly defining the essence of Halloween Town.

19.Look at what you’ve done! My bugs! My bugs! My bugs!

Uttered by Oogie Boogie

Oogie Boogie stands as the primary rival to Jack and Sally for the title of Halloween Town’s most unforgettable resident. His demise is appropriately eerie yet humorous, aligning with the overall tone of the film. In the original alternate ending of The Nightmare Before Christmas, Oogie Boogie is unveiled as Dr. Finkelstein in disguise, who happens to be Sally’s creator. In The Holiday Movies That Made Us, Selick recounts Burton’s vehement reaction to this concept, describing how Burton expressed strong disapproval. While Oogie Boogie’s demise in the movie proves more effective than an unnecessary plot twist, Burton’s harsh reaction toward the movie’s staff remains questionable.

18.A captivating response! Yet, what does it signify?

Voiced by Jack Skellington.

Jack Skellington has dual voice actors: Elfman handles the singing, but for Jack’s spoken lines, Chris Sarandon is enlisted due to Elfman’s limited voice acting abilities. Sarandon adeptly conveys Jack’s emotions and conflicts, notably in the scene where Jack fixates on Christmas decorations. Watching Jack crumple a Christmas ornament into a beaker, exclaiming both excitedly and frustratedly, “An interesting reaction!” is amusing. However, this quote also underscores Jack’s unwavering determination to comprehend the essence of Christmas.

17.As a chosen official here, I lack the authority to make decisions independently!

Expressed by Halloween Town’s Mayor

The character of Halloween Town’s Mayor is designed to satirize politicians on various fronts. His assertion that he cannot make decisions without Jack playfully implies a commentary on the perceived ineffectiveness of politicians. This notion seems to hold true in The Nightmare Before Christmas, as the Mayor of Halloween Town doesn’t engage in particularly useful actions. Instead, he simply complies with Jack’s initiatives and becomes anxious when Jack isn’t around to provide guidance. Furthermore, the Mayor’s dual-faced nature serves as a clever parody of two-faced political figures.

16.A trio united. Similar beings. Eternally bound.

Voiced by Lock, Shock, and Barrel

Oogie Boogie’s minions, Lock, Shock, and Barrel, tasked by Jack with kidnapping Santa Claus, exude mischievous spookiness reminiscent of malevolent children in horror films. This troublesome trio is inseparable, functioning as a unit even amidst occasional disagreements. Leading up to the “Kidnap the Sandy Claws” song, Elfman employs familiar phrases like “birds of a feather” to convey their eerie camaraderie. Lock is voiced by Paul Reubens, Shock is voiced by Catherine O’Hara (also the voice of Sally), and Elfman himself voices Barrel.

15.It’s quite straightforward, unmistakably clear, like music wafting through the air, unseen but pervasive everywhere.

Voiced by Jack Skellington.

Elfman surpasses expectations with the lyrics of “Jack’s Obsession,” a song sung by Jack as he resolves to take charge of Christmas. The lyrics skillfully incorporate elegant metaphors portraying Jack’s perplexity and eventual enlightenment. The notable line comparing the solution to his Christmas predicament to “music drifting through the air, invisible but everywhere” is particularly memorable due to its delivery set to a swaying musical backdrop that crescendos to Jack’s decisive announcement. Jack perceives the solution in a somewhat indirect manner, laying the groundwork for his Machiavellian plot to pilfer Christmas.

14.Curiosity, as they say, brought about the cat’s demise.

Voiced by Dr. Finkelstein

When Jack arrives to borrow equipment for his Christmas experiments, Dr. Finkelstein casually imparts one of the main lessons of The Nightmare Before Christmas. Jack’s curiosity and desire to explore new things ultimately result in disaster. Dr. Finkelstein doesn’t seem particularly invested in Jack’s plan. While he creates reindeer for Jack’s sleigh team, it appears to be in compliance with the Pumpkin King’s directives from Halloween Town residents. Nevertheless, Dr. Finkelstein seems content to observe events unfold, occasionally offering words of caution, such as “Curiosity killed the cat.”

13.Are you unfamiliar with “peace on Earth and goodwill toward men”? No!

Said by Santa Claus, Lock, Shock, & Barrel

Santa’s brief encounters with Lock, Shock, and Barrel highlight the sharp distinction between Christmas Town and Halloween Town. Despite Jack’s instructions, the trio hands Santa over to Oogie Boogie after his kidnapping. When Santa inquires if they are familiar with “Peace on Earth and goodwill toward men,” their response is a resounding “No!” The juxtaposition and fusion of Halloween and Christmas aesthetics and themes make The Nightmare Before Christmas an exceptionally captivating film. Santa’s futile yet commendable efforts to admonish the denizens of Halloween Town add an intriguing layer to the narrative.

12.Within my bones, I sense the warmth emanating from within.

Expressed by Jack Skellington

Jack stumbles upon Christmas Town through a door shaped like a Christmas tree in the forest. His exploration of the new town is marked by childlike enthusiasm. Despite his unsuccessful Christmas experiments, Jack yearns for the warmth and coziness that Christmas embodies. The iconic “What’s This?” sequence vividly captures Jack’s genuine excitement about the holiday. Lines like “I can’t believe my eyes, and in my bones I feel the warmth that’s coming from inside” illustrate the heartening and rejuvenating impact of Christmas on Jack, who has grown weary of Halloween.

11.Eureka! This year, Christmas will belong to us!

Uttered by Jack Skellington

Following days of contemplating Christmas, Jack proclaims his Christmas scheme to Halloween Town by bellowing from his window. Jack’s “Eureka!” marks a pivotal moment in the film, signaling the onset of the primary conflict. While the rest of Halloween Town erupts in excitement, Sally displays a concerned expression, hinting at the impending consequences. Sally consistently issues warnings about the potential chaos if Halloween Town interferes with Christmas, but Jack remains overly confident in his plan. Despite Sally’s concerns, the majority of Halloween Town residents dismiss her words.

Tim Burton’s Best Heroine: 10 Reasons Why Sally Shines in The Nightmare Before Christmas.

10.The next time you feel inclined to hijack someone else’s holiday, I’d heed her advice.

Uttered by Santa Claus

Santa remains surprisingly composed during his kidnapping and expresses anger when Jack attempts to rescue Santa and Sally from Oogie Boogie. Santa advises Jack to pay more attention to Sally in the future, a suggestion that visibly pleases Sally. Santa’s commendation of Sally highlights her bravery and intelligence, impressing him even though they’ve known each other for a short time. This directive from Santa encapsulates the lesson Jack learns in The Nightmare Before Christmas: to respect others’ domains and recognize Sally as his genuine friend.

9. I might burst a seam soon, that is if I don’t die laughing first.

Expressed by Oogie Boogie

Ken Page performs Oogie Boogie’s iconic musical number, showcasing one of the standout songs in The Nightmare Before Christmas. Page skillfully portrays the character’s joy at having a new victim, delivering macabre lines such as “I might just split a seam now if I don’t die laughing first.” This quote subtly hints at Oogie Boogie’s Frankenstein-like nature, a crucial aspect of his eventual demise. While Elfman recorded his rendition of “Oogie Boogie’s Song,” the original version by Page unquestionably surpasses it.

8.Merely because I can’t perceive it doesn’t imply I can’t have faith in it.

Expressed by Jack Skellington

The theme of belief is frequently explored in Christmas movies, and for Jack, it becomes a fatal flaw. His statement, “Just because I cannot see it, doesn’t mean I can’t believe it,” echoes similar sentiments found in other films centered around Santa. In The Polar Express, the conductor declares that “seeing is believing,” whereas in The Santa Clause, elf Judy conveys to Scott Calvin, “Seeing isn’t believing. Believing is seeing.” Notably, both these movies were released after The Nightmare Before Christmas, and any resemblance may be purely coincidental.

7.Did anyone consider dredging the lake?

Voiced by the Mayor of Halloween Town

As Jack immerses himself in exploring Christmas Town, Halloween Town descends into chaos. The Mayor lies defeated, querying if anyone considered checking the lake for Jack. Residents intensify their search, scouring “every mausoleum,” the pumpkin patch, and “behind the cyclops’ eye.” When Jack attempts to elucidate Christmas, they counter with darkly humorous suggestions like placing a foot in a stocking and proposing monsters leaping out of gift boxes. This continuous stream of quips adds humor and contributes to the further characterization of Halloween Town throughout the film.

6.As I am deceased, I have the liberty to remove my head and recite Shakespearean quotations.

Expressed by Jack Skellington

In the song “Jack’s Lament,” Jack unveils his myriad eerie skills while expressing a sense of futility. The clever line, “And since I am dead I can take off my head to recite Shakespearean quotations,” is a subtle allusion to Yorick’s skull in Hamlet. In The Holiday Movies That Made Us, Elfman discloses that Jack drew inspiration from his own life. At that juncture, Elfman, weary of being a rock star, sought a fresh start and delved into composing for movies. Although Jack’s character is misguided and heedless, it’s rooted in Elfman’s authentic feelings of dissatisfaction and longing for fulfillment.

5.Abduct Mr. Sandy Claws?

Voiced by Lock, Shock, & Barrel

The phrase “Kidnap Mr. Sandy Claws?” foreshadows impending calamities and harks back to Jack’s eerie mispronunciation of Santa Claus. It serves as a theatrical revelation: as Jack entrusts this mission to Lock, Shock, and Barrel, he whispers it, causing frustration for the Mayor attempting to eavesdrop. Subsequently, the trio discloses the ominous task to the audience, paving the way for another iconic song in The Nightmare Before Christmas.

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4.Now, don’t be humble. Who else possesses the cleverness to craft my Sandy Claws outfit?

Expressed by Jack Skellington

Jack dismisses Sally’s concerns about his Christmas plan with condescension, though he occasionally complements her. Despite his patronizing tone, Jack rarely lies, and when he calls Sally “clever,” it genuinely expresses his admiration. Only by the movie’s end does he realize he has underestimated her. Sally, shaped by writer Caroline Thompson’s influence, is depicted as frustrated and hurt by the characters’ treatment. Thompson molded Sally’s character based on “The Little Match Girl vision of the world” (The Holiday Movies That Made Us).

3.”Well, heck! I gave my best, and, by God, I’ve truly tasted something swell.”

Expressed by Jack Skellington

Jack is devastated after the military thwarts his Christmas attempt, realizing it was unappreciated. Nevertheless, he regains confidence and sets out to save Christmas, expressing, “What the heck! I went and did my best.” The line, accompanied by dramatic music, signals his return as the Pumpkin King. Despite the disaster, Jack harbors no regrets; he finds satisfaction in at least “truly tasting something swell” and trying something different.

2.Something lies beyond a door, yet I lack the key.

Expressed by Jack Skellington.

In another line from “Jack’s Obsession,” a clue to the movie’s resolution emerges. Jack’s passion for Christmas is tempered by a lack of complete understanding. The lyric “Something’s hidden through a door, though I do not have the key” illustrates his struggle to grasp the fundamentally different concepts of Christmas and Halloween. According to IMDB, Burton was inspired to create the original Nightmare Before Christmas story when he witnessed Halloween decorations being replaced by Christmas ones at a store.

1.We are simply meant to be

Expressed by Jack and Sally

In The Nightmare Before Christmas’s finale, Jack realizes Sally’s enduring presence. They share a romantic moment atop the iconic snow-covered spiral hill, concluding with a reprise of “Sally’s Song” and the poignant lyric “We’re simply meant to be.” It brings joy to both characters: Jack discovers tranquility, and Sally receives long-overdue recognition. The uncomplicated romance between Jack and Sally provides a fitting and perfect conclusion to the movie.

Here are 20 excellently crafted quotes from The Nightmare Before Christmas