32 Years Later, Tim Burton Still Gets All the Credit for a 95% RT Masterpiece He Didn’t Direct

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Regardless of a person’s favorite Tim Burton film, *The Nightmare Before Christmas* is often the first movie that comes to mind when his name is mentioned. Over the last thirty years, it’s become his most culturally impactful work, boasting a large and devoted fanbase, consistently best-selling merchandise, and ongoing expansion of its story through books and video games. Uniquely, the film works equally well for both Halloween and Christmas, becoming a beloved classic for both holidays. However, a long-held belief about the film is incorrect. Despite its association with Tim Burton – even including his name in the title – he didn’t actually direct it, a fact many viewers mistakenly assume.

Although Tim Burton helped get the film made at Disney and it clearly reflects his signature style, it was actually stop-motion director Henry Selick who was responsible for bringing it to life. Selick, known for directing beloved animated films like *James and the Giant Peach*, *Coraline*, and *Wendell and Wild*, is a highly respected figure in the animation world. Unfortunately, many viewers still don’t realize he directed *Nightmare Before Christmas*. Some even mistakenly believe Burton directed Selick’s other movies! Given the film’s enduring popularity, it’s time more people recognized Selick’s crucial role – Burton’s vision wouldn’t have become a reality without him.

Tim Burton’s Name Has Become Synonymous with The Nightmare Before Christmas

Tim Burton is known for his incredibly distinctive style – a blend of dark, gothic themes with playful, colorful imagery reminiscent of storybooks. He’s created many beloved films over the past twenty-five years, including *Big Fish* and *Corpse Bride*, but his most powerful work arguably came in the 1980s and 90s, with films like *Beetlejuice* and *Ed Wood*. And among all his acclaimed movies, *The Nightmare Before Christmas* is perhaps the most popular and culturally significant.

The movie *Nightmare Before Christmas* has all the classic Tim Burton elements in its look and feel, drawing from his original poem and popular children’s book. Everyone remembers the story of Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, and his attempt to find purpose by taking over Christmas. However, many viewers aren’t aware of just how involved Burton was in the film’s creation.

Despite being one of his best films, it’s often appreciated for the wrong reasons. While he initially conceived the idea, he wasn’t heavily involved in the actual filmmaking process, so it wasn’t entirely his artistic vision. It’s similar to how the *Indiana Jones* movies, though created by George Lucas, are really defined by Steven Spielberg’s directing style. Lucas developed the character and story, but Spielberg brought the on-screen magic that made those films so iconic.

Tim Burton Wasn’t as Directly Involved with the Film’s Production as So Many People Still Assume

I’ve always loved how *The Nightmare Before Christmas* feels so distinctly like a Tim Burton film, but it’s fascinating to learn how it almost didn’t happen that way! While the movie is full of his signature style, it was actually director Henry Selick who really captured that unique atmosphere. Tim Burton was originally supposed to direct, but he was already deep into *Batman Returns* when Disney finally gave the green light. He trusted Selick, another former Disney animator, to take the reins. Selick did a ton of groundwork – he wrote the story, designed the characters, and even collaborated with Danny Elfman on the music – but honestly, it feels like Burton’s vision really drove the whole project. It’s amazing how much of his influence still shines through, even with someone else at the helm.

Henry Selick was in charge of all aspects of the animation, including directing the voice actors and their recording sessions. He brought in frequent collaborators of Tim Burton, like Catherine O’Hara, Paul Reubens, and Glenn Shadix. Originally, Shadix was cast as Santa Claus, but Ed Ivory ultimately took on the role due to Vincent Price’s health issues; Price’s weakened voice after his wife’s death made his recordings unusable. Interestingly, despite the film taking three years to make, Tim Burton rarely visited the studio – his involvement was very limited.

Considering everything, why did Disney prominently feature Tim Burton’s name on the film, implying he was the primary creative force? The reason is straightforward: name recognition. Burton had become a well-known director thanks to hits like *Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure*, *Beetlejuice*, and *Edward Scissorhands*. Disney wanted to benefit from his popularity, as releasing the film as “Henry Selick’s *The Nightmare Before Christmas*” likely wouldn’t have given it the same chance to become the cherished classic it is today.

I was fascinated to read in *Sight and Sound* about just how involved Tim Burton was with the film. Apparently, it wasn’t difficult at all to give it that classic Burton feel! Henry Selick actually said Burton’s style isn’t that far removed from his own, which I find really interesting – it makes sense when you think about it!

Henry Selick’s Directorial Efforts Have Been Unfairly Overlooked for Far Too Long

Henry Selick dedicated almost three years to directing the film and painstakingly bringing its animation to life, yet he hasn’t received proper recognition for his work in over thirty years. He specifically stated in a recent interview that he personally oversaw the composition of every single shot. He was responsible not only for the film’s visual style, but also for how the characters moved, sounded, and ultimately, why they’ve connected with audiences over the years.

I’ve noticed a curious thing with this director’s recent films. The marketing teams keep leaning heavily on his earlier success with *The Nightmare Before Christmas*, hoping it’ll draw audiences in. They’ll splash “From the director of…” all over the trailers and posters for movies like *Coraline* and *Wendell and Wild*. But, honestly, it seems to be backfiring. Instead of building his own brand, it just reinforces the idea that he *also* directed those other films, which he didn’t. It’s a strange case of promotion unintentionally muddying the waters.

Considering Henry Selick and his team dedicated three years to making the film, with Tim Burton largely uninvolved during production, it’s understandable why the widespread credit given solely to Burton feels unfair. Given Burton’s extensive creative contributions to other projects aimed at entertaining audiences, the lack of recognition for Selick’s work is even more problematic. While Burton deserves credit for originating the story and characters, it’s a disservice to consistently present him as the film’s sole creator – a pattern that needs to change.

As fans settle in to enjoy “The Nightmare Before Christmas” again this Halloween and Christmas, it’s important to recognize that Henry Selick was the driving creative force behind much of what makes the film so beloved.

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2025-10-19 04:08