Nutcracker: The Motion Picture

A magnificent Christmas spectacular.

1986 • 85 min • Family · Fantasy · Music

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Synopsis

In this Pacific Northwest Ballet performance, it is Christmas Eve and festivities are underway. Clara is excited when her godfather arrives with a bag full of gifts, one of which is an intriguing wooden nutcracker. That night, while the household sleeps, Clara visits the Christmas tree to inspect her nutcracker and soon finds herself immersed in a dream world both dark and enchanting.

Our family guide

Best from age 6

Movie Knight Score

22 reviews

66 Audience · 22 · 100%

This unique film presents the classic Nutcracker ballet as a magical journey through a young girl's dream. Clara receives a special nutcracker and enters a fantastical world of toys, mice, and the Sugar Plum Fairy. It's a visually rich production with beautiful dancing and Tchaikovsky's iconic music.

Violence & peril: 3/10
Language: 0/10
Drinking, drugs & smoking: 0/10
Romance & sensuality: 1/10
Scary moments: 4/10

Heads up

Some dream sequences might be intense for very young viewers
The Mouse King and his army can be a bit frightening

What it models well

The power of imagination
Bravery in the face of fear
The magic of Christmas

Talk about it after

The difference between dreams and reality
Discuss the emotions of the characters through their dance
Why the Mouse King might be considered scary

Written by the Movie Knight editorial team for Nutcracker: The Motion Picture. Our own words, our own scoring — always double-check against your family's standards.