The Nutcracker is one of the most beloved ballets in history as well as one of the most cherished and treasured Christmas stories ever put to paper. But whether it’s the ballet composed by Tchaikovsky or the original novel written by E.T.A Hoffman, the story has been rather difficult to translate to film.
Of course, there are filming of various and very famous productions of the ballet, and reimaginings of the Nutcracker narrative, but which ones truly capture the experience? For those looking to bring a Christmas classic home for the holidays, IMDb has more than a few to choose from.
Updated July 11th, 2022 by George Chrysostomou: Can’t festive films be enjoyed all year round? The classic tale of The Nutcracker might be associated with Christmas, but these timeless Nutcracker movies carry themes and fantasy-led moments that can surely allow them to work at other times of the year. While there are always more holiday films in the works ready to be released during the festive season, it’s almost certain that another adaptation is being formed from this ballet-associated narrative.
The Nutcracker and the Four Realms (2018) – 5.5
Available To Stream On Disney+
Disney’s interpretation of the ballet isn’t going to win any awards anytime soon, but consider looking at it from another angle. Think of The Nutcracker and the Four Realms less as a version inspired by the ballet and more of a reimagining of Fantasia’s “Nutcracker Suite” by way of Alice in Wonderland.
It’s a bit of a fantasy mishmash, but the visuals and ideas the film explores with the characters from both the ballet and the fairytale are nothing if not interesting.
The Nutcracker (1993) – 5.7
Available To Purchase On Apple TV
This adaptation is what happens when Kevin McAlister takes dance lessons. 1993’s film version of the NYC Ballet production of The Nutcracker might have a low rating, but it’s actually a pretty solid version that most viewers can access and understand.
Macaulay Culkin might be a little distracting in the lead role, but there’s nothing overtly wrong with his performance. Plus, the narration of the ballet by Kevin Kline makes it easy for newcomers to follow. Definitely worth a spot on the Christmas movie lineup.
Nutcracker Fantasy (1979) – 6.7
Available To Purchase On Amazon
Nutcracker Fantasy is an… interesting take on the tale to say the very least. This Japanese stop-motion adaptation of the Hoffman story is what happens when one blends The Nutcracker, The Nightmare Before Christmas, and The Wizard of Oz.
The film, though with somewhat of a cult status, is almost as far from the traditional tale as one can possibly get. That being said, hearing the great Christopher Lee as Uncle Drosselmeyer is still pretty cool.
The Nutcracker Prince (1990) – 6.7
Currently Not Available
The Nutcracker Prince did not receive very many positive reviews. But with that in mind, it does take a lot more from the original story than a great number of ballets. It’s still a very loose adaptation of both the book and ballet, but it’s not entirely unlikable.
With big names behind the voices, such as Kiefer Southerland in the lead role and Phyllis Diller and Peter O’Toole in supporting roles, there’s definitely talent behind the scenes. A little cat and dog, but it’ll keep the kids entertained.
Nutcracker: The Motion Picture (1986) – 6.8
Available To Rent On Apple TV
If there was one definitive Nutcracker that was a prominent representation of E.T.A. Hoffman’s original novel, it’s Nutcracker: The Motion Picture. Inspired by the original book and illustrations by Maurice Sendak, this version might be one of the most accurate interpretations, but it’s far from a fairytale.
There are no Sugarplum Fairies, the Nutcracker himself is like something out of a Dark-Crystal-inspired nightmare, and the overall production has a strange dream-like or nightmare-like quality to it. As if there’s something dark the audience is not seeing.
The Hard Nut (1992) – 7.4
Currently Not Available
Nutcracker: The Motion Picture was weird but not without reason. The Hard Nut, on the other hand, is another story altogether. Think of the ballet, but replace the fairytale setting with 1970s America, and that gives a basic description of the production.
Complete with hippies, toy robots, an Elvis-impersonator Mouse King, and a pop-art design inspired by Andy Warhol and Jack Kirby, The Hard Nut is an interpretation of a Christmas Classic that just has to be seen to be believed.
The Bolshoi Ballet: Live From Moscow – The Nutcracker (2010) – 7.6
Available To Purchase On Amazon
Quite possibly the most traditional version of the ballet, the Bolshoi Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker ranks pretty high on the performance scale. The company has been performing the original production for dozens of decades, earning a strong reputation amongst fans and critics alike.
It might be a little strange for those unfamiliar with the source material or ballet in general, but definitely worth a watch at least once. If nothing else, fans of ballet and ballerinas will certainly enjoy it.
The Nutcracker (1973) – 7.5
Currently Not Available
When a maid discovers an enchanted nutcracker soldier while cleaning up after a children’s Christmas party, the toy comes to life and battles a three-headed Mouse King before her love turns him into a handsome prince. This Russian short film feels more like a Christmassy version of Cinderella than The Nutcracker, but there’s still a certain charm to it that simply cannot be ignored.
The animation mixes Chuck-Jones-esque character designs with music-inspired imagery straight from Fantasia to create this brief but beautiful retelling.
San Fransisco Ballet’s Nutcracker (2008) – 8.2
Currently Not Available
The San Fransisco Ballet’s version has to get some serious props, mainly due to the fact that it’s a purely American interpretation of the original production inspired by the 1915 World’s Fair. It has all the familiar elements seen in most traditional productions, but with a very distinct and stylish design.
The result is a colorful circus of Christmas toys, ornaments, and holiday joy. Worth more than an 8.2, but certainly not mom and dad’s Nutcracker.
The Nutcracker (1977) – 8.3
Available To Purchase On Amazon
Mikail Baryshnikov is an all-star of the dancing world that any ballet fan would love to watch and to not include his interpretation of the Christmas classic would be an absolute crime and shame. Though it might not be as theatrical as something from the Bolshoi, it does have more than a few stellar features.
It might have been a made-for-TV production, but it’s a beautiful rendition of the original ballet, and one even those unfamiliar with the medium of dance can comprehend. It checks all the boxes and features all the classic moments associated with the ballet. What’s not to like?
