3. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Tim Burtons delightfully macabre stop-motion musical about a skeleton from Halloween Town who attempts to take over Christmas is, apart from its lovable protagonist, Jack Skellington, best known for its charming, funny and effective tunes. Whether the best of the bunch is the enthusiastic Whats This?, the classic Making Christmas, the spooky opener This is Halloween or indeed any of the others is a matter of contention. What is for sure though is that it is not only one of Burtons best films (although he actually didnt direct it, that achievement goes to Henry Selick who went on to helm the superb adaptation of Neil Gaimans childrens novel Coraline) it is also one of Elfmans career-best soundtracks. Furthermore, Elfman even features in the film himself as the singing voice of Jack and several other minor characters, something he would reprise in Burtons next stop-motion film, Corpse Bride (fun fact: the voice of the character Mr Bonejangles in that film severely hurt Elfmans throat). Interestingly, so intense was the working relationship between Burton and Elfman during this film that the pair had a falling out; this being the reason why Elfman did not score the directors following work Ed Wood. Thankfully, though, patched things up and still work together to this day.