Nutcracker: The Motion Picture (1986): cast, story & where to watch
1986 · Film · ★ 6.7
Released in 1986, Nutcracker: The Motion Picture is a fantasy, family and music film directed by Carroll Ballard, running about 89 minutes. “A magnificent Christmas spectacular.” — that tagline sets the tone.
What it’s about. The colorful holiday classic is finally brought to the big screen, designed by famed children's story author and artist Maurice Sendak, and written for the first time to be as close as possible to the original story. A lavish, exciting and heart-warming celebration of dance, of music, and of life. Based upon the Pacific Northwest Ballet's original production.
Who’s in it. Nutcracker: The Motion Picture stars Hugh Bigney as Herr Drosselmeier / The Pasha, Patricia Barker as Clara (after the battle) / Ballerina Doll, Vanessa Sharp as Clara (Christmas party; battle scene) and Wade Walthall as Nutcracker Prince, among others.
How it landed. With an audience score of 6.7/10, Nutcracker: The Motion Picture has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.
Where to watch. In US you can stream it on Amazon Prime Video, fuboTV, MGM+ Amazon Channel and Philo and rent or buy it from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies and YouTube. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Nutcracker: The Motion Picture page.
If you liked it. Fans of Nutcracker: The Motion Picture tend to enjoy The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, The Green Mile, Spirited Away and The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch Nutcracker: The Motion Picture (1986)?
- In US, Nutcracker: The Motion Picture is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video, fuboTV and MGM+ Amazon Channel, and rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store and Google Play Movies. Availability varies by country — check our where-to-watch page for every region.
- Is Nutcracker: The Motion Picture worth watching?
- Nutcracker: The Motion Picture holds an audience score of 6.7 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy fantasy, family and music. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
- Who stars in Nutcracker: The Motion Picture?
- Nutcracker: The Motion Picture stars Hugh Bigney, Patricia Barker, Vanessa Sharp, Wade Walthall and Russell Burnett.
- When was Nutcracker: The Motion Picture released?
- Nutcracker: The Motion Picture was released in 1986, with a runtime of about 89 minutes.