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Kiefer Sutherland, Megan Follows, Mike McDonald, Peter Boretski, Phyllis Diller ... see more see more... , Peter O'Toole , Noam Zylberman , Diane Stapley , George Merner , Lynne Gorman , Stephanie Morgenstern , Chris Owens , Susan Roman , Marvin Goldhar , Mike MacDonald , Paul Schibli

Based on E.T.A. Hoffman's classic book The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, this animated holiday tale utilizes the vocal talents of such stars as Kiefer Sutherland, Peter O'Toole and Phyllis Diller. ~ ... read more read more...Sandra Brennan, Rovi

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60% liked it

3,815 ratings

G, 1 hr. 15 min.

Directed by: Paul Schibli

Release Date: November 21, 1990

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DVD Release Date: November 9, 2004

Stats: 148 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (148)


  • July 30, 2007
    A cartoon adventure, with not much ballet intact; which can be a good thing. It's a quality production. I like the animation style.
  • December 19, 2011
    I will admit, I have seen the Nutcracker adaptations including the Barbie version and the Macaulay Culkin version (in which I did enjoy it really), but I think that this animated gem is the most faithful to the E.T.A. Hoffman story and the ballet in which it was based on. I was d... read moreisappointed by the mixed reviews from the critics on this website who said "the animation was shoddy" and I think that it has some nice background and the colors were so lovely. The character models are fabulous and the Princess Perlipat story was explained quite well in a Looney Tunes-esque style.

    The voice acting is incredible. Megan Follows did great as Clara with her lovely voice, Phyllis Diller did a good job as the wicked and creepy Mousequeen, Peter O'Toole did great as Pantaloon who was so funny during the movie, Mike McDonald did a fantastic job portraying the funny and frightening Mouseking. Yes, there are some violence in a kids movie and would frighten those who are 8-12, but the action was very intense (I found that character a perfect description from the book since he was the one who had gotten so much abuse from his mother. In fact, I felt sorry for him). Peter Boretski did very good as Uncle Drosselmeier and let's not forget Kiefer Sutherland's amazing performance as Hans/The Nutcracker with just a right tone for the prince.

    The music is the best aspect throughout the entire film. The sparkling motifs from his beautiful ballet score captured the spirit of the story with emotional moments where Clara decides to go back to her home and grow up instead of staying with the Nutcracker which is heartbroken and her final battle with a dying Mouseking.

    The Nutcracker Prince is an enjoyable experience for me and I think this would be recommended to Nutcracker fans as not only one of the best Christmas films of all time, but one of the best Nutcracker adaptations to date from the classic 90s.
  • May 4, 2009
    WOW, I had no idea that was Keifer Sutherland as the PRINCE! Now I need to watch it again. I haven't seen this film since I was a kid!
  • December 26, 2008
    Awesome movie! Nicely done, with nice animation.
  • October 19, 2010
    this animated movie is an excitement. only saw it two years and still I was excited. the evil rat was so scary though.
  • May 20, 2008
    This was the classic tale of the Nutcracker brought to life in an animated version. This is a great family holiday movie. You will want to watch it over and over again.
  • January 16, 2008
    First movie I saw in a theater. Not such a memorable experience. O'Toole does make a good rat though.

Critic Reviews


Caryn James
August 30, 2004
Caryn James, New York Times

Click to read the article Full Review

December 16, 2001
Chicago Reader

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Roger Ebert
January 1, 2000
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

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Rita Kempley
January 1, 2000
Rita Kempley, Washington Post

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November 21, 1990
Entertainment Weekly

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Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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Facts


    • Clara: Oh, I don't know, I'm so confused. It's just, well, the Land of the Dolls is where you all belong. But I want to grow up. There's a million things I want to do; people to meet, worlds to explore. I've always wanted to dance in the ballet. Nutcracker, I do love you, but I can't stay in the Land of the Dolls forever.
    • Prince: Your fight is with me, you miserable mouse! Not a defenseless old soldier!
    • Mouse Queen: The spell you broke on your head falls, you shall crack nuts, prince of the dolls.

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