15 reasons why The Nightmare Before Christmas is still a timeless classic 25 years later

Zero

When it comes to worthy sidekicks, Zero is one of the best. Zero is Jack Skellington’s ghost dog, who happens to have a nose that lights up and looks like a mini pumpkin. The ghostly dog is an amazing companion who is there for Jack no matter what.

Zero is clearly a play off of Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer, with his glowing pumpkin nose, which we certainly think is funny when you think about how Jack is working to take over Christmas from Santa Claus. Plus, he is also a guide for Jack as he leads him through the fog on Christmas Eve (which is very similar to the classic tale of The Night Before Christmas).

Beyond what Zero seems to represent in terms of being a play off of Rudolph, he is also Jack’s faithful companion in other ways. And his attachment to his master and overall perky puppy attitude are what make us love him.

Throughout the movie, we all watch as Zero perfectly complements Jack Skellington. He smiles when Jack is happy, and he shares his emotions when his owner is sharing his woes. At the same time, this ghostly dog is also a much-needed reminder to Jack that he is better than what he does in this story. He is proof positive that dogs really are man’s best friend, as he sticks by Jack’s side through thick or thin.