Performance & Direction: The Nutcracker Review
Last updated: January 20, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Nutcracker (1958) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.0/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Fantasy.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Fantasy is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Nutcracker features a noteworthy lineup led by June Lockhart . Supported by the likes of Bonnie Bedelia and George Balanchine , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of The Nutcracker (1958) is overwhelmingly positive. With an audience rating of 7.0/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Story & Plot Summary: The Nutcracker
Quick Plot Summary: The Nutcracker is a Fantasy, Music, TV Movie film that transports viewers to imaginative worlds filled with magic, wonder, and epic adventures. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Ending Explained: The Nutcracker
Ending Breakdown: The Nutcracker resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to fantasy resolution.
The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the fantasy themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Nutcracker reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Nutcracker?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Fantasy films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Top Cast: The Nutcracker
All Cast & Crew →


The Nutcracker Parents Guide & Age Rating
1958 AdvisoryWondering about The Nutcracker age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Nutcracker is 90 minutes (1h 30m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 7/10, and global collection metrics, The Nutcracker stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1958 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Nutcracker worth watching?
The Nutcracker is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Fantasy movies. It has a verified rating of 7/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Nutcracker parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Nutcracker identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of The Nutcracker?
The total duration of The Nutcracker is 90 minutes, which is approximately 1h 30m long.
Best Movies to Watch if you liked The Nutcracker
How The Nutcracker Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for The Nutcracker
No reviews found for this filter.
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.







