Knick Knack (1989)
A pint-sized Pixar classic about one snowman's hilariously doomed quest to escape his snow globe and reach sunnier shores.
Knick Knack - Movie Information
- Original Title: Knick Knack
- Release Year: 1989
- Directed by: John Lasseter
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Animation, Family, Comedy
- Age Rating (US): G
- Runtime: 4m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: No Language
- Release Date (Theatrical): November 23, 1989 (Germany), November 25, 1992 (United States - G), November 24, 1989 (France - U), July 4, 2003 (Mexico), March 24, 2004 (South Korea - ALL)
- Alternative Titles: Suvenýry (CZ), Knickknack (US)
- Production Companies: Pixar
- Production Countries: United States of America
Knick Knack - Plot
Life on a shelf as a snowman trapped in a snow-globe blizzard can become wearing, especially when you're surrounded by knickknacks from sunnier locales. When the jaded snowman finally breaks free of his glass house, his vacation plans are cut short.
Knick Knack - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the snowman's great escape in action:
A snowman longs to break out of his snow globe.
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Knick Knack - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- John Lasseter
Writers
- John Lasseter
Producers
- John Lasseter
Knick Knack - FAQs
What is Knick Knack about?
Knick Knack follows a frustrated snowman stuck inside a snow globe who desperately wants to escape and join the cheerful tropical knickknacks on the shelf around him. His repeated attempts to break free lead to a series of comic misadventures, making it a delightfully funny and inventive Pixar short.
Who directed the Pixar short Knick Knack?
Knick Knack was directed by John Lasseter, one of the founding creative forces behind Pixar Animation Studios. Lasseter also wrote and produced the short, making it very much a personal project. It showcases the playful visual storytelling and character charm that would define Pixar's later feature films.
When was Knick Knack originally released?
Knick Knack premiered in Germany on November 23, 1989, and in France on November 24, 1989. It reached US audiences on November 25, 1992, when it was paired with the theatrical release of The Muppet Christmas Carol, giving it much wider exposure.
Where can you watch Knick Knack today?
You can stream Knick Knack on Disney Plus as part of their Pixar Shorts collection. It's also available to buy digitally on Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home, so there are plenty of easy ways to catch this classic four-minute gem.
How long is the Pixar short Knick Knack?
Knick Knack runs just 4 minutes, making it one of Pixar's shortest and most compact shorts. Despite its brief runtime, it packs in a full comedic arc, memorable character work, and impressive early computer animation — a remarkable achievement for its time.
Was Knick Knack groundbreaking for computer animation?
Absolutely. Released in 1989, Knick Knack was a landmark in computer-generated animation. Pixar used it to push the boundaries of rendering transparent materials like glass and water, skills that would prove essential in later features. The short's polished visuals were genuinely ahead of their time for the era.
Who composed the music for Knick Knack?
The music for Knick Knack was composed by Bobby McFerrin, the Grammy-winning musician best known for 'Don't Worry, Be Happy.' His playful, jazzy score perfectly matches the short's lighthearted comedic tone and adds a lively, bouncy energy that makes the snowman's frantic escape attempts even more entertaining.
What movies are similar to Knick Knack?
If you enjoyed Knick Knack, you'll likely love other Pixar shorts like Once Upon a Snowman (2020), Once Upon a Studio (2023), and Carl's Date (2023). For more festive animated fun, Diary of a Wimpy Kid Christmas: Cabin Fever (2023) and Snoopy Presents: Welcome Home, Franklin (2024) are great picks.
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