Feed your imagination with these quirky, spooky, and whimsy films created by the phenomenal gothic director, Tim Burton.
The American filmmaker and artist who’s known for his gothic fantasy and horror films once again takes the spotlight as Netflix’s Wednesday dominates the streamer’s charts. The success of the eight-episode series has been seen as a major comeback of the renowned director behind Edward Scissorhands and the Corpse Bride. (Yes, it’s actually thanks to him that you get to dress like Edward Scissorhands and the Corpse Bride on Halloween!)
Tim Burton has an undeniable effect on cinema – from creating gripping stories revolving around outcasts in an eerie atmosphere highlighted in gothic art and stop-motion animation storytelling. He has earned the moniker for his Buston-esque style of filmmaking as he continued making stunning visuals and unconventional plots that often starred remarkable actors and performers, including Johnny Depp, Winona Ryder, and Danny Elfman.
Other Tim Burton Movies to Add to Your Watchlist
In case you’re running out of movies to binge-watch, here are some Tim Burton movies that you can consider adding to your list.
- Pee-wee’s Big Adventure (available on HBO Max)
Released in 1985, Pee-wee’s Big Adventure revolves around the eccentric man-child who’s obsessed with his red bike. Unfortunately, after going out to visit his friend, Dottie, the bicycle got missing causing him to travel all over America to get it back.
Such crazy misadventure was Tim Burton’s feature debut. The sweet and silly balance of the film became an instant hit on the big screen – as it was received well by both kids and kids at heart.
- Corpse Bride (available on Netflix)
Featuring Tim Burton’s iconic macabre story elements and gothic design, the Corpse Bride reimagines the horrifying 19th-century Russian folktale of a young man who unintentionally marries a corpse bride while he is on his way to his soon-to-be wife.
Despite the obvious dark backdrop, the film features light-hearted humor and heart-tugging scenes that have captured the hearts of many viewers. The film led Tim Burton to his very first Academy Award nomination.
- Edward Scissorhands (available on Disney+)
Probably one of the must-watch among all Tim Burton films, Edward Scissorhands brings together the beautiful chemistry of Stranger Things actress Winona Ryder and award-winning actor Johnny Depp. A cult classic, Edward Scissorhands brings the audience into a dystopian world where a mad inventor creates an artificial human named Edward. For whatever misfortune it was, the inventor died leaving the project incomplete. While many see Edward as otherworldly because of the scissor blades he has, the suburban saleswoman sees how functional he was; hence, the decision of bringing him home. This then leads to Edward falling in love with her daughter, Kim.
While this fairytale is instead seen as odd, it has undeniably captured the true essence of love, which was beautifully woven through the creative prowess of Tim Burton. Edward Scissorhands was nominated for Best Makeup at the 1991 Academy Awards and won Best Production Design at the 1992 BAFTA Awards.
- Beetlejuice (available on HBO Max)
The 1988 film Beetlejuice is the ultimate Halloween staple of every family. The kind of humor, acting, costume, and music coincides perfectly earning the film the 1898 Oscar for Best Makeup, Best Supporting Actress for Sylvia Sidney, and the Best Horror Film and Best Makeup Award at the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films in 1990.
Beetlejuice follows the story of the married couple, Adam and Barbara Maitland, who unfortunately died in a car accident and found themselves returning as ghosts to their house. Wanting to kick out the family who has purchased their home, their efforts earned the attention of Beetlejuice, a demon spirit who can cause much risk instead of help to the Maitland couple and the new house owner’s teenage daughter, Lydia.
- Big Fish (available on Starz)
If you think Tim Burton is all but dark and macabre setting, brace yourself, Big Fish unveils the heart-tugging story of a father and son duo navigating through their familial relationship.
Based on Daniel Wallace’s book Big Fish: A Novel of Mythic Proportions, the Tim Burton film unleashes a completely different kind of fantasy flick that comes with dazzling cinematography and bigger-than-life visual settings.
Tim Burton’s heartwarming tale was nominated for Best Film, Best Screenplay, Best Production Design, and Best Achievement in Special Visual Effects at the 2004 BAFTA Awards. If you want to go all-in, you can also consider adding Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Ed Wood, Frankenweenie, Mars Attack!, Sleepy Hollow, Big Eyes, Batman (1989), Batman Returns (1992), Alice in Wonderland, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children into your long list of must-watch Tim Burton movies. Enjoy!
