As a cinephile with a penchant for the peculiar and a soft spot for Tim Burton‘s whimsical worldview, I find myself captivated by this enlightening journey through Burton’s cinematic oeuvre. Each film showcased here not only embodies the director’s unique vision but also highlights the serendipitous moments that often define a movie’s success or failure.
This list, first released on March 26, 2019, has been revised and now features Beetlejuice, repeated twice for emphasis.
Tim Burton, initially an outsider due to his unique style, transformed into an influential insider after his success. Known for leaving a prestigious position as a Disney animator due to creative differences, he produced two innovative short films, “Frankenweenie” and “Vincent,” featuring the iconic Vincent Price. This self-determined move caught the attention of studios, leading him to direct three consecutive blockbusters for Warner Bros.: “Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure,” “Beetlejuice,” and “Batman.” The artist once deemed too eccentric by Disney became one of the world’s most prominent directors.
Eventually, Burton’s association with the studio system became overly extensive, transforming him into a director whose creative vision was commercialized and diluted by success. He eventually sought to create smaller, more intimate films again, though not always with great success. Despite this, he remains one of the most impactful and distinctive voices in American cinema; it’s challenging to envision the last three decades of Hollywood without his influence.
To celebrate the debut of his newest movie titled “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice“, we’ve prepared a list ranking his 20 theatrical films, starting with the one we found least appealing and moving up to our favorite.
20.
Planet of the Apes (2001)
Due to the more recent reboots of Planet of the Apes within the last few years, it’s possible that you may have overlooked Fox’s earlier attempt to revive this science fiction franchise for the big screen. Let us refresh your memory: Tim Burton attempted a remake, but unfortunately, his effort fell flat. Mark Wahlberg portrayed an astronaut who ended up on a world inhabited by articulate apes. The movie was filled with everything that’s frustrating about Burton – unfunny humor, a tedious “visionary” approach, and a story that grew less engaging as the director seemed to lose interest. Intriguingly, Wahlberg agreed to star in the film after just five minutes of meeting with Burton. Later on, he might have regretted his decision: “Working with people in gorilla suits wasn’t exactly appealing,” Wahlberg stated before the movie’s release, “but I kept reminding myself why I was there. There were days when I panicked. The first day I had a panic attack. There was a child with tribal markings on his face, a person in a gorilla costume, and Helena. It all seemed rather absurd.” Unfortunately, it turned out to be even more ridiculous than that, Mark.
19.
Alice in Wonderland (2010)
The movie “Alice in Wonderland” was the significant 3D release following the sensational success of “Avatar”, and it’s plausible that “Avatar’s” influence sparked audience curiosity towards more 3D movies, which could be the reason behind “Alice in Wonderland” being Tim Burton’s highest-grossing film globally. It’s not likely that the film’s storytelling quality is what attracted viewers. Mia Wasikowska played Alice, but it wasn’t her that ticket buyers were drawn to; they wanted to witness Tim Burton’s extravagant interpretation of Wonderland, featuring an exhausting portrayal of the Mad Hatter by Johnny Depp. The costumes designed by Colleen Atwood were, as usual, impressive, but the movie itself is visually unappealing, a peak example of Burton’s quirky/magical style.
18.
Dark Shadows (2012)
If Dark Shadows had been made by Burton around 15 years prior, it might have been successful. During that time, he could have found the campy humor in this quirky and engaging cult classic and created something original and bizarre with it. He also would have had a more agile and enthusiastic Johnny Depp to collaborate with. However, by 2012, Burton’s style had become heavy-handed cliches. This movie adaptation turned out to be yet another uninspired brand name reboot that Depp half-heartedly performed in, while Burton failed to make anything more than a high-budget yawner. Even the talented Eva Green couldn’t save this film.
17.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005)
Let me rephrase that for you: Can you imagine that this movie is one of Burton’s second-largest global hits? While it’s understandable due to the well-known source material, the remake falls short compared to the original in terms of its quirky appeal and the mischievous fun found in Roald Dahl’s book. After 13 years, even the film’s initial appeal – Burton’s unique set design, his enchanting visual world – has lost much of its luster. The movie also fails to match the original’s boldness: The misbehaving children are punished, but their falls lack the fire and justice found in the original. Moreover, Depp’s portrayal of Willy Wonka, who was intended as a tribute to Michael Jackson, has been criticized, and this film’s success seems to have had negative consequences for both Depp and Burton in their future projects.
16.
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024)
https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=As-vKW4ZboU
To demonstrate the contrast between the past and present version of Tim Burton, proposing a project where he creates a sequel to one of his early, eccentric movies decades later is an ingenious idea. While glimpses of the original Burton can be seen – particularly in a nonsensical, yet nostalgically chaotic closing dream sequence – the filmmaker has largely been overtaken by the bombastic, disorganized, and seemingly soul-less individual he has evolved into. It’s enjoyable to see Michael Keaton return with his trademark blend of charm and disgust, and Winona Ryder manages to infuse a more heartfelt portrayal of Lydia Deetz than her written character suggests. However, overall, the movie is an overstuffed, dimwitted jumble that one wonders if the old Burton would recognize or acknowledge if he did.
15.
Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children (2016)
When Tim Burton remade Ransom Riggs’s 2011 novel about a peculiar home for individuals with extraordinary abilities, it was almost predictable that an overly complex, fantastical creation would ensue. Despite previous disappointments with Dark Shadows and Alice in Wonderland, Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children surpassed expectations slightly. Asa Butterfield portrays a young man who stumbles upon a mystical island housing a mansion inhabited by Eva Green’s eccentric Miss Peregrine and outcast children with special powers. Burton incorporates stop-motion and various amusing visual effects, but the film is often too busy, straining to captivate its audience.
14.
Big Fish (2003)
In simpler terms, many people view “Big Fish” as a significant milestone in Tim Burton’s career, but we see it as another example of his struggles as a storyteller. This movie, based on Daniel Wallace’s novel, features Ewan McGregor as a youthful storyteller and Billy Crudup as his son who seeks to comprehend his father’s true identity. “Big Fish” is a classic example of heartfelt storytelling, a deliberate shift by Burton away from big-budget filmmaking towards something more intimate and emotional. However, Burton’s penchant for cuteness in his storytelling persists even in these tall tales. Despite the story’s profound resonance, “Big Fish” often contradicts itself as Burton eagerly showcases visual spectacles or evokes emotions during the climax. As always, he overreaches with his effects.
13.
Dumbo (2019)
As Disney keeps producing live-action versions of its beloved animated movies, it’s essential to remember that Tim Burton initially set this trend with the 2010 hit “Alice in Wonderland.” Therefore, it’s not unexpected that he was invited to direct “Dumbo,” a film centering around an elephant who learns to fly. Unlike the original, there’s no Timothy Q. Mouse character in this reboot, but the film does capture a sense of wonder during its airborne scenes. Additionally, Michael Keaton, known for his roles in “Batman” and “Beetlejuice,” reappears in a Burton movie, playing an unscrupulous businessman who seeks to capitalize on Dumbo’s abilities. Compared to some of Burton’s recent works, “Dumbo” is more uplifting and less enveloped by his cynical, sarcastic perspective. However, if you’ve grown tired of Burton’s excessive visual style or his lack of focus on well-rounded characters, “Dumbo” might only intensify your feelings. In other words, while an elephant can soar to the skies in this movie, a seasoned director may find it challenging to shake off his familiar patterns.
12.
Frankenweenie (2012)
The initial 1984 short film that boosted Burton’s fame is a delightful tale about a boy who seeks to bring back his deceased dog. The full-length 2012 remake, while less endearing, showcases some striking black-and-white visuals. Frankenweenie serves as Burton’s tribute to classic Frankenstein movies, but the humor of the tribute sometimes struggles against the director’s tendency to include too many forced jokes and uninspired storytelling. However, its brief runtime prevents Burton’s excesses from becoming overwhelming, and the sudden transition into kid-friendly horror towards the end feels like a sincere, nostalgic nod to his youth as an outsider artist.
11.
Sleepy Hollow (1999)
Among Burton’s films directed for hire, Sleepy Hollow stands out as the most successful. For the most part, it sticks closely to its script written by Andrew Kevin Walker, who also penned Seven, adapting the Washington Irving story into a horror-mystery film. Johnny Depp plays Ichabod Crane, a New York cop, who travels to Sleepy Hollow to uncover why people are mysteriously losing their heads. The mood and atmosphere overshadow the plot, but Sleepy Hollow is visually stunning, thanks in part to the cinematography of three-time Oscar winner Emmanuel Lubezki, and the art direction by Rick Heinrichs and Peter Young, who won an Academy Award for this film. Overall, we prefer Sleepy Hollow’s effective, slightly generic dark elements over Burton’s more elaborate fantastical styles that would later become his signature.
10.
Corpse Bride (2005)
In contrast to Burton’s previous stop-motion projects, where he served solely as producer with Henry Selick directing, this particular film saw Burton collaborate with Mike Johnson on the directorial role. The narrative – a macabre yet sweet love triangle between a boy, his fiancée, and a zombie – is distinctively Burton, but it carries a bittersweet, melancholic undertone that adds depth to the typical whimsy found in his works. Remarkably, the animation surpasses that of its popular predecessor, The Nightmare Before Christmas. Moreover, the performances by Depp and Helena Bonham Carter were not yet reduced to caricatures: They still possessed enough nuance to keep viewers engaged and invested.
9.
Big Eyes (2014)
Intriguingly captivating, the film “Big Eyes” stands out as one of Tim Burton’s rare productions this century that doesn’t appear to be a repetition of his usual style. Unlike many of his films, this biopic of artist Margaret Keane (portrayed by Amy Adams) and her controlling husband Walter (Christoph Waltz), who for years claimed credit for her work, doesn’t seem like an automated production. Instead, it appears that Burton is genuinely immersed in the subject matter, exploring the intricate intersection of commerce and creativity.
8.
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007)
Despite never being nominated for a Best Director award at the Oscars, Burton has earned one Golden Globe nomination, which was for this particular film, his interpretation of the popular, brooding stage musical. Musicals aren’t typically within Burton’s comfort zone due to their sense of urgency and raw sincerity that doesn’t align with Burton’s style (his camera subtly expresses a slight disinterest when the music begins). However, the movie remains entertaining, boasting a surprising heartfelt performance from Depp (who enjoys his rock-star moments), impressive supporting roles from Bonham Carter, Alan Rickman, and especially Sacha Baron Cohen, who relishes his brief, gruesome screen time. The film requires a careful equilibrium that Burton doesn’t always manage, but it maintains its charm.
7.
Mars Attacks! (1996)
Film critic Peter Rainer once described the film “Mars Attacks!” as both a tribute and a critique, stating it’s possibly the most hilarious example of carefree, ruthless trash ever captured on celluloid. Released approximately six months following “Independence Day,” this fierce adaptation of 1960s Topps trading cards was almost unintentionally a parody of that film’s optimistic, action-packed silliness. Unlike its predecessor, “Mars Attacks!” lacked a quick-witted Will Smith protagonist or an honest Bill Pullman president. Instead, we are introduced to a procession of foolish human characters, including Jack Nicholson portraying a dim-witted POTUS, who realize the extraterrestrials pose a threat. Director Tim Burton seems to betray his kind in this film, evidently supporting the aliens as they destroy our self-centered populace. Remarkably, “Mars Attacks!” manages to win our sympathy: This might have been one of Burton’s last opportunities to so powerfully express his discontent, dreaming of the destruction of our superficial world to make way for a new one. In an odd sense, “Mars Attacks!” is not only amusing but also deeply intimate.
6.
Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure (1985)
It’s fascinating how firmly established Burton’s unique style was from his very first film, encompassing an outsider character who struggles to fit in with the world outside, interwoven moments of gothic horror that provoke both shock and amusement (“Don’t forget Large Marge said hello!”), a Danny Elfman score that imbues a sense of being in a slightly off-kilter universe, and Paul Reubens and Phil Hartman who selected Burton to direct his debut after being captivated by his short film, Frankenweenie. Burton was an exceptional choice for this role because he skillfully made the world of Pee-Wee Herman seem just normal enough to highlight its peculiarities. Many other directors might have turned this into a cheesy and even unbearable production, but Burton transformed it into a timeless classic.
5.
Batman Returns (1992)
The film sequel that significantly boosted Tim Burton’s career was initially met with disdain and bewilderment upon its debut. However, over time, Burton’s unconventional successor has garnered appreciation rather than criticism. Unlike traditional comic book superhero movies, this film focuses on lonely and outcast characters yearning for connection in a world that rejects them, making it more of a personal statement than a typical blockbuster. Some speculate that Burton, who was removed from the Batman franchise following this movie, might have learned an unintended lesson. This film remains one of his most heartfelt studio releases.
4.
Batman (1989)
The first modern superhero movie that shaped the approach Hollywood took towards comic book films was “Batman,” released before “Batman.” Unlike the cheerful, down-to-earth Superman portrayed by Richard Donner and Christopher Reeve, Tim Burton transformed Batman into a more edgy and contemporary character. Although not as gloomy or dramatic as today’s blockbusters, “Batman” still showcases the unique vision of its director, imbuing the Caped Crusader with a sense of isolation and misunderstanding that resonated deeply. Key elements such as Danny Elfman’s iconic score, Prince’s memorable music, Anton Furst’s gothic set design, and Jack Nicholson’s captivating performance make “Batman” stand out for its audacity and enthusiasm. As superhero movies became dominant in Hollywood, few have felt as groundbreaking and impactful as this one.
3.
Beetlejuice (1988)
In the realm of alternate casting possibilities throughout cinematic history, the movie “Beetlejuice” might hold the top spot: Tim Burton initially desired Sammy Davis Jr. to embody the eponymous ghost. Thank goodness for studio executives who intervened, as we seldom get a chance to express this. Michael Keaton, an actor Burton wasn’t previously acquainted with, was eventually chosen, and he turned out to be pitch-perfect: a perfect blend of wild energy and chilling intensity. This film is one of those where it’s hard to imagine anyone else directing it. It possesses a delightful, endearing lightness combined with unexpected creepiness and startling moments. Moreover, the cast was on the brink of stardom: securing Alec Baldwin, Geena Davis, Winona Ryder, and Keaton as leads would have been exponentially more costly five years down the line. And let’s not forget Dick Cavett!
2.
Edward Scissorhands (1990)
John Depp’s career has taken a turn for the worse across various dimensions, including financially, creatively, and ethically. However, if you wish to witness his talent at its best, during his time challenging every facet of his rising fame by portraying a string of awkward, sensitive, and misunderstood characters, consider watching this unexpected success. This film remains the truest embodiment of Burton’s artistic vision. With the wealth he earned from Batman, Burton opted to create this dark suburban fairy tale about an outcast teenager who is so detached that he has scissors for hands – a monster incapable of getting close to others. In this role, Depp’s otherworldly charm fits perfectly, and Winona Ryder is spot-on as the girl who identifies with this “freak.” To this day, this movie continues to tug at your heartstrings a bit. It’s hard not to appreciate it despite the events that followed afterward.
1.
Ed Wood (1994)
As a cinephile, I’ve come to realize that no other director encapsulates both genius and folly quite like Tim Burton. His masterpiece, despite being his biggest box office bomb, continues to stand as a testament to his talent. This fascinating biopic, penned by the duo Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski, renowned for their work on “The People vs. Larry Flynt” and “Man on the Moon,” is both laugh-out-loud funny and profoundly moving.
Grierson & Leitch frequently discuss films and host a movie-focused podcast. Keep up with their insights by following them on Twitter or checking out their website.
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2024-09-09 19:55