Born in the morbid, decaying wonderland known as Burbank, California, visionary director Tim Burton showed a propensity for the dark arts from a young age, guiding him into a CalArts education, and then the prestigious honor of getting fired from Disney in the mid-’80s—the reasoning: Wasting company money animating things too scary to show kids.
This only allowed Burton to let his imagination run unfettered on the big screen and, with the help of some choice partners-in-crime, produced one deranged hit after another: Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure, Beetlejuice, two Michael Keaton Batman movies, Edward Scissorhands. (And if you’re later wondering why Nightmare Before Christmas isn’t on this list, though he’s often associated with the role, Burton is not credited as director on the film.)
10. Ed Wood (1994)
Ed Wood (1994), directed by Tim Burton, follows the life of Ed Wood, a passionate but struggling filmmaker in the 1950s. Wood is determined to make movies despite lacking talent and resources, often working with eccentric actors and low budgets. His most famous work, Plan 9 from Outer Space, is notorious for its poor quality but embodies his relentless enthusiasm.
Wood’s unconventional vision and resilience contrast sharply with the Hollywood industry’s skepticism. The film highlights his relationships, particularly with cross-dressing actor Bela Lugosi, and his challenges. Ultimately, Wood’s story is one of unyielding ambition and creative spirit in adversity.
9. Frankenweenie (2012)
Frankenweenie (2012), directed by Tim Burton, is a stop-motion animated film about a young boy named Victor Frankenstein who brings his beloved dog Sparky back to life after a tragic accident. Victor’s experiment initially succeeds, but when his classmates discover Sparky, they attempt to replicate the experiment with disastrous results.
The town is soon overrun by monstrous creations, leading to chaos. Victor must confront his creations and set things right, ultimately learning about the importance of accepting loss and valuing his loved ones. The film blends horror and heart, paying homage to classic monster movies with Burton’s signature style.
8. Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007)
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007), directed by Tim Burton, tells the dark tale of Benjamin Barker, a wrongfully imprisoned barber who returns to London after 15 years, now adopting the alias Sweeney Todd. Seeking revenge on Judge Turpin, who wrongfully sentenced him and violated his wife, Todd teams up with Mrs. Lovett, a pie-maker, to exact his revenge.
Todd’s quest leads him to murder his customers, with their bodies being turned into meat pies by Lovett. As Todd’s wrath escalates, he discovers that his long-lost daughter is now under Judge Turpin’s protection. The film concludes with a tragic and bloody climax as revenge consumes Todd, leading to his downfall.
7. Beetlejuice (1988)
Beetlejuice (1988), directed by Tim Burton, centers on a recently deceased couple, Adam and Barbara Maitland, who haunt their former home and try to scare away the new inhabitants, the Deetz family. When their attempts fail, they enlist the help of the mischievous and chaotic spirit of Beetlejuice to drive the Deetzes out. However, Beetlejuice’s wild antics complicate things, causing more trouble than they anticipated.
The Maitlands soon realize they must confront Beetlejuice’s unpredictable behavior to protect Deetz’s teenage daughter Lydia, who can see and communicate with them. The film blends dark humor with supernatural elements, culminating in a chaotic but heartwarming resolution.
6. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005)
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005), directed by Tim Burton, follows young Charlie Bucket, who lives in poverty with his family. Charlie wins a golden ticket to tour the magical and mysterious Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory, along with four other children.
During the tour, each child’s flaws lead to their downfall, from gluttony to greed, as Wonka’s fantastical creations reveal their consequences. Charlie, the only child who remains humble and kind-hearted, ultimately earns Wonka’s respect. At the end, Wonka reveals that the true prize is inheriting the factory. Charlie and his family leave their life of poverty behind, embarking on a new adventure with Wonka.
5. Big Eyes (2014)
Big Eyes (2014), directed by Tim Burton, tells the true story of Margaret Keane, an artist known for her paintings of children with large, expressive eyes. In the 1950s, her husband, Walter Keane, falsely claims credit for her work, gaining fame and financial success. Margaret endures years of deception and exploitation while her husband’s lies grow.
Eventually, she finds the courage to stand up for herself and reveals the truth in a highly publicized court case. The film highlights her struggle for artistic recognition and personal justice. Ultimately, Margaret reclaims her identity and achieves rightful acknowledgment of her work.
4. Alice in Wonderland (2010)
Alice in Wonderland (2010), directed by Tim Burton, follows a 19-year-old Alice who returns to Wonderland, a fantastical realm she visited as a child. She discovers that the land is under the tyrannical rule of the Red Queen and that the White Queen needs her help to restore peace.
Alice learns she is destined to defeat the Jabberwocky, a fearsome dragon-like creature, to end the Red Queen’s reign. With the help of quirky characters like the Mad Hatter and the Cheshire Cat, Alice embraces her role as a hero. The film combines whimsical adventure with a coming-of-age story, culminating in Alice’s triumph over the Red Queen and her return to the real world.
3. Dark Shadows (2012)
Dark Shadows (2012), directed by Tim Burton, is a comedic horror film about Barnabas Collins, a wealthy vampire who is freed from his crypt after being buried alive for 200 years. Returning to his ancestral home, he finds his once-thriving family in disarray, now struggling to survive amid the interference of a rival witch, Angelique Bouchard, who had cursed him.
Barnabas attempts to restore his family’s fortunes while dealing with the modern world’s changes. The film blends supernatural elements with dark humor, showcasing Barnabas’s adjustment to the 1970s and his quest for revenge and redemption. Ultimately, he confronts Angelique, securing his family’s future and finding a new place in the modern era.
2. Dumbo (2019)
Dumbo (2019), directed by Tim Burton, reimagines the classic tale of a young circus elephant with oversized ears who can fly. The story follows Holt Farrier, a former circus star who, along with his children, discovers Dumbo’s unique ability and sees it as a way to revive their struggling circus. They partner with a charismatic entrepreneur, Vandemere, who promises to make Dumbo a star.
However, they soon realize Vandemere’s intentions are exploitative, as he plans to use Dumbo in a dangerous new attraction. Holt and his family work to rescue Dumbo and reunite him with his mother. The film highlights themes of family, freedom, and the ethical treatment of animals.
1. Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024)
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024) continues the story of the mischievous spirit Beetlejuice, who is inadvertently summoned again by a new family moving into the Maitlands’ old home. The now-adult Lydia Deetz, who has become a goth artist, learns of Beetlejuice’s return and tries to prevent his chaotic plans from disrupting the afterlife.
The plot thickens as Beetlejuice seeks to escape the Netherworld by wreaking havoc in the living world. Lydia, with the help of the Maitlands’ ghosts, must navigate a series of supernatural challenges to contain Beetlejuice’s mayhem. The film blends dark comedy with inventive special effects, culminating in a clash between Beetlejuice and the forces trying to control him.
