Tim Burton is a filmmaker known for his gothic horror and fantasy films, such as Beetlejuice, Edward Scissorhands, The Nightmare Before Christmas, and Corpse Bride. If you’re planning to watch some spooky films on Halloween, you should watch the films of Tim Burton.
Burton’s films have interesting stories, and they always come with his unique aesthetic. His movies also often feature creepy and weird characters, most of which have become inspirations for Halloween costumes.
The gothic, horror, supernatural, and fantastical elements in Burton’s films make them a great choice for your Halloween movie marathon. Here are the best Tim Burton movies to watch on Halloween:
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
The Nightmare Before Christmas is one of Tim Burton’s most popular works. Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, grows tired of his annual routine, which involves organizing Halloween celebrations and looking for ways to scare people.
One day, he stumbles upon “Christmas Town” and decides to take over the holiday. He plans to kidnap Santa Claus (or “Sandy Claws”) so that he can become Santa himself.
The film earned praise for its animation, story, characters, and songs. “This Is Halloween” and “Sally’s Song” will certainly get stuck in your head.
Beetlejuice (1988)
Beetlejuice is a classic Halloween movie filled with many scares and laughs. It tells the story of a married couple, Barbara and Adam Maitland, who die in a car accident and become ghosts. They come back to their house but find out that it has already been sold to the Deetz family.
Barbara and Adam try to scare them away but fail. So, they ask for the help of Beetlejuice, a freelance “bio-exorcist”.
Beetlejuice was met with critical acclaim, and the film also won the Academy Award for Best Makeup. The success of the film led to the creation of an animated television series and a stage musical. Beetlejuice will also be getting a sequel, which is set to be released in 2024.
Corpse Bride (2005)
Corpse Bride is one of Tim Burton’s best movies ever. The film follows Victor Van Dort, a shy and nervous man who gets engaged to Victoria Everglot for social and financial reasons.
He practices his vows in the woods and accidentally wakes the Corpse Bride, Emily. She then drags him to the Land of the Dead.
Corpse Bride received praise for its plot, animation, songs, humor, and characters (which have become inspirations for Halloween costumes). The film has a beautiful story, and the score and songs, written by Danny Elfman, make the film even better.
Edward Scissorhands (1990)
One of Burton’s most beloved films is Edward Scissorhands, a 1990 gothic romance movie starring Johnny Depp and Winona Ryder. Burton also considers the film his favorite work.
Edward Scissorhands follows the story of Edward, an unfinished artificial humanoid who has scissors for hands. A saleswoman named Peg Boggs finds Edward in a gothic mansion and takes him in.
Edward tries to adapt to suburban life and find his place in a world where he doesn’t belong. Edward also falls in love with Peg’s teenage daughter, Kim.
Edward Scissorhands has a very touching story, and the movie's gothic elements and aesthetics will give you all the Halloween vibes.
Frankenweenie (2012)
Frankenweenie is a retelling of the classic tale “Frankenstein” and a remake of Burton's 1984 short film of the same name. Frankenweenie follows a young scientist named Victor Frankenstein, whose best friend is his dog Sparky.
Unfortunately, Sparky gets hit by a car and dies. A heartbroken Victor then conducts a science experiment to bring Sparky back to life.
Victor’s classmates discover what he has done and begin bringing dead creatures back to life, resulting in mayhem.
Frankenweenie has spooky elements and classic horror references. You should definitely add this to your list of movies to watch on Halloween.
Sleepy Hollow (1999)
Sleepy Hollow is a gothic supernatural horror film that follows a police constable named Ichabod Crane, who does not believe in the supernatural.
One day, he gets sent to the small village of Sleepy Hollow to investigate a series of murders, which are all tied to the mysterious Headless Horseman.
Sleepy Hollow received positive reviews from critics and also won the Academy Award for Best Art Direction. It is darker compared to the other films on the list, as it features numerous gory and violent scenes.
Those who want to watch something frightening and scary on Halloween should watch Sleepy Hollow.
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007)
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street is a musical horror film starring Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter.
The film follows Benjamin Barker, a barber who was wrongfully arrested by the corrupt Judge Turpin. After 15 years, he returns to his shop and adopts the alias “Sweeney Todd”.
He meets a baker named Mrs. Lovett and forms a partnership with her. Sweeney Todd begins killing his customers, while Mrs. Lovett turns them into meat pies. Sweeney Todd also plots his revenge on Judge Turpin.
Like Sleepy Hollow, Sweeney Todd has numerous violent scenes and is rated R. So, if you want to watch these two films, make sure kids aren’t around.
Dark Shadows (2012)
Dark Shadows tells the story of Barnabas Collins, who was cursed by a witch named Angelique to become a vampire. After more than 100 years, Barnabas is set free and returns to his ancestral home.
He finds out that his family estate is in ruins. So, Barnabas tries to restore the Collins family to its former glory while getting even with Angelique.
Dark Shadows is not considered by many as one of Burton’s best films, but if you’re a fan of vampires and horror comedy films, you may want to check this out.
So, which of these Tim Burton movies are you going to watch first this Halloween?
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