Five Tim Burton films to watch if you loved ‘Beetlejuice 2’
From 'Edward Scissorhands’ to 'Sweeney Todd’, we have the perfect gothic horror movie marathon for you.
Halloween might be a month away, but we already know who we're going as. Clue: you have to say his name three times to summon him! Tim Burton's Beetlejuice set a new standard for gothic horror back in the day, and the recently released sequel, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice promises to be a nostalgic ride. Everyone’s favourite mischief-maker, Beetlejuice played by Michael Keaton, returns as the unruly, crude ghost-for-hire who thrives on havoc, with Winona Ryder reprising her role as the sardonic Lydia. Burton’s dark comedic touch, vivid visuals, and twisted charm made the original a cult classic, and they're even bigger and better in part two.
Tim Burton's films are known for blending eccentric characters with fantastical worlds, all wrapped in a distinctly gothic aesthetic. If that sounds like your favourite genre and Beetlejuice 2 left you wanting more of his trademark style, then here are five other Burton films to add to your watchlist.
Beetlejuice (1988)
It only makes sense to start this list with the iconic prequel. This dark comedy follows Beetlejuice, (Michael Keaton), who is enlisted by a deceased couple, the Maitlands, to drive away the new family living in their home. However, Beetlejuice’s chaotic antics spiral out of control, forcing the Maitlands and the new family’s daughter, Lydia (Winona Ryder), to step in before things get worse.
Edward Scissorhands (1990)
When you think of the best Tim Burton films, Edward Scissorhands is hard to ignore. Johnny Depp plays Edward, an artificial man with scissors for hands, who is taken in by Peg into her suburban world. Despite his sharp appendages, Edward’s innocence and talents charm the neighbourhood. His budding romance with Kim (Winona Ryder) adds emotional depth to the story, although jealousy from her boyfriend Jim and gossip from neighbours like Pam make him feel like an outcast.
Big Fish (2003)
Another classic Tim Burton creation, this film centres on Edward Bloom (Ewan McGregor), a man who fills his life with stories of magical adventures involving giants and witches. As Edward nears the end of his life, his son Will (Billy Crudup) grows frustrated with these exaggerated tales and sets out to find out the real truth about his father’s past. In doing so, Will begins to understand the deeper meaning within these stories, which helps him reconnect with his father.
Batman (1989)
Tim Burton’s Batman remains a favourite in the entire series, despite the debate about the superiority of Batman versus Batman Returns. Michael Keaton’s Bruce Wayne/Batman is a nostalgic favourite. Keaton stars as the brooding superhero, while Jack Nicholson delivers one of his most iconic roles as the Joker. This film set a new standard for comic book adaptations with its stylish dark aesthetic, making way for other adaptations.
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007)
Another fine example of Burton's genius. Depp plays Todd, a vengeful barber who returns to London after being wrongfully imprisoned by Judge Turpin (Alan Rickman). Seeking revenge, Todd reopens his barber shop, partnering with Mrs Lovett (Helena Bonham Carter), who bakes his victims into pies. Over time, his desire for revenge grows, blurring the line between justice and madness, leading to tragic consequences.
Lead image credit: Getty Images
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