Tim Burton has given the film industry some truly iconic, timeless films. Exploring the gothic and horror genres, this visionary director and producer has revolutionized horror and fantasy filmmaking in ways never seen before. From Batman to the revival of Beetlejuice, Burton has brought horror and scares straight into our living rooms and made them an integral part of our cinematic experience.
As he soon celebrates his 66th birthday, take a look at Tim Burton’s 10 best films that are haunting but still offer a touch of comedy and suspense.
10. Mars attacks!
This Tim Burton film has it all. Before the current alien films where the villains are evil and territorial, Mars Attack was a little more light-hearted and humorous. Before the turn of the millennium, aliens attacked American soil to conquer it. In order to adapt, these aliens also experimented on humans for fun. Starring Jack Nicholson, Sarah Jessica Parker and Pierce Brosnan, the film is a hilarious journey with extraterritorial beings that will make you giggle and scare you.
9. Sleepy Hollow (1999)
Next on the list is Sleepy Hollow. Another exciting foray into the world of supernatural fantasy from Burton, but not funny at all. In the film, Johnny Depp plays a detective in late 19th century New York. A village is constantly haunted by a headless man who kills his victim. As the film progresses, the cop instigates something in the town. Terrifying to the core, this film is a haunting parade that will give you creepy nightmares.
8. Corpse Bride (2005)
Another funny yet charming animated film from Tim. This film starts with a simple plot but a twist in the story changes the ending. A young man named Victor is about to marry an aristocratic lady named Victoria. To make sure everything is right on his wedding day, Victor rehearses in a spooky forest and puts a ring on a branch. The branch turns out to be a dead woman who rises from the dead and is ready to welcome a blissful, happy married life. What happens next will leave you intrigued and amazed.
7. Edward Scissorhands (1990)
Next on our list we have a strange story about a man who has scissors instead of fingers. An unusual story about Edward, who seems to have traveled to the year 1990. He can perform miracles with his hands, be it cutting hair, shaping the lawn in the garden, cleaning the yard or forming beautiful figures out of glass and ice. But is he allowed to fall in love? This film by Tim Burton is a beautiful satire about a strange looking man who does ordinary tasks in an extraordinary way.
6. Batman (1989)
The classic Batman and his caped crusader were brought to life on the big screen by Tim Burton. The 1989 Batman film starring Michael Keaton featured some of the most amazing spectacles in DC Comics. Gotham City is full of action, drama and thriller, and features some of the infamous crimes of the Joker and his minions. Batman fights on the edge of the world, keeping the peace of the city.
5. Big Eyes (2014)
The film tells the life of a woman, Margaret Keane, who lives in her paintings. She meets a man and lives a happy life until things change. She becomes rich by selling her art to places where she only reads, but there is a secret behind it. A beautiful story directed by Tim Burton, starring Amy Adams, is a mind-altering journey of truth, and the eyes in the painting say it all. Burton created a seductive saga of a woman whose big blue eyes speak only the truth.
4. Sweeney Todd: The Devilish Barber from Fleet Street (2007)
The 2007 horror musical starring Johnny Depp, Alan Rickman and Helena Bonham Carter takes you into a world of revenge. In late 19th century London, Benjamin Parker had a good life until a corrupt judge sent him into exile for a deliberate crime. He is filled with vengeance and awaits his release. When he returns to London, he finds that his daughter has been adopted by a family and his wife is dead. To avenge his wife’s death, he becomes a killer and tries to kill the judge and everyone else who ruined his blissful life.
3. Alice in Wonderland (2010)
The classic Alice in Wonderland presents a different take on the classic novel. Full of drama and thriller, the film has a lot to offer that will amaze fans and offer more than you can imagine.
2. Big Fish (2003)
Among the scary and eerie genres is Big Fish, which enlivens the imagination. In late 1998, a man tells his son a story that seems like a myth but is a life-changing experience. A romantic love story of a man whose life was full of drama, action, love and a legacy of extraordinary things that he will leave to his generations. This film by Tim Burton seems different from what has been mentioned, but it is truly an amazing film that enlivens the imagination.
1. Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
Last but not least, we have Beetlejuice. In both the classic film from the late 90s and the upcoming reboot, Tim Burton portrayed the classic character of a freak who does things that are better left unsaid. With Michael Keaton returning as the comic book character Beetlejuice, fans can get ready for an incredible journey coming to theaters this Halloween month.
Tim Burton has created some of the most treasured films that will never get old. For more than two decades, Tim Burton has brought a perfect blend of comedy and horror to Hollywood that is full of suspense, scares and apprehension for fans.
ALSO READ: “You just have to look into his eyes…”: Tim Burton reveals why he wanted to cast Michael Keaton as Bruce Wayne in “Batman” in 1989
