The 10 Best Tim Burton Movies, Ranked

The long awaited sequel to Beetlejuice has premiered! Let’s celebrate by discussing ten of Tim Burton’s best films.

10. Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice

This is not one of Burton’s most amazing films. That’s why it’s number 10 on the list. It’s not as good as the original, and we all knew it wouldn’t be. But that being said, you can tell the Burton as well as the entire cast had so much fun making this movie. The aesthetics, the sight gags, and the dialogue will take you back to the nostalgic days of 90’s Tim Burton films.

9. Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

If there was one musical that was just begging for a Tim Burton film adaptation, it’s Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. Burton somehow managed to make filthy London streets, gratuitous amounts of blood, and cannibalism beautiful. Viewers will adore the music of Stephen Sondheim and the performances.

8. Corpse Bride

Tim Burton truly shines when he is bringing fairytales to life. His best films all have a dark whimsical quality to them and Corpse Bride epitomizes whimsy. The film follows a man who finds himself accidentally married to an undead woman when he is already engaged to a living woman. This ghastly love triangle sets the stage for a witty tale of love and betrayal.

7. Pee Wee’s Big Adventure

This movie doesn’t get as much love as the other films on this list. And that is a crying shame. Unlike some of Burton’s other films, this movie is more silly than spooky. But that’s not to say it doesn’t have scary moments. That Large Marge scene lives rent free in the head of Gen X and Millennials. Viewers will love this hilarious tale of a childish man traveling the country looking for his beloved bike.

6. Batman

When we think of the quintessential Batman director, we often think of Christopher Nolan. But let’s be real. Tim Burton’s 1989 Batman was one of the best Batman films ever made. Michael Keaton was fantastic as the Caped Crusader and Jack Nicholson was delightfully terrifying as the Joker. And you know what, the sequel wasn’t that bad! You guys are just mean!

5. Beetlejuice

Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice! This movie has everything. Romance, horror, comedy, and a Harry Belafonte musical number. This is a horror movie that you can watch with your kids. It’s fun for the whole family. Viewers will adore the overdramatic yet relatable Lydia Deetz and the hilariously sleazy Beetlejuice.

Yes, I know that’s not how he really spells his name. But no one can pronounce it the other way.

4. Nightmare Before Christmas

Some of you may be angry that I did not put this movie higher up on the list. But hear me out. Though this movie is a beloved Halloween/Christmas tale, it’s more of a character study than an actual story. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. Viewers will always enjoy watching the pumpkin king try to usurp Christmas.

Also, we need to give Henry Selick as much credit for this film as we give Tim Burton.

3. Ed Wood

This movie is for all the film buffs out there who love obscure B-movies. It tells the story of the worst director of all time as he tries to make schlocky horror movies that he regards as high art. You can tell that Tim Burton had a lot of love for the man behind the titular character. After watching this film, you should watch the film that Ed Wood is most remembered for, Plan 9 From Outer Space.

2. Edward Scissorhands

Tim Burton put a lot of himself into this film. He says that it was inspired by his childhood growing up in the suburbs. This movie tells the story of a sentient creation with scissors for hands who is taken on by a sweet family in a perfect pastel neighborhood. No matter how hard he tries, he just can’t seem to fit in.

1. Big Fish

This is by far Tim Burton’s best film. He seemlessly blends his own gothic style with the fantastical storytelling. He is also able to reign in the darker fantasy elements when a scene needs to be more realistic. This movie tells the story of a man coming to terms with his father’s impeding death. He learns that all the amazing tales that his father has told him were not all lies. It’s a beautiful and charming movie that everyone should watch.