Tim Burton is a master at creating and directing movies that move an audience. While his trademark is the breathtaking stop-motion technique, Burton has also created epic live-action productions mixed with science fiction and emotional output. After you watch one of his movies, you'll either laugh, cry, or smile-or all three.
This Halloween will be the perfect opportunity to rewatch a few of Burton's films, and who knows? You might even include them in your regular rotation outside the spooky holiday. There are dogs, Martians, Jack Skellington, and Johnny Depp.
6 Tim Burton movies to binge on Halloween
Frankenweenie (2012)
Frankenweenie is one of my picks to watch on and off the Spooky Season. In this heartbreaking but wonderfully produced 3D stop-motion animation, an aspiring young scientist named Victor Frankenstein, living in 1957, grieves for his recently deceased dog, Sparky, who met his unfortunate fate with a car.
Victor will do anything to bring Sparky back, even if it means redefining the laws between life and conscience. He conducts an electrical experiment using the pattern Dr. Frankenstein had done for his monster. The experiment's a success, and Sparky is brought back to his original, happy self with a few physical modifications. However, Victor's action causes a little mayhem in town and can only be stopped by science.
The ending's mellowing, as Sparky is granted with a second chance at life.
Where to watch: Disney+. The streamer also has the original 1984 live-action version.
Mars Attacks! (1996)
Mars Attacks! is an underrated gem that spoofs the 1960s Topps trading cards of the same name. The cards were so graphic and violent that their existence only lasted a few months. However, Burton wanted to recapture the horrific spirit of the cards in a film, and so Mars Attacks! was his visual recreation.
In the movie, a team of Martians from Mars invades Earth with the goal of destroying it and its inhabitants. It's the ultimate war of superiority and survival, and all it took to bring down the green beasts was some Slim Whitman music.
As gruesome as the violence was, I laughed consistently as aliens dropping on Earth and destroying everything will never likely happen.
Where to watch: Pluto TV
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Every Halloween watchlist must include The Nightmare Before Christmas, symbolizing October 31st. Plus, it blends another fun holiday, Christmas, proof that the two days can coexist and be enjoyed in sync. The stop-animation art and music are an aesthetic dream, as they transport the viewer into the magical worlds of Halloween Town and Christmas Town.
After years of being Halloween Town's honorable Pumpkin King, Jack Skellington wants something different as he grows exhausted from the regular old routine. He veers out on his own one night, discovers Christmas Town, and introduces its traditions to Halloween Town's citizens. While confused about the winter celebration, the townsfolk participate in themed activities while Jack goes out to the real world to deliver ghoulish gifts.
The event leads to trouble, but Jack's love for Halloween only grew stronger, therefore returns to it.
Beetlejuice (1988)
Beetlejuice is haunting, fun, and one of Burton's best. It tells the tale of a family moving into a home possessed by its previous owners, the Maitlands, who passed away from a car accident. Lydia, the new owners' daughter, vows to keep the Maitlands safe from being exorcized by tying the knot with the sinister Beetlejuice. The Maitlands stop the ceremony, and the undead ghoul is sent back to the Underworld.
36 years later, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, the sequel to this spooky comedy, was released, and a Box Office smash.
Where to watch: Max
Corpse Bride (2005)
Johnny Depp lends his voice in this stop-animation feature, Corpse Bride, as a mortal named Victor. He's set to marry Victoria, but winds up finding Emily, a deceased woman who wants to move on. By connecting with Emily, her murder is solved, and Victor's able to beging his new life with Victoria.
Where to watch: Max
Edward Scissorhands (1990)
In Edward Scissorhands, a humanoid with blades for hands tries to find acceptance and love in a community. He enters a star-crossed romance with Kim, whose boyfriend is jealous and tries to break them apart. While Kim and Edward break up, is was on their own account, as both knew realistically their wouldn't survive in a judgemental world.