Tim Burton has gifted the film industry with some truly iconic, timeless films. By exploring the gothic and horror genres, this visionary director and producer has revolutionised horror and fantasy filmmaking in a way never seen before. From Batman to the Beetlejuice revival, Burton has brought horror and the macabre into our living rooms, making them an integral part of our cinematic experience.
Celebrating his 66th birthday soon, take a look at Tim Burton’s top 10 movies that are scary but also have a touch of humor and thrill.
10. Mars Attacks! (1996)
This Tim Burton film is fun. Before the current alien films, where the villains are cruel and territorial, Mars Attacks was a bit more fun and full of humor. Before the millennium turned, aliens invade American soil to make a killing. In an attempt to adapt, these aliens also experiment on humans for fun. Starring Jack Nicholson, Sarah Jessica Parker and Pierce Brosnan, this film is a fun ride with alien creatures that will make you laugh and scare you from the inside.
9. Sleepy Hollow (1999)
Next on the list is Sleepy Hollow. Another thrilling attempt at supernatural fantasy from Burton, but not fun at all. This film stars Johnny Depp as a crime investigator in late 19th century New York. A village is haunted by a headless man who has killed his victims. As the film progresses, the officer is inspired to discover something is going on in the town. This haunting film is a haunting parade that will give you terrifying nightmares.
8. Corpse Bride (2005)
Another funny but charming animation 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 a noble lady named Victoria. To make everything perfect on his wedding day, Victor rehearses in a spooky forest and puts the ring on a twig. The twig turns out to be a dead woman who rises from her dead, ready to welcome a blissful, happy married life. What happens next will thrill and surprise you.
7. Edward Scissorhands (1990)
Next on the list is the strange story of a man who has scissors instead of fingers. An unusual story of Edward, who appears to have time traveled to 1990. He can do wonders with his hands, whether it’s cutting hair, shaping garden grass, cleaning the yard, or shaping glass and ice into beautiful sculptures. But is he allowed to fall in love? This Tim Burton film is a beautiful satire of a strange-looking man who performs extraordinarily ordinary tasks.
6. Batman (1989)
The classic Batman and his crusaders have been brought to life on screen by Tim Burton. The 1989 Batman movie starring Michael Keaton showcased some of the amazing spectacle of DC Comics. Packed with action, drama and thriller, Gotham City witnesses some of the infamous crimes committed by the Joker and his henchmen. Batman fights at the edge of the world while maintaining the peace of the city.
5. Big Eyes (2014)
The film is about the life of a woman named Margaret Keane, who lives in her painting. She meets a man and is happy until things change. She becomes rich by selling her art in places where she only reads, but there is a secret hidden behind it. A beautiful story directed by Tim Burton and starring Amy Adams is a mind-altering journey of truth, and the eyes in the painting say it all. Burton crafted a fascinating saga of a woman whose big blue eyes speak only the truth.
4. Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007)
The 2007 horror musical, starring Johnny Depp, Alan Rickman and Helena Bonham Carter, takes you into a world of revenge. Set in late 19th century London, Benjamin Parker had a great life until a corrupt judge exiled him for a false crime. He is filled with the spirit of revenge; he waits until he is released. He returns to London and 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, trying to kill the judge and everyone who ruined his happy life.
3. Alice in Wonderland (2010)
The classic Alice in Wonderland brings you a different version of the classic novel. Packed with drama and thriller, this film has a lot to surprise fans and is beyond your imagination.
2. Big Fish (2003)
In the creepy and horror genres, we have Big Fish, which brings the imagination to life. Set in late 1998, a man tells his son a story that seems to be 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 for his generations. This Tim Burton film may seem different from what is told, but it is actually a wonderful film that lets the imagination flow.
1. Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
Last but not least, we have Beetlejuice. In both the 90s classic film and the upcoming revival, Tim Burton created the classic character of an eccentric man who does some things that are best left unsaid. Starring Michael Keaton in the comic Beetlejuice character, fans should get ready for an amazing ride coming this Halloween month.
Tim Burton has given us some priceless movies that will probably never get old. Filled with thrills, horror and movies that have enthralled fans for more than two decades, Tim Burton has introduced a perfect blend of comedy and horror to Hollywood.
Also read: ‘You just look him in the eyes…’: Tim Burton reveals why he wanted Michael Keaton as Bruce Wayne in 1989’s Batman
