My Favourite Tim Burton Movies of All-Time

Not many filmmakers have achieved appreciation of Tim Burton. Since the 1980’s, Burton has become a legendary icon. Whether it’s stories about caped crusaders, directors or men with scissors, Burton has made many unforgettable characters. Given the number of movies he has made, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my picks for greatest movies of a director that deserves to be celebrated.

1. Edward Scissorhands

Bullying has had a negative impact on my identity. At an early age, I faced traumatic bullying in high school that caused emotional damage. In high school, I was often picked on by bullies which were cruel. Facing bullying of mean girls became a part of my routine at the age of fifteen. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t cope with bullies that pushed me aside. As someone impacted by the demands of bullying, I identified with “Edward Scissorhands”. Ever since its release in 1990, “Edward Scissorhands” has stood the test of time as a captivating classic. With the greatest film of his career, Burton captured the life of a boy with hand disabilities facing bullying causing despair. Boasting breathtaking visuals, engaging storytelling and phenomenal acting, “Edward Scissorhands” is one of those rare movies that works on every level. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Johnny Depp, who captures the hardships of a boy with hand disabilities. Burton has always been one of those filmmakers with a distinct visual style. Burton has always excelled at making movies using breathtaking gothic visuals, and his strengths as a filmmaker are clearly evident in “Edward Scissorhands”. For instance, the scene where Edward frantically moves his hands being bullied by Jim for his disability showcased the filmmaker at his best. Ultimately, what makes “Edward Scissorhands” Tim Burton’s best movie is its message. The film delivers a poignant message that resonates with everyone facing bullying that causes damage. Unlike most movies Burton has made which are targeted towards a specific audience, it tackles universal themes everyone would relate to. Nearly 30 years following the release of a classic film about boys with scissor hands facing bullying that’s tragic, it’s a fantastic reminder about a commemorated filmmaker that has created an enduring legacy which is iconic.

2. Batman

Batman is a celebrated superhero that my brother has always appreciated. Several years ago, I formed strong bonds with a brother that loved the iconic hero. I remember bonding with a brother that was a huge fan of the caped crusader. He would always praise a superhero that shaped his identity. As someone treasuring fond memories of a brother was a huge Batman fan, I adored “Batman”. Released in 1989, Tim Burton’s movie did an exceptional job of introducing the caped crusader. With the first comic-book movie of his career, Burton reimagined an iconic hero saving a doomed city from despair. Burton has always been skilled at creating worlds in movies through gothic visuals, and his strengths as a filmmaker are evident in “Batman”. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Michael Keaton, who embodied the caped crusader. For instance, the iconic scene in which Batman is introduced is one of the best moments of the director’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Batman” a classic is its message. It delivers a powerful message about crimes which would resonate with everyone. A captivating tribute towards the caped crusader, it’s a strong reminder about a filmmaker whose timeless movies audiences treasure.

3. Beetlejuice

“Beetlejuice” is a classic film that shaped my childhood. At an early age, I became obsessed with a classic film about ghosts causing damage. Growing up in the 1990’s, I would often watch the movie with a cousin I regarded highly. My cousin was a huge fan of a gothic film about ghosts that he grew up to adore. Arguably, the main reason why “Beetlejuice” has stood the test of time as a classic is because of Tim Burton. With the most comical film of his career, Burton capture ghosts causing fear. With “Beetlejuice”, Burton took a step out of his comfort zone by making his first comedy. Burton has always been a director with a dark sense of humour, and it is evident in “Beetlejuice”. For instance, the introduction scene in which Beetlejuice is first introduced showcases Tim Burton’s strengths for comedic timing. Ultimately, what makes “Beetlejuice” stand out is its message. Unlike most comedies made in the 1980’s which are outdated, the film’s message remains relevant today. It delivers a universal message about family which would resonate with everyone. 30 years following the release of a celebrated film about ghosts cracking jokes that are hilarious, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a director whose movies audiences consider to be precious.

4. The Nightmare Before Christmas

When it comes to the most scary movies ever made about Christmas, it’s worth discussing “The Nightmare Before Christmas”. Ever since its release in 1993, Tim Burton’s movie has shaped my identity. I vividly remember the first time that I saw the film in a class feeling a sense of terror. There was always something exceptionally scary about the movie that stayed with me. After watching the film for the first time, I would have trouble sleeping every night haunted by nightmares of a movie causing fears. Arguably, the main reason why the film worked so well is because of Tim Burton. With the scariest film of his career, Burton created creepy characters preparing for a nightmare. Packed with breathtaking stop-motion animation, engaging storytelling and powerful performances, “The Nightmare Before Christmas” is a captivating stop-motion classic. At the centre of it all is a dazzling performance from Danny Elfman, who brought to life a frightening character through compelling voice-work. Ultimately, what makes “The Nightmare Before Christmas” one of Burton’s best movies is its message. The film offers a profound celebration of the Christmas season which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Jack Skellington’s desire to turn Christmas into a nightmare, it’s a riveting reminder about a commemorated filmmaker that has built an illustrious career by making movies with the abilities to scare about which audiences deeply care.

5. Batman Returns

Catwoman is a great heroine that shaped my aunt’s identity. Several years ago, I formed a strong bond with an aunt that was fond of the feminist superhero. A comic-book nerd, she was always drawn towards a feminist heroine that made her feel heard. She often spoke fondly about a sexual superhero that committed burglaries. As someone treasuring fond memories of an aunt that loved a heroine with strong returns, I adored “Batman Returns”. Released in 1992, Tim Burton’s movie managed to pull of the tricky tasks of surpassing its predecessor through the introduction of Catwoman. Burton has always created immersive worlds through his gothic visuals, and his strengths are clearly evident in “Batman Returns”. For instance, the scene in which Selina Kyle transforms into Catwoman remains one of the most memorable moments of the filmmaker’s career. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Michelle Pfeiffer, who embodies the iconic feminist heroine. Ultimately, what makes “Batman Returns” one of Burton’s best movies is feminism. Burton defied sexist stereotypes long associated with Batman through an empowering portrayal of women. A breathtaking tribute towards a comic-book heroine with claws that are frightening, it’s a brilliant reminder about a filmmaker whose timeless movies are worth celebrating.

6. Sweeney Todd: the Demon Barber of Fleet Street

It isn’t easy to adapt a beloved Broadway play on the big-screen. Broadway musicals are by definition the polar opposite of movies. What works in stage musicals doesn’t always work in films. However, in 2007 Tim Burton pulled off the tricky feat of adapting a beloved Broadway musical in his film “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street”. With the most theatrical film of his career, Burton showcased his strengths at adapting a Broadway musical with flair. Burton used breathtaking gothic visuals to create an adaptation that’s iconic. Working alongside Johnny Depp who is excellent, Burton created a commemorated Broadway adaptation. A beautiful adaptation of a Broadway play about demonic barbers that blew audiences away, it’s a brilliant reminder of a filmmaker whose movies deserve to be celebrated today.

7. Frankenweenie

Tim Burton is one of those filmmakers that has always been drawn towards stop-motion. Burton has built a reputation for being a filmmaker that excels at creating stop-motion animation. Burton’s strength for creating stop-motion animation is clearly evident in his film “Frankenweenie”. Released in 2012, Burton’s movie captured a dog brought back to life from the dead overcoming tragedy. It’s a film that gave the legendary filmmaker a chance to showcase his strength for creating colourful stop-motion animation. Although it may not rank among Burton’s best work, “Frankenweenie” remains a reminder of his talent for stop-motion animated movies. A spectacular stop-motion animation film about dogs with emotion, it’s a sensational reminder about a commemorated filmmaker whose memorable movies are worthy of celebration.

8. Corpse Bride

One of the common themes Tim Burton has explored in his movies is death. Burton has always been fascinated with mortality as a central theme in his movies. Burton’s fascination with characters that have died being brought back to life is evident in his film “Corpse Bride”. Released in 2005, Burton’s stop-motion animated film captured a dead bride brought back to life through resurrection. Despite the strange nature of the story, the movie demonstrated Burton’s talents for stop-motion clearly. Burton pulled off the complicated feat addressing serious themes of death in a family-friendly animated movie targeted towards children. As strong as Victor’s love for his corpse pride, it’s a captivating reminder about a commemorated filmmaker that has never lost abilities to make memorable movies leaving audiences satisfied.

9. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Baking has shaped my mother’s identity. I grew up to treasure a mother that sought to become a baker. Nobody could bake a cake like my mother did without a mistake. A captivating cook, she loved recording recipes in a book. As someone treasuring joyous memories of a mother that sought to open a bakery, I loved “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”. Released in 2005, Tim Burton’s movie offered a beautiful adaptation of Roald Dahl’s book. With the most visually gorgeous film of his career, Burton captured the chocolate created by an inventor that’s delicious. Burton did a brilliant job of adapting Roald Dahl’s book in one of his most underrated movies. As precious as chocolate created by Willy Wonka, it’s a captivating reminder about a filmmaker with charisma whose timeless movies always attract audiences to the Cinema.

10. Alice in Wonderland

Few books ever written published a fantastical land are as beloved as “Alice in Wonderland”. Since its 1865 publication, Lewis Carroll’s iconic book has been adapted to the big-screen several times. While most adaptions have been successful, some have failed the honour source material. Unfortunately, Tim Burton’s “Alice in Wonderland” falls into the latter camp. Released in 2010, Tim Burton’s movie was a disaster that failed to celebrate literature. Burton’s decision to emphasize style over substance tarnished the book. Nevertheless, it’s a commemorated reminder that Burton is a filmmaker that deserves recognition. As unforgettable as Alice’s journeys down the Rabbit Hole, it’s a breathtaking reminder about a director with control whose movies that touch the soul I will forever treasure for motivating my lifelong filmmaking goal.