All 21 Tim Burton Movies Ranked

      Tim Burton is one of the most well-known dark visionary directors of all time, and every one of his movies is a combination of dark, goofy and strange. He began as an animation director for Disney, and aided in films like “The Black Cauldron” and ‘The Fox and the Hound”. He didn’t like it at all, so he made his own independent short movies titled “Vincent” and “Frankenweenie”. These independent films got the attention of Paul Reubens (the guy who plays Pee Wee Herman) who thought that Tim Burton would be the perfect director for his theatrical movie titled “Pee Wee’s Big Adventure”. 

It was a huge success and it gave Tim Burton the rights to release another dark comedy called “Beetlejuice”, which was another huge hit. From then on, his fame began to grow, and now he’s one of the most well known names in Hollywood. His movies are full of dark and twisted worlds, unique looks, absorbing atmosphere, elaborate sets and Gothic over-tones. So, for this Halloween marathon I couldn’t resist ranking all 20 of his movies on my own personal scale of least favorite to absolute favorite. I'm not trying to make any kind of official list, as everyone is going to have their opinions, and this is just my own personal ranking of these films. I won’t list the movies he only assisted in producing like “Batman Forever” and “James and the Giant Peach”, I’m only looking at the movies he directed (with the one exception of “The Nightmare Before Christmas”). Lastly, I'll only be listing his theatrical movies, so I won't be including either of his two short films “Vincent” or “Frankenweenie”. With that said, let's look all twenty of Tim Burton's theatrical pictures, and see how they stack-up. 


#21 ... Alice in Wonderland (2010) 

It certainly isn’t one of the worst films I’ve seen, and Danny Elfman's score is brilliant as always, but the characters are boring, it lacks any kind of other-worldly atmosphere, or magic, and I feel it relies on a generic "save the fantasy world" formula we've seen a hundred times already. Nothing feels true to the spirit of the source martial, nor is it a fun alternative ... it's stuck in this place of limbo where it just doesn't do anything for me. In my opinion, this is Tim Burton's weakest movie by far. 

#20 ... Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005) 

Remaking one of my favorite films from childhood was pointless, and the result is a silly, un-inventive film that lacks either the charm or wonder of the original. The characters are also lacking, and feel like second rate imitations of the original cast. This unfortunately applies to the great Johny Depp, who sadly looses himself in a goofy performance that I just didn't feel worked for this character. Yet, in all fairness, even at it's worst, this remake dose provide some mild entertainment and creativity. 






#19 ... Dark Shadows (2012)

I've never watched the original show, but it seemed like just the project for Tim Burton to tackle, and the result ... um, I had fun, but found it very forgettable. The script has flaws and un-resolved plot points, but charismatic performances, monster packed scenes, Tim Burton's traditional Gothic tropes and elaborate sets do compensate for some of the movies short comings. It's neither one of his best, nor terrible ... it's just kind of basic by his standards.






#18 ... Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007) 

As a musical, it’s beautifully crafted, faithful to the source material, elevated by terrific performances, and the musical numbers are amazing ... but I've just never been a fan of this particular musical. I also prefer stories of good versus evil, as opposed to evil seeking revenge on another evil. Paired with the films gory content and disturbing themes, this film just couldn't stick a landing with me. Never the less, this is a good adaption of a popular musical, and fans will be pleased ... I just wont be part of the crowd. 

#17 ... Dumbo (2019) 

Tim Burton’s second attempt at re-imagining a Disney classic fairs better then before, and while it doesn't soar as high as the original, it's still genuinely likable, whimsical, visually appealing, and the adorable lead makes it all worthwhile. Seriously, Dumbo himself might just be one of the best CGI characters I've seen in years, as he felt alive and the effect was decent. In many respects, this version adds more layers to the original classic, making it function as both a remake and a sequel in one package. Maybe not one of Tim Burton's best, but one of the superior live-action Disney remakes.  

#16 ... Pee-Wee's Big Adventure (1985)

Here it is, Tim Burton's very first film, and while not one of my personal favorites, it's still a good one. It's an extremely entertaining film about the worlds goofiest man on a road trip, combined with terrific locations, memorable scenes, fun characters, a few scares (particularly with Large Marge) and a fun, dark sense of hummer. The result is one of Tim Burton's more silly and less Gothic offerings, but still a fun time. On a side note, this movie features some of Burton's most creative dream sequences he's ever put to film, with stop-motion dinosaurs, warped imagery, and of course those scary dream clowns.  



#15 ... Planet of the Apes (2001) 

While this remake will always loom in the shadows of both the original, and the second reboot ... I still have a soft spot for it. As a Sci-Fi blockbuster, its fun and action packed, but it feels very distant from anything in Burton's wheel house, and it just feels pointless in the long run. One important thing to note is that "Planet of the Apes" is the first of his movies to star Helena Bonham Carter, who would be in just about every one of his movies after this.

#14 ... Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children (2016)

While the narrative structure and plot details are a mess, I still found this fantasy adventure a refreshing offset to Burton's more common films, largely thanks to it's otherworldly atmosphere, colorful visuals, captivating side characters and simplistic charms. It felt like a genuine attempt at a minor family classic for a modern age, and it almost worked. Unfortunately, it was just a little too average for modern viewers, and wont be remembered ... but maybe it will become an underground favorite. Plus, I found the ending with it's reanimated skeletons, menacing villain, giant monsters and portal jumping to be highly fun to view. 

#13 ... Mars Attacks! (1996) 

While this film obviously isn't as good as the former on my countdown, as it’s admittedly silly, stupid, and over the top, but surprise, surprise, it’s actually one of my favorites of Tim Burton's. I’m serious, it's just something that fits right in my wheel house, and is a loving homage to the tone and style of a classic 50’s alien invasion movies ... which I'm a long time fan of. The action, visuals, jokes and cluttered cast of celebrities are all just a lot fun. It's both a tribute to B science fiction films, while still being an affectionate spoof. It’s certainly not a film for everyone, but I can't help enjoying this one. 

#12 ... Big Eyes (2015) 

In this beautifully crafted and thought-provoking biopic, Tim Burton takes a much needed brake from his usual Gothic tropes (and familiar actors) and delivers a colorful, well-acted, and humble film that is arguably among some of his best. It's hard to explain, but this film both touched me and inspired me in ways that I didn't expect. I've never even been that big a fan of art in general, and yet this film ... well ... opened my eyes to the beautiful work that comes from a paint brush. Lastly, the film stands as a relevant piece of Social Commentary ... one that's actually quiet timely.

#11 ... Batman Returns (1992)

This sequel to the 1989 classic has always been something of a mixed bag. It has the cool Gothic tone of both Batman and Tim Burton, plus there’s some great music, and a number of cool action scenes. Unfortunately, it can be just a little too down beat, depressing, and inconsistent with it's tone. Plus, Batman has little to nothing to do, while all focus and attention is spent on three less interesting villains ... although the casting for them is great ... and Catwoman is fun to watch. On its own, it still makes for a passable Burton film, but a lesser entry in the Batman series.

#10 ... Corpse Bride (2005) 

Of Tim Burton's three stop-motion features, this is the one I love the least, but still make a tradition of watching every other Halloween. In many ways, Burton channels "Edward Scissorhands" for another Gothic romance, and once again with a unique premise that could have only been conceived by Burton. The look, emotion, and music are all terrific, and the characters are rather complex for a film like this. The narrative structure and tone can get a little wonky at times, but the end result is still a haunting delight for the season.

#9 ... Ed Wood (1994) 

Definitely one of the most respectful films of Tim Burton's career, as it tells the tail of real life director Ed Wood, and all the hardships he went though in making movies. It playfully encourages you to fallow your dreams, and is a great influences on people who aspire to be filmmakers. It also works as an introduction to the legacy of filmmaker Ed Wood ... a cult icon who's B movies have inspired generations of viewers. While I've always liked this movie, and consider it one of Burtons best, there are still seven others that I have more feelings for ... but still a great one that goes above typical Tim Burton.  

#8 ... Big Fish (2003) 

Perhaps the most beautiful of Tim Burton's movies, both visually and thematically. Blending an imaginative fantasy world with the all too familiar real world was a stroke of genies ... but that's not why the film is so great. This is a father-son story that's easy to relate to, and tugs at a personal cord with me. Touching on themes of life, regret, and family ties are the real strength that make this one of Time Burton's most respectful and uplifting movies. It's the kind of original modern-day fantasy film that I want to see Hollywood make more of.

#7 ... Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice (2024) 

In many respects, this long-awaited sequel is even more fun and imaginative then the classic original, with a slew of welcome new colorful characters, and further exploration of its unique afterlife setting. That being said, it’s a little off balance, and has some details that I wish were either done differently or removed all together. May not have been a perfect sequel, but certainly a welcome one, which feels comfortably at home with the first as a movie I’ll be watching quiet frequently around the Halloween season.   

#6 ... Edward Scissorhands (1990) 

At first glance, I thought this movie was going to be a parody of Freddy Krueger ... but that's not the case at all. This film has it's own unique voice, and sands as arguably my favorite Gothic romance picture. It’s amazing to look at, the emotional levels are strong, the characters are decent, and the score by Danny Elfman is one of the best musical score's he’s ever done. Danny Elfman always does the music for Tim Burton's movies, and this has got to be my personal favorite. The film itself is like a magical modern fairy-tale, laced with Gothic overtones, and plenty of heart centered in the middle ... so it’s definitely worthwhile. 

#5 ... Frankenweenie (2012) 

Re-making one of his own classic short films, and giving it a more modern look was a welcome change of pace, and the result is a genuinely heartwarming film, combined with an odd Burton style premise, likable characters, subtlety, and an action packed ending full of awesome creature effects. It's one of those special movies I love watching around Halloween, as it wins me over with it's own simple charm, and never needs any big song numbers or spooky highlights. It has a distinct atmosphere, a refreshingly simple premise, and heart as big as it's central character.  

#4 ... Beetlejuice (1988) 

Here’s a film that exploits the boundless limits of Tim Burton's twisted imagination. It has everything ranging from the kooky set-designs, to the Gothic style, to Danny Elfmans music, and the unique other-worldly atmosphere of his movies is in full force. It's also a very original take on the Haunted House formula as it focuses on the Ghosts who are being Haunted by the living humans now staying in their house. There's spooky highlights too, most-notably a monster snake that was the stuff of nightmares for many kids. The real highlight is the infectiously manic performance from Michal Keaton in the title role. It's wild, bombastic, imaginative, and a definitive Tim Burton movie.

#3 ... Sleepy Hollow (1999) 

I usually can’t stand overly violent films, as they just seem so dehumanizing and unpleasant. This film however ... stands as both a favorite of Burton's and also one of my favorite Horror movies in general. There's surreal images, thrilling action, a gripping dream-like atmosphere, and it's a unique take on my favorite classic Halloween story. The Headless Horseman is just an awesome spectacle to see on screen, and Johnny Depp’s performance as Ichabod Crane is one of my absolute favorites of his career. Nothing less than the work of a dark visionary's creative mind. 

#2 ... Batman (1989) 

It’s the classic superhero film that established the Gothic and dramatic tone of Batman. While this has never been one of my favorite superhero movies, it’s absolutely one of Tim Burton’s strongest films. It's less of a story, and more of an experience, with scene steeling characters at the helm. The overall look, tone and atmosphere are about as absorbing as they get in comic-book movies, and the score is sensational. While there are other Batman themed ventures I've liked more, this is the film that's always stood out to me ... simply as Burton at his best.

#1 ... The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) 

This is the only film on the list that Tim Burton didn't direct. It was actually directed by Henry Selick who also directed “Coraline” and “James and the Giant Peach”. However, sense his name is above the title, it might as well count. Honestly, to this day it’s always the first movie that comes to mind when I think of Tim Burton. The premise is wildly original, the characters are memorable, the stop-motion visuals and settings are just bursting with holiday delights, and the song numbers are outstanding. This movie succeeds as a creatively elaborate film that barrows the look of German expressionism movies, and makes for an upbeat family musical. It’s simply a timeless holiday gem, and easily ranks among my top three favorite movies to regularly watch around Halloween. 

Thanks for reading my ranking ... and continue to enjoy whichever Tim Burton movies you Love!