In an industry eager to reap good results, few directors manage to give their work a true hallmark. Such is the case of Tim Burtonwho in just over 30 years of experience has given us the darkest films, where fearsome-looking creatures are true victims of a decadent society.
The result includes some of the all-time great classics, truly fascinating characters, and the rise of several actors. Like Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder and especially Johnny Depp.
Next the best movies of Tim Burton.
10. Dumbo (2019)
Tim Burton was the great pioneer of recent live action from Disney with Alice in Wonderland, which generated mixed opinions from the public and critics (2010). Almost ten years later, the filmmaker found his revenge on Dumbo. Where he took advantage of his skill in exploring misunderstood characters to tell the story of the famous elephant whose huge ears make him very special. Moving enough to do justice to the original film, but far from the great Burtonian classics. The film also marked his reunion with old allies such as Michael Keaton and Danny DeVito, noting that the latter has joked about the filmmaker’s penchant for casting him in circus roles.
Where to see? Available on Disney Plus.
9. frankenweenie (2012)
Tim Burton’s filmmaking talent can be traced back several years before his consolidation among the great filmmakers of all time. frankenweenie is a clear example of this, by taking advantage of Frankenstein’s bases to tell the story of a boy who resuscitates his dog using electricity. The project was a cult following for years and was eventually transferred to the big screen in a memorable animated adaptation in the style of Universal Monsters. Thus becoming one of the great jewels of contemporary children’s terror.
Where to see? Available on Disney Plus.
8. Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber (2007)
Musicals are often characterized by their excessive joviality. However, Tim Burton challenged this premise with an adaptation by Sweeney Todd. Staging inspired by the infamous royal barber/murderer of Fleet Street. Though misunderstood by many, the film was hailed for its groundbreaking exploration of the genre, which left choral chants behind to focus on the torturous songs of the main characters. Special mention for Johnny Depp, whose stupendous performance of the titular character was recognized with the third Oscar nomination in his entire career.
Where to see? Available on HBO Max and Prime Video.
7. Ed Wood (1994)
Ed Wood is often recognized as the worst director of all time. A description that made him go down in film history and earned him all the admiration of Tim Burton, who did not miss the opportunity to bring his life and work to the big screen. Although many have relegated it to second place because it does not have the spectacular visuals or originality of his other films, it is the best evaluated in all his filmography, with an impressive 92% on Rotten Tomatoes that even exceeds what has been done by Batman (70%), beetlejuice (84%) and The young scissorhands (90%).
Where to see? Available in StarPlus.
6. Sleepy Hollow: Legend of the Headless Horseman (1999)
The United States has a long tradition in gothic horror, Washington Irving being one of its greatest exponents. No one better than Tim Burton to explore this legacy with a memorable adaptation of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. The film takes some important liberties to offer a much more complex story. With Ichabod Crane turned into a true investigator entrusted to unveil the mysteries of the region and a true ghost that leaves no room for interpretation. The tape is remembered for the good work of the cast led by Johnnie Depp, Christina Ricci and Christopher Walken, and for its gloomy photography by Emmanuel Lubezki.
Where to see? Available for digital purchase/rental on Apple TV, Prime Vido, YouTube and Google Play.
5. Batman (1989)
The cinematic history of superheroes could be very different if Tim Burton had not taken the reins of Batman, since his fascination with tragic characters and his wise choice of Michael Keaton gave one of the best comic book adaptations ever made. Although at the time it was singled out for his unfriendly history, today there are many who wonder what would have become of the franchise if it had followed this path. Maybe one day we will know.
Where to see? Available on HBO Max.
4. The big fish (2003)
Steven Spielberg was considered for the direction of The big fishbut his interest in Catch Me If You Can made him abandon the project. Perhaps it was for the best, since it ended up in the hands of Tim Burton. Who against all odds forgot his gloomy color palette for the most colorful and perhaps most hopeful tape of his work. The story told in two stages revolves around Ed Bloom, a man who fights the monotony of life through his fantastic stories, which ultimately creates a conflict of identity in his son. Ironically, redemption comes with the immortality of one last narrative adventure. A highly personal tape, with which Burton honored the memory of his parents and returned to the most intimate stories after Martians to attack (1996) and Planet of the Apes (2001).
Where to see? Available on Paramount Plus.
3. Beetlejuice the super ghost (1988)
Tim Burton directed his debut feature in 1985 and only three years later he premiered the first great gem of his entire filmography. beetlejuice He addressed complex issues such as death, loneliness or isolation with skill and humor, which resulted in one of the great classics of the 80s. The film is full of memorable moments. Like the Maitlands’ transformation to scare away human invaders, the dancing to the rhythm of Day-o (Banana Boat Song) and Michael Keaton’s hilarious performance in one of the best roles of his life. His legacy includes an animated series, video games and the musical work that premieres in April of this year. Special mention for its long-awaited sequel, which after struggling for so many years, is finally close to becoming a reality.
Where to see? Available on HBO Max.
2. batman returns (1992)
One of the few sequels that surpassed the original installment. An understandable situation, since Batman (1989) was only Tim Burton’s third film. While Batman returns he had a more experienced and consolidated creative. This confidence can be seen in an infinitely more complex plot, graced by two of the most memorable villains in all of superhero movie history: Penguin and Catwoman. There are even those who say that this movie easily surpasses what was done by Christopher Nolan’s trilogy, what do you think?
Where to see? Available on HBO Max.
1. The young scissorhands (1990)
Only a genius like Tim Burton could have been inspired by classic horror to make one of the most moving movies of all time. Young Scissorhands is a brilliant and twisted fairy tale that pits the innocence of its titular monster against social tyranny to deliver a harsh critique of the world we live in. Add to this his impact on the industry by boosting the careers of Johnny Depp and Winona Ryder to make them two of the most popular actors in recent years. Its magic has served as inspiration for all kinds of projects —comics, ballet works and many other films. While Burton himself has always considered it the most personal tape in his entire career.
Where to see? Available on Disney Plus.
Special Mention: The strange world of Jack (1993)
It is ironic that Tim Burton did not direct what many consider one of his best films. The strange world of Jack It was directed by Henry Selick, but much of its magic comes from the gothic filmmaker. Who conceived it in a dark poem that introduced us to the curious hero of Halloween Town. It didn’t win any major awards, but it sealed an entire generation that gave it cult status and eventually ranked it among the most original animated movies of all time.
Where to see? Available on Disney Plus.
louis miguel cruz One day I will join the X-Men, the Rebel Alliance or the Night’s Watch. Proud member of Cine PREMIERE since 2008.