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All 19 of Tim Burton's Movies, Ranked

From Beetlejuice to Corpse Bride, the director has given us so many iconic movies.

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Thanks to Netflix's new dark comedy, Wednesday, director Tim Burton is trending yet again. The iconic filmmaker has been making movies for decades now, and you might not know that he's the mastermind behind some of your favorites like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Beetlejuice. Thanks to Burton, we've had Halloween costume inspiration for years on end (because who hasn't dressed like Edward Scissorhands or Lydia Deetz?), as well as beloved movies to watch over and over again.

Throughout his career, Burton has gifted us with movies that are equally spooky and whimsy. His quirky films have captured imaginations for generations and given us some of the most iconic characters of all time. Ahead, find Tim Burton's 19 movies ranked from worst to best.

19

Dark Shadows, 2012

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Burton's classic goth undertones are included in this movie, but it falls short when its lighthearted energy and violent scenes don't mix.

18

Planet of the Apes, 2001

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During its release, Burton's remake of Planet of the Apes was difficult for critics to praise as many favored the original 1968 film.

17

Dumbo, 2019

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The live-action version of Disney's Dumbo was tinged with Burton's unique lens, but his dark style didn't serve well with fans of the beloved children's classic.

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16

Mars Attacks!, 1996

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Although it was meant to be a spoof of 1950s alien movies, Mars Attacks! played on the tropes a little too well, which made the parody aspect hard for some to digest.

15

Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, 2016

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The magic of Tim Burton's movies comes from both his distinctive visual style and quirky narratives. What this film lacked in its plotline was made up for with its aesthetically stunning scenes.

14

Sleepy Hollow, 1999

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Sleepy Hollow is another movie with beautiful and creepy visual aspects that make up for its slow-burn narrative.

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13

Big Eyes, 2014

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Based on a real artist, Big Eyes includes a line-up of incredible actors (Amy Adams, Christopher Waltz) and social commentary that almost makes it seem like it isn't a Tim Burton movie.

12

Batman, 1989

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The iconic DC superhero gets the Tim Burton treatment in this flick. Burton's twisted direction worked more in favor of Jack Nicholson's Joker than the movie's titular character.

11

Pee-wee's Big Adventure, 1985

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During its release, kids loved this movie that brought on more action ad adventure for their favorite TV character. It strays away from Burton's signature darker tales and stands out in his repertoire.

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10

Big Fish, 2003

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Big Fish is a sweet story following a father and son duo, and Burton's whimsical style shines through for the special moments they share.

9

Alice in Wonderland, 2010

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Burton's take on the classic fairytale is campy and full of life, but critics claimed that it sacrificed the minimalism of the source material, Lewis Carroll's novel of the same name.

8

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, 2005

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Everyone remembers "Violet, you're turning violet!" This colorful and twisted spin on Charlie and the Chocolate Factory quickly became a classic among kids who grew up in the 2000s.

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7

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, 2007

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Tim Burton's take on the dark comedy musical is strong with its pacing and format, making it a much-praised adaptation of musical theater into an entertaining movie.

6

Batman Returns, 1992

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Michelle Pfeiffer's Catwoman and Uma Thurman's Poison Ivy are enough to make this one of our favorite Tim Burton movies, as well as the rest of its all-star ensemble. The Batman sequel shines through with its grandiose costuming and campy sets.

5

Frankenweenie, 2012

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This animated flick is a remake of Burton's live-action movie of the same name, and its (almost) fully grayscale color palette does wonders for the Halloween classic.

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4

Corpse Bride, 2005

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Another animated Burton film tops our list because of its stunningly spooky aesthetics and bittersweet tales of love.

3

Ed Wood, 1994

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This biographical comedy-drama film was a hit among critics because of Burton and Depp's strange and entertaining take on the real Ed Wood's life.

2

Beetlejuice, 1988

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Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice! Since its release in the 80s, this family film has become a cult classic thanks to its hilarious punchlines, campy sets and costumes, and of course, Winona Ryder's iconic dance sequence.

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1

Edward Scissorhands, 1990

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Speaking of Winona Ryder, the Stranger Things actress and Johnny fell in love on the set of Edward Scissorhands in the 90s. Their chemistry translated so well on screen, the movie is still a cult classic years later. This was also the first Tim Burton and Johnny Depp collaboration of many.

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Samantha Olson
Assistant News Editor

Sam is an assistant news editor at Cosmo, covering all things pop culture, entertainment, and celebrity news. She previously covered those same topics along with health, lifestyle, and beauty at Seventeen. When she isn't draping her cheeks in blush, you can probably find her live-tweeting awards shows or making SwiftToks.  

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