Often featuring quirky characters and Gothic elements,Tim Burton’s visual style has become one of the most distinctive and popular in the film industry. It is not the least surprising that so many people find themselves drawn to the unique work of the talented director, especially when he pours so much of himself into his artistry and fully dedicates himself to his craft.
Whether he’s re-inventing classic stories or coming up with highly creative and refreshing new tales, Burton’s attention to detail is unmatched. To celebrate his incredible mastery, especially when it comes to creating absorbing Gothic settings,we look back at the most visually stunning Tim Burton movies, ranking them accordingly.
10’Charlie and the Chocolate Factory' (2005)
Starring Johnny Depp, Freddie Highmore, David Kelly
Johnny Deppsteps into the shoes of the quirky and imaginative Willy Wonka in this bubbly Tim Burton teen fantasy following a young boy from an improvised background, played byFreddie Highmore, and four other kids who win a tour of a chocolate factory run by Wonka himself and his staff of Oompa-Loompas.
Primarily made with advanced CGI, uniquely built sets, and practical effects,Charlie and the Chocolate Factoryis a fascinating movie to watch, even if not Burton’smostvisually striking. While there are other efforts from the masterful filmmaker arguably more beautiful,the 2005 fantasy is absorbing and unique, with Burton’s signature style and surrealist elements shining through. The character design is also top-notch, adding to the movie’s overall visual appeal.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
9’Frankenweenie' (2012)
Starring Winona Ryder, Catherine O’Hara, Martin Short
This Halloween-y stop-motion animation comedy follows the aftermath of a dog who passes away suddenly, with his owner — a good-natured boy — attempting to bring it to life through a powerful science experiment that ends up causing havoc.
Frankenweenieis a black-and-white movie. However, that doesn’t make it less intriguing; it elevates the story considering that it pays homage to classic monster films such asFrankenstein, complementing the narrative quite well, and creating a Gothic feel and moody atmosphere.Frankenweenie’simagery is anchored by its use of lighting, meticulously crafted stop-motion animation, and immersive, 1950s-inspired setsthat feature a distinct, creepy twist. Furthermore, the character design is alluring and characteristic of Burton’s works.
Frankenweenie
8’Beetlejuice' (1988)
Starring Alec Baldwin, Geena Davis, Michael Keaton
Although amajor Tim Burton comeback— the second installment of the franchise — was released just this year with understandably great reviews, this cult classic arguably endures the best of the two in all respects. The story centers around the spirits of a deceased couple (Alec BaldwinandGeena Davis) who are harassed by a family that has moved into their home. To make things right, they request the help of a malicious spirit (Michael Keaton).
Beetlejuice’s vibrant, surrealist film set — especially the Maitlands house, which seemingly shapeshifts after the protagonist’s death into an eerie cartoon-ish version of itself — and visual and practical effects make ita delightful watch for those keen on unique cinematography and quirky design in movies. Additionally, the costumes and makeup for the iconic characters perfectly emphasize their personalities.
Beetlejuice
7’Alice in Wonderland' (2010)
Starring Mia Wasikowska, Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter
Based onLewis Carroll’s iconic book,Alice in Wonderlandinvites young and mature audiences to delve into nineteen-year-old Alice’s (Mia Wasikowska) world as she returns to the magical land of her childhood adventure. There, she reunites with her old friends and learns of her true destiny, which involves putting an end to the Red Queen’s (Helena Bonham Carter) reign.
Not only isAlice in Wonderlandwonderfully acted, but it is also wonderfully designed and directed. While the movie didn’t count solely on positive feedback (nor is the filmmaker’s finest), it would be impossible not to mention it in such a list, especially for theincredibly imaginative and visually absorbing world. Although it often relies on CGI,Alice in Wonderlandseamlessly blends fantastical elements with realistic performances. Its bold and eccentric character design also adds layers to its visual aesthetics.
Alice in Wonderland
6’Batman Returns' (1992)
Starring Michael Keaton, Danny DeVito, Michelle Pfeiffer
AlthoughBatman ReturnsandBatmancould be featured on this list,Batman Returnsis perhaps the most visually striking of the two. In this dark fantasy, Batman (Keaton) comes face to face with a deformed man calling himself the Penguin (Danny DeVito). In the meantime, Catwoman (Michelle Pfeiffer) steps into the picture with her own vendetta.
Batman Returns’s imagery plays a huge part in making it an effective, memorable flick, with its Gothic aesthetics and dark, creative setting standing out — Burton’s take on Gotham City and the way it is depicted as an oppressive urbanization is a defining aspect. The perfect usage of atmospheric, dramatic lighting makes it an even more absorbing viewing experience. Furthermore, the costume design is top-notch, with Catwoman’s latex suit standing out and becoming one ofthe best superhero costumes in film.
Batman Returns
5’Sweeney Todd' (2007)
Starring Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, Alan Rickman
Based on the 1970 play of the same name byChristopher Bondi,Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Streetthrows slasher and musical genres into the mix with great results. Set in 1840s London, it depicts the legendary tale of a barber (Depp) who embarks on a quest for revenge after returning from wrongful imprisonment.
Fans of bloody and Gothic stories will most likely enjoySweeney Todd, asBurton’s movie heavily and effectively relies on the style not only visually but thematically, delving into themes of mortality, revenge, guilt, and betrayal. The muted color palette and sets are meticulously designed and perfectly capture the grimness of the time, with the fascinating costumes also helping to elevate the film’s design to higher levels.
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
4’Big Fish' (2003)
Starring Ewan McGregor, Albert Finney, Billy Crudup
Although a slightly under-watched Tim Burton picture,Big Fishis well worth checking out. StarringEwan McGregorin the lead role, it tells the intriguing story of a frustrated son who attempts to determine fact from fiction in his terminally ill, storyteller father’s life.
Whether because of its vivid, vibrant color palette that enhances its whimsy and fantastical aspects — consequently creating a dreamlike scenario featuring plenty of symbolic imagery — or the seamless surrealistic CGI,thisoff-beat study on grief, loss, and love is a visual feast supported by an emotionally resonant film. It’s nearly impossible not to feel compelled by Burton’s drama, which features a universal narrative and artistic storytelling guaranteed to appeal to fans of magic realism all over the world.
3’Corpse Bride' (2005)
Starring Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, Emily Watson
Burton’s best and most memorable animated movie has got to beCorpse Bride, adark fantasythat follows a shy groom (Depp) who, after practicing his wedding vows in the presence of a deceased young woman (Helena Bonham Carter), accidentally causes her to rise from the grave assuming he had married her.
Fans of stop-motion animation (particularly Gothic stop-motion, of course) are most certainly going to enjoy Burton’s masterpiece, especially for its eerie and haunting yet fascinating atmosphere and the captivating characters that inhabit such an absorbing world. Exploring themes of love and death — like other of his works —Corpse Brideis not only a brilliant and highly creative film visually, but also an incredible tale of the complexity of relationships.
Corpse Bride
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2’Edward Scissorhands' (1990)
Starring Johnny Depp, Winona Ryder, Dianne Wiest
This 1990 dark fantasy film marked the beginning of Depp and Burton’s partnership. The story centers around an artificial man who is almost completely built but missing his hands, having scissors in their place instead. Things take a wild turn for Edward when he is taken in by a suburban family and finds himself captivated by the family’s daughter, Kim (Winona Ryder).
What is interesting aboutEdward Scissorhands' visuals is how they masterfully combine ark and eerie Gothic elements with a 1980s bright pastel color palette, particularly shown in the suburban neighborhood and the perfectly manicured houses it includes. This results in an obvious visual contrast that ultimately works quite well. With that being said,there is no denying that Burton’s 1990 movie is a stunning one, whether because of its set designs, color palette, or Edward’s iconic character design and costume.
Edward Scissorhands
1’Sleepy Hollow' (1999)
Starring Washington Irving, Kevin Yagher, Andrew Kevin Walker
Sleepy Hollowis another perfect spooky pick for its blend of slasher and supernatural elements. The story follows schoolmaster Ichabod Crane (Depp) sent to Sleepy Hollow to investigate the decapitations of three people, with the culprit being the legendary apparition of The Headless Horseman.
A rightful Oscar winner for Best Art Direction, Burton’s must-see 1999 flick is the right choice for those who enjoy fairytale-like but dark aesthetics — it is praised for its Gothic atmosphere, featuring plenty of misty landscapes that illustrate the eerie, almost ghostly tone of the story.Sleepy Hollowis easily one of the most immersive movies by the director, inviting audiences to jump inside its twisted narrative through its meticulously crafted set design, unforgettable characters, and top-tier visual symbolism.
