The SoapCentral Suggestion List: 5 Tim Burton classics that you should definitely not miss

Tim Burton is a filmmaker who is known for his distinct gothic stories and trademark visual style that sets him apart. His stories blend dark fantasy with gothic themes and have become popular among viewers. In his long career spanning over three decades, Burton has directed 20 films.

Given his long body of work, it might be hard to figure out which films of his to watch. We have come up with a list of five of his best. These range from Ed Wood and Edward Scissorhands, among others, to offer you a curated experience.

5 Tim Burton films that you should not miss

1) Batman (1989)

Before the world saw Matt Reeves and Christopher Nolan's Batman films, Tim Burton had his spin on the caped crusader. It started the Warner Bros series of superhero films and had Michael Keaton in the titular role. The film was a critical and commercial success and helped cement Burton's name in Hollywood. It played a role in setting up the groundwork for Hollywood to delve into the superhero genre.

It can be enjoyed on Prime Video.

2) Edward Scissorhands (1990)

Edward Scissorhands is possibly one of the most eccentric works in Tim Burton's filmography. The gothic romantic fantasy film focuses on a humanoid named Edward who has...well, scissorhands. While the main character is unusual, Burton creates a narrative around him that is relatable and heartwarming. It was one of the first collaborations between Johnny Depp and Burton.

The film is available to watch on Netflix.

3) Corpse Bride (2005)

Burton already had a long career of directing live-action films when he ventured into animation with Corpse Bride. The film is visually distinct with a blue color palette throughout, which gives it a cold and interesting look. It should be on the watchlist of everyone who enjoys animated films. Prior to this, Burton had backed animated films including James and the Giant Peach and The Nightmare Before Christmas.

The film can be rented on Prime Video.

4) Beetlejuice (1988)

Beetlejuice was the second directorial venture of Burton and was his first film that delved into the gothic dark fantasy genre. It was the initial instance of Burton experimenting with form and eccentricity in stories. Several years later, Burton directed a sequel called Beetlejuice Beetlejuice which was released in 2024. The film can be enjoyed on Max.

5) Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007)

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street is possibly the darkest film in Tim Burton's career. As the subtitle suggests, it's about a titular barber who goes on a killing spree. It's possibly one of the few films that mixes the slasher genre with musical. The film stars Johnny Depp, who is a long-time collaborator of Burton. It can be viewed on Netflix and can be rented on Prime Video.

Besides these names, an honorable mention would be Ed Wood, who was based on the namesake filmmaker.

Which of these films is your favorite?