Tim Burton movies, ranked from best to worst

Tim Burton is an iconic filmmaker with a style so unique, you can spot one of his films from a single frame. That’s why IMDb, the go-to site for all things movies, took on the task of ranking his entire filmography from best to worst.

Born in 1958 in Burbank, California, Burton has reshaped fantasy cinema with a blend of quirkiness, darkness, and heart. His career has seen both major hits and some misses—but today, we’re only talking about the hits.

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Burton’s crown jewel is this heartwarming, whimsical tale about life and fantasy. 'Big Fish' reminds us that behind every tall tale, there’s a real human truth. Fun fact: Steven Spielberg was originally in talks to direct, with Jack Nicholson in the lead role. But Burton stepped in and, along with Ewan McGregor, crafted this magical, emotional journey.

The story of Edward, a humanoid with scissors for hands, might sound like a dark fairy tale. But at its core, it’s about accepting differences. Johnny Depp delivers an unforgettable performance, and the film’s mix of gothic and colorful visuals cemented Burton’s signature style for good.

A love letter to the infamous “worst director of all time,” 'Ed Wood' is both a tribute and a send-up of Hollywood’s underbelly. Johnny Depp shines in a quirky, heartfelt portrayal of the eccentric filmmaker. The film is shot in black and white, adding a perfect touch of nostalgia for the low-budget 1950s cinema Burton so clearly adores.

A supernatural comedy classic, 'Beetlejuice' follows a pair of ghosts trying to scare away the new tenants of their home—with the help of the mischievous Beetlejuice. The film blends the macabre with absurdity, packed with visual creativity and practical effects that show off Burton’s wacky, eccentric side.

Photo: Warner Bros.

Burton’s 'Batman' changed the superhero game forever, bringing a much darker, more stylized vision to the genre. Michael Keaton’s Batman and Jack Nicholson’s Joker deliver in a movie that balances action, comedy, and suspense. The gothic aesthetics redefined the Caped Crusader for future generations.

Inspired by Washington Irving’s classic tale, 'Sleepy Hollow' transports us to a 19th-century American village, where detective Ichabod Crane investigates a string of murders by a mysterious Headless Horseman. With its dark atmosphere, elaborate sets, and yet another killer performance from Johnny Depp, this one’s a must-watch.

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In this stop-motion animated gem, we follow Victor, who accidentally marries a corpse bride. The movie is drenched in Burton’s signature style—gothic, eerie, but strangely beautiful. The story is both touching and poetic, exploring love, death, and redemption in a way only Burton can.

This dark musical tells the twisted tale of Sweeney Todd, a London barber seeking revenge after being wrongfully imprisoned. With help from Mrs. Lovett, he turns his shop into a house of horrors, and their victims? Well, they end up in her infamous meat pies. Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter slay (pun intended) in this bloody, tragic, and visually stunning film.

Big Eyes tells the true story of Margaret Keane, an artist whose husband took credit for her iconic paintings of children with oversized eyes. It’s a departure from Burton’s usual fantasy style but delivers a sharp critique of sexism in the art world. Amy Adams and Christoph Waltz bring this real-life drama to life, giving us a powerful film about the fight for creative ownership.

The sequel to Batman goes even darker. This time, Bruce Wayne faces off against the Penguin (Danny DeVito) and the sultry, mysterious Catwoman (Michelle Pfeiffer). The gothic aesthetic hits an all-time high, and Burton dives deep into the psychological torment of his characters...especially the dynamic between the hero and his villains.

As you saw, 'Beetlejuice' ranks as one of Burton’s best. So after a whopping 36 years, the pressure was on for 'Beetlejuice 2' to match the original’s success.

And guess what? It’s pulling it off! The sequel has received mostly positive reviews and performed well at the box office. According to the digital daily Infobae, it scored 76% at the Venice International Film Festival.

In its opening weekend, 'Beetlejuice 2' raked in $110 million across 4,575 theaters. Critics and audiences alike seem to love the balance of classic Burton style and the nostalgia fans were craving. It wasn’t uncommon to see people dressed as Beetlejuice and Lydia, showing up to theaters worldwide.

Photo: Warner Bros.

In this new chapter, Lydia and Astrid return to the mansion from the first movie after the death of Lydia’s father. They reunite with Delia, and, once again, Beetlejuice finds a way to cross over from the afterlife. Michael Keaton shines as usual—and according to Multimedios, he demanded total creative freedom for his return to the role, which is evident in every hilarious scene.

Photo: Cortesía Warner Bros.

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