Beetlejuice, directed by Tim Burton, is a timeless and darkly comedic fantasy film that has enchanted audiences since its release in 1988. The film follows the recently deceased couple, Adam and Barbara Maitland, played by Alec Baldwin and Geena Davis, as they navigate the afterlife. Stuck in their beloved home, but unable to leave, they enlist the help of the irreverent and mischievous bio-exorcist, Beetlejuice (played by Michael Keaton), to rid their house of its new, living occupants (including a teenage girl played by Winona Ryder, who can communicate with the dead).
What unfolds is a zany and chaotic journey into the world of the dead and the absurd, filled with quirky characters, supernatural oddities, and a visually stunning depiction of the afterlife.Beetlejuicestands out not only for its unforgettable characters, but also for its gothic charm, irreverent humor, and the iconic performance from Keaton, who brings the titular character to life with unforgettable wit and charisma.
It has recently been reported that alegacy sequel,Beetlejuice 2, is in the works and will star Jenna Ortega. Whilst we patiently wait for its release, here are 10 movies that fans of the original can watch in the meantime.
10Gremlins 2: The New Batch (1990)
Gremlins 2: The New Batch
InGremlins 2: The New Batch, the lovable Mogwai Gizmo and his owner must confront a new wave of troublesome Gremlins in a high-tech skyscraper. This sequel to the 1984 classic amps up the chaos and humor, delivering a wild and zany mix of mayhem that includes everything from a Brainy-Gremlin to a vampiric Bat-Gremlin and even a Hulk Hogan cameo.
How It’s Like Beetlejuice
Whilst the originalGremlinsis a certified classic, the sequel’s more anarchic approach to its humor is more closely aligned with the tone ofBeetlejuice. Much likeBeetlejuice,Gremlins 2is a wild and chaotic ride, perfect for fans who enjoy dark humor and supernatural mayhem. The film cranks the absurdity and zaniness up to 11. If you relish the unpredictability and comical chaos ofBeetlejuice, this movie is sure to tickle your funny bone.
Rent on AppleTV
9Ghostbusters (1989)
Ghostbustersis a classic supernatural comedy that follows a team of parapsychologistsin New York Cityas they launch a unique ghost-catching business. Led by Bill Murray, Harold Ramis, Ernie Hudson, and Dany Aykroyd, this witty and eccentric team of Ghostbusters find themselves battling an ancient evil threatening to engulf the city. Filled with memorable characters and iconic proton packs, the film blends humor and horror with an awesome theme song.
Fans ofBeetlejuiceare sure to find a kindred spirit inGhostbustersand will no doubt revel in the witty banter and memorable characters. The quirky camaraderie among the Ghostbusters and their charmingly unconventional approach to dealing with supernatural entities mirror the playful, offbeat spirit of Beetlejuice.
8The Addams Family (1991)
The Addams Family
The Addams Familyintroduces viewers to the delightfully macabre and wealthy eponymous family, who are perplexed by the arrival of a long-lost relative who’s clearly up to no good. This darkly humorous film captures the quirky and endearing nature ofGomez and Morticia, Wednesday, Pugsley, and the rest of the peculiar family, bringing their eccentricities to the big screen.
The Addams Familybeautifully encapsulates the same macabre and eccentric sensibilities found inBeetlejuice. Fans will be delighted by the morbid humor and unconventional family dynamics of the Addamses. Both films revel in the delightfully dark and quirky, makingThe Addams Familya perfect choice for those who appreciate the bizarre and enjoy a good laugh in a Gothic setting.
Stream on Paramaount+
7Casper (1995)
Released in1995 and starring Billl Pullman and Christina Ricci,Caspertells the heartwarming story of a friendlyyoung ghost named Casper, who forms an unusual friendship with a teenage girl named Kat. Kat’s father is a ghost therapist, and, together, they navigate the challenges of life and the supernatural in this family-friendly, supernatural adventure.
Sharing multiple similarities in plot,Casperweaves a heartwarming story that is closely aligned with the supernatural and whimsical themes seen inBeetlejuice.Fans will love the chaos-causing antics of Casper’s outrageous and mischievous uncles, and will connect with the friendly titular ghost, who forms a unique friendship with a teenage girl in a way not too dissimilar to Lydia and the deceased couple.
The film beautifully balances humor and sentiment, allowing fans to experience the supernatural in a touching and relatable way. Underneath all the madness ofBeetlejuice, there is plenty of heart amid its supernatural antics, andCasperprovides a similar emotional depth.
6Edward Scissorhands (1990)
Edward Scissorhands
Tim Burton’sEdward Scissorhandsis a modern fairytale that follows the story of Edward, an unfinished artificial man with scissor-like hands, who is discovered by a kind-hearted woman. The film explores themes of acceptance, conformity, and the beauty of uniqueness as Edward’s presence transforms a suburban community.
Tim Burton’sEdward Scissorhandspossesses the same signature style and thematic resonance asBeetlejuice. Fans will be drawn to the whimsical and Gothic atmosphere that characterizes both films.Edward Scissorhandsexplores themes of societal misfits, acceptance, and the juxtaposition of the extraordinary within a seemingly ordinary suburban setting. Much likeBeetlejuice, it delves into the charmingly odd and the surreal, making it a captivating choice for those who appreciate Burton’s darkly whimsical tales.
Stream on Max
5Stardust (2007)
Stardustis amagical fantasy adventureset in a whimsical realm beyond the wall. A young man embarks on a quest to retrieve a fallen star for his beloved, encountering witches, pirates, and other fantastical beings. This enchanting tale combines romance, adventure, and humor in a visually stunning world.
While distinct in many ways, the two films share a common thread of whimsical and fantastical storytelling that appeals to those who appreciate the extraordinary and the imaginative. Both films transport viewers to enchanting realms beyond the ordinary, where the laws of reality are bent, and the unexpected reigns supreme.
Beetlejuicecaptivates with its quirky and darkly comedic portrayal of the afterlife and a bio-exorcist’s chaotic antics, whileStardustinvites us into a magical world filled with star-crossed lovers and fantastical creatures. The two films thrive on their ability to blend humor, fantasy, and supernatural elements in ways that keep audiences engaged and enchanted with their tales of unconventional charm and darkly delightful eccentricities.
Stream on Paramount+
Beetlejuice: Where the Cast Is Today
The original cast of Beetlejuice has entertained different generations with their talent. Here’s where they are today.
4The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
The Nightmare Before Christmas
Tim Burton andHenry Selick’s stop-motion animatedmusical masterpiece,The Nightmare Before Christmasintroduces viewers to Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, who discovers the wonders of Christmas Town. Jack’s efforts to take over Christmas lead to a charming and darkly comic exploration of holiday spirit.
Both movies are the brainchild of Tim Burton, sharing a darkly enchanting visual style.The Nightmare Before Christmasmasterfully blends dark humor, visual artistry, and memorable characters, creating a fantastical world that mirrors the allure ofBeetlejuice.Fans ofBeetlejuicewill adore the quirky and imaginative world of Halloween Town, much like they appreciate the peculiar charm of the afterlife inBeetlejuice.
Stream on Disney+
3Haunted Mansion (2023)
Haunted Mansion
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Based on the Disneyland ride of the same name,Haunted Mansionsees an all-star cast, including Owen Wilson, Danny DeVito and Rosario Dawson, spending time in an old mansion inhabited by an array of weird, whacky, and wild ghosts and ghouls. As the mismatched team of misfits works together to unravel the mysteries behind the history of the house, things only grow weirder and more audacious.
WhileHaunted Mansionfailed to meet the high box office expectations that Disney had for the project, it’s clear to see how it bears similarities with Burton’sBeetlejuice.Both films focus around a group of people that are desperately trying to rid a house of unruly paranormal entities, and both employ an almost anarchic approach to their blend of horror and comedy. From the eccentricity of the characters to the visual presentation of the supernatural, these movies provide a fun ride into the unknown, in their own ways.
2The Frighteners (1996)
The Frighteners
In Peter Jackson’sThe Frighteners, Michael J. Fox plays a man with the ability to see and communicate with ghosts, which he exploits to run a ghost-busting con. However, his life takes a darker turn when he encounters vengeful spirits and must confront a haunting case that becomes all too real.
InThe Frighteners, supernatural themes and humor are combined in a way that will resonate with fans ofBeetlejuice. Much like the latter, the film introduces viewers to a group of quirky characters dealing with the paranormal. Just asBeetlejuiceblends the supernatural with comedy and suspense,The Frightenersoffers a similar mix of humor and chills, providing a hugely underrated and underseen entertaining experience for fans of thehorror comedy genre.
Stream on Starz
1The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)
The Rocky Horror Picture Show
The Rocky Horror Picture Showis a cult classic known for its iconic musical numbers and outrageous characters. It follows a newly engaged couple who stumble upon the bizarre mansion of Dr. Frank-N-Furter, a mad scientist who hosts a hedonistic and gender-bending extravaganza. The film’s combination of horror, outlandish comedy, and catchy songs has made it a beloved and interactive movie-going experience for fans around the world.
Not only do both movies share a cult status, but they also share a spirit of unconventionality and celebration of the peculiar. Beloved for their audacious and transgressive storytelling, they revel in challenging societal norms and embracing eccentricity.The Rocky Horror Picture Showinvites viewers into a gender-bending musical extravaganza that mirrors the unique and quirky charm ofBeetlejuice.With their blending of humor and horror,BeetlejuiceandThe Rocky Horror Picture Showoffer unconventional cinematic experiences that beckon to those who appreciate the extraordinary, the fantastical, and the liberating.
