If you’re a fan of Tim Burton’s iconic film, Beetlejuice, you’re not alone! Its mix of comedy and supernatural elements has found a special place in the hearts of audiences worldwide. But what if you’re looking for more films that capture that same quirky, darkly humorous essence? Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered!
In this list, we will explore the 20 best movies that share similarities with Beetlejuice. From eccentric characters to bizarre plots, each film embodies the spirit of fun horror and whimsy that makes Beetlejuice so beloved. Whether you’re in the mood for more dark comedy or whimsical tales of the supernatural, there’s something here for everyone.
So get ready to dive into the world of fantastic films that will tickle your funny bone and haunt your imagination! Here are the 20 best movies like Beetlejuice:
1. Edward Scissorhands (1990)
Directed by Tim Burton and starring Johnny Depp, this quirky fantasy tells the story of an artificial man named Edward, an unfinished creation who has scissor blades instead of hands. When a kind Avon lady discovers Edward and brings him to live in her home, he falls in love with her teenage daughter. However, despite his gentle nature, Edward’s strange appearance and unusual hands make it difficult for him to fit into suburban life.
Like Beetlejuice, Edward Scissorhands blends elements of fantasy, romance, and dark humor. It showcases Burton’s signature gothic visual style and a touching story about an outsider trying to find his place in the world.
2. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Another stop-motion animated classic from producer Tim Burton and director Henry Selick, The Nightmare Before Christmas follows Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town. Bored with the same old scare-and-scream routine, Jack stumbles through a portal to Christmas Town and becomes obsessed with celebrating the holiday.
With its imaginative world-building, memorable characters, and catchy musical numbers, The Nightmare Before Christmas captures a similar mix of spooky and whimsical elements as Beetlejuice. Both films are perfect for fans of quirky, slightly macabre animation.
3. Corpse Bride (2005)
Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride is a stop-motion animated fantasy musical set in a 19th-century European village. It tells the story of Victor, a young man who is whisked away to the underworld and wed to a mysterious Corpse Bride, while his real bride Victoria waits bereft in the land of the living.
With its gothic atmosphere, dark romantic storyline, and Burton’s distinctive visual flair, Corpse Bride shares much in common with Beetlejuice. Both films offer a comedic and spooky take on the afterlife.
4. The Addams Family (1991)
Based on the classic 1960s TV series, The Addams Family follows a wealthy and eccentric clan with a fondness for all things macabre. When a man claiming to be long-lost Uncle Fester arrives at their home, the family is thrilled. However, they soon find themselves in the midst of a con that will test their bonds.
Featuring an all-star cast including Anjelica Huston, Raul Julia, and Christopher Lloyd, The Addams Family delivers plenty of laughs and spooky fun, much like Beetlejuice. Both movies center around supernatural characters dealing with threats to their unconventional way of life.
5. Ghostbusters (1984)
In this classic supernatural comedy, three eccentric parapsychology professors start a ghost-catching business in New York City. As the city faces a surge in paranormal activity, the Ghostbusters must save the day using their proton packs and witty one-liners.
Starring Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, and Harold Ramis, Ghostbusters shares Beetlejuice’s blend of humor and supernatural hijinks. While Beetlejuice focuses more on the afterlife, Ghostbusters delivers laughs and scares in the world of the living.
6. Gremlins (1984)
This horror comedy follows a young man who receives a strange pet called a Mogwai for Christmas. When he accidentally breaks the three important rules for caring for the creature, it spawns a horde of mischievous, destructive monsters that terrorize his small town.
Like Beetlejuice, Gremlins mixes elements of horror and humor to create a unique and entertaining movie experience. Both films also showcase the chaos that ensues when supernatural beings run amok in the human world.
7. Hocus Pocus (1993)
Set in Salem, Massachusetts, Hocus Pocus tells the story of three witches who are accidentally resurrected on Halloween night by a teenage boy. As the witches try to secure their immortality, the boy, his sister, and his crush must find a way to stop them before it’s too late.
Featuring a memorable performance by Bette Midler and a balance of laughs and light scares, Hocus Pocus captures a similar tone to Beetlejuice. Both movies are perfect Halloween viewing for those who enjoy a bit of spooky fun.
8. The ‘Burbs (1989)
This dark comedy stars Tom Hanks as Ray Peterson, a suburbanite who becomes suspicious of his creepy new neighbors. As Ray and his quirky friends investigate the strange goings-on next door, they find themselves in increasingly bizarre and dangerous situations.
While The ‘Burbs doesn’t feature supernatural elements like Beetlejuice, it shares a similar comedic take on the dark underbelly of suburban life. Both films also center around a group of eccentric characters caught up in strange and humorous circumstances.
9. Casper (1995)
Based on the friendly ghost from Harvey Comics, Casper follows a paranormal expert and his daughter as they move into a haunted mansion inhabited by the mischievous ghost and his three uncles. As Casper falls for the expert’s daughter, he enlists her help to find a way to bring himself back to life.
Combining live-action and computer animation, Casper offers a family-friendly take on the supernatural comedy genre. Like Beetlejuice, it features memorable ghost characters and a balance of laughs and heart.
10. The Frighteners (1996)
Directed by Peter Jackson and starring Michael J. Fox, The Frighteners follows Frank Bannister, a con man who uses his psychic abilities to stage hauntings and then “exorcise” the ghosts for money. When a sinister spirit begins killing the living, Frank must use his powers for good to stop the supernatural murderer.
Blending horror, comedy, and a bit of romance, The Frighteners should appeal to fans of Beetlejuice’s genre-bending style. Both films also feature a con-man protagonist who must navigate the world of the dead.
11. The Witches (1990)
Based on the Roald Dahl novel of the same name, The Witches follows a young boy who stumbles upon a gathering of witches while staying at a hotel with his grandmother. When the Grand High Witch turns the boy into a mouse, he must find a way to stop the witches’ evil plan to turn all the world’s children into rodents.
Directed by Nicolas Roeg and featuring a memorable performance by Anjelica Huston as the Grand High Witch, The Witches combines dark humor, fantasy, and mild horror in a way that should appeal to Beetlejuice fans. Both films balance scares and laughs while telling stories of unlikely heroes facing supernatural threats.
12. Death Becomes Her (1992)
This dark comedy stars Meryl Streep and Goldie Hawn as rivals who drink a magic potion that promises eternal youth, with unexpected and hilarious consequences. When their mutual ex-husband (Bruce Willis) becomes involved, the rivalry escalates to supernatural proportions.
With its mix of black comedy, fantasy, and special effects, Death Becomes Her should appeal to fans of Beetlejuice’s unique blend of genres. Both films also feature larger-than-life characters and a satirical take on the pursuit of eternal life.
13. The Witches of Eastwick (1987)
Based on the novel by John Updike, The Witches of Eastwick follows three single women in a small New England town whose wishes are granted when a mysterious man arrives in town. As they enjoy their newfound powers, they soon discover that their benefactor may be more devilish than he appears.
Starring Jack Nicholson, Cher, Susan Sarandon, and Michelle Pfeiffer, The Witches of Eastwick blends fantasy, comedy, and a touch of horror, much like Beetlejuice. Both films also explore the consequences of supernatural wishes granted.
14. Sleepy Hollow (1999)
Another collaboration between director Tim Burton and actor Johnny Depp, Sleepy Hollow is a gothic horror film based on Washington Irving’s classic tale. Depp stars as Ichabod Crane, a detective sent to investigate a series of decapitations in the titular town, where he uncovers a supernatural mystery involving the legendary Headless Horseman.
With its dark atmosphere, gothic visuals, and blend of horror and humor, Sleepy Hollow should appeal to fans of Beetlejuice and Burton’s other works. Both films showcase the director’s signature style and ability to bring supernatural stories to life.
15. Coraline (2009)
Based on the novella by Neil Gaiman, Coraline is a stop-motion animated dark fantasy film that follows a young girl who discovers a parallel world that closely mirrors her own, but with some sinister differences. As she explores this other world, Coraline must use her wits and courage to find a way back home.
Like Beetlejuice, Coraline blends elements of fantasy, horror, and humor to create a unique and captivating story. Both films also feature young protagonists navigating strange and supernatural worlds.
16. Paranorman (2012)
This stop-motion animated comedy-horror film follows Norman, a young boy with the ability to communicate with the dead. When his town is threatened by a centuries-old curse, Norman must use his gift to save the day and learn to appreciate his own uniqueness.
With its mix of laughs, scares, and heart, Paranorman should appeal to fans of Beetlejuice’s genre-bending style. Both films also feature young, misunderstood protagonists who must embrace their supernatural abilities to become heroes.
17. The Monster Squad (1987)
This cult classic follows a group of young horror movie fans who must band together to save their town when Dracula, Frankenstein’s monster, the Wolfman, the Mummy, and the Gill-man arrive in search of a powerful amulet.
Combining elements of horror, comedy, and coming-of-age drama, The Monster Squad offers a fun and nostalgic take on classic monster movies. Like Beetlejuice, it balances scares and laughs while telling a story of unlikely heroes facing supernatural threats.
18. The Haunted Mansion (2003)
Loosely based on the Disney theme park attraction of the same name, The Haunted Mansion stars Eddie Murphy as a workaholic real estate agent who takes his family to stay in a haunted mansion. As they encounter a variety of ghostly inhabitants, they must work together to break a curse and save the mansion’s trapped souls.
While not as critically acclaimed as Beetlejuice, The Haunted Mansion offers a family-friendly take on the haunted house comedy genre. Both films feature memorable ghostly characters and a mix of laughs and mild scares.
19. The Frighteners (1996)
Directed by Peter Jackson and starring Michael J. Fox, The Frighteners follows Frank Bannister, a con man who uses his psychic abilities to stage hauntings and then “exorcise” the ghosts for money. When a sinister spirit begins killing the living, Frank must use his powers for good to stop the supernatural murderer.
Blending horror, comedy, and a bit of romance, The Frighteners should appeal to fans of Beetlejuice’s genre-bending style. Both films also feature a con-man protagonist who must navigate the world of the dead.
20. Zombieland (2009)
This post-apocalyptic zombie comedy follows a group of survivors as they navigate a world overrun by the undead. As they search for a safe haven, they must also confront their own fears and learn to trust each other.
While Zombieland features a different type of supernatural threat than Beetlejuice, it shares a similar blend of horror and comedy. Both films also showcase the importance of finding connection and purpose in a world turned upside down by otherworldly forces.
These 20 movies share various elements with Beetlejuice, from their mix of genres to their memorable supernatural characters and dark humor. Whether you’re in the mood for a stop-motion animated adventure, a haunted house comedy, or a post-apocalyptic zombie romp, these films offer plenty of laughs and thrills for fans of Tim Burton’s classic.
