20 Best Movies Like Corpse Bride That Will Enchant You

Are you a fan of the hauntingly beautiful stop-motion animated film Corpse Bride? Directed by Tim Burton and Mike Johnson, this 2005 dark fantasy follows the story of Victor, a shy groom-to-be who accidentally marries a deceased bride while practicing his wedding vows in the woods. If you love the gothic charm, whimsical characters, and bittersweet romance of Corpse Bride, then you’ll definitely want to check out these 20 movies that capture a similar vibe. From classic Burton films to more recent animated adventures, this list has something for every fan of the macabre and magical.

1. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

The Nightmare Before Christmas is the ultimate Tim Burton classic that paved the way for films like Corpse Bride. This stop-motion musical tells the story of Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, who becomes obsessed with bringing the joy of Christmas to his spooky world. With unforgettable characters, iconic songs, and a delightfully dark aesthetic, it’s a must-watch for any Burton fan.

2. Frankenweenie (2012)

Frankenweenie is a charming black-and-white stop-motion film that pays homage to classic monster movies. When young Victor Frankenstein’s beloved dog Sparky dies, he harnesses the power of science to bring him back to life. But when the other kids in town get wind of Victor’s experiment, they unleash monstrous mayhem on their quiet suburb. Funny, heartfelt, and spooky, Frankenweenie is quintessential Burton.

3. Coraline (2009)

Coraline is a visually stunning stop-motion film based on Neil Gaiman’s dark fantasy children’s novella. Coraline Jones is an adventurous 11-year-old who discovers a parallel world that seems like an idealized version of her frustrating home life. But when her “other” parents try to keep her there forever, Coraline must use all her wits and courage to find a way back to reality. With its eerie atmosphere, memorable characters, and powerful themes, Coraline is an animated masterpiece.

4. ParaNorman (2012)

Like Corpse Bride, ParaNorman blends horror and heart in a unique animated adventure. Norman Babcock is an 11-year-old boy who can see and speak to the dead, including his beloved grandmother. When an ancient curse unleashes zombies on his small town, Norman must use his special abilities to save the day. With gorgeous animation, quirky humor, and genuine scares, ParaNorman is a ghoulishly delightful treat.

5. The Addams Family (1991)

The Addams Family brings the iconic characters from Charles Addams’ cartoons to life in a hilarious live-action comedy. When long-lost Uncle Fester returns to the family after 25 years, the delightfully macabre Addams clan must face off against a treacherous lawyer who wants to steal their fortune. With an all-star cast, morbid humor, and unforgettable set pieces, The Addams Family is a spooky, kooky classic.

6. Beetlejuice (1988)

Beetlejuice is a wild, wacky, and wonderfully weird comedy from the mind of Tim Burton. When a recently deceased couple find their home invaded by obnoxious new owners, they hire a crude “bio-exorcist” named Betelgeuse to scare them away. But Betelgeuse has his own nefarious plans for the family’s teenage daughter, Lydia. Featuring Michael Keaton’s unforgettable performance as the titular ghost with the most, Beetlejuice is a riotous romp through the afterlife.

7. Edward Scissorhands (1990)

Edward Scissorhands is a bittersweet fairy tale that showcases Tim Burton’s unique visual style and poignant storytelling. Johnny Depp stars as Edward, an artificial man with scissors for hands who is taken in by a kindly Avon lady and her family. As Edward falls in love with the beautiful teenager Kim, he struggles to find his place in a pastel suburbia that doesn’t understand him. A touching tale of love, loss, and acceptance, Edward Scissorhands is a true original.

8. James and the Giant Peach (1996)

Based on Roald Dahl’s beloved children’s book, James and the Giant Peach combines live-action and stop-motion animation to tell the story of a lonely orphan who escapes his cruel aunts by taking a magical journey inside a giant peach. Along the way, he befriends a group of anthropomorphic insects and learns the true meaning of family. With its whimsical characters, lush visuals, and heartwarming message, James and the Giant Peach is a timeless adventure.

9. The Boxtrolls (2014)

From the studio behind Coraline and ParaNorman, The Boxtrolls is a charming and quirky stop-motion adventure set in a Victorian-era town obsessed with cheese. Beneath the cobblestone streets live the Boxtrolls, gentle monsters who adopt an orphaned human boy named Eggs. When an evil exterminator vows to wipe out the Boxtrolls, Eggs must venture aboveground to save his unusual family. Packed with clever humor, stunning animation, and a sweet message about acceptance, The Boxtrolls is a delightful gem.

10. Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)

Wes Anderson brings his signature style and dry wit to this stop-motion adaptation of Roald Dahl’s classic children’s novel. George Clooney voices the titular character, a clever fox who can’t resist returning to his thieving ways, even at the risk of endangering his family and friends. With its all-star voice cast, stunning visuals, and offbeat humor, Fantastic Mr. Fox is a sophisticated and entertaining romp.

11. Coco (2017)

Pixar’s Coco is a vibrant and heartwarming celebration of family, music, and Mexican culture. When 12-year-old Miguel accidentally finds himself in the colorful Land of the Dead, he must seek the help of his deceased musician great-great-grandfather to return to the living and prove his talent. With its stunning animation, catchy songs, and emotional storytelling, Coco is a moving masterpiece that will make you laugh, cry, and cherish your loved ones.

12. The Book of Life (2014)

The Book of Life is a dazzling animated adventure that draws inspiration from Mexican folklore and Día de los Muertos. Manolo, a young man torn between fulfilling his family’s expectations and following his heart, embarks on an epic quest through three fantastical worlds to prove his love for the beautiful María. With its stunning visuals, lively characters, and powerful message about being true to yourself, The Book of Life is a joyous celebration of love and life.

13. Spirited Away (2001)

Hayao Miyazaki’s Spirited Away is a breathtaking animated masterpiece that follows a young girl named Chihiro who finds herself trapped in a mysterious spirit world. As she navigates this strange new realm and works to free her parents from a curse, Chihiro must find the courage and resourcefulness within herself to survive. With its lush animation, imaginative creatures, and profound themes of identity and growing up, Spirited Away is a timeless classic.

14. Kubo and the Two Strings (2016)

Kubo and the Two Strings is a breathtaking stop-motion adventure set in ancient Japan. Kubo, a young boy with magical origami powers, must locate a legendary suit of armor worn by his late father in order to defeat a vengeful spirit from the past. Accompanied by a stern monkey and a goofy beetle, Kubo embarks on a thrilling quest filled with danger, humor, and heart. With its stunning visuals, epic storytelling, and powerful themes of family and sacrifice, Kubo and the Two Strings is an unforgettable journey.

15. Monster House (2006)

Monster House is a spooky and hilarious animated adventure that follows three kids who discover that their neighbor’s house is actually a living, breathing monster. As Halloween approaches, they must find a way to destroy the house before innocent trick-or-treaters meet a grisly fate. With its clever humor, creepy atmosphere, and talented voice cast, Monster House is a fun and frightful treat for the whole family.

16. Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit (2005)

Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit is a delightful stop-motion comedy featuring the beloved British duo of eccentric inventor Wallace and his intelligent dog Gromit. In this vegetable-packed adventure, the pair run a humane pest control service called “Anti-Pesto” and must stop a giant rabbit from terrorizing the local gardens before an annual vegetable competition. With its clever wordplay, charming characters, and incredible animation, Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit is a hilarious and heartwarming romp.

17. The Triplets of Belleville (2003)

The Triplets of Belleville is a unique and quirky animated film that follows Madame Souza, a determined grandmother who teams up with a trio of aging music hall singers to rescue her grandson, a professional cyclist, from the clutches of the French mafia. With its distinctive hand-drawn animation style, jazzy soundtrack, and offbeat humor, The Triplets of Belleville is a one-of-a-kind adventure that celebrates the power of music and family.

18. Mary and Max (2009)

Mary and Max is a touching and unconventional claymation film that explores the unlikely pen-pal friendship between Mary, a lonely eight-year-old girl in Australia, and Max, a middle-aged man with Asperger’s syndrome living in New York City. Through their letters, they share their struggles, dreams, and quirky observations about life, forming a deep bond despite never meeting face-to-face. With its unique visual style, dry humor, and poignant storytelling, Mary and Max is a bittersweet and moving tale of friendship and acceptance.

19. The Haunted World of El Superbeasto (2009)

The Haunted World of El Superbeasto is a raunchy and irreverent adult animated comedy that follows the adventures of El Superbeasto, a washed-up Mexican wrestler who becomes a superhero to save the world from the evil Dr. Satan and his army of monsters. Along for the ride are his sexy sidekick sister Suzi-X and a colorful cast of characters. With its crude humor, graphic violence, and over-the-top antics, The Haunted World of El Superbeasto is definitely not for kids, but it’s a wild and hilarious romp for fans of adult animation.

20. Corpse Bride (2005)

Of course, we can’t forget the film that inspired this list! Corpse Bride is a hauntingly beautiful stop-motion animated film that tells the story of Victor, a shy groom-to-be who accidentally marries a deceased bride while practicing his wedding vows in the woods. As he’s whisked away to the colorful and macabre Land of the Dead, Victor must find a way to return to the Land of the Living and his true fiancée, Victoria. With its stunning visuals, memorable characters, and bittersweet romance, Corpse Bride is a true masterpiece of gothic whimsy.

Conclusion

From the spooky streets of Halloween Town to the colorful Land of the Dead, these 20 movies capture the same spirit of dark whimsy and bittersweet romance that made Corpse Bride such a beloved classic. Whether you’re a fan of stop-motion animation, gothic fairy tales, or quirky adventures, there’s something on this list for everyone who loves a good story with a touch of the macabre. So grab some popcorn, dim the lights, and get ready to be enchanted by these hauntingly beautiful films. Who knows? You might just find your new favorite movie among them.