Top 15 Tim Burtonverse Characters
Hi there, Monstermaster13 here with another list. Love him or hate him, Tim Burton is one of the most brilliant directors ever to grace the earth.
So to help get things prepped up for the spooky season of October here is my list of my top 15 Tim Burtonverse characters.
15. Vincent Malloy (Vincent)
Vincent Malloy is a 7 year old boy, but he's no ordinary boy - while he is considerate ad nice - his dream is to be like Vincent Price.
This young mad scientist to be and his pet dog Abercrombie act out horror movie scenes and he has big plans of turning Abercrombie into a horrible zombie.
This short film moved me to tears and the ending was both frightening and sad at the same time.
14. Emily (Corpse Bride)
I couldn't help but feel sorry for this poor girl, after all she had been left at the altar when she was alive and murdered and burried in her wedding dress.
Plus even though she's dead, she still has feelings and if you break her heart she doesn't took kindly to that.
On a sidenote, the Corpse Bride is loosely inspired by an old Russian or Romanian folk stoy/urban legend.
13. Hessian/Headless Horseman (Sleepy Hollow)
Normally I don't like Christopher Walken because he tends to play extremely creepy characters no matter what movie he's in but that's what makes him awesome though.
At first I was familiar with the legend of Sleepy Hollow from the Disney short - especially the character Brom Bones who was later the inspiration for Gaston from Beauty and the Beast.
But Tim Burton gives the classic tale a much darker tone with plenty of black comedy, and part of what makes this movie epic is it's villain - Hessian or as he is called the Headless Horseman.
His stunts are performed by Ray Park (who you Star Wars fans might know as Darth Maul, you X-Men fans might know him as Toad from the X-Men movies) but he is portrayed by Christopher Walken.
And I have to agree with what other reviewers have said, he's certainly an imtimidating character. Even though he doesn't talk much.
He doesn't need to talk though because all he needs to do to be scary is to show up , hack some heads off and go "Gaaaaah!" "Yaaaah!" "Raaaar!" , not to mention those teeth - those super sharp teeth that remind me of pirahna or shark styled teeth.
If you're not off your head with worry by now, you will once the horseman gets through with you! Raaaaaawr!
12. Ari (Planet of the Apes)
Planet of The Apes didn't work out well for Burton but the makeup effects (done by Rick Baker who previously turned Jim Carrey into the title character in the Grinch) are superb.
This is also where Burton first set his eyes on Helena Bonham Carter, and this character is the first character that the actress portrayed.
Ari is the female ape in this movie and for an ape she's extremely beautiful and not to mention quite agile, unlike how hostile the other apes are - she actually is nice towards humans.
If I was lost on the Planet of the Apes, I would definitely want to befriend her.
11. Jack Napier/Joker (Batman)
Ah the Joker, one of the most famous of all the Batman antagonists. No matter who portrays this character he manages to always have fun.
From the absolutely twisted and demented Heath Ledger version in the Dark Knight, to the funny and outrageous Mark Hamil version from the animated series to Ceaser Romero's goofy and comedic version in the original 60's show.
But the Joker we're talking about here is the version played by Jack Nicholson in Tim Burton's 1989 Batman thing.
Jack Nicholson really brings a lot of life into this character, making him a blast to watch on screen - he's crazy and he's just loving every second of it. Not to mention he's one hell of a dancer.
Now before I get a lot of hate mail from fans of the late Heath Ledger, i'd just like to say that I like Ledger's version from the Dark Knight as well but I find Nicholson's version to be the more entertaining one.
Other people considered for this part were William DaFoe, James Woods, the master of the awesome villain voices himself Tim Curry, and even David Bowie - Robin Williams also wanted the part as well.
There's just something about Nicholson's Joker that makes him surprisingly likable and fun.
10. Stainboy (Oyster Boy and Other Stories)
Speaking of superheroes, this is another super character.
Meet Stainboy, now he's not your typical superhero - he doesn't have any powers like shapeshifting, super strength, telekenesis, mind control, fire/ice/lightning/, or flight.
But he does have a power that you don't see in most other heroes even though it's not what you could call helpful.
His power is the ability to leave nasty stains everywhere, while it may not be a useful power to have - there are certainly advantages to having that sort of power.
He is friends with various other interesting kids with bizzare powers and traits such as The Girl Who Turned Into A Bed, Oyster Boy, Robot-Boy, Roy The Toxic Boy, and Jimmy the Hideous Penguin Boy.
Speaking of penguins, Tim Burton showed Danny DeVito a drawing he did of the character and that is what inspired Danny DeVito to play the Penguin in Batman Returns.
He may not be Superman, but he does try his hardest.
9. Catwoman (Batman Returns)
This femfatale is one you wouldn't want to cross paths with, while she can be sleek and seductive - she is also extremely tough and not to mention one hell of a fighter.
With her martial arts moves of hers and her backflips, Selina Kyle/Catwoman is one of the most memorable villainessess/anti-heroines in the DC Universe.
There's something about her that drives men wild and you can take guesses at why that is.
I haven't seen Dark Knight Returns but I've heard a few good things about it.
There was supposed to be a "Catwoman" movie that Tim Burton himself wanted to do with Michelle Pffiefer supposedly returning to play the role but then something happened and was to be replaced by Ashley Judd. It spent months in Development Hell until finally in 2004....a Catwoman movie DID come out - and you know what i'm talking about.
If you cross paths with this chick, I gurantee that you would get quite the beating.
8. Benjamin Barker/Sweeney Todd (Sweeney Todd)
The first villainous role that Johnny Depp has ever played and one of the most chilling roles he's ever done as well.
The infamous Benjamin Barker or Sweeney Todd as he's called out is a barber but not just any barber, he's the Demon Barber of Fleet Street.
Depp does a terrific job making this character likable yet frightening, and not to mention he can sing pretty well.
If you go to have your haircut by this guy, expect to have a LOT taken off the top - literally, you'll fall "head over heels" over him. Please excuse my bad puns.
7. The Martians (Mars Attacks)
Aliens come in many shapes and sizes, but these aliens are truly outrageous and absolutely bonkers.
In the movie Mars Attacks (based on the cards of the same name) these aliens cause all sorts of havoc - blowing objects AND people up, destroying buildings and just having a good time doing it all.
These aliens have a peculiar way of talking as it consists of mainly just "Ack ack ack ack ack ack!" but they are so very funny.
They're like the more light-hearted version of the aliens from They Live.
6. The Insects (James and the Giant Peach)
I am kind of cheating on this one since Tim Burton did not direct this movie but he produced this and did the animated segment.
As a kid I loved Roald Dahl's stories especially Matilda, The Witches, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and this story.
The insects that reside in the peach were nice enough to make James apart of the family and each of them has their own personality quirks which I like.
The spider is elegant and yet nuturing, the ladybug is very motherly, the centipede is wisecracking and also quite spunky and the Grasshopper is extremely intelligent.
I loved how these characters looked and acted, and how they took care of James.
5. Pee Wee Herman (Pee Wee's Big Adventure)
I have only started watching Pee Wee's Big Adventure and I loved it to no end, it's so funny and enjoyable with plenty of good heartwarming moments and scary moments as well.
Pee Wee Herman is what I'd like to call the American version of Britain's only "child-in-a-man's-body" Mr Bean.
He gets into so many crazy situations in this movie it's so hard not to love him. Not to mention Large Marge.
On a sidenote, the biker leader in this movie is played by Cassandra Peterson who is also famous for playing Elvira.
There's so much to love about Pee Wee and his many adventures. In fact the reason I nicknamed my cousin Pee Wee is because of this movie.
4. Willy Wonka (Charlie And The Chocolate Factory)
Speaking of child-like innocence, here we have the man who can sweeten up just about any sour situation, the candyman himself - Willy Wonka.
Now I have friends that love the Gene Wilder version from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, but I also have a few friends that loved Johnny Depp's version as well.
And I can't blame them for this, Johnny Depp's Wonka is so delightfully unusual and quirky - plus with his voice he reminds me a lot of MJ and i'm pretty sure i'm not the only one who thinks that.
I love his outfit and the way he looks and acts. Plus he's got some extremely funny lines in the movie as well.
Johnny Depp's Wonka is a lot of fun to watch and while he's not Gene Wilder, he doesn't have to be.
3. The Mayor (Nightmare Before Christmas)
I know you're probably expecting Sally, Oogie Boogie or Jack Skellington on this list but my favorite character in the Nightmare Before Christmas is this guy.
The Mayor of the Halloweentown (voiced by Glenn Shadix) is what you could call a two-faced politician - not in a figurative sense but in a literal way.
His head turns around when he's switching emotions from his "Happy/Cheerful/Excited face" to his "Sad/Worried/Frightened face".
There's a lot to love about the Mayor and he is a really funny character. ("Jack, please. I am only an elected offical here, I can't make decisions by myself!")
2. Edward (Edward Scissorhands)
At number 2 we have a young man named Edward. No he's NOT a glittery vampire vannabe and his last name is NOT Cullen.
The Edward i'm talking about here is Edward Scissorhands played by Johnny Depp in his first ever collaboration with Tim Burton.
I can't help but feel sorry for the poor guy, he tries to fit in but is treated like he's some kind of sideshow attraction because of the fact he has scissor-like blades for hands.
Luckily he manages to make quite a few friends and is a very handy hair-stylist and gardener - no need to use hedge clippers when you have blades for hands.
His inventor is played by the horror icon Vincent Price in his last film role and the scene where the inventor dies is just so sad and touching.
And....
1. Beetlejuice.
Say it once, say it twice and say it thrice! Here's the ghost with the most who provides us with laughter from the hereafter.
I'm of course talking about BJ himself, Beetlejuice. This mischevious ghost is a bio-exorcist who can really scare up some entertainment for any gloomy occassion.
What are his qualifications for being number 1 you ask? Well he finished Harvard Buisness school, he's attended Julliard, he travels quite extenstively, he's lived through the black plague and had a pretty good time during that - HE'S SEEN THE EXORCIST 167 TIMES AND IT JUST KEEPS GETTING FUNNIER EVERYTIME HE SEES IT - NOT TO MENTION THE FACT WE'RE TALKING ABOUT A DEAD GUY...NOW WHAT DO YOU THINK?
There have been many characters that have tried to imitate him in someways and most of which have been supernatural. These include Genie (Aladdin), The Mask (from the Jim Carrey movie), Fred (Drop Dead Fred), Maurice (Little Monsters), Flabber (Big Bad Beetleborgs), and the Cat (from the panned Cat in The Hat movie).
According to the Nostalgia Critic - they're apart of the "Annoying-Fast-Talking-Paranormal-Dick-Club"
Having trouble with the living? Need to get those unwanted people out of your house? Then call BJ.
And i'm pretty sure i'm not the only one who thinks this....but for some reason Russell Brand reminds me a LOT of him.
Come to think of it, both of them have the same kind of raunchy sense of humor and bad boy atittude, not to mention the crazy hair and the eye-makeup.
It's always fun to watch him do his ghostly brand of mischief. Sure he can be a bit cruel sometimes but that's why we love him.
Although I do feel pretty sorry for poor Otho after what BJ did to him. I mean...not even I would be caught wearing an outfit THAT horrible.
Nonetheless, this ghost is one ghost that you wouldn't mind have haunting your house.
-----------------------
And there you have it my top 15 Tim Burtonverse characters. Like I said earlier I don't have Ed Wood on here since he was a real guy and I haven't seen Dark Shadows yet.
I hope you enjoyed this list.
So to help get things prepped up for the spooky season of October here is my list of my top 15 Tim Burtonverse characters.
15. Vincent Malloy (Vincent)
Vincent Malloy is a 7 year old boy, but he's no ordinary boy - while he is considerate ad nice - his dream is to be like Vincent Price.
This young mad scientist to be and his pet dog Abercrombie act out horror movie scenes and he has big plans of turning Abercrombie into a horrible zombie.
This short film moved me to tears and the ending was both frightening and sad at the same time.
14. Emily (Corpse Bride)
I couldn't help but feel sorry for this poor girl, after all she had been left at the altar when she was alive and murdered and burried in her wedding dress.
Plus even though she's dead, she still has feelings and if you break her heart she doesn't took kindly to that.
On a sidenote, the Corpse Bride is loosely inspired by an old Russian or Romanian folk stoy/urban legend.
13. Hessian/Headless Horseman (Sleepy Hollow)
Normally I don't like Christopher Walken because he tends to play extremely creepy characters no matter what movie he's in but that's what makes him awesome though.
At first I was familiar with the legend of Sleepy Hollow from the Disney short - especially the character Brom Bones who was later the inspiration for Gaston from Beauty and the Beast.
But Tim Burton gives the classic tale a much darker tone with plenty of black comedy, and part of what makes this movie epic is it's villain - Hessian or as he is called the Headless Horseman.
His stunts are performed by Ray Park (who you Star Wars fans might know as Darth Maul, you X-Men fans might know him as Toad from the X-Men movies) but he is portrayed by Christopher Walken.
And I have to agree with what other reviewers have said, he's certainly an imtimidating character. Even though he doesn't talk much.
He doesn't need to talk though because all he needs to do to be scary is to show up , hack some heads off and go "Gaaaaah!" "Yaaaah!" "Raaaar!" , not to mention those teeth - those super sharp teeth that remind me of pirahna or shark styled teeth.
If you're not off your head with worry by now, you will once the horseman gets through with you! Raaaaaawr!
12. Ari (Planet of the Apes)
Planet of The Apes didn't work out well for Burton but the makeup effects (done by Rick Baker who previously turned Jim Carrey into the title character in the Grinch) are superb.
This is also where Burton first set his eyes on Helena Bonham Carter, and this character is the first character that the actress portrayed.
Ari is the female ape in this movie and for an ape she's extremely beautiful and not to mention quite agile, unlike how hostile the other apes are - she actually is nice towards humans.
If I was lost on the Planet of the Apes, I would definitely want to befriend her.
11. Jack Napier/Joker (Batman)
Ah the Joker, one of the most famous of all the Batman antagonists. No matter who portrays this character he manages to always have fun.
From the absolutely twisted and demented Heath Ledger version in the Dark Knight, to the funny and outrageous Mark Hamil version from the animated series to Ceaser Romero's goofy and comedic version in the original 60's show.
But the Joker we're talking about here is the version played by Jack Nicholson in Tim Burton's 1989 Batman thing.
Jack Nicholson really brings a lot of life into this character, making him a blast to watch on screen - he's crazy and he's just loving every second of it. Not to mention he's one hell of a dancer.
Now before I get a lot of hate mail from fans of the late Heath Ledger, i'd just like to say that I like Ledger's version from the Dark Knight as well but I find Nicholson's version to be the more entertaining one.
Other people considered for this part were William DaFoe, James Woods, the master of the awesome villain voices himself Tim Curry, and even David Bowie - Robin Williams also wanted the part as well.
There's just something about Nicholson's Joker that makes him surprisingly likable and fun.
10. Stainboy (Oyster Boy and Other Stories)
Speaking of superheroes, this is another super character.
Meet Stainboy, now he's not your typical superhero - he doesn't have any powers like shapeshifting, super strength, telekenesis, mind control, fire/ice/lightning/, or flight.
But he does have a power that you don't see in most other heroes even though it's not what you could call helpful.
His power is the ability to leave nasty stains everywhere, while it may not be a useful power to have - there are certainly advantages to having that sort of power.
He is friends with various other interesting kids with bizzare powers and traits such as The Girl Who Turned Into A Bed, Oyster Boy, Robot-Boy, Roy The Toxic Boy, and Jimmy the Hideous Penguin Boy.
Speaking of penguins, Tim Burton showed Danny DeVito a drawing he did of the character and that is what inspired Danny DeVito to play the Penguin in Batman Returns.
He may not be Superman, but he does try his hardest.
9. Catwoman (Batman Returns)
This femfatale is one you wouldn't want to cross paths with, while she can be sleek and seductive - she is also extremely tough and not to mention one hell of a fighter.
With her martial arts moves of hers and her backflips, Selina Kyle/Catwoman is one of the most memorable villainessess/anti-heroines in the DC Universe.
There's something about her that drives men wild and you can take guesses at why that is.
I haven't seen Dark Knight Returns but I've heard a few good things about it.
There was supposed to be a "Catwoman" movie that Tim Burton himself wanted to do with Michelle Pffiefer supposedly returning to play the role but then something happened and was to be replaced by Ashley Judd. It spent months in Development Hell until finally in 2004....a Catwoman movie DID come out - and you know what i'm talking about.
If you cross paths with this chick, I gurantee that you would get quite the beating.
8. Benjamin Barker/Sweeney Todd (Sweeney Todd)
The first villainous role that Johnny Depp has ever played and one of the most chilling roles he's ever done as well.
The infamous Benjamin Barker or Sweeney Todd as he's called out is a barber but not just any barber, he's the Demon Barber of Fleet Street.
Depp does a terrific job making this character likable yet frightening, and not to mention he can sing pretty well.
If you go to have your haircut by this guy, expect to have a LOT taken off the top - literally, you'll fall "head over heels" over him. Please excuse my bad puns.
7. The Martians (Mars Attacks)
Aliens come in many shapes and sizes, but these aliens are truly outrageous and absolutely bonkers.
In the movie Mars Attacks (based on the cards of the same name) these aliens cause all sorts of havoc - blowing objects AND people up, destroying buildings and just having a good time doing it all.
These aliens have a peculiar way of talking as it consists of mainly just "Ack ack ack ack ack ack!" but they are so very funny.
They're like the more light-hearted version of the aliens from They Live.
6. The Insects (James and the Giant Peach)
I am kind of cheating on this one since Tim Burton did not direct this movie but he produced this and did the animated segment.
As a kid I loved Roald Dahl's stories especially Matilda, The Witches, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and this story.
The insects that reside in the peach were nice enough to make James apart of the family and each of them has their own personality quirks which I like.
The spider is elegant and yet nuturing, the ladybug is very motherly, the centipede is wisecracking and also quite spunky and the Grasshopper is extremely intelligent.
I loved how these characters looked and acted, and how they took care of James.
5. Pee Wee Herman (Pee Wee's Big Adventure)
I have only started watching Pee Wee's Big Adventure and I loved it to no end, it's so funny and enjoyable with plenty of good heartwarming moments and scary moments as well.
Pee Wee Herman is what I'd like to call the American version of Britain's only "child-in-a-man's-body" Mr Bean.
He gets into so many crazy situations in this movie it's so hard not to love him. Not to mention Large Marge.
On a sidenote, the biker leader in this movie is played by Cassandra Peterson who is also famous for playing Elvira.
There's so much to love about Pee Wee and his many adventures. In fact the reason I nicknamed my cousin Pee Wee is because of this movie.
4. Willy Wonka (Charlie And The Chocolate Factory)
Speaking of child-like innocence, here we have the man who can sweeten up just about any sour situation, the candyman himself - Willy Wonka.
Now I have friends that love the Gene Wilder version from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, but I also have a few friends that loved Johnny Depp's version as well.
And I can't blame them for this, Johnny Depp's Wonka is so delightfully unusual and quirky - plus with his voice he reminds me a lot of MJ and i'm pretty sure i'm not the only one who thinks that.
I love his outfit and the way he looks and acts. Plus he's got some extremely funny lines in the movie as well.
Johnny Depp's Wonka is a lot of fun to watch and while he's not Gene Wilder, he doesn't have to be.
3. The Mayor (Nightmare Before Christmas)
I know you're probably expecting Sally, Oogie Boogie or Jack Skellington on this list but my favorite character in the Nightmare Before Christmas is this guy.
The Mayor of the Halloweentown (voiced by Glenn Shadix) is what you could call a two-faced politician - not in a figurative sense but in a literal way.
His head turns around when he's switching emotions from his "Happy/Cheerful/Excited face" to his "Sad/Worried/Frightened face".
There's a lot to love about the Mayor and he is a really funny character. ("Jack, please. I am only an elected offical here, I can't make decisions by myself!")
2. Edward (Edward Scissorhands)
At number 2 we have a young man named Edward. No he's NOT a glittery vampire vannabe and his last name is NOT Cullen.
The Edward i'm talking about here is Edward Scissorhands played by Johnny Depp in his first ever collaboration with Tim Burton.
I can't help but feel sorry for the poor guy, he tries to fit in but is treated like he's some kind of sideshow attraction because of the fact he has scissor-like blades for hands.
Luckily he manages to make quite a few friends and is a very handy hair-stylist and gardener - no need to use hedge clippers when you have blades for hands.
His inventor is played by the horror icon Vincent Price in his last film role and the scene where the inventor dies is just so sad and touching.
And....
1. Beetlejuice.
Say it once, say it twice and say it thrice! Here's the ghost with the most who provides us with laughter from the hereafter.
I'm of course talking about BJ himself, Beetlejuice. This mischevious ghost is a bio-exorcist who can really scare up some entertainment for any gloomy occassion.
What are his qualifications for being number 1 you ask? Well he finished Harvard Buisness school, he's attended Julliard, he travels quite extenstively, he's lived through the black plague and had a pretty good time during that - HE'S SEEN THE EXORCIST 167 TIMES AND IT JUST KEEPS GETTING FUNNIER EVERYTIME HE SEES IT - NOT TO MENTION THE FACT WE'RE TALKING ABOUT A DEAD GUY...NOW WHAT DO YOU THINK?
There have been many characters that have tried to imitate him in someways and most of which have been supernatural. These include Genie (Aladdin), The Mask (from the Jim Carrey movie), Fred (Drop Dead Fred), Maurice (Little Monsters), Flabber (Big Bad Beetleborgs), and the Cat (from the panned Cat in The Hat movie).
According to the Nostalgia Critic - they're apart of the "Annoying-Fast-Talking-Paranormal-Dick-Club"
Having trouble with the living? Need to get those unwanted people out of your house? Then call BJ.
And i'm pretty sure i'm not the only one who thinks this....but for some reason Russell Brand reminds me a LOT of him.
Come to think of it, both of them have the same kind of raunchy sense of humor and bad boy atittude, not to mention the crazy hair and the eye-makeup.
It's always fun to watch him do his ghostly brand of mischief. Sure he can be a bit cruel sometimes but that's why we love him.
Although I do feel pretty sorry for poor Otho after what BJ did to him. I mean...not even I would be caught wearing an outfit THAT horrible.
Nonetheless, this ghost is one ghost that you wouldn't mind have haunting your house.
-----------------------
And there you have it my top 15 Tim Burtonverse characters. Like I said earlier I don't have Ed Wood on here since he was a real guy and I haven't seen Dark Shadows yet.
I hope you enjoyed this list.
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