Through the Ages: Tim Burton Films

From the playful antics of Pee-wee’s Big Adventure to the dark depths of Sweeney Todd, Burton’s movies range from G to R16, with something for almost every age. But his films aren't your typical family-friendly watch – Burton loves to mix in spooky, strange, and sometimes downright creepy moments. That means some of his movies might not sit right with all tamariki. To help with your Halloween movie marathon, we’ve ranked his films from most to least suitable for younger viewers. This way, you can find the perfect pick to introduce them to the weird world of Burton, while saving the more intense ones for when they’re a bit older.

Of course, these are just recommendations — everyone’s sensitivities and boundaries are different. What may feel right for one tamariki might not suit another, so take these as helpful tips to guide your choices. The most important thing is helping your children make decisions that feel right for them, and respecting their individual comfort levels and boundaries. After all, it’s all about creating a fun, safe viewing experience that everyone can enjoy!

Once you’ve chosen a film to watch with younger whānau members, it can be useful to chat with them afterwards to see how they felt about it. Here are some questions you could ask:

• What did you think about the scarier parts? Were they fun, or maybe a bit much for you?
• How did the characters handle challenges or spooky surprises? What would you have done?
• Did anything in the movie remind you of something you’ve seen or experienced before?

For older tamariki or rangatahi, you can dive a little deeper:

• How did the more violent or intense scenes make you feel? Do you think they were necessary for the story?
• Did the film do a good job balancing its darker themes with the overall message?
• Was there anything that caught you by surprise or made you think differently about certain situations or emotions?

Not only is this a fun way to chat about the movie, but it also encourages tamariki to think critically about what they’ve just watched. Plus, it gives you insight into how they’re processing different levels of content.

Pee-wee's Big Adventure (1985)

Rating: G

What’s it about? Pee-wee Herman embarks on a cross-country adventure to recover his beloved stolen bike. Along the way, he meets quirky characters and encounters absurd situations.

Can my child watch this? We reckon this one’s a great option whānau to watch with younger tamariki. It’s light-hearted and fun, but does have a few creepy moments. Just keep in mind it's an older film, so while it charmed young audiences back in the day, it might feel a bit different to today’s tamariki.

Moments to look out for: The "Large Marge" scene, where a truck driver’s face distorts into a grotesque, claymation-style image. A sudden jump-scare moment!

Dumbo (2019)

Rating: PG | Some scenes may scare very young children

What’s it about? A young elephant with oversized ears learns to fly, becoming the star attraction of a struggling circus, while a family tries to protect him from those who seek to exploit his unique abilities.

Can my child watch this? This one’s also a good whānau watch for younger tamariki. While there are some emotional moments, it’s a family-friendly film overall.

Moments to look out for: There’s a bit of tension when Dumbo's mother is taken away, which might tug at their heartstrings, but it’s more emotional than scary. The fire at the circus adds a touch of excitement rather than fear – it’s like the ultimate "uh-oh" moment!

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005)

Rating: PG | Some scenes may scare some very young children

What’s it about? Young Charlie Bucket wins a golden ticket to tour Willy Wonka’s magical chocolate factory, where he and other children experience fantastical, and often bizarre, wonders.

Can my child watch this? We recommend this iconic film for tamariki who can handle a bit of intensity. It’s an imaginative adventure with some slightly full on but quirky scenes.

Moments to look out for: The boat ride gets a little wacky with some unsettling visuals, but it’s kind of like a fun trip through a candy dreamland with spooky flair. The "punishments" given to the naughty kids could seem a bit unsettling, but they’re played out in a quirky, over-the-top way.

The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

Rating: PG

What’s it about? Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, becomes fascinated by Christmas and attempts to take over the holiday, leading to some chaotic but festive consequences. (We know this one’s written and produced by Tim Burton, not directed, however it’s too much of a Halloween classic to leave off the list!)

Can my child watch this? It’s spooky, but tame enough for younger tamariki who don’t mind a bit of creepiness.

Moments to look out for: Oogie Boogie, the film's villain, creates a dark and creepy lair filled with traps and bugs. Although these moments add a thrill, they’re balanced with playful visuals and catchy songs, keeping the overall tone fun rather than frightening.

Read more in our content breakdown for The Nightmare Before Christmas

Frankenweenie (2012)

Rating: PG | Scary scenes

What’s it about? A young boy named Victor brings his beloved dog Sparky back to life through a science experiment, resulting in unintended and spooky consequences in his small town.

Can my child watch this? It’s dark and creepy but heartwarming, and would be okay for tamariki who are okay with a scare.

Moments to look out for: When Sparky first comes back to life, there’s a fun, dramatic moment where Victor tries to hide him from the townsfolk, leading to some chaotic antics. The way Sparky's stitched-up appearance looks spooky yet adorable is sure to get a giggle.

Read more in our content breakdown for Frankenweenie

Corpse Bride (2005)

Rating: PG | Some scenes may scare very young children

What’s it about? Victor, a nervous groom, accidentally proposes to a corpse bride and is whisked away to the Land of the Dead, where he must find a way back to the living world and his true bride.

Can my child watch this? This one’s good for tamariki who can cope with some spooky themes.

Moments to look out for: The initial meeting with the Corpse Bride can be a bit spooky, especially when her skeletal fingers are revealed. However, her charming personality and the quirky nature of the Land of the Dead quickly lighten the mood.

Edward Scissorhands (1990)

Rating: PG | Violence

What’s it about? Edward, a gentle man with scissor blades for hands, is taken in by a suburban family and struggles to fit into society while dealing with love, acceptance, and misunderstanding.

Can my child watch this? It’s a cute story, but has some emotional and dark moments best suited for slightly older tamariki.

Moments to look out for: When Edward accidentally cuts a woman's hair and the scene spirals into chaos, leading to some startled reactions from the neighbours. The initial shock is quickly replaced by the humour of the situation, showing how a little misunderstanding can lead to a lot of laughs! Throughout the film, people are constantly trying to take advantage of Edward’s innocence and kindness. Talking through these moments with your tamariki is important as it’s a great way to help them understand how people don’t always treat each other nicely.

Alice in Wonderland (2010)

Rating: PG | Frightening fantasy scenes & violence

What’s it about? Alice returns to the whimsical world of Wonderland, where she must embrace her destiny to defeat the tyrannical Red Queen and restore peace to the land.

Can my child watch this? It’s fun and fantastical, but some intense moments might be too much for young viewers, so we recommend this one for slightly older tamariki.

Moments to look out for: Alice’s encounter with the terrifying Bandersnatch, the intense battle with the Jabberwocky, and the eerie, off-kilter atmosphere of the Red Queen's court, where unsettling characters and dark humour mix to create a sense of tension and unease.

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children (2016)

Rating: M | Violence & scary scenes

What’s it about? A young boy discovers a secret school for children with special abilities, where he must help protect them from sinister forces bent on destroying their world.

Can my child watch this? This movie often comes up when we ask young people about the first film that ever scared them. It’s got dark fantasy elements and some horror scenes that would probably be better for older tamariki or young rangatahi.

Moments to look out for: The unsettling attack by invisible monsters, the terrifying appearance of the hollowgasts, and Jacob uncovering the dark secrets of the peculiar children’s past, blending horror with fantasy.

Beetlejuice (1988)

Rating: PG | Coarse language

What’s it about? A recently deceased couple haunts their former home and hires Beetlejuice, a mischievous spirit, to scare away the new owners, leading to chaotic and supernatural misadventures.

Can my child watch this? This better for older tamariki who can handle creepy and quirky, along with some coarse language.

Moments to look out for: Scariest moments include Beetlejuice turning into a giant snake to scare the Deetz family, the eerie waiting room filled with unsettling characters, and the Maitlands stretching their faces into grotesque shapes.

Read more in our content breakdown for Beetlejuice

Big Fish (2003)

Rating: PG | Adult themes

What’s it about? A son tries to separate fact from fiction as he listens to the larger-than-life stories his dying father has told him throughout his life, uncovering the truth about his father’s past.

Can my child watch this? This film may not appeal to very young viewers due to adult themes. It’d technically be okay for tamariki, but better for rangatahi who will understand the storyline a bit better.

Moments to look out for: Edward Bloom encounters the witch with a glass eye that can reveal people's deaths, and the unsettling imagery of the giant who lives in the town of Spectre.

Batman (1989)

Rating: PG | Violence

What’s it about? Billionaire Bruce Wayne becomes the masked vigilante Batman, fighting crime in Gotham City and facing off against his nemesis, the Joker.

Can my child watch this? This one’s best for older tamariki who are ready for darker, more mature themes, along with action and violence and some creepy villains.

Moments to look out for: Jack Napier's terrifying transformation into the Joker after falling into a vat of chemicals, the eerie scene where he reveals his disfigured face for the first time, and the intense moments when the Joker unleashes his deadly gas on Gotham's citizens, leaving them with frozen smiles.

Batman Returns (1992)

Rating: PG | Violence

What’s it about? Batman faces two formidable foes: the grotesque Penguin, who plans to take over Gotham, and the mysterious Catwoman, who has her own agenda in the dark city.

Can my child watch this? Similar to Batman (1989), the darker, more mature themes, along with action and heightened violence make this better suited for older tamariki or even young rangatahi.

Moments to look out for: The grotesque transformation of Oswald Cobblepot (the Penguin) as he emerges from the sewers, and the scene where the Penguin commands a band of trained penguins with explosives to attack Gotham.

Mars Attacks! (1996)

Rating: M | Violence

What’s it about? When hostile aliens invade Earth, chaos ensues as humans try to fend off the absurd and destructive Martian forces, leading to a comically catastrophic battle for survival.

Can my child watch this? Mars Attacks is more appropriate for older tamariki who are okay with some violence and creepy, uncanny valley-like characters.

Moments to look out for: The Martians zapping humans with their laser guns, the unsettling mind-control moments that lead to dark (but comedic) outcomes, and their grotesque appearance as they wreak havoc.

Dark Shadows (2012)

Rating: M | Horror, violence, offensive language & drug use

What’s it about? Vampire Barnabas Collins is resurrected in the 1970s and struggles to restore his family’s fortune while dealing with his dysfunctional descendants and an old flame who seeks revenge.

Can my child watch this? Dark humour and mature themes make it best for younger rangatahi.

Moments to look out for: Barnabas Collins awakening from his grave to confront modern life, the eerie scene where the vengeful Angelique confronts Barnabas, showcasing her dark powers, and the chilling atmosphere of the Collins family mansion filled with supernatural occurrences.

Ed Wood (1994)

Rating: M | Offensive language

What’s it about? The eccentric filmmaker Ed Wood struggles to produce his low-budget cult films in the 1950s, forming an unlikely partnership with aging horror star Bela Lugosi.

Can my child watch this? Mature themes and complexities make it more appropriate for rangatahi.

Moments to look out for: When the eccentric filmmaker meets Bela Lugosi, who performs a chilling, impromptu vampire scene.

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024)

Rating: M | Violence, offensive language, horror & content that may disturb

What’s it about? Following a family tragedy, Lydia Deetz and her rebellious teenage daughter return to Winter River. When her daughter discovers a portal to the afterlife and accidentally summons Beetlejuice by saying his name three times, the mischievous demon reappears, ready to cause mayhem and turn their lives upside down.

Can my child watch this? This one’s more intense and darker than the 1988 original, we recommend saving this one for older ones who can deal with horror and disturbing content.

Moments to look out for: Some of the scariest moments include a character using a staple gun to reassemble their dismembered body while sucking souls out of people, and another intense scene where a newborn Beetlejuice bites a "mother's" leg, leaving it bloodied.

Read more in our content breakdown for Beetlejuice Beetlejuice 

Sleepy Hollow (1999)

Rating: M | Horror scenes

What’s it about? In this dark reimagining of Washington Irving’s classic tale, Ichabod Crane is sent to the town of Sleepy Hollow to investigate a series of brutal murders by the legendary Headless Horseman.

Can my child watch this? Graphic horror and intense scenes make it better for rangatahi.

Moments to look out for: The Headless Horseman’s brutal attacks, eerie atmospheric scenes, and some truly creepy visuals all contribute to the intense tone of this gothic thriller.

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007)

Rating: R16 | Graphic violence

What’s it about? After being wrongfully imprisoned, barber Sweeney Todd returns to London seeking revenge, setting up a gruesome business where he and Mrs. Lovett turn his victims into meat pies.

Can my child watch this? This one’s strictly for audiences 16 and over. It's packed with graphic violence and unsettling revenge themes unsuitable for tamariki.

Moments to look out for: The gruesome throat-slitting scenes and the overall dark tone, including the disturbing visual of meat pies made from unsuspecting victims, make this one strictly for viewers over 16.

And there you have it! Tim Burton’s catalogue offers a delightful mix of humour and horror, but not every film is suitable for all ages. While you might have fond memories of watching some of these films as a kid, it’s important not to let the nostalgia element get in the way – remember that what felt fun or thrilling back then may be a bit much for younger whānau members now. Hopefully, this guide helps you decide what to watch with your tamariki this Halloween, and which ones to save for after they’re tucked in bed!

Honourable mentions 

While we've mainly focused on Tim Burton's directed films in this blog, we acknowledge his enormous catalogue – we simply couldn't cover it all without keeping you here all day! Here are some honourable mentions of films and series he's worked on, or associated with his work, that you can find more information about elsewhere.

• Wednesday (series, 2022) – Content Breakdown
• Coraline (2009) – Content Breakdown
• Alice Through the Looking Glass (2016) – The Young Folks: Movie Review, Alice Through the Looking Glass
• James and the Giant Peach (1996) – CBR: This Forgotten Stop-Motion Gem Is One of the Best Disney Animated Movies of the ‘90s
• Batman Forever (1995) – Watch this space for more “Through the Ages” blogs, where we guide you through age appropriateness for different franchises and actors. Coming soon... Films based on D.C. Comics!