---
name: "Tim Burton"
canonical: "https://film.one/person/tim-burton"
fi1m_id: "tim-burton"
imdb_id: "nm0000318"
tmdb_id: 510
wikidata_id: "Q56008"
roles: ["Director","Producer","Writer"]
born: "25 August 1958"
reviewed_on_fi1m: 23
average_fi1m_score: 69
average_as: "director"
average_over: 19
updated: "2026-10-05T15:11:48.985369+00:00"
licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL."
---

# Tim Burton

## Identity

Tim Burton

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/person/tim-burton
- **Type:** Person
- **Fi1m ID:** tim-burton
- **IMDb ID:** nm0000318
- **TMDB ID:** 510
- **Wikidata ID:** Q56008
- **Same entity:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tim_Burton, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q56008, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000318/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/510

Director and producer. Born 25 August 1958 in Burbank, California, USA.

## Details

- **Work:** Director, Producer, Writer
- **Born:** 25 August 1958, Burbank, California, USA
- **Active:** 1979–present
- **Also known as:** 提姆‧波頓, تیم برتون, Timothy Walter Burton, Timothy Burton
- **Titles on Fi1m:** 23: 2 acting, 19 directing, 1 writing, 1 producing
- **Frequently works with:** [Johnny Depp](https://film.one/person/johnny-depp.md), [Helena Bonham Carter](https://film.one/person/helena-bonham-carter.md), [Catherine O'Hara](https://film.one/person/catherine-ohara.md), [Denise Di Novi](https://film.one/person/denise-di-novi.md), [John August](https://film.one/person/john-august.md), [Michael Keaton](https://film.one/person/michael-keaton.md), [Richard D. Zanuck](https://film.one/person/richard-d-zanuck.md), [Caroline Thompson](https://film.one/person/caroline-thompson.md)
- **Golden Globes:** 1 Golden Globe (1 won)
- **Average Fi1m score:** 69, as director, over 19 titles
- **Fi1m score by decade:** 1970s 82 (1), 1980s 80 (2), 1990s 76 (8), 2000s 67 (5), 2010s 58 (5), 2020s 68 (2)
- **Fi1m against the critics:** 69 to 64 across 19 titles
- **Score spread:** 5 at 80+, 10 at 60–79, 4 under 60
- **Genres:** Fantasy 13, Comedy 8, Adventure 5, Drama 5, Family 4, Action 3
- **Screen time:** 33 hours of reviewed films
- **Box office:** $4,594m across 18 films with figures
- **Elsewhere:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tim_Burton, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q56008, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000318/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/510

## Streaming the US now

- **Disney+:** [*Edward Scissorhands*](https://film.one/film/edward-scissorhands.md) (83), [*The Nightmare Before Christmas*](https://film.one/film/the-nightmare-before-christmas.md) (82), [*Frankenweenie*](https://film.one/film/frankenweenie.md) (79)
- **HBO Max:** [*Beetlejuice*](https://film.one/film/beetlejuice.md) (83), [*Batman Returns*](https://film.one/film/batman-returns.md) (81), [*Batman*](https://film.one/film/batman.md) (77)
- **Amazon Prime Video:** [*Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street*](https://film.one/film/sweeney-todd-the-demon-barber-of-fleet-street.md) (81), [*Big Fish*](https://film.one/film/big-fish.md) (78)
- **The Roku Channel:** [*Singles*](https://film.one/film/singles.md) (74), [*Mars Attacks!*](https://film.one/film/mars-attacks.md) (66)
- **Apple TV:** [*Sleepy Hollow*](https://film.one/film/sleepy-hollow.md) (78)
- **Netflix:** [*Wednesday*](https://film.one/tv/wednesday.md) (71)

For United States; add `?region=XX` for another country.

## Fi1m on Tim Burton

> We value Tim Burton’s affection for outsiders and his pleasure in handmade monsters. He can still make us laugh at something appalling, but crowded plotting and familiar Gothic decoration too often blunt the surprise.

In *Beetlejuice Beetlejuice* (2024), Delores drags a staple gun across a storeroom floor and reassembles herself limb by limb. Burton takes his time over the mechanics, letting the practical business of repair become the joke. We laughed despite ourselves at the care devoted to putting this body back together. That patient, gruesome silliness is a good reason to keep watching him, even when the rest of the film cannot sustain it.

*Beetlejuice* (1988) and *Batman* (1989) established the dark comedy and Gothic worlds, but *Edward Scissorhands* (1990) made the sympathy for the outsider central. *Ed Wood* (1994) took that affection into filmmaking itself, while *Big Fish* (2003) marked a more emotionally grounded phase. Later adaptations, including *Alice in Wonderland* (2010), brought the risk of repeating a recognisable look rather than finding something fresh. His recurring teams, including composer Danny Elfman, costume designer Colleen Atwood and editor Chris Lebenzon, have helped keep the films recognisably his.

*Wednesday* (2022) shows how easily the expected oddness can become routine. Burton is one of its directors, and cinematographers David Lanzenberg and P.J. Dillon give the school mystery a polish that rarely unsettles. Production designer Mark Scruton supplies suitable surroundings for supernatural intrigue, but the school is too orderly to surprise us. Jenna Ortega’s severe comic performance gives the programme more character than its setting does.

*Beetlejuice Beetlejuice* is more enjoyable when Burton concentrates on the performers and the rubber and latex. Catherine O’Hara’s Delia treats every encounter as an opportunity to hold forth, helped by Alfred Gough and Miles Millar’s sharp lines. Michael Keaton delivers the familiar patter at speed, and Burton uses him sparingly enough to leave us wishing for more. The trouble is the number of plots: before long, keeping track of what everyone wants becomes less rewarding than waiting for another practical effect.

For the affection that makes the oddness matter, start with *Edward Scissorhands*. Of the later work, *Wednesday* is the steadier evening, while *Beetlejuice Beetlejuice* needs more patience with its script. We would welcome a smaller Burton film that gave its best jokes room to develop.

## Biography

Tim Burton is an American film director. He was born in Burbank, California, on 25 August 1958. He attended the California Institute of the Arts and began his career as an animator at Walt Disney Productions before directing his first feature, Pee-wee's Big Adventure (1985).

Burton directed Beetlejuice (1988), Batman (1989), Edward Scissorhands (1990), Big Fish (2003), Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005), and Alice in Wonderland (2010). He directed four episodes of the Netflix series Wednesday (2022) and returned to direct Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024). He received the Venice International Film Festival's Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement in 2007.

*Sources: en.wikipedia.org, britannica.com.*

## On Fi1m (23)

### Performed in (2)

- *Singles* (1992), Fi1m 74, as Brian — [page](https://film.one/film/singles.md)
- *The Muppet Movie* (1979), Fi1m 82, as Additional Muppet Performer — [page](https://film.one/film/the-muppet-movie.md)

### Directed (19) — the average rests on these

- *Beetlejuice Beetlejuice* (2024), Fi1m 64, as Baby Beetlejuice (voice) (uncredited) — [page](https://film.one/film/beetlejuice-beetlejuice.md)
- *Wednesday* (2022), Fi1m 71, Executive Producer, Director — [page](https://film.one/tv/wednesday.md)
- *Dumbo* (2019), Fi1m 51, Director, Executive Producer — [page](https://film.one/film/dumbo-2019.md)
- *Big Eyes* (2014), Fi1m 64, Director, Producer — [page](https://film.one/film/big-eyes.md)
- *Dark Shadows* (2012), Fi1m 50, Director — [page](https://film.one/film/dark-shadows.md)
- *Frankenweenie* (2012), Fi1m 79, Producer, Director, Idea — [page](https://film.one/film/frankenweenie.md)
- *Alice in Wonderland* (2010), Fi1m 48, Director — [page](https://film.one/film/alice-in-wonderland-2010.md)
- *Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street* (2007), Fi1m 81, Director — [page](https://film.one/film/sweeney-todd-the-demon-barber-of-fleet-street.md)
- *Charlie and the Chocolate Factory* (2005), Fi1m 64, Director — [page](https://film.one/film/charlie-and-the-chocolate-factory.md)
- *Corpse Bride* (2005), Fi1m 72, Producer, Director, Characters — [page](https://film.one/film/corpse-bride.md)
- *Big Fish* (2003), Fi1m 78, Director — [page](https://film.one/film/big-fish.md)
- *Planet of the Apes* (2001), Fi1m 40, Director — [page](https://film.one/film/planet-of-the-apes-2001.md)
- *Sleepy Hollow* (1999), Fi1m 78, Director — [page](https://film.one/film/sleepy-hollow.md)
- *Mars Attacks!* (1996), Fi1m 66, Director, Producer — [page](https://film.one/film/mars-attacks.md)
- *Ed Wood* (1994), Fi1m 84, Producer, Director — [page](https://film.one/film/ed-wood.md)
- *Batman Returns* (1992), Fi1m 81, Producer, Director — [page](https://film.one/film/batman-returns.md)
- *Edward Scissorhands* (1990), Fi1m 83, Director, Producer, Story — [page](https://film.one/film/edward-scissorhands.md)
- *Batman* (1989), Fi1m 77, Director — [page](https://film.one/film/batman.md)
- *Beetlejuice* (1988), Fi1m 83, Director — [page](https://film.one/film/beetlejuice.md)

### Wrote (1)

- *The Nightmare Before Christmas* (1993), Fi1m 82, as Zero (voice) (uncredited) — [page](https://film.one/film/the-nightmare-before-christmas.md)

### Produced (1)

- *Batman Forever* (1995), Fi1m 56, Producer — [page](https://film.one/film/batman-forever.md)

## Complete filmography (66)

Every credit, newest first. Titles without a page can be requested for review on the HTML page.

- *Edward Scissorhands: Matthew Bourne's Dance Version* (2024), Story
- *Beetlejuice Beetlejuice* (2024), as Baby Beetlejuice (voice) (uncredited) · Director, Producer — Fi1m 64, [page](https://film.one/film/beetlejuice-beetlejuice.md)
- *Wednesday* (2022), series, as Parrot · Executive Producer, Director — Fi1m 71, [page](https://film.one/tv/wednesday.md)
- *AGFA Mystery Mixtape #2: Later in L.A.* (2020), as (archive footage)
- *The AGFA Mystery Mixtape Vault* (2020), as (archive footage)
- *Dumbo* (2019), Director, Executive Producer — Fi1m 51, [page](https://film.one/film/dumbo-2019.md)
- *Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children* (2016), as Passenger on an Attraction (uncredited) · Director
- *Houdini: The Untold Story* (2016), as Houdini · Director
- *Alice Through the Looking Glass* (2016), Producer
- *Live From Lincoln Center: Danny Elfman's Music from the Films of Tim Burton* (2015), Actor
- *Big Eyes* (2014), Producer, Director — Fi1m 64, [page](https://film.one/film/big-eyes.md)
- *Captain Sparky vs. The Flying Saucers* (2013), Producer
- *Miniatures in Motion: Bringing Frankenweenie to Life* (2012), Director
- *Frankenweenie* (2012), Director, Idea, Producer, Characters — Fi1m 79, [page](https://film.one/film/frankenweenie.md)
- *Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter* (2012), Producer
- *Men in Black 3* (2012), as Alien on TV Monitors (uncredited) — Fi1m 63, [page](https://film.one/film/men-in-black-3.md)
- *Dark Shadows* (2012), Director — Fi1m 50, [page](https://film.one/film/dark-shadows.md)
- *A Conversation with Danny Elfman & Tim Burton* (2011), as Producer
- *Alice in Wonderland* (2010), Director — Fi1m 48, [page](https://film.one/film/alice-in-wonderland-2010.md)
- *9* (2009), Producer
- *The Nightmare Before Christmas: The Original Poem* (2008), as Poem
- *Roy, The Toxic Boy* (2008), Writer
- *Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street* (2007), Director — Fi1m 81, [page](https://film.one/film/sweeney-todd-the-demon-barber-of-fleet-street.md)
- *Sicko* (2007), Thanks
- *Cinema16: American Short Films* (2006), Director
- *Corpse Bride* (2005), Director, Producer, Character Designer, Characters — Fi1m 72, [page](https://film.one/film/corpse-bride.md)
- *Becoming Oompa-Loompa* (2005), Actor
- *Charlie and the Chocolate Factory* (2005), Director — Fi1m 64, [page](https://film.one/film/charlie-and-the-chocolate-factory.md)
- *Big Fish* (2003), Director — Fi1m 78, [page](https://film.one/film/big-fish.md)
- *Planet of the Apes* (2001), Director — Fi1m 40, [page](https://film.one/film/planet-of-the-apes-2001.md)
- *The World of Stainboy* (2000), series, Director, Writer, Creator
- *The World of Stainboy* (2000), Director, Producer, Character Designer, Writer
- *Sleepy Hollow* (1999), Director — Fi1m 78, [page](https://film.one/film/sleepy-hollow.md)
- *Mars Attacks!* (1996), Director, Producer — Fi1m 66, [page](https://film.one/film/mars-attacks.md)
- *James and the Giant Peach* (1996), Producer
- *Batman Forever* (1995), Producer — Fi1m 56, [page](https://film.one/film/batman-forever.md)
- *Ed Wood* (1994), Director, Producer — Fi1m 84, [page](https://film.one/film/ed-wood.md)
- *Cabin Boy* (1994), Producer
- *Conversations with Vincent* (1994), Actor
- *The Nightmare Before Christmas* (1993), as Zero (voice) (uncredited) · Producer, Characters, Story — Fi1m 82, [page](https://film.one/film/the-nightmare-before-christmas.md)
- *Family Dog* (1993), series, Executive Producer
- *Hoffa* (1992), as Corpse (uncredited)
- *Singles* (1992), as Brian — Fi1m 74, [page](https://film.one/film/singles.md)
- *Batman Returns* (1992), Producer, Director — Fi1m 81, [page](https://film.one/film/batman-returns.md)
- *Edward Scissorhands* (1990), Producer, Director, Story — Fi1m 83, [page](https://film.one/film/edward-scissorhands.md)
- *Beetlejuice* (1989), series, Executive Producer, Creator
- *Batman* (1989), Director — Fi1m 77, [page](https://film.one/film/batman.md)
- *Beetlejuice* (1988), Director — Fi1m 83, [page](https://film.one/film/beetlejuice.md)
- *Aladdin and His Wonderful Lamp* (1986), Director
- *Amazing Stories* (1985), series, Animation, Production Design
- *The New Alfred Hitchcock Presents* (1985), series, Director
- *Pee-wee's Big Adventure* (1985), as Thug in Alley (uncredited) · Director
- *Frankenweenie* (1984), Writer, Director, Idea, Characters
- *Hansel and Gretel* (1983), Director, Production Design, Idea
- *Vincent* (1982), Writer, Production Design, Director, Screenplay
- *Faerie Tale Theatre* (1982), series, Director
- *Luau* (1982), as The Supreme Being / Mortie · Director, Producer, Writer
- *Doctor of Doom* (1979), as Don Carlo · Writer, Director, Editor
- *The Muppet Movie* (1979), as Additional Muppet Performer — Fi1m 82, [page](https://film.one/film/the-muppet-movie.md)
- *Stalk of the Celery Monster* (1979), Director, Producer, Writer
- *Surf Wars* (1978), Animation
- *Prehistoric Caveman* (1971), Director
- *Untitled Tim Burton Animated Film*, Director, Producer
- *Untiled Secret Tim Burton Film*, Director
- *Untitled 'Wednesday' spin-off about Uncle Fester*, series, Producer
- *Attack of the 50 Foot Woman*, Director, Producer

## Gallery

- ![Tim Burton](https://film.one/media/person/11004/gallery-990888944866.jpg) Tim Burton — Harald Krichel, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/95/Tim_Burton-63605.jpg/1280px-Tim_Burton-63605.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Dumbo Exclusive Sneak Preview with Tim Burton!](https://film.one/media/person/11004/gallery-e9771b9d1c28.jpg) Dumbo Exclusive Sneak Preview with Tim Burton! — Jeremy Thompson, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9e/Disneyland_-_33458619448.jpg/1280px-Disneyland_-_33458619448.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Tim Burton](https://film.one/media/person/11004/gallery-e238b388cb9c.jpg) Tim Burton — Image via TMDB
- ![Tim Burton](https://film.one/media/person/11004/gallery-407185d6a640.jpg) Tim Burton — Image via TMDB
- ![Tim Burton](https://film.one/media/person/11004/gallery-4889f1600c5a.jpg) Tim Burton — Image via TMDB
- ![Tim Burton](https://film.one/media/person/11004/gallery-802aa4c22fe2.jpg) Tim Burton — Image via TMDB
- ![Tim Burton](https://film.one/media/person/11004/gallery-6ba144c1f433.jpg) Tim Burton — Image via TMDB

## Awards

### Academy Awards — 0 won, 2 nominated

- 2013: Best Animated Feature (nominated), for *Frankenweenie*
- 2006: Best Animated Feature (nominated), for *Corpse Bride*

### Golden Globes — 1 won

- 2008: Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy (won), for *Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street*

### Venice Film Festival — 1 won

- 2007: Lifetime Achievement (won)

### Other awards — 11 won

- Lumière Award, Lyon Festival of cinema 2022: Lumière Award, Lyon Festival of cinema (won)
- David di Donatello Award for Lifetime Achievement 2019: David di Donatello Award for Lifetime Achievement (won)
- Officer of Arts and Letters 2016: Officer of Arts and Letters (won)
- Saturn Awards 2012: Best Animated Film (won), for *Frankenweenie*
- Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres 2010: Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres (won)
- Inkpot Award 2009: Inkpot Award (won)
- Winsor McCay Award 2009: Winsor McCay Award (won)
- Saturn Awards 2005: Best Animated Film (won), for *Corpse Bride*
- Hugo Awards 1991: Hugo Award (won)
- Hugo Awards 1991: Best Dramatic Presentation (won), for *Edward Scissorhands*
- Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Children's Animated Program 1990: Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Children's Animated Program (won), for *Beetlejuice*

*From Wikidata, which records wins more completely than nominations.*

---
© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/person/tim-burton