12 Movies Like Beetlejuice You Should Watch Next

1988’s “Beetlejuice,” despite only barely making it to the top 10 at the box office upon its release, was a financial triumph due to its low budget. However, its true impact lies in its enduring status as a cult classic, carving out a permanent place for itself within this category and maintaining it for close to four decades. Similar to how “Home Alone” is watched every Christmas, many people enjoy watching “Beetlejuice” during Halloween.

As a fellow fan of “Beetlejuice,” when you’re craving more of that delightful blend of dark humor and fantastical elements, I highly recommend checking out the upcoming sequel, “Beetlejuice 2: Beetlejuice” in 2024. It was a massive hit with both critics and audiences, leaving everyone spellbound at the box office. However, if you’re looking for something to pair with this timeless classic or even create a triple feature including its sequel, there are several other films that fit the bill perfectly. Most of them are suitable for family viewing (but be mindful when watching with younger kids), and they all revolve around the fascinating interplay between the realms of the living and the dead. Here are a few suggestions: “Ghostbusters,” “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” and “Coco” by Pixar, each offering a unique take on this intriguing theme. Enjoy your ghostly movie marathon!

While not every suggestion aligns perfectly with the criteria, we’ll clarify why these films are worth considering for fans of “Beetlejuice” seeking their next watch.

Ghostbusters

Three science professors, motivated by actual paranormal investigators, find their funding withdrawn and decide to apply their academic knowledge to establish a ghost-busting business, dubbed Ghostbusters. The team, comprising Peter Venkman (Bill Murray), Egon Spengler (Harold Ramis), Ray Stantz (Dan Aykroyd), and later Winston Zeddemore (Ernie Hudson), start answering calls for ghost-related jobs. As events unfold, they encounter a formidable supernatural entity named Zuul, escalating their tasks from odd jobs to the critical mission of protecting all of New York City. However, there’s a possibility that the EPA might shut them down before they can complete their mission.

In 1984, when “Ghostbusters” hit the screens, it broke new ground on several fronts. It was one of the pioneering comedies to achieve blockbuster status, boasting a humorous plot typically associated with action movies and epic adventures in terms of budget and box office success. Moreover, it was the first comedy to employ high-end, state-of-the-art special effects, a feat that remains challenging for many films. Additionally, it paved the way for comedies incorporating horror and supernatural themes, giving birth to films like “Beetlejuice” and influencing directors such as Tim Burton in shaping a new era of cinematic comedy.

The Addams Family

It appeared that Tim Burton was the ideal candidate for creating an “Addams Family” film, but he didn’t collaborate on the series until his 2022 Netflix show “Wednesday.” However, the 1991 movie “The Addams Family” closely resembles a film that Burton might have produced at that time and seems like a logical evolution of the genre following “Beetlejuice.” Let’s give credit to Barry Sonnenfeld, the actual director of the movie, who has a knack for handling both the eerie and the eccentric.

In the film titled “The Addams Family,” we see the eccentric family living their unusual lifestyle and dealing with the mysterious disappearance of Uncle Fester, portrayed by Christopher Lloyd. When someone claiming to be Fester reappears, they’re initially overjoyed, but it turns out to be an imposter who intends to drain the Addams family’s wealth. This movie is a delightful watch, appealing to both fans of the original material and newcomers to the characters. Although many consider its 1993 sequel “Addams Family Values” to be better overall, we suggest starting with the first one. It provides essential context for understanding the sequel and has a similar tone to “Beetlejuice.

Lisa Frankenstein

According to Rotten Tomatoes, “Lisa Frankenstein” is a movie that harks back to the horror comedies of the ’80s and has been praised for its affectionate nod to classics like “Beetlejuice”. Fans of the Burton film will undoubtedly enjoy this tribute, as well as other similar movies. Additionally, the script for “Lisa Frankenstein” was written by Diablo Cody, who is also known for penning the initially criticized but now cult-adored “Jennifer’s Body”.

16-year-old Lisa (Kathryn Newton) often finds solace in a cemetery, having lost her mother to a gruesome axe murder. One day, she encounters an unnamed corpse from over a century ago, nicknamed The Creature (Cole Sprouse). As their bond deepens, they navigate a morose relationship that takes on darker tones when they discover The Creature is incomplete – lacking certain body parts.

Similar to “Jennifer’s Body,” the reception for “Lisa Frankenstein” was generally mild, yet anticipate that it might undergo a revised evaluation in the future, ultimately earning a more favorable standing.

ParaNorman

Stop-motion animation is perfect for creating eerie and spooky movies, as demonstrated by the use of this technique in films like “Beetlejuice.” Companies such as Laika have excelled in the stop-motion genre, with a significant portion of their work having a darker, more unsettling atmosphere. For fans of “Beetlejuice,” I’d recommend checking out “Coraline,” but if you’re looking for something closer in spirit to the original film, I can’t help but suggest “ParaNorman.” While “Coraline” has already garnered a strong fanbase, “ParaNorman” deserves a larger following and may appeal more to those seeking a film similar to “Beetlejuice.

As a gamer, I’d put it like this: “In ‘ParaNorman,’ I find myself in the shoes of a character named Norman, voiced by Kodi Smit-McPhee. What sets him apart? He can chat with and see ghosts – even those he never knew before! Most apparitions are friendly, giving me a friendly nod before vanishing, but some seek my help. My pals and family don’t believe my tales at first, but as an age-old curse haunting our town starts showing signs that can’t be ignored, they start to take notice. Guess who gets roped into stopping this ancient hex? Yep, it’s me! The movie shares a fascinating connection between the living and the dead, similar to ‘Beetlejuice,’ with a malevolent ghost from the spirit realm endangering our world, and I’m the liaison.

Death Becomes Her

As a gamer, I guess it won’t shock you much considering her versatility, but not everyone seems to know that Meryl Streep excels at slapstick comedy too. If you doubt us, then it’s clear you haven’t witnessed “Death Becomes Her,” a darkly humorous film by Robert Zemeckis. In this movie, Streep squares off against Goldie Hawn in a battle of two women who drink a magical potion that stops aging and makes them immortal. The catch is, the potion doesn’t make you invincible, so the ladies resort to some extreme measures – like whacking each other with shovels, shooting holes into one another, and engaging in all sorts of actions that would typically result in death for an ordinary mortal.

The entertaining aspect of “Death Becomes Her” lies in watching these two characters engage in fierce battles, with both real-life action and computer-generated effects demonstrating the damage inflicted upon their bodies. It’s as if you’re watching a live-action version of classic cartoons like “Tom and Jerry” or “Bugs Bunny.” The movie was rightly honored for its visual effects at both the Academy Awards and the BAFTAs, although some of those effects may not hold up quite as well today. However, if you enjoyed the creative and macabre depictions of death in movies like “Beetlejuice,” then I’d highly recommend giving “Death Becomes Her” a try.

The Frighteners

Initially recognized for his work in horror-comedy films like “The Frighteners” (1996), Peter Jackson’s fame later grew due to his work on “The Lord of the Rings” films and Beatles documentaries. Had “The Frighteners” been a success, it’s possible that Jackson might have continued making horror-comedies instead of venturing into epic fantasy franchises. Regardless, this exceptional ghost movie is worth appreciating as one of the greatest in its genre.

As a dedicated gamer, I found myself immersed in the world of ‘The Frighteners’, where I, Michael J. Fox, played Frank Bannister, a man who mysteriously acquired the ability to converse with spirits after my wife’s untimely demise. Initially using this gift for less-than-admirable purposes, I was compelled to reconsider its use when chilling supernatural killings started happening around me. The film’s direction by Peter Jackson and his innovative special effects were widely praised at the time, though the movie itself received mixed reviews. However, over time, ‘The Frighteners’ has grown in stature as a beloved cult classic.

In a manner reminiscent of “Beetlejuice,” the supernatural aspects and comedic elements seamlessly intertwine in “The Frighteners.” Additionally, it shares the same music composer, Danny Elfman, which adds to their similarities, making them ideal counterparts.

Gremlins

Among the films that spark debate about whether it qualifies as a Christmas movie is “Gremlins.” While its holiday ambiance is debatable, many argue that it’s overshadowed by its horror genre, featuring monstrous creatures causing havoc and violence. However, ignoring its darker aspects, its link to the movie “Beetlejuice” cannot be ignored. Evidence of this can be seen in their frequent pairing together in DVD collections, as well as Tim Burton’s initial intention to direct this horror classic.

When a teen named Billy (Zach Galligan) gets a mysterious creature called Mogwai for Christmas, it comes with certain care guidelines. However, his friend unwittingly violates one of these rules by getting the Mogwai wet. This results in multiple Mogwai offspring, who are more aggressive and frightening than the original. These new creatures lead Billy to unknowingly break even more rules, eventually creating a whole gang of gremlins that wreak havoc and kill people in Billy’s hometown.

The movie “Gremlins” has a stronger horror element compared to most of the films on this list, but it still manages to combine both horror and comedy, making it an appealing choice for fans of “Beetlejuice.” However, they should be prepared for a higher level of violence in “Gremlins,” as well as the absence of any supernatural connections.

Corpse Bride

As a die-hard fan, I’d say most gamers would concur that among Tim Burton’s animated masterpieces, “The Nightmare Before Christmas” and “Frankenweenie” stand out. They both share some eerie ties to “Beetlejuice,” like traversing the realms of life and death, and reviving deceased creatures. However, I think “Corpse Bride” showcases Burton’s animated prowess post-“Beetlejuice.” It resonates more thematically with that film, and it strikes a perfect balance between light and dark elements. Plus, it’s home to numerous unforgettable Tim Burton characters.

In this rephrased version: An unfortunate chain of events leads to the living character Victor (played by Johnny Depp) falling in love with a deceased woman named Emily (Helena Bonham Carter). Stranded in the realm of the dead, Victor’s tale unfolds filled with Tim Burton’s signature elements such as enchanting characters, eerie landscapes, and catchy tunes composed by Danny Elfman. It was delightful to observe Burton, who initially gained fame through animation, re-enter this medium as a non-producer for the first time in over a decade, and it took another seven years for him to take on a similar role again on the big screen, marking his third and so far final appearance in this capacity.

Little Monsters

1989’s “Little Monsters” stands out among movies that depict the fear of closet and bed monsters, as it takes this myth quite literally. In this film, beds are positioned over doorways leading to a universe inhabited by monsters. These creatures use these hidden passages to cause chaos, often getting children into trouble. The monsters are meant to remain unseen, but a boy named Brian (played by Fred Savage) manages to catch one of them, Maurice (voiced by Howie Mandell), using a clever trap.

Bonding with Beasts: A Family-Friendly Double Feature”

Summary: Brian and Maurice develop an unexpected friendship and secretly spend their nights exploring an unseen world of monsters, guided by Maurice. However, when Brian starts undergoing a permanent transformation into a monster, the friends must hurry to halt this change while navigating around other potentially hostile creatures. “Little Monsters,” which is more child-oriented on our list, is less scary even for the tiniest family members. It might serve as an excellent prelude to the main event, “Beetlejuice,” making it a fun and engaging double feature for your family night.

Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey

The first film, “Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure,” is remarkably better than expected and has miraculously remained fresh despite being from the ’80s. What’s more unexpected is that its follow-up, “Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey,” which could have been merely a repetition of old jokes, surprisingly turned out to be just as hilarious as the original. In contrast to many comedy sequels that fall short, “Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey” achieved this feat without simply rehashing old gags.

In “Bogus Journey,” the main characters, Bill and Ted, encounter a grim twist when they’re falsely killed and sent to the underworld. This isn’t due to any wrongdoing on their part, but rather as a result of a failed séance. Consequently, they engage in a sequence of games with Death (played by William Sadler) with the dual purpose of escaping hell and compelling Death to obey their commands.

In the spirit of the “Bill & Ted” films, the tension doesn’t run particularly deep as their success is essentially predestined due to our knowledge of their future. However, it remains an enjoyable journey that brilliantly highlights the dynamic between Winter and Reeves, along with Sadler’s hilarious portrayal of Death. Notably, both movies share a common theme: the afterlife, though not particularly terrifying, is oddly easy to depart from, reminiscent of “Beetlejuice.

Little Shop of Horrors

Among various interpretations of “Little Shop of Horrors,” the most iconic and widely recognized is the 1986 film, which was adapted from an off-Broadway musical that premiered a few years prior. In this rendition, Rick Moranis portrays Seymour, a timid florist working in a gritty neighborhood. One day, he finds a peculiar plant that sprouts following a solar eclipse. He brings the plant to his store and attempts to nurture it, only to learn that its unique appetite is for human blood. Initially, a few drops from Seymour’s fingers suffice, but soon the plant, which Seymour calls “Audrey II,” expands into a voracious creature demanding human sacrifices.

In this rephrased version, let me highlight the key points:

1. The movie “Little Shop of Horrors,” boasting an impressive cast that includes Moranis’ former “SCTV” colleagues, Steve Martin, Bill Murray, and Levi Stubbs (voice of Audrey II), is both darkly amusing and has songs that are irresistibly catchy.

2. “Beetlejuice,” while not strictly a musical in the conventional sense, incorporates scenes where actors dance and lip-sync, and music plays a significant role throughout the film.

3. Therefore, it’s not surprising that fans of “Beetlejuice” would appreciate a horror comedy musical like “Little Shop of Horrors,” especially since “Beetlejuice” was later adapted into a stage musical as well.

Pee-wee’s Big Adventure

Among the suggestions we’ve made for films resembling “Beetlejuice” are not only movies directed by Tim Burton but also “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure.” This was his inaugural directorial project and his initial collaboration with Danny Elfman. Interestingly, both “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure” and “Beetlejuice” were released in quick succession, with the latter often perceived as a spiritual sequel to the former in various aspects.

In essence, Burton’s initial two movies, when viewed as a pair, establish a significant foundation for the distinctive elements that characterize his future body of work. Despite achieving mainstream success with “Batman,” transforming him into a prominent blockbuster director, Burton consistently emphasized peculiar characters and narratives revolving around their struggles to adapt to a world that appears to be incompatible with them in some way. While some Burton films are undeniably gothic, eerie, or otherworldly, reminiscent of “Beetlejuice,” there’s an inexplicable connection between “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure” and his first two movies.

2025-01-15 22:30