Family-Friendly Tim Burton Movies
- Alice in Wonderland (2010)
- Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005)
- Dumbo (2019)
- Big Fish (2003)
- Alice Through the Looking Glass (2016)
Tim Burton is mostly known for his gothic horror animations and fantasy films, and we love him for that. When someone mentions Burton, one of the first movies that comes to mind is Corpse Bride, which is indeed a masterpiece. However, it is not considered appropriate for children due to having multiple references to alcohol, death, and decay.
Tim Burton’s movies retain a great story and loads of wit, despite having an eerie and eccentric vibe. I think most of his movies are rather family-friendly, as long as you don’t mind a bit of dark creativity. If you think your folks are smart and possess a decent sense of humor, a Tim Burton classic on family movie night will bode well.
I love spending time with my family and Mediacom bundles allow me to make the best of it. A combination of fast internet + variety TV gives us ample excuses to gather and watch a nice movie or show together. Last weekend we had a Tim Burton movie marathon night, and it was surprisingly heartwarming.
So, here are five family-approved Tim Burton movies for a good time:
1. Alice in Wonderland (2010)
Burton is an expert at creating magical and imaginative worlds, which is evident in the live-action version of Alice in Wonderland. This film is not a sequel to the 1951 cartoon movie, but you can call it a fresh and modern take on it.
Alice is 19 years old in the movie, though the adventures are just as wacky as in the original animated version. Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter and Helena Bonham as the Red Queen are equally phenomenal in their roles. The exaggerated makeup and costumes turn a supposed kids’ movie into a Tim Burton signature movie, enjoyable by a diverse audience.
Some might say that the movie is nonsensical, but I think it conveys a positive message of woman empowerment at the end. Alice going down the rabbit hole and meeting strange characters was probably just a fantastical dream, but it meant something. Many of us try to interpret our dreams, which are the result of things in our subconscious; they guide and inspire us time and time again.
2. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005)
The novel Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl was a favorite among kids of the 90s and decades before. The idea of a large and lavish chocolate factory where everything is made out of candy is appealing to children and adults alike.
Seeing your wildest imaginations come to life on screen is not something anyone should miss out on, which is why this movie is a hit for family get-togethers. The director has put a lot of thought into the appearance and mannerisms of each character, making them more memorable than the way they are in the book.
It would be unfair not to give credit to Alex McDowell, the production designer, who did a great job creating the awe-inspiring set to replicate the fictional chocolate factory. I was a little skeptical about Johnny Depp as Willy Wonka, but I cannot deny that the character’s spectacle inevitably etches on the mind – so it works, I guess?
3. Dumbo (2019)
I never thought I’d see a live-action version of Dumbo; if I did, I’d never fancy Tim Burton as the director. When I first heard about this project, I was certainly intrigued and wondered how the director would add his personality to this one.
This live-action movie stands apart from the old animated version in many ways. While the cartoon was mostly about talking animals, the live version focuses on a family associated with a traveling circus. Dumbo is a silent orphaned baby elephant discovered by two kids, and their family must protect him from evildoers who would take advantage of his ability to fly.
4. Big Fish (2003)
Big Fish is solid proof that Burton can make vividly sentimental films, so don’t forget the box of tissues when you sit down for this one. The story begins with a young man returning home to look after his ill father who has a knack for brilliant storytelling.
During their time together, the father recounts various adventures of his youth and that’s where Burton gets to insert his extraordinary creativity. The son is unsure about the mythical creatures his father claims to have met and befriended, but he plays along. At the father’s funeral, several unexpected guests show up and it turns out there was truth in his tales.
5. Alice Through the Looking Glass (2016)
Alice Through the Looking Glass is a sequel to Alice in Wonderland, so it makes sense that you watch these two together in sequence with your family.
The events of this movie take place three years after what happened in the first. All this time, Alice sailed the high seas and she has to return home when she learns that her ex-fiancé is conspiring to take over her father’s company.
Alice follows a familiar butterfly and once again returns to Wonderland where she is greeted by some old friends. She finds out that the Mad Hatter is in a bad place because he lost his family, so the others send her on an expedition where she has to travel to the past and save the day.
Each of the Tim Burton’s movies takes you to a discrete wondrous world especially the ones we have mentioned above, so there’s no room for monotony and predictability. Have you watched any of these movies and would you consider watching them with your family again?
