Tim Burton’s films are known for their quirky, dark, and often eccentric characters. While Burton’s heroes and protagonists are memorable, it's his villains who truly steal the show. Whether it’s the creepy, gothic designs or the wildly dramatic performances, Burton’s villains have become iconic in their own right. From the playful chaos of Beetlejuice to the ominous presence of Edward Scissorhands, these villains are a key part of what makes Tim Burton’s films so unforgettable. In this article, we’ll explore the 22 best Tim Burton villains, ranked by fans for their memorable moments, terrifying characteristics, and unforgettable designs.
1. Beetlejuice - Beetlejuice (1988)
No list of Tim Burton villains would be complete without the outrageous, over-the-top Beetlejuice. Played by Michael Keaton, this mischievous spirit breaks every rule in the book when it comes to being a bad guy. His chaotic nature, combined with Keaton’s unforgettable performance, has made Beetlejuice one of the most beloved villains in Burton’s repertoire. Though he’s more of an anti-hero than a traditional villain, his unpredictability and eccentricities have made him a standout character in Burton's universe.
2. The Joker - Batman (1989)
Jack Nicholson's portrayal of the Joker in Burton’s Batman is iconic. The Joker, with his maniacal laughter and colorful, grotesque appearance, has remained one of the most enduring villains in the Batman franchise. Burton’s dark, Gothic take on Gotham City perfectly complements Nicholson’s larger-than-life performance, making this Joker a villain who will never be forgotten.
3. The Penguin - Batman Returns (1992)
Played by Danny DeVito, the Penguin is one of the creepiest and most memorable characters in Burton’s Batman universe. With his grotesque appearance, monstrous behavior, and tragic backstory, the Penguin stands as a truly formidable antagonist. His obsession with controlling Gotham through terror, coupled with his unique grotesque charm, cements him as one of the standout Burton villains.
4. The Red Queen - Alice in Wonderland (2010)
Helena Bonham Carter’s portrayal of the Red Queen is a study in exaggerated power and insecurity. Her enormous head, childlike temper tantrums, and constant cry of "Off with their heads!" make her both terrifying and oddly comical. She’s a great example of Burton’s ability to blend humor with menace, and her warped version of royalty adds a distinct Burtonesque touch to the classic story.
5. Edward Scissorhands - Edward Scissorhands (1990)
While Edward Scissorhands may not be a traditional villain in the sense of being malicious, his misunderstood nature and the havoc his scissors cause in the suburban neighborhood make him a tragic figure. Played by Johnny Depp, Edward is one of Burton’s most beloved charactersan innocent, kind-hearted soul who inadvertently causes destruction. His role as an "outsider" villain, though sympathetic, earned him a place on this list.
6. The Child Catcher - Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968)
While not a Tim Burton creation, the character of the Child Catcher was clearly a major inspiration for Burton’s twisted villains. This sinister figure, whose sole mission is to catch children for the evil Baron Bomburst, made a lasting impression on Burton’s style of creepy antagonists. His eerie voice and creepy demeanor paved the way for Burton's future creations.
7. The Witch - Big Fish (2003)
In Big Fish, the Witch played by Helena Bonham Carter (a Burton regular) is a haunting figure whose visions of the future come with a hefty price. Her ability to predict the future adds a mystical quality to the film, but it’s her unsettling presence that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll.
8. Otho - Beetlejuice (1988)
Otho, played by Glenn Shadix, is a self-proclaimed "bio-exorcist" who adds a unique flavor to the supernatural world of Beetlejuice. While he’s not as outright villainous as Beetlejuice, his snobbish demeanor and strange obsession with the occult make him a memorable character. Otho’s antics and his eventual downfall in the afterlife add an extra layer of fun to the film.
9. Max Shreck - Batman Returns (1992)
Christopher Walken’s portrayal of Max Shreck, a ruthless businessman with ambitions to control Gotham, serves as a perfect foil to both the Penguin and Catwoman. Walken’s cold, calculating performance brings a sinister edge to the character, making him one of the more believable villains in Burton’s darker take on Gotham.
10. Dr. Finkelstein - The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Dr. Finkelstein, the mad scientist from Halloween Town, is a key antagonist in The Nightmare Before Christmas. Despite his seemingly good intentions, his obsession with controlling his creations and his cold, emotionless demeanor make him a classic Burton villain. His presence in the film is crucial, acting as both a source of comedy and a reminder of the darker side of Halloween Town’s inhabitants.
11. Catwoman - Batman Returns (1992)
Michelle Pfeiffer’s portrayal of Selina Kyle, aka Catwoman, is one of the most iconic characters in Burton’s Batman series. Her transformation from shy secretary to vengeful, cat-like anti-heroine is both tragic and captivating. Pfeiffer’s performance, paired with Burton’s dark aesthetic, made Catwoman a fascinating and complicated villain.
12. Dr. Varmint - James and the Giant Peach (1996)
Though James and the Giant Peach is largely a whimsical, adventurous film, Dr. Varmint serves as one of the more sinister figures in Burton’s world. The sinister, scheming character adds to the magical yet darkly foreboding tone of the film, making him a worthy addition to the list.
13. Mayor - The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
While not evil in the traditional sense, the Mayor from Halloween Town represents the chaotic leadership in a town that’s perpetually stuck in a Halloween state of mind. His dual personalities (happy and sad) add to his eccentricity, making him a memorable, albeit somewhat harmless, antagonist.
14. Vicky Vale - Batman (1989)
Though Vicky Vale is not a villain in the traditional sense, her role in the 1989 Batman film makes her a key figure in the storyline. As the reporter caught in the middle of Batman’s war against the Joker, Vale’s character brings a sense of urgency and complexity to the plot, particularly through her relationship with both Bruce Wayne and the Joker.
15. The March Hare - Alice in Wonderland (2010)
The March Hare, played by Paul Whitehouse in Burton's Alice in Wonderland, is a quirky, unpredictable character who helps amplify the absurdity of the Red Queen's world. Though not a villain in the classic sense, his antics contribute to the wild, chaotic nature of the story.
16. The Mayor of Halloween Town - The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
The Mayor’s dual personalities of cheery optimism and frantic despair add complexity to the character’s role in The Nightmare Before Christmas. As a leader who struggles to maintain control of his town’s chaotic nature, he’s a mix of dark comedy and an unsettling figure.
17. Scrooge - The Christmas Carol (2009)
Jim Carrey’s animated portrayal of Scrooge in the Burton-directed Christmas Carol is a blend of the classic miserly villain and a gothic, animated character. His transformation into a better person at the end is a traditional redemption arc, but his early acts of cruelty and selfishness remain haunting.
18. The Mad Hatter - Alice in Wonderland (2010)
Played by Johnny Depp, the Mad Hatter brings an eccentric and unpredictable energy to Burton's Alice in Wonderland. Though he’s not a villain in the traditional sense, his strange behavior and ability to manipulate the Wonderland world make him a complex and intriguing character.
19. The Evil Queen - Snow White and the Huntsman (2012)
While not a Burton film, the evil Queen is a quintessential example of the gothic villain archetype that Burton often embraces. The Queen’s beauty, vanity, and obsession with youth reflect the darker side of Burton’s world of fairy tales and fantasy.
20. Zaphod Beeblebrox - The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (2005)
Though not typically a Burton film, Zaphod Beeblebrox’s eccentric, over-the-top performance can certainly be compared to some of Burton’s more playful villains. His flamboyant personality and reckless behavior make him a memorable figure in the quirky universe of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.
21. The Queen of Hearts - Alice in Wonderland (2010)
The Queen of Hearts from Burton’s Alice in Wonderland is one of the most terrifying and erratic villains in Burton’s pantheon. With her unpredictable temper and childlike demands, she represents the chaos of Wonderland, making her a perfect fit for the film’s dark tone.
22. Big Brother - 1984 (1984)
In this adaptation of George Orwell’s famous novel, Big Brother is the ultimate antagonist, representing totalitarian rule and surveillance. Burton’s dark, minimalist design for this character emphasizes the oppressive, villainous nature of control, adding to the film’s dystopian atmosphere.
Experiences with Tim Burton Villains
Tim Burton’s unique ability to bring eccentric and dark villains to life has shaped my understanding of cinematic storytelling. I remember watching Beetlejuice as a teenager, and being both terrified and fascinated by the unpredictable nature of the villain. It wasn't just Beetlejuice’s antics that stood out, but the way Burton made him feel like a rule-breaker who could never be fully controlled.
Similarly, watching Danny DeVito’s Penguin in Batman Returns left a lasting impression. The character’s grotesque and tragic nature was a reminder that Burton's villains aren’t just evil for the sake of itthey often have deeper motivations and backstories that make them feel more complex and human.
Finally, experiencing Burton's Alice in Wonderland brought me face-to-face with the unsettling yet whimsical nature of characters like the Red Queen. Burton’s touch makes these figures stand out, not just as villains, but as reflections of the chaos and absurdity in his world. Through these villains, Burton reminds us that sometimes, the most memorable characters are the ones who exist on the edge of darkness and humor.