Tim Burton is one of cinema's most imaginative and visually distinctive filmmakers, and it's easy to see why. Ever since he burst into mainstream recognition with titles like Pee-wee's Big Adventure and Beetlejuice, the director, who recently returned to his stop-motion animation roots in the Wednesday Season 2 premiere, has logged hit after hit. His movies have become box office and critical successes widely recognized for Burton's distinct macabre aesthetics and unique storytelling methods. Just hearing his name brings about thoughts of The Nightmare Before Christmas, Edward Scissorhands, and Frankenweenie. However, not all of Burton's films get the recognition they deserve, but fans now have the chance to rediscover one of the filmmaker's most underrated movies.
In 2005, Burton made his feature animation directorial debut with Tim Burton's Corpse Bride. The movie started streaming on Tubi on September 1st. Overshadowed by other titles in Burton's filmography, Corpse Bride is worth a watch for any fan of the director. The film is inspired by a 17th-century Jewish folktale and is set in a Victorian-era village, where a nervous groom accidentally marries a corpse bride on the eve of his wedding to his living fiancé. What follows is a descent into the land of the dead and a race against time. The voice cast includes Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, and Emily Watson.
Corpse Bride released in theaters on September 23, 2005 to plenty of success. The movie grossed more than $118 million globally, including a $53.4 million gross total in North America, and is "Certified Fresh" on Rotten Tomatoes with an 84% critics' score. The movie's audience score sits at 77%. Corpse Bride also earned Burton his first Oscar nomination in the Best Animated Feature category at the 78th Academy Award. The movie also picked up National Board of Review and Annie Awards nominations.
Despite the movie's critical and commercial success, Corpse Bride didn't reach the same level of mainstream popularity as other titles in Burton's filmography, but it is a standout in the filmmaker's career. From beginning to end, Corpse Bride is a visually stunning film, something achieved through its exceptional stop-motion animation style and blend of macabre and whimsical elements that contrast the living world from the afterlife, both of which are now hallmarks of Burton's animated features. With memorable characters, rich detail, and an engaging plot that explores themes of love, loss, and self-discovery, all paired with a stunning and effective soundtrack composed by Danny Elfman, make it difficult to peel your eyes away.
October is just around the corner, meaning Halloween movie marathons are getting prepped. The Fox free streaming service's September 2025 content lineup includes several titles perfect for the Halloween seasons, including terrifying scares for adults and more family-friendly options for younger viewers. See all of the Halloween titles streaming on Tubi this September below.