Tim Burton’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory remake has found new life on streaming, proving it’s one of his most beloved works even despite its mixed reviews. While Burton’s signature gothic style and storytelling choices for the Roald Dahl adaptation have long sparked a debate, the movie still holds a unique record in his filmography. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’s success in Max invites a discussion on its legacy and lasting impact, as well as the reasons for its divisive reputation.
The macabre director is no stranger to controversy when it comes to reimagining beloved classics. After all, he is responsible for two of Disney’s live-action remakes, one of which gave him a success Burton will likely never repeat. However, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory rises among his other projects as one that’s undeniably Burtonian, and whose performance likens even his best originals. Joining all Tim Burton’s movies on Max, his Wonka remake stands as a reminder that bold artistic choices leave a mark — whether audiences love them or not.
Charlie & The Chocolate Factory Is Still Tim Burton’s Highest-Rated Movie Remake
Charlie & The Chocolate Factory’s Critics Scores Get Close To His Auteur Movies
Tim Burton’s movie remakes belong to their own category within the director’s extensive filmography. Even if these usually can’t compare to any Burton originals, they’re almost always worth a watch, and, sometimes, they have proven to be box office and streaming successes. Excluding Frankenweenie, and Batman — with one being more of an extension of a short film and the other a modern reboot — the gothic director’s highest-rated remake is Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and boasts an 83% Rotten Tomatoes score.
|
Tim Burton’s Remakes RT Scores |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
тιтle |
Critics Score |
Audience Score |
Box Office Worldwide |
Budget |
|
Planet of the Apes (2001) |
43% |
27% |
$362,211,740 |
$100,000,000 |
|
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005) |
83% |
51% |
$474,968,763 |
$150,000,000 |
|
Alice in Wonderland (2010) |
50% |
55% |
$1,025,467,110 |
$150,000,000 |
|
Dark Shadows (2012) |
35% |
46% |
$245,527,149 |
$150,000,000 |
|
Dumbo (2019) |
46% |
47% |
$353,284,621 |
$150,000,000 |
The 2005 movie supersedes all other remakes by more than 30% points, even topping Alice in Wonderland, which is Burton’s highest-grossing movie. Regarding Critics’ Scores, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory gets closer to the director’s auteur movies, like Corpse Bride, Beetlejuice, and Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. However, the movie’s Audience Score is substantially lower and similar to the rest of his adaptations, shockingly being closest to the infamous Dumbo. The huge difference between the movie’s reviewing sectors reveals its strongest and weakest elements.
Why Charlie & The Chocolate Factory’s Critics & Audience Reviews Are So Divided
Tim Burton’s Dark And Highly Stylistic Reimagining Is Not For Everyone
A major point of debate surrounding Burton’s adaptation is Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’s differences to the 1971 version. Fans of Gene Wilder’s charismatic and subtly malicious Wonka have found it hard to embrace Depp’s strange and awkward characterization. Additionally, when comparing both works, Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory has been described to be filled with wonder, heart, and mystery — while Burton’s version leans into a darker if not creepy and straightforward style that doesn’t leave things to the imagination — like explaining Wonka’s backstory.
Critics tend to find success in Burton’s version, highlighting his commitment to staying true to the book while showcasing his unique artistic stamp. It’s also important to note that Roald Dahl didn’t like Gene Wilder’s Wonka and found the 1971 movie too sentimental, so perhaps the Batman director’s darker approach was correct. Ultimately, like Alice in Wonderland’s strange success, it seems those who like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory like it because of Burton’s gothic, dreamlike, and sometimes prone to visual spectacle style — which is the same reason why other people don’t like it.
Tim Burton’s Rumored Next Movie Could Finally Give Him A Remake With Positive Critics & Audience Scores
After Beetlejuice 2, Tim Burton Might Be Ready To Deliver His Next Great Sci-Fi Remake
As Beetlejuice Beetlejuice officially marks the director’s successful return to film, commentary has been focused on predicting if Burton could repeat his Batman box office record. The Wednesday creator’s next project will have a harder time gaining both critics’ and audiences’ favor, as it is not only his first remake since Dumbo but comes after Beetlejuice 2’s unexpected and shocking performance. If he remains true to his grim and fantastical vision, the popular director might be able to deliver a remake with positive reviews on all fronts.
Even if he’s reluctant to confirm his involvement, the director is interested in reimagining a 1950s campy sci-fi classic.
Even if he’s reluctant to confirm his involvement, the director is interested in reimagining a 1950s campy sci-fi classic. Burton’s plans to remake Attack of the 50ft Woman give him a perfect chance to redeem his terrible remake streak, especially, as he would work with a genre he’s pᴀssionate about. Though the Planet of the Apes director isn’t exactly praised for his sci-fi тιтles and has already failed to do a B-movie with Mars Attacks!, Attack of the 50ft Woman could be Burton’s next Charlie and the Chocolate Factory — giving him an unexpected gem that garners streaming and theatrical success.
