Not that these movies are at all scary, they’re still perfect for this time of year.

After watching Beetlejuice (1988) and Beetlejuice 2 (2024) back-to-back, I found myself having a whole new appreciation for the original—and I was genuinely surprised by how much I enjoyed the sequel. To be completely honest, I never truly loved Beetlejuice the first time around, even though Michael Keaton’s manic, mischievous portrayal of the chaotic "bio-exorcist" was always a highlight. But this time, something clicked. I think it’s because of how perfectly Keaton embodies Beetlejuice’s eccentricity. His outlandish antics are timeless, and when I rewatched it, I found myself laughing and appreciating the humor in ways I hadn’t before.

Of course, the iconic "Day-O" possession dance scene remains a classic moment of movie history, but the entire film is filled with those quirky Burtonesque touches that I didn’t fully appreciate the first time I saw it. From the bizarre world-building in the afterlife to Winona Ryder’s goth-queen portrayal of Lydia Deetz, the original Beetlejuice is a surreal, gothic fantasy that still holds up.

Now, let’s talk Beetlejuice 2. You know how sequels, especially ones made over three decades after the original, usually feel like a pale imitation? Well, this one defied expectations. It’s rare for a sequel to strike that perfect balance of paying homage to the original while still bringing fresh, fun elements to the table. Beetlejuice 2 did just that. Keaton comes back in full Beetlejuice glory, and it’s like he never missed a beat. The sequel captures the same chaotic energy and wacky charm, while expanding on the weirdness of Burton's world. I’ll admit, I didn’t expect it to be this good, but it turned out to be a delightful surprise.

On the bat rating scale? 4 solid bats for both.