Beetlejuice

Beetlejuice

Year: 1988

Runtime: 92 min

Language: English

Director: Tim Burton

FantasyComedy

When a young couple dies and becomes trapped in their beloved home, they try to scare away the obtrusive new owners, the Deetzes. Their attempts backfire, inadvertently summoning Beetlejuice, a troublesome and chaotic ghost. Beetlejuice then inserts himself into the lives of the Deetzes and their teenage daughter, Lydia, creating escalating mayhem and comedic situations. The spirits must find a way to rid themselves of Beetlejuice before he ruins everything.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Beetlejuice yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Beetlejuice (1988)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Beetlejuice (1988). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The narrative takes place in a contemporary setting, showcasing a modern New England town with themes reflective of the late 20th century. This time period features a blend of everyday life with elements of the supernatural, leading to a unique clash between the living and the dead.

Location

New England, Otherworldly Waiting Room

The story unfolds in a quiet New England town, known for its serene landscapes and close-knit community. This locale offers a stark contrast to the bizarre and chaotic otherworldly waiting room, populated by spirits unfamiliar with the life they once knew. The blend of these environments highlights the differences between the normal and the supernatural.

🌆 New England 🌌 Otherworldly

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:10

Main Characters – Beetlejuice (1988)

Meet the key characters of Beetlejuice (1988), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Barbara Maitland (Geena Davis)

Barbara is a warm-hearted and compassionate ghost, who struggles with her new reality. She embodies a strong sense of duty to protect her home and Lydia, showcasing her nurturing nature. Despite her initial naivety regarding her situation, she grows to exhibit bravery in confronting Beetlejuice and her circumstances.

👩‍❤️‍👨 Love 👻 Afterlife 🏡 Home

Adam Maitland (Alec Baldwin)

Adam is an endearing and slightly quirky individual who balances his desire for a peaceful home life with the chaotic events that follow his death. His curiosity leads him to explore the afterlife, and he ultimately displays a courageous side in trying to protect Barbara and Lydia. Adam's growth reflects his determination to face the bizarre challenges he encounters.

👨‍❤️‍👩 Love 👻 Afterlife 🏡 Home

Beetlejuice (Michael Keaton)

Beetlejuice is a chaotic and unpredictable spirit who complicates the lives of the Maitlands and the Deetz family. His mischievous antics and raucous nature showcase a darker side of the afterlife's possibilities. Beetlejuice's character serves as a catalyst for the film's conflicts, illustrating the consequences of seeking help from unpredictable forces.

👻 Supernatural 😈 Mischief

Lydia Deetz (Winona Ryder)

Lydia is a goth teenager who feels out of place among the living and resonates with the Maitlands' plight. Her character embodies the struggle for identity and belonging, as she seeks connections with the supernatural. Lydia evolves from a confused individual into an empowered ally for the Maitlands, showcasing her growth throughout the film.

👩‍🎤 Identity 💔 Belonging

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:10

Major Themes – Beetlejuice (1988)

Explore the central themes of Beetlejuice (1988), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

👻 Afterlife

The film explores the concept of the afterlife, delving into the experiences of Adam and Barbara as they navigate their new existence as ghosts. Their attempts to haunt the Deetz family serve as a commentary on the unresolved feelings and attachments that can persist even after death. It raises questions about the boundaries of life, death, and the impact of unresolved issues.

🏡 Home

Home is a central theme in 'Beetlejuice', as the Maitlands struggle to retain their place against intruding forces. The film reflects on the idea of home not just as a physical space but as an emotional refuge tied to identity. The tension between the Maitlands and the Deetz family highlights the complexities and challenges of cohabitation.

😱 Fear

Fear is intricately woven throughout the film, manifesting in various forms—from the Maitlands' fear of losing their home to the humorous yet chaotic antics of Beetlejuice. As the characters confront their fears, especially Lydia's existential crisis, the film unravels the meaning of courage and the importance of facing the unknown.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:10

Unlock the Full Story of Beetlejuice

Don't stop at just watching — explore Beetlejuice in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Beetlejuice is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Beetlejuice Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Beetlejuice, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Beetlejuice Summary

Beetlejuice Timeline

Track the full timeline of Beetlejuice with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Beetlejuice Timeline

More About Beetlejuice

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Beetlejuice: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Beetlejuice

Similar Movies to Beetlejuice

Discover movies like Beetlejuice that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.