5. Frankenweenie, 2012

Back in 1984, Tim Burton was working for Disney as an animator and completed a short film, Frankenweenie, based on Mary Shelley’s classic Frankenstein, about a boy named Victor Frankenstein who uses electricity to resurrect his dead Bull Terrier, Sparky. Ironically, Disney ended up firing Tim Burton for making a kids film that was too frightening, but in 2012, Tim Burton was able to make a 3D, stop-motion version of his short.

The new Frankenweenie is sophisticated and touching, reflecting Tim Burton’s many years as a seasoned filmmaker. The sharp, black-and-white visuals make the impressive quality of the puppets really stand out, particularly the odd little children with giant saucer eyes and little dots for pupils, and the adorable, energetic Sparky.

Set in 1957, the monochromatic Frankenweenie serves as a tender homage to the classic monster movies that inspired Tim Burton growing up. Frankenweenie has a childlike sensibility with its morbid and gross humor, but there’s also a sweetness that comments on the special bond between children and their pets. It’s a wonderful family film that was clearly made with Tim Burton’s heart and soul.