The Two Disastrous Sci-Fi Movies That Prove Tim Burton Should Avoid The Genre

Tim Burton’s Sci-Fi Flops: When the King of Gothic Horror Tried to Conquer Space

Tim Burton is a name synonymous with gothic horror, surreal worlds, and eccentric characters. His films, from Beetlejuice to The Nightmare Before Christmas, are instantly recognizable and beloved by fans worldwide. But Burton isn’t one to stay in his comfort zone. Over the years, he’s dabbled in everything from comedies and action flicks to romantic dramas and musicals. However, there’s one genre where Burton has notoriously struggled: science fiction. Let’s dive into his two big sci-fi flops—Mars Attacks! and Planet of the Apes—and explore what went wrong.

Mars Attacks! (1996)

Released in 1996, Mars Attacks! was Tim Burton’s attempt at an alien invasion parody, inspired by a set of 1962 Topps sci-fi trading cards. The film boasted a star-studded cast, including Jack Nicholson, Pierce Brosnan, Glenn Close, and Sarah Jessica Parker. On paper, it seemed like a surefire hit. In reality, it became one of Burton’s biggest box office bombs.

With a budget of $100 million (including production and marketing), Mars Attacks! grossed just $101 million at the box office. In the U.S., it only managed to rake in $37.8 million, falling short of expectations. Critics were equally divided. Some praised Burton’s homage to cheesy sci-fi B-movies, with the Dallas Observer calling it “the funniest piece of giddy schlock heartlessness ever committed to film.” Others, however, were less impressed. The New York Times dismissed it as “more often weird than funny,” while The Washington Post described it as “aimlessly plotted and bland.”

Despite its lukewarm reception, Mars Attacks! has since gained a cult following. Its campy, quirky aesthetic, over-the-top absurdity, and satirical take on politicians, the government, and the media have earned it a second life as a misunderstood classic.

Planet of the Apes (2001)

Pierre Boulle’s Planet of the Apes has seen numerous adaptations over the years, from the 1968 classic to the rebooted series starring Andy Serkis. However, Tim Burton’s 2001 remake is widely considered one of the worst.

Starring Mark Wahlberg as an Air Force astronaut who crash-lands on a planet ruled by evolved talking apes, the film featured a stellar cast, including Tim Roth, Helena Bonham Carter, and Michael Clarke Duncan. Unlike Mars Attacks!, Planet of the Apes was a commercial success, grossing $180 million in North America and setting a record-breaking $68.5 million during its opening weekend.

Critics, however, were split. Roger Ebert praised the film’s visuals, calling it “great looking,” but admitted it wasn’t enough to make it memorable. The Wall Street Journal criticized its “clumsiness,” while the San Francisco Chronicle hailed it as an “amazing display of imagination.” On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 42% Tomatometer rating, making it one of Burton’s lowest-scoring films (second only to Dark Shadows).

Interestingly, Burton himself wasn’t thrilled with the idea of a sequel. In 2001, he told The Guardian that he’d “rather jump out a window” than direct one. Ouch.

Why Did These Sci-Fi Ventures Fail?

Tim Burton’s signature style—dark, whimsical, and deeply personal—doesn’t always translate well to the sci-fi genre. Mars Attacks! and Planet of the Apes both struggled to balance Burton’s unique vision with the expectations of mainstream audiences. While his gothic horror films thrive on their ability to create immersive, otherworldly atmospheres, sci-fi demands a different kind of storytelling—one that Burton hasn’t quite mastered.

That said, both films have found their niche. Mars Attacks! is now celebrated as a cult classic, while Planet of the Apes remains a visually striking, if flawed, entry in Burton’s filmography.

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Tim Burton’s foray into sci-fi may not have been his finest hour, but it’s a testament to his willingness to take risks and push boundaries. While Mars Attacks! and Planet of the Apes may not have been critical darlings, they remain fascinating chapters in the career of one of Hollywood’s most unique filmmakers.

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