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Beetlejuice

Beetlejuice is a 1988 American gothic fantasy comedy film directed by Tim Burton and starring Michael Keaton as the title character, Betelgeuse.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Beetlejuice is a 1988 American gothic fantasy comedy film directed by Tim Burton and starring Michael Keaton as the title character, Betelgeuse. The story follows a recently deceased couple who try to scare away the living family that moved into their home, while the mischievous Betelgeuse complicates matters. A sequel, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, was released in 2024.

Premise

Beetlejuice follows a couple who die in a car accident and try to drive away the new living family that has moved into their home. They enlist the chaotic spirit Betelgeuse, whose schemes create additional trouble.

Production

The film was directed by Tim Burton and written by Michael McDowell and Warren Skaaren. Michael Keaton’s performance became one of the film’s defining features.

Reception and legacy

Beetlejuice became a culturally prominent film and established Betelgeuse as one of Michael Keaton’s best-known roles. Its popularity later led to a sequel more than three decades after the original.

Sequel

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, released in 2024, continues the story and brings back Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, and Catherine O'Hara in their original roles.

Key facts

  • Michael Keaton plays Beetlejuice, also spelled Betelgeuse, in the 1988 film and returned for the 2024 sequel.
  • The original film was directed by Tim Burton and released in 1988.
  • The plot centers on a deceased couple who attempt to haunt the new occupants of their house.
  • Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is a direct sequel to the original film and was released in 2024.
  • The original film is widely identified as a gothic comedy horror or gothic fantasy comedy.
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Canadian context

Beetlejuice has had broad popularity in Canada through theatrical releases, home video, television broadcasts, and the 2024 sequel’s wide international release.

Frequently asked questions

Who plays Beetlejuice?
Michael Keaton plays Beetlejuice, also called Betelgeuse.
When did Beetlejuice come out?
Beetlejuice was released in 1988.
Is there a Beetlejuice 2?
Yes. Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, a sequel to the 1988 film, was released in 2024.
What is Beetlejuice about?
It follows a dead couple trying to scare away the living family that moved into their home, while the reckless spirit Beetlejuice complicates their plans.
How old is Michael Keaton?
Michael Keaton was born on September 5, 1951, so he is 74 years old as of July 2026.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beetlejuice
    Supports: Original film release year, director, cast, and basic premise.
  2. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0094721/
    Supports: Original film plot summary, release year, director, and cast.
  3. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beetlejuice_Beetlejuice
    Supports: Sequel status, 2024 release year, and returning cast.
  4. Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Michael-Keaton
    Supports: Michael Keaton's birth date and age calculation.
  5. People — https://www.people.com/michael-keaton-reprised-beetlejuice-role-easily-like-possessed-by-demon-8657414
    Supports: Keaton's return for the Beetlejuice sequel.