How to watch
Beetlejuice Movie Watch Order in the correct order
How to watch the Beetlejuice movies in order
Last updated: July 20 2026
Written by: ChronoAlice
Beetlejuice is Tim Burton's beloved supernatural comedy franchise, following the anarchic ghost-with-the-most and the Deetz family across more than three decades. With a long-awaited sequel arriving in 2024, it's the perfect time to revisit the original and discover what comes next.
When Tim Burton's Beetlejuice hit theaters in 1988, nobody could have predicted it would spawn one of Hollywood's most improbable sequels — 36 years later. Michael Keaton's manic, rule-breaking bio-exorcist became an instant icon, and the film made a star of a young Winona Ryder. Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024) reunites the original cast with new additions including Jenna Ortega, delivering the belated follow-up fans had been asking for since the late '80s.
🕐 Release Order
Release order is the only order — and the right order — to watch the Beetlejuice franchise.
- Beetlejuice (1988)
- Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024)
Between 1988 and 2024, an animated TV series (1989–1991) aired, expanding on the characters in a more family-friendly direction. While not required viewing, it's worth noting for completionists.
📖 Story Chronology
Story chronology matches release order. The 2024 sequel picks up decades after the events of the original, acknowledging the passage of real-world time within the story itself.
- Beetlejuice (1988) — the original haunting of the Maitlands and the Deetz family
- Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024) — Lydia Deetz as an adult, decades later
Which Order Should You Choose?
Watch the 1988 original first — no exceptions. Beetlejuice Beetlejuice relies heavily on your familiarity with the first film's characters, rules of the Afterlife, and its irreverent tone. The sequel picks up emotional threads that only land if you know the original well. Luckily, the original is a compact 92 minutes of pure comedic invention, so there's no reason to skip it. Once you're done with both films, the 1989 animated series is a fun detour — just don't expect the same edge as the movies.
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