Overview
A gentle soul with scissors for hands discovers the joys and pains of human connection.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Mild
- whimsical
- melancholic
- gothic
- rainy day
- holiday viewing
What critics said
Critics broadly regard the film as a magical, gothic modern fairy tale elevated by Tim Burton's imaginative direction, Danny Elfman's score, and Johnny Depp's sympathetic performance.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Edward's castle, magical invention, romance, and moralized community conflict transform a contemporary suburb into a fairy tale world.
Edward's dark castle and black clothing are juxtaposed with the pastel homes, lawns, and fashions of the suburb.
Edward is welcomed for his talents and novelty but becomes isolated when the community turns his physical difference into a threat.
Edward and Kim develop an emotionally sincere connection constrained by his scissors for hands and the community's judgment.
Films like Edward Scissorhands, and why
The Shape of Water
Shared gothic fairy tale atmosphere, outsider protagonist, stylized fantasy, and bittersweet romance.
Amélie
Shared modern fairy tale structure, whimsical visual design, romantic melancholy, and themes of social exclusion.
Frankenweenie
Shared Frankenstein-inspired outsider narrative, dark whimsy, romantic longing, and expressive production design.
Beetlejuice
Shared fantastical outsider, suburban social satire, heartfelt romance, and Tim Burton-esque gothic sensibility.
Movie Details
- Director
- Tim Burton
- Release Date
- 1990-12-07
- Runtime
- 105 min
- Rating
- 7.7 / 10 (14064)
Cast
- Johnny Depp
- Winona Ryder
- Dianne Wiest
- Anthony Michael Hall
- Kathy Baker
- Robert Oliveri
- Conchata Ferrell
- Caroline Aaron
- Dick Anthony Williams
- O-Lan Jones
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Disney Plus, YouTube TV
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Edward Scissorhands about?
- A gentle artificial outsider with scissors for hands becomes a suburban sensation before love and fear expose the limits of belonging.
- What is Edward Scissorhands like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Edward Scissorhands as measured, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Edward Scissorhands violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in Edward Scissorhands as mild.
- What did critics think of Edward Scissorhands?
- Critics broadly regard the film as a magical, gothic modern fairy tale elevated by Tim Burton's imaginative direction, Danny Elfman's score, and Johnny Depp's sympathetic performance.
- Which films are like Edward Scissorhands?
- Films with a similar feel include The Shape of Water, Amélie, Frankenweenie, and Beetlejuice.
- How long is Edward Scissorhands?
- Edward Scissorhands runs 105 minutes.
- Where can I watch Edward Scissorhands?
- In United States, Edward Scissorhands streams on Disney Plus, YouTube TV.
