Tim Burton's Edward Scissorhands has carved out a new kind of success in the streaming era. As of this writing, the 1990 gothic fairy tale is one of the ten most-watched movies on Disney+ in the United States, a remarkable feat for a film that's now 36 years old. Its resurgence comes at the perfect time of year, when audiences are looking for something that bridges the spooky spirit of Halloween and the warmth of the holiday season.
The movie, which marked the first collaboration between Burton and Johnny Depp, tells the story of an unfinished artificial humanoid with scissors for hands who is taken in by a suburban family. It's a tale that blends elements of Beauty and the Beast and Frankenstein, and it struck a chord with critics and audiences alike. Danny Elfman's hauntingly beautiful score only adds to the film's ethereal quality, and the makeup effects by Stan Winston and Ve Neill were so impressive that they were nominated for an Academy Award, though they ultimately didn't take home the prize.
Depp's performance as the gentle, misunderstood Edward earned him a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical. It remains one of the defining roles of his early career, showcasing his ability to convey deep emotion through physicality and subtle expression. The film was also a box office success, turning a reported $20 million budget into more than $80 million worldwide, with additional revenue from limited re-releases over the years.
Now, Edward Scissorhands is finding a whole new audience on Disney+, joining the ranks of other streaming favorites. Its popularity is a testament to Burton's unique vision and the enduring appeal of a story about an outsider finding acceptance. For those who haven't seen it in a while, it's the perfect excuse to revisit a classic. And if you're in the mood for more fantasy, you might also enjoy some classic fantasy novels that cast their own spell.
Meanwhile, Johnny Depp is gearing up for a major return to the big screen. After a high-profile legal battle with his ex-wife Amber Heard, Depp has largely stayed out of the mainstream spotlight. But this month, he's back in a new adaptation of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. Titled Ebenezer, the film is directed by Ti West and features Depp as the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge, who is taken on a ghostly journey of redemption. Paramount Pictures has scheduled the release for November 13, 2026, where it will face competition from Amazon MGM's How to Rob a Bank and Bleecker Street's Victorian Psycho.
Depp's return to the spotlight is generating buzz, and fans are eager to see him take on such an iconic role. It's a fitting follow-up to the resurgence of Edward Scissorhands, reminding us of the actor's range and the lasting impact of his early work with Burton. As the streaming numbers show, that impact is still being felt today.
For more on what's trending in the world of streaming, keep an eye on our coverage. And if you're looking for other classic films to revisit, check out our list of overlooked westerns that deserve classic status, or see how Florence Pugh's latest hit is performing on Prime Video.
