The Beetlejuice movies have some of the wackiest settings and characters of any movie in Hollywood, yet the thing that helps these elements really pop are their iconic costumes. The world of Beetlejuice was introduced in 1988. The original story follows a young couple, the Maitlands, as they come to terms with their deaths and are forced to haunt their own home’s new owners, the strange Deetz family. More than 30 years later, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice sees the return of the Deetz, and of course, their chaotic demon pal, Betelgeuse.
The original Beetlejuice has remained a pillar of Halloween movies for a variety of reasons. Michael Keaton’s performance as Betelgeuse is unforgettable. The premise alone is strange yet intriguing. However, the thing that really makes Beetlejuice and its sequel so impressive is the production design and visual aesthetics, especially the impressive costumes. Beetlejuice may not have been nearly as memorable if it wasn’t for Lydia’s spiky hair or Betelgeuse’s legendary striped suit. Ultimately, these ten costumes are an aspect of the franchise that will likely live on the longest in audiences’ memories.
10 Bob’s Yellow Suit
Straightforward But Notable
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The Beetlejuice franchise is filled with distinct characters, all of whom are rather colorful and opinionated, including the characters who can’t actually speak. One of the most underrated members of the Beetlejuice Beetlejuice cast is Betegeuse’s assistant, Bob. With no speaking lines, Bob can very easily go under audiences’ radar, but there are a couple of details about him that stick no matter what: his shrunken head and his bright yellow suit. Arguably, this bizarre look is just as memorable as some of Betelgeuse’s outfits.
Bob’s suit may be rather straightforward, as it has no kooky elements or surprises within. However, the color alone (and the guy who wears it) makes Bob and his outfit a staple of the new Beetlejuice movie. Bob’s yellow suit adds to the already vivid setting of Beetlejuice, and helps him stand out when him and his colleagues end up barging into the real world. Their appearance scaring Rory and Winter River’s young trick-or-treaters highlights how a boring outfit can be made unforgettable.
9 Delia’s Striped Glove Outfit
Chic And On-Brand
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Another Beetlejuice outfit that deserves a bit more attention is Delia’s striped glove look from the original 1988 movie. For context, this is the costume she wears at the dinner table which consists of a black and white striped blouse and a black glove twisted into her hair as an accessory. While Delia often shows off an eclectic taste in the Beetlejuice movies, this is one of her best outfits because of its ties to the movie’s villain, Betelgeuse.
Related Catherine O’Hara’s Dark Original Plan For Delia’s Beetlejuice 2 Ending Would’ve Betrayed The 1988 Movie
Catherine O’Hara pitched a different ending for Delia Deetz in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, but this plan would have gone against the 1988 film’s themes.
Whether Delia knows it or not, this outfit reflects the sensibilities of the demon taking over her house. Her striped blouse, though littered with smaller design details, is incredibly reminiscent of Betelgeuse’s iconic striped look. Plus, this costume gets extra points for creativity, as her glove headband is very unique and fashionable. Overall, this Delia outfit fits perfectly into the odd world of Beetlejuice.
8 Lydia’s Ghost House Costume
A New But Familiar Side Of Lydia
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One of the very first costumes audiences see in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is that of Lydia Deetz while she is hosting her new show, “Ghost House.” In this scene, Lydia wears a simple black dress with a plunging neckline and a big belt. She also has a thin black ribbon tied around her neck and has her hair in the sharp gothic style that became so notable in the 1988 movie. At first glance, this outfit isn’t anything special, but it’s the meaning behind it that is significant.
Lydia’s Ghost House look reflects the fact that, no matter how old she is, Lydia will always be completely herself, especially when it comes to fashion.
What makes Lydia’s Ghost House outfit so awesome is that it is the viewer’s first look at Lydia Deetz all grown up. In the original Beetlejuice, she is nothing more than a small teenage girl with a big personality. Now, she is a grown woman with a job and a child. Yet, this doesn’t prevent her from being her spooky self. Lydia’s Ghost House look reflects the fact that, no matter how old she is, Lydia will always be completely herself, especially when it comes to fashion.
7 Astrid’s Marie Curie Halloween Costume
Quirky And Telling
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Throughout Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, Astrid has a few cute outfits that show off her personality, but none are as telling as her Halloween costume. Astrid wears a shimmery gray dress with a high lace neck to portray Marie Curie, the real-life Polish-French scientist whose discoveries about radioactivity ultimately led to her death. This outfit is undoubtedly pretty, but it also says a lot about Astrid as a character.
Astrid is played by Jenna Ortega in
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.
Notably, Ortega previously worked with Tim Burton on the Netflix series,
Wednesday.
Astrid’s main conflict in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is her distrust of Lydia and her psychic abilities. Astrid doesn’t believe in what Lydia can do, and as a result, only puts her faith in science, facts, and things she can see with her own two eyes. This makes her Marie Curie costume absolutely perfect. Not only is Curie a scientific figure, but her beliefs end up risking her life. The same scenario happens to Astrid when Jeremy tricks her into the afterlife.
6 Wolf Jackson’s Afterlife Look
Eerie Yet Whimsical
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An amazing addition to Beetlejuice Beetlejuice was Willem Dafoe as Wolf Jackson. Jackson is portrayed as an afterlife detective who really only holds the position because he played one on TV during his life. The character stands out, not only because of his melodramatic actions, but also because of his look. Jackson wears a regular suit, but has a chunk of his skull missing, putting his greenish-blue brains on display.
Related Willem Dafoe’s Beetlejuice 2 Story Officially Replaces The Original Movie’s Best Missing Afterlife Characters
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice introduces ghost detective Wolf Jackson, who serves as the replacement for one of the biggest Neitherworld absentees.
Jackson’s costume design is great because it works for the creepy yet whimsical nature of the Beetlejuice movies. The films definitely have their fair share of scares and gore, but all of it is done in good fun. If anything, it is more artistic than it is horrifying. Jackson’s brains are a perfect example of this atmosphere. He is most certainly a member of the afterlife from a single glance, but without being overly frightening or unsettling.
5 Lydia’s Black Floppy Hat Outfit
Unique And Special
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Though Beetlejuice Beetlejuice benefited from a large budget and modern-day resources, the original Beetlejuice had plenty of outfits that have remained prominent in popular culture even 30 years later. One of these is Lydia’s black floppy hat look. In the first movie, Lydia arrives at the Maitland’s house wearing a loose black dress and a giant black hat, with a camera in her hands. This is viewers’ first glimpse at Lydia, and it’s incredibly telling. Lydia is not like other teenagers.
In reality, this costume showcases what makes Lydia such a great character
In reality, this costume showcases what makes Lydia such a great character. The archetype of a moody teenager is a classic trope in Hollywood, but Lydia isn’t bound to this stereotype. She may be angsty, but she is also dynamic and distinct. She wears elaborate black outfits and keeps her bangs in sharp spikes. She is curious and resentful, resourceful and caring. Though this outfit may be just clothing, it is an early hint at the depths Lydia’s character holds.
4 Betelgeuse’s Burgundy Wedding Tux
Different And Thematic
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It should be no surprise that some of the most recognizable costumes from the Beetlejuice franchise come from Betelgeuse himself. One of these looks is his burgundy wedding tuxedo from the 1988 movie. When Betelgeuse tricks Lydia into marrying him, he changes into this maroon suit with a ruffly white shirt and a big bow tie. The suit is perfect for the period and also for the character wearing it.
Related Beetlejuice Star Michael Keaton Reveals If He Would Return For A Third Installment
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice star Michael Keaton weighs in on the possibility of him reprising the role of the bio-exorcist Betelgeuse in a third movie.
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The thing about Betelgeuse is that he is not affected by societal expectations or rules of etiquette. He is a demon from a totally different world who wants nothing more than to cause chaos. In this way, his burgundy suit is perfect. It is untraditional and slightly ugly, but also eccentric enough to fit this larger-than-life character. It also matches perfectly with Lydia’s own red wedding dress. Thus, this costume makes 100% sense in the movie.
3 Delores’ Black Wedding Dress
Dramatic And Bold
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Another stand-out look from Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is Delores’s black wedding dress. Delores is Betelgeuse’s former lover and wife who attempted to kill him by sucking out his soul. Betelgeuse was able to defeat her at the time, but in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, she is back with a vendetta. Throughout the movie, Delores shows off a number of gorgeous outfits, but her black wedding dress is by far the best.
|
Weddings In Beetlejuice Plots |
Film |
Actually Married |
|
Betelgeuse and Lydia |
Beetlejuice |
No |
|
Betelgeuse and Delores |
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice |
Yes |
|
Betelgeuse and Lydia |
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice |
No |
The black wedding dress is amazing, first and foremost, because of its beautiful design. It has delicate chiffon sleeves, a sparkly corset, and a flowing black skirt that is reminiscent of ballgowns and princesses. Delores’ wedding dress also has significance to the story . For a franchise with so many marriages, no one ever wears white on their special day. Like Lydia, Delores wears an unconventional wedding dress that is black like her soul and suits her to the fullest extent.
2 Lydia’s Red Wedding Dress
Bright And Symbolic
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Speaking of Lydia’s wedding dress, this has to be one of the greatest costumes in the Beetlejuice franchise. When Betelgeuse and Lydia are about to be married, the teen wears a poofy red wedding dress with various layers and polka dots on the fabric. On top of that, her hair is teased in a look resembling the Bride of Frankenstein. This is the kind of outfit that is so distinct, it is simply meant to be remembered. It is the ideal look for a goth teen about to be forcibly married to an undead demon.
This is the kind of outfit that is so distinct, it is simply meant to be remembered.
What makes this outfit even better is that it returns in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. Lydia once again promises to marry Betelgeuse in order to save Astrid. In one of the movie’s very best scenes, the demon orchestrates an intense musical number celebrating his upcoming marriage. Lydia is snapped back into her red wedding dress, while her family are forced to sing and dance along. It is wild, colorful and completely nostalgic. It is the perfect reference to the original film.
1 Betelgeuse’s Pinstripe Suit
The Most Iconic Look
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T he most iconic look from the Beetlejuice movies has to be Betelgeuse’s black and white pinstripe suit. While both movies offer up incredible costumes, this is the most timeless and the most unforgettable. It is Betelgeuse’s greatest outfit, distinctive and memorable in the best way. It reflects the character’s kooky nature, while also sticking to a rather simple color scheme. Back, white, and green can be automatically attributed to this franchise and its hilariously deranged villain.
It seems likely that Betelgeuse’s suit will remain a symbol for quite a long time. It clearly persisted enough to merit making Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, so it is probably going to stay in the public consciousness for years to come. Honestly, it deserves the acclaim. Beetlejuice is a very special franchise that prioritizes strong storytelling and the strangest facets of our lives.
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28 9/10 Beetlejuice PGComedyFantasy
Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice stars Michael Keaton as the titular “bio-exorcist”, an obnoxious spirit who specializes in driving living occupants out of homes. When Barbara (Geena Davis) and Adam Maitland (Alec Baldwin) die suddenly, they pass into the spirit realm, and must stay in their home. However, in the living world, the Deetz family purchases the house and moves in, prompting the Maitlands to enlist the help of Beetlejuice to drive them away.
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*Availability in US Director Tim Burton Release Date March 30, 1988 Writers Michael McDowell , Larry Wilson , Warren Skaaren Cast Catherine O’Hara , Michael Keaton , Geena Davis , Alec Baldwin , Winona Ryder , Jeffrey Jones Runtime 92 minutes Sequel(s) Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Expand
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129 9/10 Beetlejuice Beetlejuice PG-13ComedySupernaturalFantasyHorror
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is the sequel to the original Tim Burton classic that starred Michael Keaton and Wynona Rider in a horror-comedy that involved ghosts trying to scare off new homebuyers from taking their house. The sequel brings back Michael Keaton as the hilarious and sleazy ghost with selfish intentions, now joined by Jenna Ortega in a new role.
Director Tim Burton Release Date September 6, 2024 Writers Alfred Gough , Miles Millar , Mike Vukadinovich , Seth Grahame-Smith , Michael McDowell , Larry Wilson Cast Michael Keaton , Winona Ryder , Catherine O’Hara , Jenna Ortega , Justin Theroux , Willem Dafoe , Monica Bellucci , Arthur Conti , Nick Kellington , Santiago Cabrera , Burn Gorman , Danny DeVito , Sami Slimane , Amy Nuttall , Mark Heenehan , Charlie Hopkinson , Liv Spencer , Skylar Park , Matthew Lyons , Jane Leaney , David Ayres , Sophie Holland , Walles Hamonde Runtime 104 Minutes Expand