Twenty years after its original release, Johnny Depp’s most underrated film, Corpse Bride, is making an unexpected comeback. The 2005 stop-motion animated feature, which grossed $118 million at the box office, has surged back into public attention, landing in the top 10 most-streamed movies on HBO Max as of October 2025. The resurgence of this gothic masterpiece raises intriguing questions about nostalgia, audience taste, and the power of streaming platforms to breathe new life into films once considered overlooked.

A Cult Classic Reemerges

Corpse Bride, directed by the visionary Tim Burton, has always held a special place in the hearts of animation enthusiasts and Johnny Depp fans alike. Featuring the voices of Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, and Emily Watson, the film combined Burton’s signature gothic style with the meticulous craftsmanship of stop-motion animation. Although the movie was critically acclaimed and financially successful during its release, it gradually receded from mainstream conversation, overshadowed by larger live-action franchises.

Now, two decades later, the film has returned to cultural relevance. Streaming data from FlixPatrol indicates a remarkable spike in viewership, with Corpse Bride climbing into the HBO Max top 10, an unexpected triumph for a film often referred to as “underrated.” The question on many viewers’ minds is: what sparked this revival?

Depp’s Reflections on an “Amazing Experience”

Johnny Depp has spoken openly about his affection for the project. Known for his transformative roles in live-action films such as Pirates of the Caribbean and Edward Scissorhands, Depp described his involvement in Corpse Bride as an “amazing experience.” Unlike live-action shoots, voice acting for a stop-motion animated film required patience, precision, and a unique collaborative spirit.

Depp’s engagement with the project showcased his versatility and willingness to explore unconventional roles. For him, the film was more than just another project—it was a creative experiment that allowed him to stretch the boundaries of storytelling. His voice brought to life Victor Van Dort, a timid yet endearing character caught between the living and the dead, capturing the hearts of viewers with subtle humor and emotional depth.

The Art of Stop-Motion Animation

One of the most fascinating aspects of Corpse Bride is its stop-motion animation, a painstakingly detailed process that involves moving physical puppets frame by frame. While computer-generated imagery (CGI) dominated mid-2000s animation, Burton’s choice of stop-motion gave the film a tangible, eerie beauty.

Experts in animation argue that stop-motion films age differently than CGI. The tactile nature of the puppets, sets, and costumes provides a timeless quality that continues to enchant audiences. Every frame in Corpse Bride required painstaking attention to detail—from the intricate designs of the skeletal residents of the underworld to the delicate, expressive faces of the characters. This craftsmanship, coupled with Burton’s gothic vision, creates a cinematic experience that stands apart from typical animated films.

A Story That Resonates Across Generations

At its core, Corpse Bride is a story about love, loss, and choices. Victor Van Dort’s journey into the land of the dead to fulfill a mistaken marital promise resonates universally. The film’s themes of mortality, devotion, and courage strike chords with audiences of all ages, making it a perfect candidate for rediscovery.

Moreover, the Halloween season plays a crucial role in the film’s renewed popularity. With audiences seeking spooky, visually stunning stories during October, Corpse Bride naturally becomes a go-to selection. Its darkly whimsical aesthetic appeals not only to children but also to adults who appreciate its nuanced humor, gothic romance, and artistic style.

Why the Film Went Underrated

Despite its initial box office success, Corpse Bride often gets labeled “underrated.” Several factors contributed to this. At the time of its release, the cinematic landscape was dominated by major animated franchises from Disney and Pixar, which garnered more media attention and marketing resources. Additionally, Depp’s live-action persona often overshadowed his voice acting work, leading casual audiences to overlook the film.

However, this “underrated” status has become a selling point today. Social media buzz and nostalgia-driven content consumption have created a climate where previously overlooked gems are being rediscovered, appreciated, and celebrated—sometimes more enthusiastically than when they first debuted.

The Streaming Effect

The resurgence of Corpse Bride is a testament to the transformative power of streaming platforms. Services like HBO Max, Netflix, and Disney+ allow audiences to access films on-demand, often years after their theatrical release. This accessibility dramatically changes the lifespan of a movie, enabling it to reach new viewers and generate renewed buzz.

Streaming analytics also help studios identify previously overlooked films with the potential to trend. In the case of Corpse Bride, the combination of seasonal interest, the enduring popularity of Tim Burton and Johnny Depp, and social media conversations likely contributed to its spike in viewership. Platforms like HBO Max offer personalized recommendations, ensuring that films like this reach the right audience at the right time.

Depp and Burton: A Creative Partnership

The film’s artistic success owes much to the creative synergy between Johnny Depp and Tim Burton. The duo has a long history of collaboration, from Edward Scissorhands to Sweeney Todd, and their partnership consistently produces visually and emotionally compelling work. Burton’s gothic storytelling, paired with Depp’s nuanced performances, ensures that each project resonates on multiple levels.

In Corpse Bride, Depp’s voice acting complements Burton’s vision perfectly. His ability to convey subtle emotion and comedic timing allows audiences to connect with Victor’s struggles, even in a fantastical setting. This collaboration demonstrates the importance of casting and creative alignment in animation, particularly when adapting complex emotional narratives for a visually stylized medium.

The Role of Nostalgia

A significant driver behind the film’s resurgence is nostalgia. Millennials and Gen Z viewers who grew up watching Corpse Bride now have access to the film in ways their younger selves could not. Streaming services provide an opportunity to relive cherished childhood memories, generating not just viewership but also social media engagement, fan art, and discussion threads.

Nostalgia also encourages sharing among peers. When viewers post about rediscovering a beloved film, curiosity spreads to wider audiences, driving more clicks and streams. In a sense, the film’s “underrated” status has now become its secret weapon, attracting attention precisely because it was once overlooked.

the Broader Industry Trend

Corpse Bride’s resurgence reflects a larger trend in the entertainment industry: older films are finding new life online. Streaming platforms allow studios to monetize their back catalogs, while audiences gain the ability to explore films beyond the latest releases. This cycle of rediscovery benefits both creators and viewers.

Moreover, the growing interest in stop-motion animation could signal a shift in audience tastes. As CGI-heavy content becomes ubiquitous, films with handcrafted artistry—like Coraline, The Nightmare Before Christmas, and Corpse Bride—stand out, offering a refreshing aesthetic that is simultaneously nostalgic and innovative.

Why You Should Watch

The return of Corpse Bride to the streaming top 10 is more than just a statistical curiosity—it is a reminder of how timeless storytelling, creative artistry, and star power can converge to create enduring cultural impact. Johnny Depp’s praise for the film as an “amazing experience” resonates today as new audiences discover its magic.

Whether you’re a longtime fan revisiting the underworld, or a newcomer curious about the gothic masterpiece, Corpse Bride offers a rich, immersive experience. Its intricate animation, emotional depth, and dark humor make it a film worth watching repeatedly, and its recent resurgence proves that great cinema never truly fades away—it waits for the right time to be rediscovered.