Pee-wee's Big Adventure (1985)

The eccentric and childish Pee-wee Herman embarks on a big adventure when his beloved bicycle is stolen, an event that shatters his meticulously organized, quirky world. Armed with information from a fortune-teller and a relentless obsession with his prized possession, Pee-wee navigates a cross-country trek filled with increasingly bizarre situations. From an ill-fated encounter with a biker gang to a whirlwind romance with a cowgirl and a climactic chase through a major film studio, the film is a vibrant, fast-paced odyssey showcasing Pee-wee's unique brand of slapstick humor, wide-eyed naivete, and surprisingly resilient determination to recover his cherished bike. "Pee-wee's Big Adventure" is a quintessential entry on a "Best Tim Burton Movies" list not just because it marks his feature directorial debut, but because it’s a brilliant showcase of the nascent style and themes that would define his iconic career. Even in this early, studio-driven comedy, Burton's signature touches are evident: an outsider protagonist with a unique perspective, a fantastical and slightly surreal world, imaginative visual storytelling, and the first of many collaborations with composer Danny Elfman, whose score perfectly encapsulates the film's whimsical, slightly off-kilter tone. It's a foundational piece, demonstrating Burton's ability to craft a distinctive, fully-realized cinematic universe while blending childlike wonder with a charmingly macabre sensibility, all elements that would become hallmarks of his later, more gothic and fantastical works.