Do you need to watch the original Beetlejuice movie to understand the new Beetlejuice Beetlejuice?

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is in theaters on Friday, Sept. 6. But before fans rush out to their local movie theater to catch up with Lydia Deetz, we have one question – do we need to watch (or rewatch) the original 1988 movie first? 

It has been 36 years since Adam and Barbara Maitland (Alec Baldwin and Geena Davis, respectively) summoned Betelgeuse (pronounced Beetlejuice), portrayed by Michael Keaton in Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice. Adam and Barbara were warned not to say Beetlejuice’s name three times, but they had no other choice, or so they believed at that time. And this is how Beetlejuice entered the world of the living and wreaked havoc in the lives of the Deetz family, which is composed of Charles and his wife Delia (Jeffrey Jones and Catherine O’Hara, respectively), and Charles’ daughter teen goth daughter Lydia (Winona Ryder). 

If you find the paragraph above confusing or just have no idea what I'm talking about, then the answer is clear: Yes, you absolutely DO need to watch the original movie before watching Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. 

The Deetz and the Maitland’s had a rough time getting things under control to move on with their lives (or deaths). It wasn’t easy, but it sure was entertaining for audiences to watch. After all, there’s a reason why Beetlejuice is still one of the most popular and beloved movies of all time. It’s iconic. Quotable. And um, controversial…but 1988 was a different time, so we won’t go there. 

Yes, you need to watch the original Beetlejuice before the new movie

Guys, 1988’s Beetlejuice is streaming on Max and is only a couple of minutes over one hour and a half – watch it ASAP! Is it essential that you watch the original before the new one? Why yes, I actually think it is. 

Listen, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice expects audiences to be fans of the original going in. This sequel does not hold the viewer’s hands to explain any rules or re-introduce characters. The new movie gets right to business and if you can’t follow along, the dead are not waiting for you. Take a number and have a seat! If you know, you know...

Now, is it possible to enjoy the new movie without knowing the original characters? Is Beetlejuice Beetlejuice even fun or worth watching if you have no knowledge about the original? The answer is yes, but it’s not nearly the same experience. Trust me. Even if you have already seen the 1988 beloved movie, give it a rewatch.

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is a love letter to Day One fans! But don’t worry, newbies are welcome! The only rule is to watch the original, first.