Say it three times, why don't you? I, like many people who grew up in the 90s, love this movie. It's Tim Burton just before he got too Tim Burton-y. Alec Baldwin, Katherine, Michael Keaton, and freaking Winona Ryder, among even more notable actors, make this a true Halloween holiday favorite.
While the main theme, being different, being a freak, is meant to evoke emotion from the viewer. While that's certainly something I, and more people than you probably thing, can relate to, I don't think it has anything to do with fear in this movie.
Obviously Beetlejuice, with his knack in reeking havoc, is able to take control, forcing those in his wake to deal with chaos. Though, the crude, puck-like spirit isn't the only one who controls his situation. Lydia, the heroine, dresses and acts as she wishes, despite knowing she's alone in it. She attempts to take complete control over her life by attempting suicide, which fortunately is thwarted by the care of her ghost friends. In order to save those friends, she gives up all of her control to Beetlejuice, nearly becoming his young bride.
The happy ending is a result of all of those involved triumphing over Beetlejuice--the personification of chaos. The ghosts and family live together in harmony, Lydia seems to have made friends despite her unique and unconventional style. If this were a true horror movie, perhaps Lydia would lose her innocence to Beetlejuice, being lost in the netherworld among the dead, only to be recovered in eight sequels.
Fear of chaos. That's Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice!
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