James Ensor is considered to be an innovator in 19th century art, and a precursor to the surrealist painters of the 20th century. During the late 1800s much of his work was rejected as scandalous, particuarly his painting Entry of Christ into Brussels. However, his paintings continued to be exhibited, and he gradually won acceptance and acclaim. He is considered to have influenced Klee and other expressionist painters.

In 1994 James Ensor a new audience was introduced to James Ensor when They Might Be Giants released the song Meet James Ensor.