Movies like Coraline are stop-motion animated and live-action fantasy films with a dark and fantastical story, unique visual style, and strong female lead.
These movies also explore themes of acceptance, belonging, and friendship.
Coraline is a 2009 stop-motion animated fantasy film directed by Henry Selick and based on the 2002 novella of the same name by Neil Gaiman.
The film tells the story of a young girl named Coraline who discovers a secret door in her new home that leads to a parallel world.
This world is where her “other” parents are more attentive and loving than her real ones.
However, she soon discovers that this other world is not as perfect as it seems and must find a way to escape before it’s too late.
The following films listed below are the best movies like Coraline.
1. Paranorman (2012)
- Directors: Sam Fell and Chris Butler
- Cast: Kodi Smit-McPhee, Tucker Albrizzi, Anna Kendrick, Casey Affleck, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Leslie Mann, Jeff Garlin, Elaine Stritch, and Bernard Hill,
- IMDb Rating: 7/10
ParaNorman is a stop-motion animated film that tells the story of Norman, a young boy who can talk to the dead.
Despite his unique ability, Norman is bullied and misunderstood by his classmates and family, who view him as a strange outcast.
However, when a curse is placed on his town, Norman is the only one who can save them.
The film is a blend of comedy and horror, with spooky and eerie elements that keep the audience on the edge of their seats.
The movie explores acceptance, friendship, and standing up for what is right. It sends a powerful message about embracing our differences and being true to ourselves.
The film also touches on the adverse effects of bullying and the importance of standing up against it.
ParaNorman received positive reviews from critics and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
It is a heart-warming and entertaining film that is suitable for all ages and offers a lot of food for thought.
The film is a must-watch for anyone who loves stop-motion animation, horror, and an excellent coming-of-age story.
Paranorman is one of the best movies like Coraline.
2. Corpse Bride (2005)
- Director: Tom Burton and Mike Johnson.
- Cast: Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, Emily Watson, Tracey Ullman, Paul Whitehouse, Joanna Lumley, and Albert Finney.
- IMDb rating of 7.4/10.
The Corpse Bride is a 2005 stop-motion animated film directed by Tim Burton and produced by Tim Burton and Jim Henson’s Creature Shop.
The film tells the story of a young man named Victor Van Dort, who is accidentally betrothed to a corpse bride, Emily, while practicing his wedding vows in a forest.
The film is set in a fictional 19th-century European village, where Victor is set to marry Victoria, the daughter of a wealthy merchant.
As he practices his vows in the forest, he accidentally proposes to a corpse bride, Emily, who has been waiting for her true love to come.
As Victor tries to escape from the undead bride, he soon realizes that he has feelings for her and is torn between his love for her and his duty to Victoria. Corpse Bride is one of the movies like Coraline.
The film features a unique blend of stop-motion animation and live-action filming techniques.
Corpse Bride received positive reviews from critics, who praised its animation, storytelling, and performances.
The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and won a Golden Globe for Best Animated Feature Film.
3. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
- Director: Henry Selick
- Cast: Danny Elfman, Chris Sarandon, Catherine Zeta-Jones, William Hickey, Paul Reubens, Ken Page, Glenn Shadix, and Ed Ivory
- IMDb Rating: 8/10
This movie tells it’s audience the story of Jack Skellington, the “Pumpkin King ” of Halloweentown, who was bored with the same old Halloween routine and stumbled upon Christmas Town.
The film is set in a fantasy world where Halloween Town is where monsters, ghosts, and other creatures live, celebrating Halloween all year round.
Jack Skellington, the leader of Halloween Town, becomes bored with the same old Halloween routine.
As he is bored, he stumbles upon Christmas Town, where he becomes fascinated with Christmas.
He decides to take over the role of Santa Claus and organize his own Christmas celebration in Halloween Town.
The film’s animation style is reminiscent of Tim Burton’s earlier films, such as “Beetlejuice” and “Edward Scissorhands.”
The film features a unique blend of stop-motion animation and live-action filming techniques, creating a unique and eerie visual experience.
The Nightmare Before Christmas received positive reviews from critics, who praised its animation, storytelling, and performances.
The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects and won a BAFTA award for Best Original Song for “Sally’s Song.”
4. The Boxtrolls (2014)
- Directors: Graham Annable and Anthony Stacchi.
- Cast: Isaac Hempstead Wright, Elle Fanning, Dee Bradley Baker, Toni Collette, Jared Harris, Simon Pegg, and Nick Frost
- IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
The film tells the story of a young orphan boy, Eggs, raised by underground dwelling creatures known as Boxtrolls.
He was determined to save them from extermination by an exterminator, Archibald Snatcher.
Boxtrolls live in the sewers and are feared by the citizens for their supposed evil ways. Eggs, a young orphan boy, is raised by the Boxtrolls and becomes their protector.
However, an exterminator, Archibald Snatcher, begins to hunt down the Boxtrolls in exchange for social status.
Afterward, Eggs teams up with a girl named Winnie to save his family and friends.
The Boxtrolls received positive reviews from critics, who praised its animation, storytelling, and performances.
The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and won a BAFTA award for Best Animated Film.
Overall, The Boxtrolls is a visually stunning and emotionally powerful film that showcases Laika’s unique storytelling style and animation techniques.
It is a must-watch for fans of animation and fantasy-adventure films.
The film’s story is rich with themes of acceptance, family, and the power of imagination.
It also has a strong message about not judging others based on appearances. The Boxtrolls is one of the best movies like Coraline.
5.Frankenweenie (2011)
- Director: Tim Burton
- Cast: Winona Ryder, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Martin Short, Martin Landau, Charlie Tahan, Atticus Shaffer, and Robert Capron
- IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
The film is set in a fictional small town where Victor is a science-loving boy fascinated with electricity and the idea of reanimation.
When his dog Sparky dies, Victor becomes determined to bring him back to life using the principles of science and electricity.
He successfully reanimates Sparky, but the dog’s return causes chaos and fears in the town.
However, Victor must fight to protect his beloved companion and prove the safety of his creation.
The film’s animation style is reminiscent of Tim Burton’s earlier films, such as “The Nightmare Before Christmas” and “Corpse Bride.” Frankenweenie is one of the best movies like Coraline.
Frankenweenie received positive reviews from critics, who praised its animation, storytelling, and performances.
The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and won a Saturn Award for Best Animated Film.
Frankenweenie is a visually stunning and emotionally powerful film showcasing Tim Burton’s unique storytelling style and animation techniques.
It is a must-watch for fans of animation and Tim Burton’s work.
The film is a re-imagining of Burton’s short film of the same name and a tribute to the 1931 film Frankenstein.
It has a strong message about love, family, and the power of science, and the story is a dark and twisted take on the classic Frankenstein tale.
6. Where The Wild Things Are (2009)
- Director: Spike Jonze
- Cast: Max Records, Catherine Keener, James Gandolfini, Lauren Ambrose, Chris Cooper, Paul Dano, Catherine O’Hara, Forest Whitaker
- IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
“Where the Wild Things Are” tells the story of a young boy named Max who escapes into a magical land of wild creatures after a fight with his mother.
This movie is one of the best movies like Coraline. The film received mixed reviews upon its release, with some praising the cast’s imaginative visuals and strong performances.
At the same time, others criticized the darker tone and deviation from the source material.
However, it has gained a cult following and is considered a visually stunning and emotionally powerful film.
The film’s depiction of the wild things, designed by Jim Henson’s Creature Shop, was praised for its realistic and expressive animation.
Overall, “Where the Wild Things Are” is a visually stunning and emotionally powerful film that offers a unique and mature interpretation of the classic children’s book.
It may not appeal to everyone, but for those who appreciate its darker tone and imaginative visuals, it is a film worth watching.
7. Monster House (2006)
- Director: Gil Kenan
- Cast: Mitchel Musso, Sam Lerner, Spencer Locke, Steve Buscemi, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Nick Cannon, Kevin James, and Jason Lee
- IMDb Rating: 6.8/10
The film follows three friends, DJ, Chowder, and Jenny, who discover their neighbor’s house is alive and eat anyone near it.
The trio stops the house before it destroys their entire neighborhood.
Along the way, they encounter various obstacles, including the house’s owner, Mr. Nebbercracker, who is determined to protect his home.
Monster house is one of the best movies like Coraline. The animation in Monster House is awe-inspiring and sets a new standard for computer-animated films.
The characters are well-designed and have great detail, and the environments are lush and vibrant.
The film also has a great sense of humor, with many scenes that will have audiences laughing out loud.
Overall, Monster House is a fantastic film that will delight audiences of all ages.
It’s a fun and exciting adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.
Monster House is definitely worth checking out if you’re a fan of animated films or just looking for a great movie to watch with the family.
8. James and The Giant Peach (1996)
- Director: Henry Selick
- Cast: Paul Terry, Joanna Lumley, Miriam Margolyes, Pete Postlethwaite, Richard Dreyfuss, Simon Callow, Susan Sarandon, and Jane Leeves
- IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
James and the Giant Peach is a children’s novel by British author Roald Dahl.
The story follows the adventures of a young orphan boy named James Henry Trotter, who lives with his cruel aunts, Spiker and Sponge.
The novel is known for its imaginative storytelling, vivid imagery, and dark humor. One day, James discovers a magical peach tree in the garden and climbs it.
Inside the tree, he finds a giant peach and climbs inside, where he meets a group of friendly insects who have also made their home there. This movie is one of the best movies like Coraline.
The peach starts to roll down the hill, and James and the insects embark on a journey across the ocean, encountering various obstacles and adventures along the way.
They eventually reach New York City, and the peach is displayed in Central Park.
James and his new friends become famous and eventually return home to England, where they live happily ever after.
9. Hotel Transylvania (2012)
- Director: Genndy Tartakovsky
- Cast: Adam Sandler, Andy Samberg, Selena Gomez, Kevin James, Fran Drescher, Steve Buscemi, Molly Shannon, and David Spade,
- IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
The story begins with Count Dracula, who has built a luxurious hotel in Transylvania exclusively for monsters.
The hotel is a haven for monsters, where they can relax and be themselves without fear of being hunted by humans.
Count Dracula’s daughter, Mavis, is turning 118 years old and wants to see the outside world. Count Dracula, who is protective of his daughter, forbids her from leaving the hotel.
One day, a human named Jonathan accidentally stumbles upon the hotel while on a trip. Mavis and Jonathan meet and fall in love, much to the dismay of Count Dracula.
Count Dracula worries that Mavis will forever leave the hotel and the monster world.
He tries to keep Jonathan away from Mavis, but his efforts prove futile.
As Mavis and Jonathan’s relationship deepens, Count Dracula realizes that he has been too overprotective of his daughter.
He accepts their relationship and allows Mavis to leave the hotel with Jonathan.
Hotel Transylvania received positive reviews from critics and audiences alike.
The film’s animation and voice acting were praised, as well as its humor and heartwarming story.
10. Kubo and the two strings (2016)
- Director: Travis Knight
- Cast: Charlize Theron, Art Parkinson, Ralph Fiennes, Matthew McConaughey, Brenda Vaccaro, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, and Meyrick Murphy
- IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
Kubo and the Two Strings is a story about a young boy named Kubo who lives with his mother in a cave.
He can bring origami figures to life and uses them to entertain the villagers in the nearby village.
His mother is protective of him and warns him not to stay out too late or to go too far from home.
However, Kubo ignores her warnings and goes on an adventure to find a magical suit of armor that will protect him and his family.
Along the way, he is accompanied by a monkey and a beetle, who help him on his quest.
The film is full of adventure and fantasy as Kubo faces different challenges and obstacles.
The movie is a tale of a young boy finding courage and strength within himself and ultimately learning the true meaning of family. This movie is one of the best movies like Coraline.
11. The Secret of Kells (2009)
- Director: Tomm Moore
- Cast: Evan McGuire, Christen Mooney, Brendan Gleeson, Mick Lally, and Liam Hourican.
- IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
“The Secret of Kells” is a beautifully animated film that tells the story of a young boy named Brendan who lives in the abbey of Kells in 9th-century Ireland.
The sanctuary is under constant threat from Viking raids, but Brendan’s uncle, Abbot Cellach, is determined to build a great wall to protect the community.
Brendan becomes an apprentice to a master illuminator, Brother Aidan, who has arrived at the abbey with a particular book called the Book of Iona.
Aidan is creating an illuminated manuscript of the four gospels of the New Testament, which he plans to call the Book of Kells.
Brendan is fascinated by the book and becomes Aidan’s assistant, helping him to create the intricate illustrations that adorn the pages. This film is one of the best movies like clueless.
As Brendan works on the book, he discovers that secrets are hidden within its pages that only he can unlock.
He learns that the illustrations are decorations and possess mystical powers.
Brendan must journey through a magical forest to find the five sacred crystals that will complete the book and keep it safe from the Vikings.
The film explores imagination, creativity, and the power of art. It also touches on the importance of preserving knowledge and culture in the face of destruction.
12. Spirited Away (2001)
- Director: Hayao Miyazaki
- Cast: Daveigh Chase, Suzanne Pleshette, Miyu Irino, Rumi Hiiragi, Mari Natsuki, Takashi Naitō, and Yasuko Sawaguchi
- IMDb Rating: 8.6/10
Spirited Away is a 2001 Japanese animated fantasy film that tells the story of Chihiro Ogino.
Chihiro is a young girl who enters the spirit world while moving to a new neighborhood.
She must find a way to free herself and her parents and return to the human world. Spirited Away is one of the best movies like Coraline.
The film has been highly praised for its visuals, story, soundtrack, and imaginative character designs, and it won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2003.
It is considered one of Miyazaki’s most significant works and one of the greatest animated films of all time.
13. Alice in the Wonderland (2010)
- Director: Tim Burton
- Cast: Mia Wasikowska, Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, Anne Hathaway, Crispin Glover, Matt Lucas, and Stephen Fry
- IMDb Rating: 6.5/10
“Alice in Wonderland” is a classic tale first published in 1865 by Lewis Carroll.
It tells the story of a young girl named Alice who falls down a rabbit hole and into a magical world filled with peculiar creatures and strange happenings.
The story is known for its imaginative and whimsical characters, including the Cheshire Cat, the White Rabbit, the Mad Hatter, and the Queen of Hearts.
The film was well-received for its visual effects and imaginative depiction of the story’s world.
In conclusion, “Alice in Wonderland” remains one of English literature’s most beloved and enduring tales.
Its imaginative and quirky characters and the surreal world have captured the hearts of audiences for generations. This film is one of the best movies like Coraline.
14. The BFG (2016)
- Director: Steven Spielberg
- Cast: Mark Rylance, Ruby Barnhill, Penelope Wilton, Jemaine Clement, Rebecca Hall, and Rafe Spall
- IMDb Rating: 6.3/10
The BFG (Big Friendly Giant) is a 2016 American fantasy adventure film based on the 1982 novel of the same name by British author Roald Dahl.
The movie follows the story of a young girl named Sophie who is whisked away from her orphanage by a giant and brought to Giant Country.
The giant, known as the BFG, is different from the other giants as he does not eat humans and instead collects dreams to give to children.
Sophie and the BFG form an unlikely friendship, and together they embark on an adventure to stop the other giants from eating children.
The film also explored friendship, bravery, and standing up for what is right.
The relationship between Sophie and the BFG was touching and heartwarming, and their journey to stop the other giants was inspiring.
The film also had a strong message about the importance of following and never giving up on your dreams. The BFG is one of the best movies like Coraline.
Overall, The BFG is a delightful and heartwarming film that audiences of all ages will enjoy.
The BFG is worth checking out if you’re looking for a movie that will take you on a journey of wonder and magic.
15. Hugo (2011)
- Director: Martin Scorsese
- Cast: Asa Butterfield, Chloë Grace Moretz, Ben Kingsley, Sacha Baron Cohen, Ray Winstone, Emily Mortimer, and Michael Stuhlbarg
- IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
Hugo is a 2011 historical adventure drama film set in 1930s Paris and follows the story of an orphaned boy named Hugo Cabret l.
He lives in the walls of a train station and is trying to repair an automaton left behind by his father.
Along the way, he meets Isabelle, a curious young girl who helps him in his quest and reveals the truth about the automaton. Hugo is one of the best movies like Coraline.
The film also features legendary actor Ben Kingsley as Georges Méliès, a former filmmaker who befriends Hugo and Isabelle and helps them uncover the mysteries of the automaton.
Sacha Baron Cohen also stars as the station inspector in the film, constantly chasing after Hugo.
Hugo is a visually stunning film that pays homage to the early days of cinema and the pioneering spirit of filmmakers like Georges Méliès.
Overall, Hugo is a magical and touching film that appeals to audiences of all ages and is a must-see for fans of classic cinema and the art of filmmaking.
