25 Movies Similar to Coraline

Directed by Henry Selick and based on the novella of the same name by Neil Gaiman, Coraline is a fantasy horror stop-motion film that was released in 2009. The film follows the titular Coraline, an adventurous eleven-year-old who finds a fantastical world that mirrors her own in bizarre ways.

Nominated for the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, Coraline has become a cult classic in the last decade. The film was a commercial and critical success. Coraline was praised for its stunning stop-motion animation and enthralling narrative.

There are many great reasons why Coraline has become a cult classic. If you’re a fan of this whimsically creepy film and you’re looking for more films to watch, we’ve got you covered! Keep reading as we break down the top 25 movies like Coraline!

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1. A Monster Calls

Directed by J. A. Bayona, A Monster Calls is a dark fantasy film that was released in 2016. Based on the novel of the same name by Patrick Ness, who also penned the screenplay, this film follows Conor, a boy who finds help in an unexpected place while coping with his mother’s terminal illness.

The film – which stars Felicity Jones, Sigourney Weaver, and Lewis MacDougall – was made on a budget of $43 million. While the film only grossed $47 million at the box office, it was critically praised. Critics described A Monster Calls as a moving coming-of-age film. The film was nominated for the Saturn Award for Best Fantasy Film in 2017.

If you enjoyed the way Coraline explored notions of reality and fantasy, you’re sure to love A Monster Calls. This film perfectly blends the reality of Conor’s life with darker, fantastical elements.

2. A Series of Unfortunate Events

Directed by Brad Silberling, A Series of Unfortunate Events is a dark comedy film that was released in 2004. The film was the first adaption of the best-selling book series of the same name by Lemony Snicket. The film follows the unfortunate situations the Baudelaire orphans find themselves in as their new legal guardian, the nefarious Count Olaf (Jim Carrey), plots to steal their inheritance.

Made on a budget of $140 million, the film grossed more than $210 million at the box office. The film was a critical success, with critics praising the performances from the last, particularly Carrey, and the stunning visuals and gothic set design. The film was nominated for four Academy Awards, winning one for Best Makeup.

If you’re a fan of Coraline looking to immerse yourself in a world as sinister as the one Coraline finds herself in, this movie is for you!

3. The Addams Family

Directed by Conrad Vernon and Greg Tiernan, The Addams Family is an animated dark comedy reboot that was released in 2019. The film follows the titular Addams family as they move to a bland suburban neighborhood where they find themselves at odds with their neighbors. The voice cast includes Oscar Isaac, Charlize Theron, and Chloe Grace Moretz.

Though the film received mixed reviews from critics, it was a certified success. Made on a budget of $24 million, the film went on to gross more than $204 million at the global box office. Critics praised the talented voice cast and the stunning visuals. The film was nominated for the Saturn Award for Best Animated Film in 2021.

If you loved the delightfully macabre visuals of Coraline, then you’ll love revisiting the gothic world of the beloved Addams family!

4. Beetlejuice

Directed by Tim Burton, Beetlejuice is a horror comedy that was released in 1988. The film’s cast includes Michael Keaton, Alec Baldwin, Geena Davis, and Winona Ryder. The film follows the ghosts of a deceased couple whose after-lives are disrupted when an unbearable family moves in.

Made on a budget of $15 million, the film grossed more than $84 million at the box office. The film was a critical and commercial success, with critics praising Keaton’s manic performance and the brilliantly bizarre visuals. In 1989, the film won the Academy Award for Best Makeup.

If you’re looking for a family movie like Coraline, look no further than this Burton classic! Beetlejuice will have the whole family laughing!

5. The Boxtrolls

Directed by Graham Annable and Antony Stacchi, The Boxtrolls is a stop-motion fantasy film released in 2014. Based on Alan Snow’s 2005 novel Here Be Monsters, the film follows an orphaned boy who is raised by cave-dwelling creatures who must try and take down a sinister exterminator.

Made on a budget of $60 million, the movie went on to gross more than $108 million at the box office. The film was also a critical success, with many praising the film’s wit and animation. The film was nominated for Best Animated Feature at both the Academy Awards and Golden Globe Awards.

The Boxtrolls was produced by Laika Studios, who also worked on Coraline. If you’re looking for another stop-motion film for the whole family, look no further than the fantastical world of The Boxtrolls.

6. Corpse Bride

Directed by Mike Johnson and Tim Burton, Corpse Bride is a stop-motion musical fantasy film that was released in 2005. The film follows a groom who is practicing his wedding vows when a woman rises from the grave, believing he has married her. The voice cast includes Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter.

The film was a critical and commercial success. Made on a budget of $40 million, the film grossed more than $118 million at the box office. Critics praised the way Burton’s film balanced whimsical elements with the macabre, resulting in a bittersweet and emotionally cinematic journey.

In 2006, Corpse Bride was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. If you’re looking for a delightfully dark stop-motion film similar to Coraline, look no further than this ghoulish delight.

7. Dark Shadows

Directed by Tim Burton, Dark Shadows is a horror comedy that was released in 2012. Based on the 1960s soap opera of the same name, this film follows Barnabas Collins (Johnny Depp), a vampire who is freed and returns to his family home. The cast also includes Michelle Pfeiffer, Eva Green, and Helena Bonham Carter.

Though the film received mixed reviews upon release, critics praised the superb visuals and the chemistry of the cast. The film was a success at the box office. Made on a budget of $150 million, the film grossed more than $245 million.

If you loved spending time in the world beyond the door in Coraline, you’d love spending time with Barnabas Collins and his dysfunctional descendants in this movie for the whole family.

8. Edward Scissorhands

Directed by Tim Burton, Edward Scissorhands is a romantic fantasy film that was released in 1990. The film follows Edward, an artificial man with scissors for hands, who falls in love with a suburban woman. The film stars Johnny Depp and Winona Ryder.

The film received positive reviews from critics and was a commercial success. Made on a budget of $20 million, the film went on to gross upwards of $86 million at the box office. The film was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Makeup.

If you loved the way Coraline balanced the real world with a fantasy one, you’re sure to love this Burton classic. You’ll love watching Edward’s solitary existence collide with the outside world!

9. Fantastic Mr. Fox

Directed by Wes Anderson and based on the novel by Roald Dahl, Fantastic Mr. Fox is a stop-motion comedy film that was released in 2009. The film follows a fox who finds his community threatened by a farmer due to his farm-raiding ways. The voice cast includes George Clooney, Meryl Streep, and Bill Murray.

Made on a budget of $40 million, the film grossed $46 million at the box office. The film was critically praised, with many praising the multi-generational appeal of the film. In 2010, the film was nominated for two Academy Awards, including Best Animated Feature.

If you’re looking for a masterfully crafted stop-motion film like Coraline, this adaption from Wes Anderson won’t disappoint!

10. Frankenweenie

Directed by Tim Burton, Frankenweenie is a stop-motion comedy horror movie that was released in 2012. Inspired by Mary Shelley’s infamous Frankenstein, the film follows a boy who brings his beloved dog back to life through a science experiment. The voice cast includes Winona Ryder, Catherine O’Hara, and Martin Short.

Made on a budget of $39 million, the film grossed more than $80 million at the global box office. The film was also a critical success, with many praising the masterfully crafted visuals and the bittersweet story. The film was nominated for Best Animated Feature at both the Academy Awards and Golden Globes.

If you’re looking for an oddball stop-motion movie like Coraline, you’ll love this witty and heartfelt film from Tim Burton!

11. Hotel Transylvania

Directed by Genndy Tartakovsky, Hotel Transylvania is a computer-animated comedy film that was released in 2012. The film follows Dracula, who runs a monster resort, and the count’s daughter, who falls for a boy against her father’s wishes. The voice cast includes Adam Sandler, Selena Gomez, and Andy Samberg.

The film was a critical and commercial success. Made on a budget of $85 million, the film grossed more than $358 million at the box office. To date, three sequels have been made. The film was nominated for the Golden Globe Award for Best Animated Feature.

If you’re a fan of Coraline looking for a light and quirky animated film, look no further than the misadventures of the monsters in Hotel Transylvania.

12. Isle of Dogs

Directed by Wes Anderson, Isle of Dogs is a stop-motion sci-fi comedy that was released in 2018. The film follows a boy as he searches for his lost dog. Isle of Dogs’ voice cast includes Bryan Cranston, Edward Norton, Scarlett Johansson, and Tilda Swinton.

Upon release, Anderson’s next foray into stop-motion was widely praised by critics. At the box office, Isle of Dogs grossed $64 million. In 2019, the film was nominated for two Academy Awards, including Best Animated Feature.

If you’re looking for an unconventional yet utterly entertaining stop-motion film, then the Isle of Dogs is sure to scratch your cinematic itch! Fans of Coraline will love the unique visual imagery of Anderson’s film.

13. James and the Giant Peach

Based on the novel of the same name by Roald Dahl and directed by Henry Selick, James and the Giant Peach is a musical fantasy film that was released in 1996. The film follows an orphan, James, who befriends a group of bugs who live inside the titular peach. The film’s cast includes Paul Terry, Miriam Margolyes, and Joanna Lumley.

Made on a budget of $38 million, the film grossed $37 million at the box office. Though the film was not the commercial success they’d hoped, the film was widely praised for its stunning visuals and Selick’s directing.

Fans of Coraline are sure to love this adaption of James and the Giant Peach! After all, both of these films were directed by Henry Selick!

14. Kubo and the Two Strings

Directed by Travis Knight, Kubo and the Two Strings is a stop-motion fantasy film that was released in 2016. The film revolves around the titular Kubo, who must defeat a vengeful spirit by locating an enchanted suit of armor that once belonged to his father. The voice cash includes Matthew McConaughey, Charlize Theron, and Ralph Fiennes.

Made on a budget of $60 million, the film grossed more than $77 million at the box office. Kubo and the Two Strings, which was Knight’s directorial debut, was praised by critics for both the craft and the story. In 2017, the film was nominated for two Academy Awards, including Best Animated Feature.

Like Coraline, this stop-motion film can be considered slightly darker and stranger than your average animated feature. If you’re in the mood for another brilliantly bizarre stop-motion adventure, then this is the perfect film for your movie night!

15. Matilda

Directed by Danny DeVito and based on the novel of the same name by Roald Dahl, Matilda is a fantasy comedy film that was released in 1996. The film follows the titular Matilda, who must navigate her turbulent home and school life as she discovers powers, she never knew she had. The cast includes Mara Wilson, Danny DeVito, and Rhea Perlman.

Made on a budget of $36 million, the film only grossed $33 million at the box office. In the years since, however, the film has become a cult classic. Famed film critic Roger Ebert praised the oddity of the film and its depiction of everyday evil. Fans of Coraline are sure to enjoy this classic!

16. Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children

Directed by Tim Burton and based on the novel by Ransom Riggs, Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children is a fantasy adventure movie that was released in 2016. In this movie, Jacob (Asa Butterfield) must attempt to unravel a mystery that leads him to an orphanage that’s run by the titular Miss. Peregrine (Eva Green).

The film was made with a budget of $110 million and ended up grossing $296 million at the global box office. The film was praised by critics for the way Burton blended his filmmaking style and striking visuals with the source material. In 2017, the film was nominated for Best Fantasy Film at the annual Saturn Awards.

If you enjoyed watching Coraline explore a fantasy world where nothing is quite as it seems, you’re sure to love watching Jacob discover the titular orphanage in Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children.

17. Monster House

Directed by Gil Kenan, Monster House is a computer-animated comedy horror movie that was released in 2006. In this film, three teenagers discover a house in their neighborhood that’s more than haunted: it’s alive! The film’s voice cast includes Steve Buscemi, Catherine O’Hara, and Nick Canon.

Made on a budget of $75 million, the film grossed more than $141 million at the box office. The film received positive reviews from critics, who praised the sheer originality of the film’s premise and the skillful execution. The film was nominated for both the Academy Award and Golden Globe for Best Animated Feature.

Despite the monstrous elements, Monster House is a heartfelt film that fans of Coraline are sure to love. In this film, the characters don’t need to go through a special door to access a sinister fantasy world – the front door will do just fine!

18. The Nightmare Before Christmas

Directed by Henry Selick and based on a story by Tim Burton, The Nightmare Before Christmas is a dark fantasy stop-motion film that was released in 1993. The film follows the King of Halloween Town, Jack Skellington, as he discovers Christmas. The voice cash includes Danny Elfman, Chris Sarandon, and Catherine O’Hara.

The film was both a critical commercial success. Made on a budget of $24 million, the film grossed upwards of $91 million at the box office. The movie’s original premise and magnificent visuals were widely praised. The film was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects.

Though Disney believed the film might be too dark and scary for a younger audience, the film has become a cult classic in recent years. This is another movie from the director of Coraline that fans are sure to love!

19. Pan’s Labyrinth

Written and directed by Guillermo del Toro, Pan’s Labyrinth is a dark fantasy film that was released in 2006. Set in Spain circa 1944, the film follows Ofelia, a young girl who escapes to a fantasy world where she discovers her true identity. The film stars Ivana Baquero, Sergi Lopez, and Maribel Verdu.

Made on a budget of $19 million, the film grossed more than $83 million at the box office. The film received widespread acclaim from critics, who praised del Toro’s direction and the groundbreaking visual effects. The film was nominated for six Academy Awards, winning three.

If you loved exploring a fantastical world through the eyes of a young heroine in Coraline, you need to watch Pan’s Labyrinth!

20. ParaNorman

Directed by Sam Fell and Chris Butler, ParaNorman is a dark fantasy stop-motion film that was released in 2012. The film revolves around Norman, a misunderstood boy who must battle dark forces to save his town from an ancient curse. The voice cast includes Anna Kendrick, Casey Affleck, and Leslie Mann.

Made on a budget of $60 million, the film went on to gross more than $107 million at the box office. Critics praised the film’s animation and humor. The film went on to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. Like Coraline, there is more than meets the eye in ParaNorman! Fans of the former are sure to love this hilarious, high-stakes adventure!

21. Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island

Released in 1998, Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island is a direct-to-video comedy horror film. In this film, Scooby and the rest of the Mystery Inc. gang travel to a remote island in Louisiana, where they must unravel the island’s dark history.

Upon release, this entry into the Scooby-Doo franchise was praised for its fast-paced plot and production quality. Widely considered one of the scariest installments in the Scooby-Doo franchise to date, this is the perfect film for any Coraline fan!

22. The Secret of NIMH

Directed by Don Bluth, The Secret of NIMH is an animated fantasy adventure film that was released in 1982. The film, which is based on the novel Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O’Brien, follows a field mouse who sets out to find help for her ill son.

Made on a budget of $7 million, the film grossed $7 million at the box office. The film was critically acclaimed and went on to win the Saturn Award for Best Animated Film. If you enjoyed seeing Coraline visiting the mouse circus in Coraline, you’re sure to love this darker-than-you’d-expect classic!

23. Spirited Away

Directed by Hayao Miyazaki, Spirited Away is a Japanese fantasy film that was animated by Studio Ghibli. Released in 2001, the film follows a ten-year-old girl who finds wanders off one day, only to find herself in a fantastical world ruled by gods, witches, and spirits.

Made on a budget of $19 million, the film went on to gross more than $395 million at the box office. Considered a cult classic, Spirited Away has been praised for its dazzling visuals and enchanting narrative. The film won numerous awards, including the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.

Thematically, there are many similarities between Coraline and Spirited Away. Fans of Coraline are sure to love this classic from Studio Ghibli.

24. Stardust

Directed by Matthew Vaughn, Stardust is a fantasy adventure film that was released in 2007. The film follows a young man who must venture into a magical realm that borders his countryside town. There, he must retrieve a fallen star for his beloved. The cast includes Clair Danes and Charlie Cox.

Made on an $80 million budget, the film grossed $137 at the box office. The film received positive reviews and was nominated for the Saturn Award for Best Fantasy Film. The pacing of Stardust can be compared to that of Caroline, which is why fans of the latter are sure to love this film!

25. Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit

Directed by Nick Park and Steve Box, Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit is a Claymation stop-motion supernatural comedy film that was released in 2005. The film follows the titular duo as they discover the mystery behind their sabotaged garden.

In 2006, Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. The film was a critical and commercial success. Made on a $30 million budget, the film grossed $192 million at the box office.

Fans of Coraline, which was in the box office at the same time as Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit, are sure to love the whacky Claymation adventures of this iconic duo!

Made on a budget of $ million, the film grossed more than $ million at the box office.

Sources:

IMDB: Coraline

IMDB: A Monster Calls

IMDB: A Series of Unfortunate Events

IMDB: The Addams Family

IMDB: Beetlejuice

IMDB: The Boxtrolls

IMDB: Corpse Bride

IMDB: Dark Shadows

IMDB: Edward Scissorhands

IMDB: Fantastic Mr. Fox