If you’ve ever found yourself captivated by the eerie charm and whimsical darkness of Henry Selick’s “Coraline,” you’re not alone. This stop-motion masterpiece has left audiences spellbound with its unique blend of childhood wonder and creeping unease. But once the credits roll, you might find yourself craving more of that delightful, spine-tingling magic. Fear not, fellow adventurers of the uncanny! We’ve curated a list of 20 movies like “Coraline” that will satisfy your appetite for the bizarre, the beautiful, and the slightly unsettling.
From the gothic romance of “Corpse Bride” to the surreal dreamscapes of “MirrorMask,” these films share Coraline’s DNA of brave young protagonists, alternate worlds, and visually stunning animation. Whether you’re drawn to the stop-motion wizardry of “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” the hand-drawn beauty of “Spirited Away,” or the dark whimsy of “James and the Giant Peach,” there’s something here for every fan of fantastical cinema.
So, dim the lights, grab your favorite blanket (but maybe leave one eye uncovered), and join us as we explore 20 enchanting movies that capture the spirit of “Coraline.” Each of these films offers its own unique journey into worlds where the ordinary becomes extraordinary, and the line between reality and fantasy blurs in the most delightful ways. Let’s begin our adventure!
Here are 20 movies that have a similar vibe to Coraline, with details on each:
1. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Another stop-motion classic directed by Henry Selick, The Nightmare Before Christmas follows the misadventures of Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, who becomes obsessed with Christmas. With haunting visuals and catchy musical numbers by Danny Elfman, it captures a similarly dark yet whimsical tone as Coraline.
Jack discovers portals to other holiday-themed worlds and attempts to put his own spooky spin on Christmas by kidnapping “Sandy Claws.” Meanwhile, his rag doll admirer Sally tries to stop Jack from ruining the holiday. The gothic fantasy style and themes of being an outsider make it a perfect companion film to Coraline.
2. Corpse Bride (2005)
Directed by Tim Burton and Mike Johnson, this stop-motion film centers on Victor, a shy groom-to-be who accidentally marries a deceased woman named Emily while practicing his wedding vows in the woods. Whisked away to the colorful yet macabre Land of the Dead, Victor must find a way back to the Land of the Living to be reunited with his real fiancée Victoria.
Like Coraline, it features a protagonist trapped in a strange alternate world. The film’s gorgeous, eerie visuals, and bittersweet story make it appealing to fans of dark children’s movies with heart.
3. ParaNorman (2012)
Another spooky stop-motion film by Laika Studios, the same company behind Coraline. In the town of Blithe Hollow, 11-year-old Norman Babcock can see and communicate with the dead. When an ancient witch’s curse unleashes zombies on the town, Norman must use his abilities to save everyone.
Combining horror and humor, ParaNorman deals with themes of being misunderstood and celebrates being different. The atmospheric animation style is very reminiscent of Coraline.
4. Frankenweenie (2012)
Directed by Tim Burton, this black-and-white stop-motion film is a feature-length remake of Burton’s 1984 short film. After unexpectedly losing his beloved dog Sparky, young Victor Frankenstein harnesses the power of science to resurrect him. However, when the other kids discover and exploit Victor’s secret, chaos ensues in their town.
Frankenweenie is a heartwarming tale about the lengths we go to for our loved ones, set in Burton’s signature spooky style. The stark monochrome visuals set it apart from most animated children’s movies.
5. 9 (2009)
Directed by Shane Acker and produced by Tim Burton, this computer-animated science fiction film takes place in a post-apocalyptic world where humans are extinct. The titular 9 is a sentient ragdoll who awakens to find the world in ruins. He and other “stitchpunk” creations like him must band together to survive against terrifying machines that hunt them.
The film’s dark tone, unique character designs, and intense action sequences make it a good choice for older kids and adults who enjoy the unsettling elements of Coraline.
6. Monster House (2006)
This computer-animated horror comedy centers on three kids who discover that their neighbor’s house is actually a living, breathing monster. As Halloween approaches, they must find a way to destroy the house before innocent trick-or-treaters meet a horrible fate.
Produced by Robert Zemeckis and Steven Spielberg, Monster House blends spooky thrills with humor and heart. The eerie atmosphere and perilous adventure will appeal to Coraline fans.
7. James and the Giant Peach (1996)
Directed by Henry Selick and based on the beloved Roald Dahl book, this live-action/stop-motion hybrid follows young James, who escapes his cruel aunts by entering a gigantic peach. He befriends the anthropomorphic bugs living inside as they embark on a journey to New York City.
While lighter in tone than Coraline, the film still features some unsettling imagery, such as James’ abusive aunts and the menacing mechanical shark. The mix of live-action and stop-motion animation creates a unique visual style.
8. MirrorMask (2005)
Written by Neil Gaiman, who also penned Coraline, and directed by Dave McKean, MirrorMask is a dark fantasy film that combines live-action and computer animation. Helena, a teenage girl who works in her family’s circus, enters a strange dream world on a quest to find the MirrorMask and save the kingdom of Light from the kingdom of Shadows.
The film’s surreal visuals, otherworldly atmosphere, and themes of self-discovery make it an excellent companion piece to Coraline.
9. Spirited Away (2001)
Directed by Hayao Miyazaki, this Japanese animated fantasy film follows 10-year-old Chihiro, who enters a mysterious world of spirits. After her parents are turned into pigs, Chihiro must navigate the bizarre bathhouse run by the witch Yubaba to find a way to free herself and her parents.
While not as dark as Coraline, Spirited Away shares themes of a young girl coming of age in a strange, often perilous world. The lush animation and imaginative creatures make it a must-see for any fan of animated fantasy.
10. Labyrinth (1986)
Directed by Jim Henson and starring David Bowie as Jareth the Goblin King, Labyrinth is a classic dark fantasy film. When teenage Sarah wishes her baby brother Toby would be taken away, Jareth kidnaps him. Sarah must navigate a treacherous labyrinth filled with strange creatures to rescue Toby before time runs out.
The film’s mix of live-action, puppetry, and practical effects creates a tangible, otherworldly atmosphere similar to Coraline. Bowie’s magnetic performance and the memorable creature designs make it a cult favorite.
11. The Dark Crystal (1982)
Another Jim Henson classic, The Dark Crystal is a high fantasy film set in the world of Thra, where the evil Skeksis rule with an iron fist. Two Gelflings, Jen and Kira, must go on a quest to find the missing shard of the Dark Crystal and restore balance to their world.
The film’s intricate world-building, stunning puppet work, and themes of good vs. evil make it a timeless adventure. Like Coraline, it immerses viewers in a fully-realized fantasy world.
12. The Secret World of Arrietty (2010)
Based on Mary Norton’s novel The Borrowers, this Studio Ghibli film follows Arrietty, a tiny 14-year-old girl who lives with her family beneath the floorboards of a human house. When Arrietty is discovered by 12-year-old Shō, a human boy with a heart condition, an unlikely friendship forms between them.
While gentler than Coraline, the film shares themes of a hidden world just beyond our sight and the challenges of being different. The lush, detailed animation brings Arrietty’s miniature world to life.
13. The City of Lost Children (1995)
Directed by Marc Caro and Jean-Pierre Jeunet, this surreal French film takes place in a dystopian future where a mad scientist named Krank kidnaps children to steal their dreams. A circus strongman named One and a young girl named Miette team up to save the children.
The film’s dark, steampunk-inspired visuals and unsettling atmosphere make it a good fit for older Coraline fans. Like Coraline, it features a brave young heroine confronting a sinister adult world.
14. Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events (2004)
Based on the popular book series by Daniel Handler, this dark comedy follows the Baudelaire orphans – Violet, Klaus, and Sunny – as they try to escape the clutches of their evil guardian, Count Olaf, who is after their inheritance.
The film’s gothic visuals, quirky humor, and themes of resilience in the face of adversity make it a good choice for Coraline fans. Jim Carrey’s over-the-top performance as Count Olaf is a highlight.
15. The Witches (1990)
Directed by Nicolas Roeg and based on the Roald Dahl book, The Witches follows Luke, a young boy who stumbles upon a convention of witches while staying at a hotel with his grandmother. After being turned into a mouse by the Grand High Witch, Luke must find a way to stop the witches’ evil plan.
The film’s mix of humor and horror, along with its practical effects and Anjelica Huston’s chilling performance as the Grand High Witch, make it a classic dark family film in the vein of Coraline.
16. The Adventures of Mark Twain (1985)
This stop-motion animated film, also known as Comet Quest, features fictionalized versions of Mark Twain’s characters, including Tom Sawyer, Huck Finn, and Becky Thatcher, as they travel on an airship piloted by Mark Twain to meet Halley’s Comet.
The film’s surreal, often dark vignettes, such as the disturbing “The Mysterious Stranger” segment, make it a unique and unsettling experience similar to Coraline. The intricate claymation and literary references add to its appeal.
17. The Triplets of Belleville (2003)
This French animated film follows Madame Souza as she searches for her grandson Champion, a professional cyclist who has been kidnapped by the French mafia during the Tour de France. Aided by the titular singing triplets and her loyal dog Bruno, Souza embarks on a surreal adventure to rescue Champion.
The film’s quirky characters, offbeat humor, and unique visual style, which blends hand-drawn and computer animation, make it a good pick for fans of unconventional animated films like Coraline.
18. Watership Down (1978)
Based on the novel by Richard Adams, this animated film follows a group of rabbits led by Hazel as they flee their doomed warren and search for a new home. Along the way, they face numerous dangers, including predators and a tyrannical rabbit warren.
Despite its cute animal characters, Watership Down is known for its dark, violent moments and mature themes, making it a good choice for older Coraline fans. The beautiful hand-drawn animation and compelling story make it a classic.
19. The Secret of NIMH (1982)
Directed by Don Bluth, this animated film follows Mrs. Brisby, a widowed mouse who seeks the aid of a mysterious group of rats to save her sick son. She discovers that the rats, who live in a rose bush on a farm, have heightened intelligence due to secret experiments conducted on them at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).
The film’s dark themes, intense moments, and lush animation make it a standout among early 1980s animated films. Like Coraline, it features a determined mother figure navigating a dangerous world to protect her child.
20. The Brave Little Toaster (1987)
This animated film follows five anthropomorphic household appliances – Toaster, Lampy, Radio, Blanky, and Kirby – as they journey to find their owner, a young boy named Rob. Along the way, they encounter various dangers and learn the true meaning of friendship and loyalty.
While lighter in tone than Coraline, The Brave Little Toaster still features some surprisingly dark and emotional moments, such as the junkyard scene and the Air Conditioner’s meltdown. The film’s themes of abandonment and obsolescence add depth to its charming characters and catchy musical numbers.
These 20 movies share elements with Coraline, such as dark themes, surreal visuals, alternate worlds, and brave young protagonists. Whether you’re a fan of stop-motion, hand-drawn, or computer animation, there’s something on this list for everyone who loves the eerie, whimsical atmosphere of Coraline.
