Are you into quirky, mysterious, kooky movies with a dash of macabre and a whole lot of imagination? If you loved the movie Coraline, there are many movies like it that you would love.
If you are looking for something new to watch, maybe you should add the 13 best movies like Coraline to your list!
Who’s Coraline?
Coraline is about a girl who discovers a door that leads her to an alternative and fantasy version of her life.
It’s an adaptation of a Neil Gaiman short story of the same name. Upon discovery of the mysterious door, Coraline ventures into the other world. There she meets other versions of her parents.
While exploring the other world, Coraline discovers that things aren’t as they seem. Her other mother, The Beldam, has been luring children into the other world, trapping them there with no escape.
Caroline escapes, but she soon realizes that her real parents are missing. She has to go back to the other world to save them, along with the trapped children.
The Beldam will let them go if Coraline can find her parents and the three captured souls. However, as The Beldam is the story’s antagonist, she breaks her end of the bargain, making things even more difficult for Coraline.
The latter, however, decides to let her fears go and do the right thing. After a series of encounters with The Beldam, Coraline finally defeats her.
At first glance, Coraline seems like your usual good versus evil film. However, this movie has many layers to peel. There are a lot of symbols and allegories. When it comes to this movie, there are still a lot of things to discover and process.
Perhaps there is no better way to interpret the story of Coraline than by stop-motion animation. The visual is crisp. The quality is top-notch, considering the film was made by hand.
The production combined traditional stop-motion animation with modern 3D approaches. The result is a visual feast for the eyes of any film enthusiast.
While it can be considered a family movie, it also falls in the dark category. If you are a parent whose child wants to see this movie, it’s best if you supervise the movie viewing. However, there are a lot of lessons to learn from Coraline as well.
Watch the film A La Coraline
Some people watch movies for entertainment, education, and other purposes. Regardless of your intentions, if you are here for other movies like Coraline that would leave you on the edge of your seat, then check out the list below.
At first glance, you might think these movies don’t have anything in common with Coraline. However, if you look closer, there are more similarities than differences.
1. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
English 1h 16m IMDb
Director: Henry Selick
Stars: Danny Elfman(voice), Chris Sarandon(voice), Catherine O’Hara(voice)
Contrary to popular belief, Tim Burton did not direct this movie. Henry Selick directed the movie while Tim Burton wrote it. Both men were able to create this iconic movie back in the early 1990s.
Even if you have not seen this movie, you might be familiar with its main character – Jack Skelington.
Something is captivating and riveting about this movie. The characters are interesting and memorable.
And the creativity, albeit sometimes dark and twisted, of the people behind it shines through every frame shown and every song sung. If you love stop-motion animation, you can indulge in this movie’s content and technical aspects to your heart’s content.
2. The Addam’s Family (1991)
English 1h 39m IMDb
Director: Barry Sonnenfeld
Stars: Anjelica Huston, Raul Julia, Christopher Lloyd
The Addams Family has been represented in comics, sitcoms, and whatnot. However, one of the most memorable showcases of this eccentric and bizarre clan is through The Addam’s Family movie released in 1991.
One of the most remarkable parts of the movie is the casting. Everyone in the cast performed their roles fantastically.
There is a great balance between spooky and goofy in the movie. Despite the strangeness of the plot and its twist, you can still find humor, fun, and creativity.
Given it’s been over thirty years since the film was released, some of the effects might look outdated. But it won’t affect your enjoyment of the film.
3. Pan’s Labyrinth (2006)
Spanish (Spain) 1h 58m IMDb
Director: Guillermo del Toro
Stars: Ivana Baquero, Ariadna Gil, Sergi López
It comes as no surprise that Pan’s Labyrinth is one of the best films of 2016. Don’t let the subtitle stop you from watching this cinematic gem.
This movie, set in Franco-era Spain, is about a girl who moves to the countryside to live with her mother’s new husband, who discovers a labyrinth. It leads her to a fairy world where she meets a faun and many other interesting creatures.
You will love this if you like movies that convey sadness, love, creepiness, and strangeness. There is darkness and violence in this film. However, the movie will move you and leave you in awe.
The storytelling is wonderful and imaginative. And the visual imagery of the film is stunning. It’s a film that the viewer will remember for a long time!
4. Beetlejuice (1988)
English 1h 32m IMDb
Director: Tim Burton
Stars: Alec Baldwin, Geena Davis, Michael Keaton
The story of this movie centers on a dead couple who decide to do everything to scare away the new occupants of their old home.
The couple connects with the teenage daughter of the family, and they partner with Beetlejuice, a mischievous ghost with plans of his own.
There are so many reasons why people love Beetlejuice. It’s charming, funny, entertaining, and creepy. Michael Keeton played his Beetlejuice character to perfection! And the other members of the cast like Winona Ryder did as well.
Beetlejuice is another film that showcases Tim Burton’s creativity and artistry. It’s evident in the surrealism and fantasy of the scenes in the movie. If you are starting a Halloween movie tradition, count Beetlejuice in!
5. The Wizard Of Oz (1939)
English 1h 42m IMDb
Director: Victor Fleming, George Cukor(uncredited), Mervyn LeRoy(uncredited)
Stars: Judy Garland, Frank Morgan, Ray Bolger
A film like The Wizard of Oz will always be a classic. It’s one of those films that you should not miss out on, no matter how old you are.
Dorothy’s adventure in the movie is not without any trial or tribulation. On her way to find The Wizard of Oz, she meets some very interesting characters along the way.
If you want to feel the enchanting and enthralling elements of this film, you have to watch it as soon as you can.
Despite being over 80 years old, the movie remains vibrant and whimsical. And no one could play Dorothy as good as Judy Garland. She was born to become Dorothy!
6. ParaNorman (2012)
English 1h 32m IMDb
Director: Chris ButlerSam Fell
Stars: Kodi Smit-McPhee(voice), Anna Kendrick(voice), Christopher Mintz-Plasse(voice)
ParaNorman is another stop-animation film from the makers of Coraline. It’s the very first film in the world to make use of 3D Printing. The movie is about Norman, who can see the dead, and his quest to save his town from a century-old curse.
The visuals of ParaNorman are stunning. Apart from the great animation, the plot is interesting. The story is a mix of fun, darkness, spook, and a whole lot more.
And there are a lot of lessons you can draw from it, especially when it comes to sensitive topics like bullying. It’s something both adults and kids can enjoy.
7. Corpse Bride (2005)
English 1h 17m IMDb
Director: Tim Burton, Mike Johnson
Stars: Johnny Depp(voice), Helena Bonham Carter(voice), Emily Watson(voice)
Tim Burton and Mike Johnson teamed up to deliver Corpse Bride. This movie is about a young man engaged to be married.
But before any marriage with his betrothed could happen, he finds himself married to Emily. And she just happens to be a Corpse Bride.
Just like some of Burton’s other works, Corpse Bride is another stop-motion animation production. There was some CG technology involved here that added more value to the whole movie.
The story is charming albeit quite bizarre. It’s filled with colorful and captivating characters who are sweet, fun, and everything in between. And to add, the songs featured in the movie are wonderful too!
8. Labyrinth (1986)
English (United Kingdom) 1h 41m
Director: Jim Henson
Stars: David Bowie, Jennifer Connelly, Toby Froud
Sarah’s life becomes one big adventure when her wish for goblins to take her brother away comes true, courtesy of the Goblin King. Sarah now has to go rescue her brother from the Goblin King’s castle located in the center of a labyrinth.
David Bowie (Goblin King) and Jennifer Connelly (Sarah) were perfect for their roles. This classic movie has an entertaining story filled with fantastic characters. As a fantasy film, Labyrinth is fun! It’s also very entertaining!
Who wouldn’t want to see the great David Bowie sing with Wicked Muppets? Labyrinth is a movie that can capture anyone’s imagination and teach them some valuable life lessons along the way!
9. Where The Wild Things Are (2009)
English 1h 41m IMDb
Director: Spike Jonze
Stars: Max Records, Catherine O’Hara(voice), Forest Whitaker(voice)
Where The Wild Things Are is an adaptation of Maurice Sendak’s book. It talks about a troubled young boy who, after a series of outbursts, runs away to his imagination. In his new world, Max meets the Wild Beasts.
The book was short and simple, so it was interesting to see how Spike Jonze would translate this beloved piece of literature into the big screen. In a visual sense, Jonze was able to make an artistic and impressive film.
The monsters look and seem very realistic. However, they aren’t there to scare you off
The movie also looks into the child’s struggles in the world around him and how he uses his imagination to come to terms with himself.
10. The NeverEnding Story (1984)
English 1h 42m IMDb
Director: Wolfgang Petersen
Stars: Noah Hathaway， Barret OliverTami Stronach
Imagination plays a pivotal role in The NeverEnding Story. Bastian, the lead character, is mesmerized by a mysterious storybook that leads him to a fantasy world.
Given its classic status, the movie’s special effects might seem old-fashioned and cheesy. However, it does not take away from the movie’s great storytelling filled with fascinating and imaginative scenes.
It remains timeless and creative even without any CGI!
The NeverEnding Story should be high on your list if you love fantasy films! It’s something for all ages. And for those in the older generation, it brings a tinge of nostalgia from their childhoods!
11. Missing Link (2019)
English 1h 33m IMDb
Director: Chris Butler
Stars: Hugh Jackman(voice), David Walliams(voice), Stephen Fry(voice)
If you adored Coraline and ParaNorman, there is another stop-animation movie from the same production team that you should make room for!
Missing Link is about a Sasquatch who goes on an adventure to the Himalayas to meet his Yeti relatives.
This film might not have done as well as the other Laika-produced films at the box office, but it won the hearts of critics.
The animation and performances of the actors involved are superb! It’s no wonder it won the Golden Globe Award for Best Animated Feature Film!
While the plot might not be as deep and dark as its predecessors, the story is still smart and has a message to tell the audience.
12. Jack And The Cuckoo-Clock Heart (2013)
English 1h 34m IMDb
Director: Stéphane Berla, Mathias Malzieu
Stars: Mathias Malzieu(voice), Olivia Ruiz(voice), Grand Corps Malade(voice)
If you have not seen a French cartoon movie before, Jack and the Cuckoo-Clock Heart is a great introduction! The film centers on love. It’s full of metaphors and images that will leave you wondering and thinking.
Apart from the plot, the marvelous songs and gorgeous animation will draw you in. This movie, after all, is based on the album of a French rock band. It’s a far cry from the animated films that some people might usually be accustomed to.
It’s artistic with weird and entertaining elements. There might be some adult matters in the film that might not suit children. But they are told in subtle and mature manners.
13. James And The Giant Peach (1996)
English 1h 19m IMDb
Director: Henry Selick
Stars: Paul Terry, Joanna Lumley, Pete Postlethwaite
James and the Giant Peach is the film interpretation of a classic book by Roald Dahl. If you have read the book, you will know just how magical the story is. There were some minor changes in the plot, but the film version does not disappoint.
One of the most interesting features of this movie is the combination of stop-motion animation and live-action. The production was able to blend both techniques well, leaving you with a visually stunning animated film.
There is some darkness in the plot of James and the Giant Peach. However, it features some life lessons that adults and children can learn.
Movies To Watch After Coraline
There are so many compelling and beautiful movies out there. However, if you can’t think of anything to watch, go for something like the13 best movies like Coraline.
You can find most of them in various streaming platforms online or on DVDs.
