25 Best Movies Like Coraline for a Whimsical Escape

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95%

82

7.9

Tim Burton's "The Nightmare Before Christmas" is a dark fantasy musical that introduces audiences to Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town. Filled with whimsy and macabre charm, the film resonates with Coraline's darkly enchanting atmosphere. Jack's quest to bring Christmas to his spooky realm parallels Coraline's ventures into alternate worlds, both films showcasing Burton's signature visual style. With memorable characters, haunting melodies, and a delightful blend of holiday themes, this stop-motion masterpiece continues to captivate audiences with its unique charm.

CAST

Chris Sarandon

Catherine O'Hara

William Hickey

Glenn Shadix

Paul Reubens

Ken Page

Edward Ivory

Kerry Katz

Carmen Twillie

Directed by Henry Selick

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51%

53

6.4

Tim Burton's take on Lewis Carroll's classic tale, "Alice in Wonderland," offers a surreal and visually stunning journey into the fantastical realm of Underland. Much like Coraline's exploration of an alternate reality, Alice's adventures are marked by eccentric characters and captivating landscapes. Helena Bonham Carter's portrayal of the Red Queen, with her whimsical tyranny, echoes the eccentricities found in Coraline's Other Mother. With its enchanting visuals and a blend of dark humor, "Alice in Wonderland" provides a fantastical escape reminiscent of Coraline's unique allure.

CAST

Mia Wasikowska

Johnny Depp

Anne Hathaway

Helena Bonham Carter

Crispin Glover

Matt Lucas

Alan Rickman

Stephen Fry

Michael Sheen

Timothy Spall

Directed by Tim Burton

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95%

98

8.2

Guillermo del Toro's "Pan's Labyrinth" is a dark fantasy masterpiece that intricately weaves reality and myth in post-Civil War Spain. This visually stunning film shares thematic elements with Coraline, exploring the blurred lines between fantasy and reality. Both films feature strong-willed young protagonists navigating mysterious worlds, encountering magical creatures, and facing moral choices. Del Toro's captivating storytelling, combined with mesmerizing visuals, evokes a sense of wonder and darkness, making "Pan's Labyrinth" a compelling choice for those enchanted by Coraline's hauntingly beautiful narrative.

CAST

Ivana Baquero

Maribel Verdú

Sergi López

Doug Jones

Ariadna Gil

Álex Angulo

Roger Casamajor

Manolo Solo

César Vea

Iván Massagué

Directed by Guillermo del Toro

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89%

74

7.9

Tim Burton's "Edward Scissorhands" is a darkly whimsical tale that introduces audiences to Edward, an artificial man with scissor blades for hands. Much like Coraline, the film weaves a poignant narrative amidst its quirky and gothic aesthetic. Directed by Tim Burton, the story explores themes of isolation, love, and societal acceptance, inviting viewers into a fantastical world where beauty and danger coexist. "Edward Scissorhands" enchants with its unique visuals, memorable characters, and a timeless fable that resonates with those who appreciate the intersection of fantasy and emotion.

CAST

Johnny Depp

Winona Ryder

Dianne Wiest

Alan Arkin

Anthony Michael Hall

Vincent Price

Kathy Baker

Robert Oliveri

Conchata Ferrell

Caroline Aaron

Directed by Tim Burton

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Barry Sonnenfeld's "The Addams Family" brings Charles Addams' iconic characters to life in a macabre yet comedic tale. The eccentric and spooky Addams family, much like Coraline, offers a delightful blend of dark humor and charm. Directed with a perfect balance of wit and eccentricity, the film invites audiences into the Addams mansion, where the peculiar and the supernatural become the norm. "The Addams Family" is a quirky, visually captivating comedy that celebrates the unconventional, making it a must-watch for those who relish the darker, comedic side of the fantastical.

CAST

Raúl Juliá

Anjelica Huston

Christopher Lloyd

Christina Ricci

Carel Struycken

Dan Hedaya

Jimmy Workman

Elizabeth Wilson

Dana Ivey

Judith Malina

Directed by Barry Sonnenfeld

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75%

50

7.3

Directed by Jim Henson, "Labyrinth" is a timeless fantasy adventure that parallels Coraline in its journey through a magical realm. Starring David Bowie and Jennifer Connelly, the film follows Sarah as she navigates a labyrinth to rescue her baby brother from the Goblin King. With puppetry, enchanting visuals, and a touch of whimsy, "Labyrinth" captivates audiences with a narrative that blurs the line between reality and fantasy. Much like Coraline's exploration of otherworldly dimensions, "Labyrinth" remains a classic that continues to enchant viewers with its charm and imaginative storytelling.

CAST

David Bowie

Jennifer Connelly

Shelley Thompson

Christopher Malcolm

Brian Henson

Dave Goelz

Ron Mueck

Karen Prell

David Alan Barclay

Directed by Jim Henson

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86%

70

7.5

Tim Burton's "Beetlejuice" is a darkly comedic and visually inventive journey into the afterlife. When a recently deceased couple finds their home occupied by the living, they enlist the help of the eccentric Beetlejuice. Mirroring Coraline's blend of dark humor and fantastical elements, Burton's film immerses viewers in a quirky afterlife, where the bizarre and the humorous collide. With its memorable characters and offbeat charm, "Beetlejuice" resonates with audiences seeking the perfect balance between the macabre and the whimsical.

CAST

Alec Baldwin

Geena Davis

Jeffrey Jones

Catherine O'Hara

Winona Ryder

Michael Keaton

Glenn Shadix

Sylvia Sidney

Patrice Martinez

Dick Cavett

Directed by Tim Burton

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84%

83

7.3

In Tim Burton's "Corpse Bride," a timid groom mistakenly weds a deceased bride, setting off a captivating tale that combines romance, music, and the supernatural. Much like Coraline's stop-motion charm, this animated gem employs Burton's signature style to create a visually stunning and emotionally resonant world. With its gothic aesthetics and a narrative exploring themes of love and identity, "Corpse Bride" shares common ground with Coraline in delivering a visually enchanting and emotionally layered cinematic experience.

CAST

Johnny Depp

Helena Bonham Carter

Emily Watson

Tracey Ullman

Paul Whitehouse

Joanna Lumley

Albert Finney

Richard E. Grant

Christopher Lee

Michael Gough

Directed by Tim Burton

2 degrees of seperation (similar to Corpse Bride)

from /22 Best Movies Like 'Corpse Bride'

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75%

58

8

Tim Burton's "Big Fish" is a fantastical exploration of storytelling and the blurred lines between reality and myth. The film follows Edward Bloom, a man with a penchant for weaving elaborate tales about his life's adventures. Similar to Coraline's heartfelt narrative, "Big Fish" captivates with its whimsical storytelling and magical realism. Burton's film explores the father-son relationship in a visually imaginative way, inviting audiences to embrace the enchanting power of larger-than-life tales while grounding them in deeply emotional themes.

CAST

Ewan McGregor

Albert Finney

Billy Crudup

Jessica Lange

Helena Bonham Carter

Alison Lohman

Robert Guillaume

Marion Cotillard

Steve Buscemi

Danny DeVito

Directed by Tim Burton

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77%

66

7.6

"Stardust" takes audiences on a magical adventure through a whimsical realm where stars come to life. Directed by Matthew Vaughn, the film follows Tristan as he ventures into the fantastical kingdom of Stormhold to retrieve a fallen star for his beloved. Much like Coraline, "Stardust" combines fantasy with a touch of romance, offering a visually stunning and emotionally resonant tale filled with enchanting characters and unexpected twists.

CAST

Claire Danes

Charlie Cox

Michelle Pfeiffer

Robert De Niro

Sienna Miller

Ricky Gervais

Jason Flemyng

Mark Strong

Ian McKellen

Peter O'Toole

Directed by Matthew Vaughn

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94%

78

6.8

Based on Roald Dahl's classic tale, "The Witches," directed by Nicolas Roeg, brings a darkly comedic and visually captivating story to the screen. The film follows a young boy who stumbles upon a convention of witches and uncovers their sinister plot. In a manner akin to Coraline's blend of whimsy and eerie charm, "The Witches" engages audiences with its imaginative storytelling and the wicked allure of its supernatural characters. This underrated gem offers a perfect blend of fantasy and suspense for those seeking a delightful yet spooky cinematic experience.

CAST

Jasen Fisher

Mai Zetterling

Anjelica Huston

Charlie Potter

Rowan Atkinson

Bill Paterson

Brenda Blethyn

Jane Horrocks

Nora Connolly

Rose English

Directed by Nicolas Roeg

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93%

76

7.5

In "The Secret of NIMH," director Don Bluth brings Robert C. O'Brien's novel to life with stunning animation and a captivating storyline. The film follows Mrs. Brisby, a mouse on a quest to save her family, delving into the mysterious world of the National Institute of Mental Health. Like Coraline's exploration of hidden worlds, "The Secret of NIMH" captivates with its dark and atmospheric tones, delivering a tale of courage and survival in the face of extraordinary challenges.

CAST

Derek Jacobi

Elizabeth Hartman

Arthur Malet

Dom DeLuise

Hermione Baddeley

Shannen Doherty

Wil Wheaton

Jodi Hicks

Ian Fried

John Carradine

Directed by Don Bluth

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93%

83

7.5

Directed by Martin Scorsese, "Hugo" is a cinematic marvel that unfolds in 1930s Paris, where an orphaned boy named Hugo Cabret discovers a mystery tied to his late father and a broken automaton. Echoing Coraline's sense of wonder, "Hugo" immerses audiences in a visually rich and enchanting world, blending historical reality with a touch of magic. With stunning visuals and a tale of resilience and discovery, the film captures the essence of cinematic artistry, making it a must-watch for those who appreciate the beauty of storytelling.

CAST

Asa Butterfield

Ben Kingsley

Chloë Grace Moretz

Sacha Baron Cohen

Ray Winstone

Emily Mortimer

Christopher Lee

Helen McCrory

Michael Stuhlbarg

Frances de la Tour

Directed by Martin Scorsese

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92%

7.2

7

Based on Roald Dahl's beloved novel, "Matilda," directed by Danny DeVito, introduces us to a precocious young girl with telekinetic powers navigating a challenging home life and school. Mirroring Coraline's exploration of a child's resilience, "Matilda" celebrates the triumph of imagination and intellect. Both films share a common thread of young protagonists discovering their inner strength in the face of adversity, creating heartwarming tales that resonate with audiences of all ages.

CAST

Mara Wilson

Danny DeVito

Rhea Perlman

Embeth Davidtz

Pam Ferris

Paul Reubens

Tracey Walter

Jean Speegle Howard

Brian Levinson

Sara Magdalin

Directed by Danny DeVito

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89%

72

7

Laika Studios' "ParaNorman" takes stop-motion animation to new heights with its tale of Norman, a young boy who can communicate with the supernatural. Similar to Coraline's blend of dark fantasy and humor, "ParaNorman" offers a spooky yet heartwarming story as Norman takes on ghosts, witches, and a town full of secrets. With its visually striking animation and a narrative that champions acceptance and understanding, the film aligns with Coraline's thematic depth, making it an underrated gem for fans of the eerie and the extraordinary.

CAST

Kodi Smit-McPhee

Tucker Albrizzi

Jodelle Ferland

Anna Kendrick

Casey Affleck

Leslie Mann

Jeff Garlin

Christopher Mintz-Plasse

John Goodman

Elaine Stritch

Directed by Sam Fell

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73%

71

6.7

Directed by Spike Jonze, "Where the Wild Things Are" is a poignant and visually striking adaptation of Maurice Sendak's beloved children's book. Max, a young boy with a vivid imagination, embarks on a journey to an island inhabited by towering, wild creatures. Much like Coraline's exploration of a fantastical realm, this film delves into the emotional landscape of childhood, blending whimsy with a poignant coming-of-age narrative. The film's seamless integration of live-action and puppetry, combined with its exploration of the complexities of human emotion, makes it a visually captivating and emotionally resonant experience.

CAST

Max Records

Catherine Keener

James Gandolfini

Lauren Ambrose

Catherine O'Hara

Forest Whitaker

Chris Cooper

Paul Dano

Pepita Emmerichs

Directed by Spike Jonze

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76%

66

7.6

In Alex Proyas' "Dark City," viewers are plunged into a mysterious and atmospheric world where reality is constantly shifting. The film follows John Murdoch as he wakes up with no memory in a city where night never seems to end. Similar to Coraline's dark and enigmatic atmosphere, "Dark City" explores themes of identity, memory, and the nature of reality. With its noir-inspired visuals and mind-bending narrative, this underrated gem provides a thought-provoking and visually immersive experience that challenges perceptions in a way reminiscent of Coraline's dark fantasy.

CAST

Rufus Sewell

William Hurt

Kiefer Sutherland

Jennifer Connelly

Richard O'Brien

Ian Richardson

Bruce Spence

Colin Friels

John Bluthal

Mitchell Butel

Directed by Alex Proyas

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75%

68

6.6

"Monster House," directed by Gil Kenan, is a thrilling animated adventure that brings a suburban neighborhood to life. A trio of friends discovers that the eerie house across the street is not just haunted—it's alive. Reminiscent of Coraline's blend of fantasy and spookiness, "Monster House" captures the spirit of childhood curiosity and bravery. The film's unique animation style and a story that balances scares with heartwarming moments make it an underrated gem in the realm of animated films, offering a delightful and spooky experience for audiences of all ages.

CAST

Mitchel Musso

Sam Lerner

Spencer Locke

Steve Buscemi

Maggie Gyllenhaal

Kevin James

Nick Cannon

Jon Heder

Jason Lee

Catherine O'Hara

Directed by Gil Kenan

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97%

84

7.7

Laika Studios' "Kubo and the Two Strings" is a stop-motion marvel that invites audiences into a world where origami magic and heartfelt storytelling converge. Directed by Travis Knight, the film follows Kubo, a young boy with a magical shamisen, on a quest to unravel family secrets and confront ancient adversaries. Reminiscent of Coraline's captivating stop-motion animation, "Kubo" boasts visually stunning landscapes and meticulous craftsmanship. Both films share a common thread of young protagonists navigating fantastical realms, weaving themes of bravery, family, and the extraordinary into an immersive tapestry that lingers in the hearts of viewers long after the credits roll.

CAST

Art Parkinson

Charlize Theron

Brenda Vaccaro

Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa

Meyrick Murphy

George Takei

Rooney Mara

Ralph Fiennes

Matthew McConaughey

Minae Noji

Directed by Travis Knight

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86%

76

7.4

In "A Monster Calls," director J.A. Bayona brings to life Patrick Ness's emotionally charged tale of a young boy named Conor grappling with the impending loss of his mother. Much like Coraline's exploration of complex emotions through a fantastical lens, this film weaves a poignant narrative that blurs the lines between reality and imagination. The visually striking and emotionally resonant journey encourages viewers to confront life's challenges with courage and creativity, making it a captivating companion to the spirit of Coraline.

CAST

Lewis MacDougall

Sigourney Weaver

Felicity Jones

Toby Kebbell

Ben Moor

James Melville

Oliver Steer

Dominic Boyle

Jennifer Lim

Max Gabbay

Directed by J. A. Bayona

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78%

6.8

Directed by Graham Annable and Anthony Stacchi, "The Boxtrolls" introduces audiences to the charming world of quirky, underground-dwelling creatures who adopt a human boy, Eggs. In a delightful blend of humor and heart, the film echoes Coraline's fascination with unconventional characters and visually inventive storytelling. Like Coraline's memorable stop-motion animation, "The Boxtrolls" captivates with its unique aesthetic, offering a whimsical and heartwarming tale about acceptance, family, and the power of being true to oneself.

CAST

Ben Kingsley

Isaac Hempstead-Wright

Elle Fanning

Dee Bradley Baker

Toni Collette

Jared Harris

Nick Frost

Richard Ayoade

Tracy Morgan

Simon Pegg

Directed by Anthony Stacchi

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99%

85

8

Tomm Moore's "Song of the Sea" is a visually stunning animated gem that draws inspiration from Irish folklore. This enchanting tale follows two siblings, Ben and Saoirse, as they embark on a magical journey to save mythical creatures and rediscover their own family's secrets. Mirroring Coraline's captivating blend of fantasy and emotional depth, "Song of the Sea" weaves a spellbinding narrative with its mesmerizing animation and heartfelt storytelling. It stands as an underrated masterpiece, resonating with those who appreciate the magical intersection of the ordinary and the extraordinary.

CAST

David Rawle

Lucy O'Connell

Brendan Gleeson

Fionnula Flanagan

Pat Shortt

Jon Kenny

Lisa Hannigan

Colm Ó'Snodaigh

Liam Hourican

Kevin Swierszcz

Directed by Tomm Moore

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83%

67

7.2

"The Book of Life" is a vibrant celebration of Mexican culture, blending dazzling animation with a heartfelt narrative. Directed by Jorge R. Gutierrez, the film follows Manolo, a spirited young man on a colorful journey through the Land of the Remembered and the Land of the Forgotten. Much like Coraline's exploration of parallel worlds, "The Book of Life" offers a visually enchanting experience, bringing to life intricate folklore and themes of love, family, and destiny. With its captivating characters and rich cultural tapestry, this animated gem stands as a testament to the power of storytelling.

CAST

Diego Luna

Channing Tatum

Zoe Saldaña

Christina Applegate

Eugenio Derbez

Cheech Marin

Gabriel Iglesias

Ron Perlman

Kate del Castillo

Ana de la Reguera

Directed by Jorge R. Gutierrez

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64

7.8

Tarsem Singh's "The Fall" is a cinematic feast for the senses, unfolding as an epic fantasy within the confines of a Los Angeles hospital. The film immerses audiences in a visually stunning narrative told by a bedridden stuntman to a mesmerized little girl. As with Coraline, "The Fall" captures the imagination with its visually rich landscapes and a storyline that blurs the boundaries between reality and fantasy. The film's surreal visuals, coupled with a poignant tale of love and escapism, make it a hidden gem that resonates with those who appreciate the artistry of storytelling.

CAST

Lee Pace

Catinca Untaru

Jeetu Verma

Marcus Wesley

Leo Bill

Julian Bleach

Justine Waddell

Kim Uylenbroek

Aiden Lithgow

Emil Hostina

Directed by Tarsem Singh

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90%

81

7.5

"The Secret of Kells" is a masterpiece of hand-drawn animation that transports viewers to the enchanting world of medieval Ireland. Directed by Tomm Moore and Nora Twomey, the film follows Brendan, a young monk, on a quest to complete a magical illuminated manuscript. Similar to Coraline's meticulous attention to detail, "The Secret of Kells" captivates with its intricate artistry and a narrative that seamlessly weaves together mythology and coming-of-age themes. This visually stunning exploration of creativity and courage is a hidden gem that shares Coraline's ability to transport audiences to fantastical realms.

CAST

Evan McGuire

Christen Mooney

Brendan Gleeson

Mick Lally

Liam Hourican

Paul Tylak

Michael McGrath

Alli McCann

Directed by Tomm Moore