Coraline

Coraline

Year: 2009

Runtime: 100 min

Language: English

Director: Henry Selick

AdventureFantasyAnimationFamily

A young girl's boredom with her new home leads her to discover a hidden portal to an alternate world. This seemingly perfect parallel life appears initially inviting, with attentive "other" parents and endless treats. However, Coraline soon realizes that this idyllic realm hides a dark secret and a sinister agenda. To save her real family and escape, she must use her bravery and ingenuity to confront the Other Mother and unravel the mystery of this strange, captivating world.

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Coraline (2009) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at Coraline (2009) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.

In a creaking, Victorian‑style house perched on a quiet street, a young girl arrives with her parents, surrounded by eccentric neighbors who seem more like characters from a storybook than ordinary residents. A sealed brown door in the living‑room, hidden behind plaster, beckons with a whisper of the unknown, while the house itself hums with the curious charm of retired actresses, a mouse‑training old man, and the faint rustle of secrets waiting to be uncovered.

When curiosity finally wins, the door gives way to a winding passage that opens onto an uncanny mirror of her own home. Here, everything is polished to a glossy perfection: attentive “other” parents who always have a treat at hand, toys that move on their own, and a world that feels like a dream crafted just for her. The atmosphere balances bright, whimsical wonder with a subtle, lingering chill, hinting that this flawless parallel may conceal something far less benign than it appears.

​Coraline steps into this strange realm armed with the bravery and quick wit that have always set her apart. As she explores the alluring yet strangely off‑kilter landscape, she begins to sense that the perfect façade hides a darker purpose, and that she may need to rely on her ingenuity to protect her real family. The film blends the magic of a children’s fairy‑tale with the suspense of a gothic mystery, inviting viewers to share in the thrill of discovery while wondering what shadows linger behind the bright lights of an alternate world.

Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 08:59

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Coraline Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Coraline, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Coraline Summary

Coraline Timeline

Track the full timeline of Coraline with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Coraline Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Coraline

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Coraline

More About Coraline

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