Coraline

Coraline

Year: 2009

Runtime: 100 min

Language: English

Director: Henry Selick

Budget: $60M

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.

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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Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Movies with sinister alternate worlds like Coraline

Stories where a tempting parallel reality hides a dark, sinister secret.If you enjoyed the eerie Other World in Coraline, you'll like these movies about tempting parallel realities. Discover films with doppelgängers, mirror dimensions, and dreamworlds that start as fantasies but reveal a dark, dangerous underside. These stories explore the peril of getting what you wish for.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative follows a character, often feeling discontent, who gains access to an idealized version of their reality. This world offers solutions to their problems but operates by disturbing, hidden rules. As the illusion cracks, the protagonist uncovers the true predatory nature of this realm and must engage in a high-stakes battle to return to and save their original life.

Why These Movies?

Movies in this thread share a core narrative structure of a deceptive utopia, a central antagonist masquerading as a benign force (like the Other Mother), and themes of temptation versus the imperfect beauty of reality. They blend wonder with psychological horror, creating a unique feeling of unease within a fantastical framework.

Adventures with brave children like Coraline

Young protagonists use their wits and bravery to confront dark, magical threats.Looking for more movies about courageous kids facing supernatural dangers like Coraline? This list features young heroes on perilous quests where they must outsmart dark forces. These films balance family-friendly adventure with genuine stakes and a touch of darkness, perfect for fans of smart, resilient child protagonists.

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Narrative Summary

The journey begins with a child protagonist in a new or unsettling situation who feels isolated. They discover a hidden magical or monstrous threat that adults are unaware of or dismiss. The child must then embark on a solo or small-group quest, using their unique perspective and bravery to face the evil, often saving their family in the process and gaining maturity.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped by their focus on a child's point-of-view in a dangerous fantastical situation. They share a specific tone that is dark yet age-appropriate, a medium emotional weight balanced by a triumphant ending, and a theme of a child's resourcefulness being their greatest weapon against evil.

Unlock the Full Story of Coraline

Don't stop at just watching — explore Coraline in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Coraline is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

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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