100+ Movies like Coraline
The House
Both "The House" and "Coraline" involve a young girl protagonist who discovers a mysterious, alternate world within their home that initially seems idyllic but turns out to be sinister and dangerous. In the "The House", Mabel and her sister find their house transforming into a maze controlled by the architect Van Schoonbeek, who ultimately turns their parents into furniture. In Coraline, the titular character finds a small door in her new home that leads to the "Other World" ruled by the demonic "Other Mother" who tries to trap Coraline there forever. The alternate worlds in both movies are initially presented as wondrous and appealing, luring the protagonists with luxuries and attention they lack in the real world. However, they soon reveal their dark, twisted nature and the sinister intentions of their creators. The protagonists must navigate these surreal, ever-changing realms and use their wits to escape back to reality. Both movies also feature anthropomorphic characters, with the "The House"'s world populated by rats and the "Coraline" featuring a talking cat. Additionally, both movies involve the protagonists' parents being trapped or transformed in the alternate world, adding urgency to their quest to escape and save their families.
MirrorMask
Both MirrorMask and Coraline involve young female protagonists who enter a fantastical parallel world that initially seems wondrous but turns out to be sinister and controlled by a dark, maternal figure. In the other world, the protagonists encounter strange characters and creatures that parallel people from their real lives. They must navigate this dreamlike realm, solve puzzles, and ultimately defeat the evil force controlling it to return home. The parallel worlds are reflections of the protagonists' inner struggles and desires. Escaping requires courage, perseverance, and seeing through the illusions to the truth. Both films blend surreal fantasy with coming-of-age themes of self-discovery and appreciating one's real life and family.
Foster's Movie: Destination Imagination
Both "Foster's Movie: Destination Imagination" and "Coraline" involve a young protagonist who discovers a fantastical alternate world hidden within an ordinary object - a toy box in Foster's Movie and a small door in Coraline. They are lured into these worlds by an entity that initially seems benevolent but is later revealed to have sinister intentions of trapping them there forever. The alternate worlds are initially presented as wondrous and appealing, but the protagonists soon realize the dark truth behind them. They must then escape these worlds with the help of their friends/allies while confronting the malevolent force controlling the alternate reality. The movies explore themes of escapism, the dangers of being seduced by false promises, and the importance of appreciating one's real life and loved ones. The protagonists ultimately return to their normal lives with a newfound appreciation for reality.
The Willoughbys
Both "The Willoughbys" and "Coraline" involve children who discover a parallel, fantastical world that initially seems appealing but turns out to be sinister and dangerous. In The Willoughbys, the children stumble upon a candy factory run by Commander Melanoff, while in Coraline, the titular character finds a door leading to the "Other World" inhabited by her button-eyed doppelgängers. The children are lured by the promise of love, attention, and fulfillment they lack in their real lives, but soon realize the dark intentions behind these alternate realms. The central conflict revolves around the children's struggle to escape these sinister worlds and their malevolent rulers - the Beldam in Coraline and the neglectful Willoughby parents in the other film. Both movies feature a cat character who serves as a guide and protector, warning the children of the dangers they face. Ultimately, the children triumph over the villains, finding true happiness and family in the real world through the care of loving guardians like Linda and Melanoff in The Willoughbys, and Coraline's parents after their ordeal.
The Hole
Both "The Hole" and "Coraline" involve young protagonists who discover a mysterious portal to a parallel, sinister world that preys on their fears and desires. In "The Hole", Dane, Lucas, and Julie find a trapdoor leading to a bottomless hole that manifests their deepest fears, while in "Coraline", the titular character discovers a small door that leads to an alternate reality created by the sinister "Other Mother". The parallel worlds in both films initially appear inviting but soon reveal their dark and dangerous nature, trapping the protagonists and forcing them to confront their fears to escape. The films explore themes of childhood fears, the power of imagination, and the importance of family bonds. The protagonists must navigate these twisted realms, solve puzzles, and ultimately defeat the malevolent forces controlling them to return to the real world.
The House with a Clock in Its Walls
Both "The House with a Clock in Its Walls" and "Coraline" involve a young child moving to a new home and discovering a hidden, magical parallel world within the house. In the new world, they encounter supernatural beings who initially seem friendly but are revealed to have sinister motives. The children are lured into the parallel world through deception, and must use their wits and courage to escape and defeat the evil forces controlling it. Key plot points include the child protagonist being misled into performing a forbidden act that unleashes dark magic, confronting the villains' true monstrous forms, and ultimately triumphing through their own inner strength. The movies explore themes of facing fears, the power of imagination, and the importance of family bonds. Both feature imaginative visuals and blend fantasy with coming-of-age narratives.
Anastasia: Once Upon a Time
Both "Anastasia: Once Upon a Time" and "Coraline" involve a young girl who discovers a portal to a parallel, fantastical world where she encounters an impostor mother figure who tries to trap her there. The girls must navigate these strange realms, aided by allies, to escape the sinister forces and return to the real world. Key similarities include: - A young female protagonist who feels isolated or neglected in the real world - Discovery of a portal to an alternate reality that initially seems idyllic - An evil maternal figure who tries to lure and imprison the girl in the other world - Allies who help the protagonist navigate the other world and escape the villain's clutches - Themes of courage, friendship, and the importance of family in overcoming adversity - The protagonist's journey of self-discovery and growth through facing challenges The core narrative arcs of the two movies run parallel, with the young heroines embarking on fantastical adventures in sinister realms, aided by friends, to defeat a malicious maternal figure and return home with a newfound appreciation for their real families.
The House of Magic
Both "The House of Magic" and "Coraline" involve a young protagonist who discovers a magical alternate world within an old house they have recently moved into. In the alternate world, they encounter fantastical beings and characters who initially seem friendly and welcoming, but ultimately have sinister intentions. The protagonists must navigate the dangers of this other realm while trying to escape back to the real world and protect their loved ones. Key themes include the importance of family, the dangers of being lured by false promises, and the power of courage and determination in the face of adversity. The stories parallel each other in their overall narrative arcs of discovery, peril, and eventual triumph over the dark forces threatening the protagonists and their families.
The Nutcracker and the Four Realms
Both "The Nutcracker and the Four Realms" and "Coraline" involve a young female protagonist who discovers a parallel fantasy world that initially seems wondrous but turns out to be sinister and controlled by an evil force. In each story, the protagonist must navigate this alternate realm, solve puzzles, and ultimately defeat the villain to restore order and return home. Key similarities include: - A young girl enters a magical world through a small door/portal - This world seems delightful at first but has a dark underbelly - An evil ruler/force (the Other Mother/Sugar Plum Fairy) tries to trap the girl in this world - The protagonist must complete tasks and retrieve key items to escape - She receives help from allies like a male companion and anthropomorphic creatures - In the climax, the protagonist defeats the villain by turning their own power against them - The girl returns home with a newfound appreciation for her real life Both films blend fantasy elements with coming-of-age themes about a child's journey to understand the complexities of the world and find their inner strength. The parallel worlds serve as metaphors for the challenges of growing up.
Alice in Wonderland
Both Alice in Wonderland and Coraline involve young female protagonists who discover and enter a fantastical parallel world that initially seems wondrous but turns out to be sinister and ruled by an evil force (the Red Queen and the Other Mother, respectively). In these alternate realities, the protagonists encounter strange creatures and characters who are twisted versions of people from the real world. The heroines must navigate these bizarre worlds, solve puzzles, and ultimately defeat the villainous ruler to escape back to reality. Key plot points include being lured into the fantasy world, realizing its dark nature, finding allies to aid in the struggle, and a climactic battle against the main antagonist. The stories explore themes of curiosity, growing up, facing fears, and the power of imagination and inner strength.
Cat Soup
Both Cat Soup and Coraline involve young protagonists embarking on surreal, dreamlike adventures in alternate worlds filled with bizarre characters and events. The protagonists, Nyata and Coraline, must navigate these strange realms and overcome challenges to return to their normal lives. In both films, the alternate worlds initially seem inviting but soon reveal their sinister and dangerous nature, with malevolent forces (Jizō and the Beldam) seeking to trap the protagonists. The films explore themes of childhood innocence confronting dark, unsettling forces, and the protagonists' journeys represent a coming-of-age and gaining independence from parental figures. The surreal, nightmarish imagery and absurdist storytelling create an atmosphere of unease and unpredictability throughout both films.
Garfield Gets Real
Both "Garfield Gets Real" and "Coraline" involve a protagonist who discovers a parallel, fantastical world that exists alongside the real world. In Garfield Gets Real, Garfield and Odie accidentally enter the "Real World" from their cartoon universe, while in Coraline, the titular character finds a doorway to the "Other World" inhabited by button-eyed doppelgangers of her family and neighbors. The protagonists must navigate these new worlds and ultimately find a way back to their original reality. The parallel worlds in both films are initially presented as appealing and whimsical, but they soon reveal sinister undertones and dangers. In Garfield, the duo faces villains like Hale and Hardy who want to replace them, while in Coraline, the "Other Mother" tries to trap Coraline by sewing buttons over her eyes. The protagonists must use their wits and the help of allies to escape these threats and return home. Both movies also feature supporting characters from the real world who aid the protagonists, such as Jon Arbuckle and Wally in Garfield, and the eccentric neighbors in Coraline. Additionally, both films incorporate elements of humor and fantasy alongside the darker, more suspenseful aspects of the parallel world storylines.
The Cat in the Hat
Both "The Cat in the Hat" and "Coraline" involve a young child or children entering a fantastical alternate world filled with strange and whimsical characters and events. In The Cat in the Hat, Conrad and Sally meet the mischievous Cat who takes them on a chaotic adventure through their transformed house. In Coraline, the titular character discovers a parallel universe behind a small door where her "Other Mother" tries to lure her to stay forever. The alternate worlds in both films are initially presented as fun and exciting, but soon reveal darker and more sinister undertones that the child protagonists must overcome. The children face challenges and obstacles within these magical realms, learning important lessons about the value of their real lives and families. Ultimately, they are able to escape the alternate worlds and return home with a newfound appreciation for reality.
Halloweentown II: Kalabar's Revenge
Both "Halloweentown II: Kalabar's Revenge" and "Coraline" involve a young female protagonist who discovers a parallel, magical world that initially seems wondrous but turns out to be sinister and controlled by an evil force. In Halloweentown II, Marnie discovers the magical world of Halloweentown and must stop the warlock Kalabar from enacting his revenge. In Coraline, the titular character finds a parallel world created by the sinister Other Mother who tries to trap her there. The protagonists in both films must navigate these alternate realities, solve mysteries, and ultimately defeat the antagonistic forces controlling them. They receive help from allies, including family members and magical creatures. The parallel worlds are initially alluring but gradually reveal their dark natures as the protagonists uncover the villains' true motives. Ultimately, the heroines use their wits and courage to escape the parallel worlds and defeat the villains, restoring order. Both movies explore themes of curiosity, family bonds, and the dangers of being seduced by false promises or appearances. The stories follow similar narrative arcs of discovery, peril, and eventual triumph over evil through perseverance and ingenuity.
Howl's Moving Castle
Both "Howl's Moving Castle" and "Coraline" involve a young female protagonist who enters a fantastical parallel world that initially seems wondrous but turns out to be sinister and dangerous. In each case, the protagonist must navigate this other world, solve challenges, and ultimately escape back to the real world with the help of allies. The parallel worlds are ruled by powerful, deceptive female antagonists who try to trap the protagonists there. Themes of growing up, family, and the contrast between superficial charm and underlying darkness are central to both stories. The protagonists' journeys involve self-discovery and learning to appreciate their real lives. The movies blend elements of fantasy and horror in their depictions of the alternate realities.
Alice Through the Looking Glass
Both Alice Through the Looking Glass and Coraline involve young female protagonists who discover and travel to a parallel, fantastical world that initially seems wondrous but turns out to be sinister and dangerous. In both films, the alternate world is ruled by a powerful, deceptive female antagonist (the Red Queen and the Beldam/Other Mother) who tries to trap the protagonist there. The protagonists must navigate the strange rules and inhabitants of these worlds, solve mysteries, and ultimately escape back to reality. Key themes include the contrast between the superficial allure and dark truth of the alternate worlds, the importance of family and staying true to oneself, and the struggle against powerful, manipulative forces. The stories follow similar narrative arcs of initial wonder, growing unease, direct confrontation with the antagonist, and a climactic escape back to the real world.
Barbie and the Secret Door
Both "Barbie and the Secret Door" and "Coraline" involve a young female protagonist who discovers a secret, magical world beyond a mysterious door. In the new world, they encounter fantastical creatures and an antagonistic force that seeks to control or exploit the magic. The protagonists must learn to harness their own inner power and magic to defeat the villain and restore balance. They go on a journey of self-discovery, gaining confidence and embracing their true selves by the end. The movies explore themes of courage, self-belief, and the power within each person to shape their own destiny. The parallel structure sees the protagonists enter a strange realm, face challenges, and ultimately triumph through their own strength and determination.
The Nutcracker: The Untold Story
Both "The Nutcracker: The Untold Story" and "Coraline" involve a young protagonist entering a fantastical parallel world that initially seems wondrous but turns out to be sinister and ruled by an evil force. In The Nutcracker, Mary enters a world where the Nutcracker Prince is real and must defeat the oppressive Rat King and Queen. In Coraline, the titular character discovers an "Other World" created by the sinister Beldam who tries to trap her there. The protagonists receive guidance from anthropomorphic characters (the Nutcracker's friends, the cat in Coraline) and must complete quests to escape the parallel world and defeat the villain. Both movies explore themes of belief, courage, and the power of love/friendship to overcome darkness. The parallel worlds are visually striking and imaginative, contrasting with the mundane real worlds the protagonists return to, though their experiences bring new appreciation for their families.
Get a Horse!
Both "Get a Horse!" and "Coraline" involve the protagonist entering a parallel, fantastical world that initially seems appealing but turns out to be sinister and controlled by an antagonistic force. In Get a Horse!, Mickey Mouse enters a 3D world through a movie screen, while in Coraline, the titular character discovers a door leading to the "Other World." The antagonists, Peg-Leg Pete and the Beldam (Other Mother), lure the protagonists into their respective worlds with promises of attention and fulfillment, only to reveal their true malicious intentions of trapping them there. The protagonists must then navigate these strange worlds, overcome challenges and obstacles set by the antagonists, and ultimately find a way to escape back to the real world. Both movies feature supporting characters who aid the protagonists, such as Horace Horsecollar in Get a Horse! and the cat in Coraline. The climactic battles involve the protagonists confronting the antagonists directly and using clever tactics to defeat them and return to their normal lives, though with a newfound appreciation for their reality.
Eleanor's Secret
Both "Eleanor's Secret" and "Coraline" involve a young child protagonist who discovers a magical alternate world hidden within their new home. In the alternate world, the child encounters fantastical characters and beings from classic stories and fairy tales that have come to life. The child is tasked with a quest or challenge to save these characters and their world from an evil force, often personified as a wicked witch or sinister maternal figure. Along the way, the child must overcome obstacles, face their fears, and prove their worth as the guardian or savior of this magical realm. Ultimately, the child emerges victorious, having gained newfound confidence, maturity, and appreciation for the power of imagination and storytelling. The movies parallel each other in their exploration of themes like childhood innocence, the blurring of fantasy and reality, and the transformative power of literature and fairy tales.