Coraline
Coraline Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 15, 2026
Movie Overview: Coraline
| Movie | Coraline |
| Release Year | 2009 |
| Director | Henry Selick |
| Genre | Animation / Family / Fantasy |
| Runtime | 100 minutes (1h 40m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Coraline (2009) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a SUPER HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.9/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Animation.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in Coraline are led by Dakota Fanning . The supporting cast, including Teri Hatcher and Jennifer Saunders , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
Coraline stands out as a strong entry in the Animation genre. The film benefits from engaging storytelling, memorable performances, and solid production values that help keep viewers invested.
- Compelling performances from the main cast
- Strong visual storytelling and direction
- Well-structured Animation narrative
- Satisfying emotional or dramatic payoff
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, Coraline has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Animation fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: Coraline
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2009, Coraline is a Animation, Family, Fantasy film directed by Henry Selick, written by Henry Selick. The narrative combines stunning visual artistry with storytelling that appeals to all ages. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Dakota Fanning as Coraline Jones (voice).
What Is the Story of Coraline?
The title presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. Wandering her rambling old house in her boring new town, 11-year-old Coraline discovers a hidden door to a strangely idealized version of her life. In order to stay in the fantasy, she must make a frighteningly real sacrifice. The story unfolds naturally, allowing viewers to become invested in the outcome while maintaining engagement throughout.
How Is Coraline Structured?
- Opening Hook: Coraline establishes its world and central conflict efficiently, with Henry Selick introducing Dakota Fanning as Coraline Jones (voice) in the opening act, and over its 100-minute runtime, the pacing proves deliberate.
- Character Arc: The protagonist, portrayed by Dakota Fanning, undergoes a meaningful transformation, with their journey feeling earned and emotionally resonant. Supporting characters are well-developed, each serving a purpose in the narrative.
- Climax & Resolution: The climax brings the narrative threads together, with Dakota Fanning's arc reaching resolution. Henry Selick's handling of the finale delivers powerfully.
What Are the Themes of Coraline?
The film operates on multiple levels, using its genre framework to explore deeper themes about human nature, society, and the choices that define us.
What Works and What Doesn't in Coraline?
✅ Strengths
- Exceptional storytelling that balances entertainment with substance
- Strong performances, especially from Dakota Fanning, that bring depth to the characters
- Technical excellence in cinematography, editing, and sound design
⚠️ Weaknesses
- Minor pacing issues that do not significantly detract from the experience
- A few underdeveloped subplots
Ending Explained: Coraline
Coraline Ending Explained: Wandering her rambling old house in her boring new town, 11-year-old Coraline discovers a hidden door to a strangely idealized version of her life. Directed by Henry Selick, this 2009 animation film stars Dakota Fanning (Coraline Jones (voice)), alongside Teri Hatcher as Mel Jones / Other Mother (voice), Jennifer Saunders as Miss April Spink / Other Spink (voice), Dawn French as Miss Miriam Forcible / Other Forcible (voice). Rated 7.9/10 by audiences, the conclusion brings the story to a satisfying close.
What Happens at the End of Coraline?
Wandering her rambling old house in her boring new town, 11-year-old Coraline discovers a hidden door to a strangely idealized version of her life. In order to stay in the fantasy, she must make a frighteningly real sacrifice.
Henry Selick's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Dakota Fanning (Coraline Jones (voice))'s journey. In order to stay in the fantasy, she must make a frighteningly real sacrifice.
How Does Dakota Fanning (Coraline Jones (voice))'s Story End?
- Dakota Fanning: Dakota Fanning's arc reaches a definitive conclusion by the final act, with Henry Selick delivering a resolution that feels earned after the film's 1h 40m runtime.
- Teri Hatcher (Mel Jones / Other Mother (voice)): Teri Hatcher's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Jennifer Saunders (Miss April Spink / Other Spink (voice)): Jennifer Saunders's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of Coraline Mean?
The ending of Coraline ties together the narrative threads involving Dakota Fanning. Henry Selick chooses a conclusion that prioritizes thematic consistency over surprise, resulting in an ending that rewards viewers who engaged with the story's central themes. Based on 8,921 audience ratings, the consensus is that the ending is powerful and memorable.
Coraline Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is Coraline Based on a True Story?
No, Coraline is a work of fiction. While the animation, family, fantasy film directed by Henry Selick and starring Dakota Fanning may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch Coraline?
Age Advisory: Rated PG.
Highly Recommended For:
- Fans of Animation cinema looking for quality storytelling
- Viewers who appreciate well-executed genre storytelling
- Anyone seeking a well-crafted film that delivers on its promises
Box Office Collection: Coraline
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $60.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $185.9M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Coraline Budget
The estimated production budget for Coraline is $60.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Where to Watch Coraline Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Google Play Movies
YouTube🏷️ Buy on
Google Play MoviesYouTubeCoraline Parents Guide & Age Rating
2009 AdvisoryWondering about Coraline age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Coraline (2009) is 100 minutes (1h 40m). Directed by Henry Selick, the film runs for 100 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.9/10, and global performance metrics, Coraline is classified as a SUPER HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2009 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Coraline worth watching?
Coraline is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Animation movies. It has a verified rating of 7.9/10 and stands as a SUPER HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Coraline parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Coraline identifies it as PG. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of Coraline (2009)?
The runtime of Coraline (2009) is 100 minutes (approximately 1h 40m).
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
