What is Coraline about?

Coraline is a stop-motion dark fantasy about a girl who moves into an old house and discovers a hidden door to a parallel world where an Other Mother and Other Father seem to offer a better life, though that world comes with a condition.

Who is in the cast of Coraline?

The voice cast includes Dakota Fanning as Coraline, Teri Hatcher as Mel Jones and the Other Mother, John Hodgman as Charlie Jones and the Other Father, Keith David as the Cat, Ian McShane as Mr. Bobinsky, Jennifer Saunders, Dawn French and Robert Bailey Jr.

When was Coraline released in the Philippines?

Coraline first premiered on February 5, 2009. A Philippine-specific release date has not been announced in the available data.

How long is Coraline and is it suitable for kids?

Coraline runs about 100 minutes. It is a family animated film but also carries a horror label, so its eerie imagery may be best for older kids or for watching together with parents.

Coraline (2009): Plot, Cast & Where to Watch in PH

Coraline plot: what the story is about (no spoilers)

Coraline Jones has just moved with her parents into a creaky old house split into apartments. Her mom and dad are buried in work, the neighbours are eccentric, and the new town feels painfully dull to a curious girl with nothing to do. Exploring the house, she finds a small, sealed-up door hidden behind the wallpaper.

One night the door opens onto a parallel world that looks almost exactly like her own home, only better. Here, an attentive Other Mother cooks her favourite meals, an Other Father plays songs about her, and even the odd neighbours put on dazzling shows. Everyone in this place has buttons where their eyes should be, and a sharp-tongued talking cat seems to know more than it lets on.

The longer Coraline visits, the more tempting it becomes to stay. But this dream version of family life comes with a condition, and she starts to wonder what the Other Mother really wants from her. The film’s tagline sums up the mood: Be careful what you wish for.

Coraline — Mood illustration, not a still from the film — Mood illustration, not a still from the film

Coraline review guide: what makes it notable

Stop-motion craft from LAIKA: Coraline was produced by LAIKA with Pandemonium and is built almost entirely with handmade stop-motion animation, giving its two worlds a tactile, uncanny look.
Henry Selick at the helm: Selick both directed and wrote the screenplay, adapting the story from a book into a dark fantasy that blends family adventure with genuine chills.
A strong voice cast: Dakota Fanning voices Coraline, Teri Hatcher plays both her real mother and the Other Mother, and John Hodgman voices her father. Jennifer Saunders and Dawn French play the theatrical neighbours Miss Spink and Miss Forcible, Ian McShane is the eccentric Mr. Bobinsky, Keith David voices the Cat, and Robert Bailey Jr. plays Wybie Lovat.
Horror for younger viewers: Listed under Animation, Family, Fantasy and Horror, it explores themes like reality versus fantasy, loneliness in a new home, and friendship, with imagery that can unsettle kids and adults alike.
Stay for the credits: There are extra moments both during and after the credits.

For a quick verdict, check the Drama4U Score shown on this page.

Who will enjoy Coraline

Families with older kids who like spooky stories that are not too gory
Fans of stop-motion and handcrafted animation
Viewers looking for a Halloween movie night pick for the whole barkada or family
Anyone who enjoys dark fairy tales about secret doors and parallel worlds
Fans of Dakota Fanning, Teri Hatcher or Ian McShane’s voice work

Coraline release date and where to watch in the Philippines

Coraline first premiered on February 5, 2009, and runs about 100 minutes. It is an American production in English. A Philippine-specific release date has not been announced in the available data.

As for streaming, Philippine platforms are not yet listed in TMDB/JustWatch data as of October 24, 2026. Check local streaming and digital rental services for current availability. An official trailer is available if you want a preview of the film’s atmosphere before watching.

Trailer

Cast

Dakota Fanningas Coraline Jones (voice)
Teri Hatcheras Mel Jones / Other Mother (voice)
Jennifer Saundersas Miss April Spink / Other Spink (voice)
Dawn Frenchas Miss Miriam Forcible / Other Forcible (voice)
Keith Davidas The Cat (voice)
John Hodgmanas Charlie Jones / Other Father (voice)
Robert Bailey Jr.as Wyborne 'Wybie' Lovat (voice)
Ian McShaneas Mr. Sergei Alexander Bobinsky / Other Bobinsky (voice)

Photo: TMDB

FAQ

What is Coraline about?: Coraline is a stop-motion dark fantasy about a girl who moves into an old house and discovers a hidden door to a parallel world where an Other Mother and Other Father seem to offer a better life, though that world comes with a condition.
Who is in the cast of Coraline?: The voice cast includes Dakota Fanning as Coraline, Teri Hatcher as Mel Jones and the Other Mother, John Hodgman as Charlie Jones and the Other Father, Keith David as the Cat, Ian McShane as Mr. Bobinsky, Jennifer Saunders, Dawn French and Robert Bailey Jr.
When was Coraline released in the Philippines?: Coraline first premiered on February 5, 2009. A Philippine-specific release date has not been announced in the available data.
Where can I watch Coraline in the Philippines?: Streaming platforms for the Philippines are not yet listed in TMDB/JustWatch data as of October 24, 2026. Check local streaming and rental services for current availability.
How long is Coraline and is it suitable for kids?: Coraline runs about 100 minutes. It is a family animated film but also carries a horror label, so its eerie imagery may be best for older kids or for watching together with parents.

Sources

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