Coraline – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Coraline

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2009

62%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Visually stunning stop-motion fantasy that's equal parts imaginative wonder and legitimate childhood nightmare fuel—button eyes haunt forever.

7.8/10

91%

7.9

→

Coraline

movie

PG, 2009

62%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Visually stunning stop-motion fantasy that's equal parts imaginative wonder and legitimate childhood nightmare fuel—button eyes haunt forever.

7.8

91%

7.9

Jump to

Also rated on

7.8/10

91%

7.9

View →

Where to Watch

Loading streaming options...

Where-to-watch data byJustWatch

Screenwise Verdict

Here's the thing about Coraline: it's a genuinely brilliant film. The stop-motion is breathtaking, the story is smart and layered, and it treats kids like intelligent humans who can handle complexity. It's also legitimately terrifying in ways that linger.

This isn't 'boo!' jump-scare stuff—it's psychological creepiness. Button eyes, body horror, a villain who weaponizes love and belonging to trap children. Parents regularly underestimate this one because 'animated = safe,' then deal with weeks of nightmares. Common Sense Media suggests 10+, and honestly, that's about right for most kids.

But for the right kid—brave, into spooky stories, ready for something more sophisticated than typical kids' fare—this is a masterpiece. It teaches real lessons about courage, seeing through manipulation, and appreciating imperfect families. Just... maybe watch it together first before you commit to bedtime viewing for your sensitive 7-year-old.

Age Fit

Best for brave 10-13 year olds who can handle genuine scares and dark themes. Younger kids (7-9) might manage it if they're into spooky stuff and have parental co-viewing, but expect questions and possibly nightmares. Under 7? Hard pass unless you want button-eye anxiety for months.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

While the film ultimately celebrates family, courage, and appreciating what you have, the journey is dark and emotionally intense. The 'Other Mother' is manipulative and emotionally abusive, using idealization then control. Themes of parental neglect (even if unintentional) and a child feeling unloved are heavy. The tone is deliberately unsettling rather than chaotic, but it's not emotionally 'safe' in a traditional wholesome sense—it's designed to be creepy.

Imaginative

Extraordinary stop-motion animation creates a visually stunning parallel world. The concept of a mirror universe that's 'too perfect' is brilliantly original. Henry Selick's direction (same as Nightmare Before Christmas) brings Neil Gaiman's story to life with incredible creativity—button eyes, transformed parents, magical gardens, circus mice. Invites kids to think about reality vs. fantasy, what makes something 'too good to be true,' and the power of imagination itself.

Safe

This is where Coraline loses major points. Genuinely scary and disturbing imagery: button eyes sewn onto faces, body horror transformations, the Other Mother's spider-like final form, ghost children with their eyes stolen, needles as weapons, characters being trapped and threatened with eye-sewing. The film earned its PG rating but pushes boundaries hard. Many kids under 10 have nightmares from this. It's not gratuitous, but it IS intense and unexpected for families thinking 'animated = kid-friendly.' Not suitable for sensitive or younger children without serious prep.

Enriching

Rich themes about courage, identity, and family. Coraline learns to be brave, to see her parents' love even when they're distracted, and that perfect isn't always better. The story rewards cleverness and problem-solving—she outsmarts the villain through wit, not violence. Based on Neil Gaiman's acclaimed novel, it treats kids intelligently and doesn't talk down. The craftsmanship of stop-motion itself is educational. However, the scares may overshadow the lessons for some kids.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Absolutely gorgeous stop-motion animation that's a masterclass in craft—kids interested in filmmaking will be mesmerized by the artistry
Celebrates bravery, cleverness, and learning to appreciate imperfect parents who actually love you (even when they're busy)
Treats kids intelligently with a complex story about identity, manipulation, and what 'home' really means
Based on Neil Gaiman's beloved novel—great gateway to more sophisticated storytelling for mature tweens
The kind of movie that sticks with you and rewards rewatching as kids get older and catch new layers

⚠

What to Watch For

Seriously scary stuff: button eyes sewn onto faces, spider-like transformations, ghost children, needles as threats—this causes real nightmares
Themes of parental emotional neglect (even if unintentional) and a child feeling unloved and abandoned
The Other Mother is genuinely creepy and manipulative in ways that can be disturbing—she's not a cartoon villain
Not all 'animated family movies' are created equal—this is PG for a reason and skews older/braver
Sensitive kids or those with anxiety about parents/safety should probably wait a few years

Conversation Starters

"What would your 'other world' look like if everything was exactly how you wanted it? What would be different about our family?"
"Why do you think the Other Mother wanted Coraline to sew buttons on her eyes? What was she really trying to do?"
"Coraline's real parents were busy and distracted—how did she figure out they still loved her? What are ways people show love even when they're stressed?"
"If something seems too perfect or too good to be true, what are some warning signs? How can you tell when someone's being nice vs. trying to trick you?"
"What was the bravest thing Coraline did? When have you had to be brave even when you were scared?"

Ask Anything

Get a personalized guide on any topic