Halloween movie marathons are now in full swing, and there's now one more family-friendly movie to add to the viewing list. Kid-friendly titles like The Nightmare Before Christmas, Hocus Pocus, Haunted Mansion, and Halloweentown remain some of the most beloved titles to watch this time of the year that the entire family can enjoy. Many of those films are easy to find on streaming platforms, and kids gearing up for trick-or-treating just got an early treat after one of the best spooky children's movies landed on a free streaming service.
Henry Selick's 2009 stop-motion animated dark fantasy horror film Coraline started streaming on Tubi on September 1st. The cult classic movie is based on Neil Gaiman's 2002 novella of the same name and centers around the feisty and adventurous titular character, voiced by Dakota Fanning, after she discovers a secret door in her new home that leads to a parallel world, dubbed The Other World. Although The Other World initially seems better than her own, Coraline soon discovers that its sinister secrets threaten to trap her there forever. The voice cast also features Teri Hatcher, Ian McShane, Jennifer Saunders, and Dawn French. Produced by Henry Selick, Claire Jennings, Bill Mechanic, and Mary Sandell.
Coraline is a kid's movie, but it's truly a captivating watch for all ages. Helmed by Selick, who also directed other stop-motion movies like The Nightmare Before Christmas and James and the Giant Peach, the movie is a stop-motion masterpiece that blends whimsy and horror to create a visually stunning film from beginning to end. Coraline also serves as the perfect gateway to horror for children, relying on the eerie atmosphere and the visual contrast of The Other World and the real world rather than jump scares to create a sense of fear. It balances those horror elements with a relatable protagonist in the curious Coraline and an easy-to-follow storyline.
More than a decade after its theatrical release, Coraline remains a cult favorite that is well-loved for its creepy storyline, stunning visuals, and stellar voice cast. More than just a box office success after it grossed $126 million following its initial release, Coraline is also a critical darling that is "Certified Fresh" on Rotten Tomatoes with a 91% critics' score and 74% audience score. The film took home numerous awards, including Annie Awards for Best Music, Best Character Design, and Best Production Design. It was also nominated for Best Animated Feature at the Academy Awards and the Golden Globes.
Are you excited to see Coraline on a free streaming platform? Will you be streaming it for free on Tubi? Let us know in the comments!