ParaNorman

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ParaNorman

PG,

2012,

1h 36m,

Kids & Family/

Comedy/

Fantasy/

Adventure/

Animation

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Watchlist

Watchlist

89%

190 Reviews

Tomatometer

79%

50,000+ Ratings

Popcornmeter

89%

Tomatometer

190 Reviews

79%

Popcornmeter

50,000+ Ratings

Young Norman Babcock (Kodi Smit-McPhee) has the ability to speak with the dead -- and he often prefers their company to that of the living. Norman receives word from his strange Uncle Prenderghast (John Goodman) that a centuries-old witch's curse on their town is real and about to come true -- and that only Norman can stop it. When zombies rise from their graves, Norman must summon all his courage and compassion and push his paranormal abilities to the limit to save his fellow townspeople.

Critics Consensus

Beautifully animated and solidly scripted, ParaNorman will entertain (and frighten) older children while providing surprisingly thoughtful fare for their parents.

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Edward Porter

The Times (UK)

Oct 31, 2022

The movie has life in its veins and a good heart: the story becomes a delicate fairytale.

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Tara Brady

Irish Times

Sep 14, 2012

4/5

Anyone who's robust enough to enjoy Roald Dahl will surely appreciate ParaNorman's playfully PG undead action.

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Chris Blohm

Little White Lies

Sep 13, 2012

3/5

There's no meat on the bone of this skeleton. Witty and fast-paced, sure, but the film lacks substance.

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Ross Anthony

Hollywood Report Card

Nov 4, 2025

3/4

(Review is for 2025 remastered release in 3D via Fathom.) ParaNorman is exactly the Halloween film I wanted to see!

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Jason Best

Movie Talk

Aug 9, 2024

Successfully balancing knockabout comedy and spooky chills, this stop-motion-animation fantasy... is a treat for kids and horror buffs alike and contains a heartening message: don’t mistreat misfits.

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Patrick Cavanaugh

The Wolfman Cometh

Sep 22, 2023

4/5

Not only an effective gateway-horror for kids, it has genuine laughs and genuine frights, making for a spooky enough adventure for audiences of all ages.

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Rey R

Dec 3, 2018

Well-done in a classic style

Ron G

Nov 3, 2018

A stellar animated feature that's perfect for the whole family. Original storytelling and design, with shattered stereotypes and profound musing on femininity and oppression.

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Anakin S

Oct 21, 2018

It's more of a comedy that's making fun of horror movies, but I was still entertained by it.

Hermione L

Oct 8, 2018

This movie is outraging & fantastic total masterpiece relates to lots of people which makes people like it more nice quoting and heart-touching story, And probably Laika's best movie they have ever made.

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Albus S

Sep 3, 2018

Maybe a bit targeted towards kids (which makes sense) but it was pretty funny and fun!

Albus R

Mar 30, 2018

Great mystery thriller for kids. A bit too adult at times with language and plot, but overall a good family movie.

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Chris Butler

Director

Sam Fell

Director

Kodi Smit-McPhee

Norman

Tucker Albrizzi

Neil

Anna Kendrick

Courtney

Casey Affleck

Mitch

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Synopsis

Young Norman Babcock (Kodi Smit-McPhee) has the ability to speak with the dead -- and he often prefers their company to that of the living. Norman receives word from his strange Uncle Prenderghast (John Goodman) that a centuries-old witch's curse on their town is real and about to come true -- and that only Norman can stop it. When zombies rise from their graves, Norman must summon all his courage and compassion and push his paranormal abilities to the limit to save his fellow townspeople.

Director: Chris Butler, Sam Fell
Producer: Arianne Sutner, Travis Knight
Screenwriter: Chris Butler
Distributor: Focus Features
Production Co: Laika
Rating: PG (Scary Action|Language|Scary Images|Some Rude Humor|Thematic Elements)
Genre: Kids & Family, Comedy, Fantasy, Adventure, Animation
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Aug 17, 2012, Wide
Rerelease Date (Theaters): Oct 25, 2025
Release Date (Streaming): Oct 19, 2015
Runtime: 1h 36m
Sound Mix: DTS, Dolby Atmos, Dolby SR, Dolby Digital, Dolby SRD, SDDS
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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