ParaNorman (2012)
Kernel Score: 78% · 2,726 ratings · Rated PG
Genres: Family, Animation, Adventure, Comedy
Released: 2012-08-03
Runtime: 93 minutes
Is ParaNorman worth watching?
Worth watching. A handmade stop-motion ghost story about a boy who sees the dead, with real heart and a smart message about fear and bullying. It's darker than most kids' films, which is part of its charm.
Watch it if you
- like spooky, offbeat animation
- want a family film with something to say
- enjoy stop-motion craft
Skip it if you
- have very young or easily scared kids
- want a straightforward comedy
Best for: Halloween family night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch ParaNorman
- Stream: Hulu, Peacock, HBO Max
- Free with ads: The Roku Channel
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Fandango At Home
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
In the town of Blithe Hollow, Norman Babcock can speak to the dead, but no one other than his eccentric new friend believes his ability is real. One day, Norman's eccentric uncle tells him of a ritual he must perform to protect the town from a curse cast by a witch centuries ago.
ParaNorman parents' guide: ages 8+
Parents need to know that ParaNorman is a stop-motion animated film with zombies, a witch curse, and surprisingly dark themes for a kids' movie.
- Violence & scariness: Moderate — Rated PG, reviews note it is 'surprisingly dark' with zombie and ghost imagery that pushes boundaries for a kids' film.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like ParaNorman
If you liked ParaNorman, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- The Book of Life (2014) — 86%: Visually inventive animated tale about the dead and the living.
- Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009) — 87%: Handmade stop-motion with offbeat humour.
- Klaus (2019) — 92%: Handcrafted animated tale with a surprisingly emotional heart.
- Rise of the Guardians (2012) — 84%: A family adventure in which unusual heroes protect children.
- The In Between (2022) — 83%: Gentle, emotional film about loss and the afterlife.
- Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (2022) — 89%: A fairy-tale adventure with real emotional stakes and style.
Director
Sam Fell
Cast
- Kodi Smit-McPhee as Norman Babcock (voice)
- Tucker Albrizzi as Neil Downe (voice)
- Anna Kendrick as Courtney Babcock (voice)
- Casey Affleck as Mitch Downe (voice)
- Christopher Mintz-Plasse as Alvin (voice)
- Leslie Mann as Sandra Babcock (voice)
- Jeff Garlin as Perry Babcock (voice)
- Elaine Stritch as Grandma Babcock (voice)
- Bernard Hill as Judge Hopkins (voice)
- Jodelle Ferland as Aggie Prenderghast (voice)
ParaNorman FAQ
Is ParaNorman worth watching?
Worth watching. A handmade stop-motion ghost story about a boy who sees the dead, with real heart and a smart message about fear and bullying. It's darker than most kids' films, which is part of its charm.
Where can I watch ParaNorman?
In the US you can stream ParaNorman on Hulu, Peacock and HBO Max, watch it free with ads on The Roku Channel and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV and Fandango At Home.
Is ParaNorman OK for kids?
ParaNorman is rated PG. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 8+. Parents need to know that ParaNorman is a stop-motion animated film with zombies, a witch curse, and surprisingly dark themes for a kids' movie.
What movies are like ParaNorman?
If you liked ParaNorman, try The Book of Life, Fantastic Mr. Fox, Klaus and Rise of the Guardians.