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July 26, 2026Sources cited
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ParaNorman

ParaNorman is a 2012 stop-motion animated fantasy film directed by Sam Fell and Chris Butler.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

ParaNorman is a 2012 stop-motion animated fantasy film directed by Sam Fell and Chris Butler. It follows Norman Babcock, a boy who can speak with the dead, as he tries to stop a centuries-old curse from devastating his town. The film was produced by Laika and released by Focus Features.

Premise

ParaNorman follows a boy who can speak to the dead and is ridiculed by his community. When an ancient curse reawakens, he must use his ability to protect the town and uncover the truth behind its past. The town setting is Blithe Hollow, Massachusetts, which is threatened by a witch’s curse.

Cast and voice cast

Kodi Smit-McPhee voices the lead character Norman Babcock. The voice cast also includes Anna Kendrick, Casey Affleck, Leslie Mann, John Goodman, Jeff Garlin, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, and Bernard Hill.

Production

The film was produced by Laika using stop-motion animation. It is noted for being the first stop-motion feature to use a 3-D color printer for character faces. ParaNorman was Laika’s second theatrical animated film.

Reception and rating

ParaNorman was rated PG in the United States for scary action and images, language, some rude humor, and thematic elements. The film blends horror, comedy, fantasy, and coming-of-age themes.

Key facts

  • The film is a stop-motion animated feature and was Laika’s second theatrical animated film.
  • Its story centers on Norman Babcock, an 11-year-old boy who can communicate with ghosts.
  • The town setting is Blithe Hollow, Massachusetts, which is threatened by a witch’s curse.
  • The film blends horror, comedy, fantasy, and coming-of-age themes.
  • Kodi Smit-McPhee voices Norman Babcock.
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Canadian context

ParaNorman is relevant to Canadian audiences as a widely distributed English-language family fantasy film that circulated in Canadian cinemas and home entertainment markets, and it is often discussed in the context of animated films suitable for older children.

Frequently asked questions

What is ParaNorman about?
It is about Norman Babcock, a boy who can speak with ghosts, as he tries to stop a centuries-old witch’s curse from destroying his town.
Who is in the ParaNorman cast?
The voice cast includes Kodi Smit-McPhee, Anna Kendrick, Casey Affleck, Leslie Mann, John Goodman, Jeff Garlin, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, and Bernard Hill.
Who voices Norman in ParaNorman?
Norman Babcock is voiced by Kodi Smit-McPhee.
What is the ending of ParaNorman?
Norman learns the curse is tied to fear, misunderstanding, and the town’s past, and the conflict is resolved when the truth about the witch is revealed and the spirits are laid to rest.
What is ParaNorman’s age rating?
It is rated PG in the United States.
Is ParaNorman scary?
It contains spooky imagery, zombies, ghosts, and some frightening scenes, but it is generally presented as a family-friendly fantasy adventure rather than an intense horror film.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ParaNorman
    Supports: Basic plot, setting, release year, runtime, and production note about 3-D color printer use.
  2. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/paranorman
    Supports: PG rating, synopsis, runtime, and tone/genre.
  3. BlackFilm — https://www.blackfilm.com/read/paranorman/
    Supports: Release date, directors, cast list, genre, and PG rating.
  4. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1623288/plotsummary/
    Supports: Plot summary and story premise.
  5. Into Film — https://www.intofilm.org/films/reviews/869111
    Supports: Age-group guidance and description of the film as a spooky animated adventure.