Animated horror movies offer a unique blend of chilling suspense, eerie atmospheres, and mesmerizing visuals, making them an excellent choice for both horror enthusiasts and animation lovers. While horror is often associated with live-action films, animated horror can be just as terrifying—sometimes even more so due to the creative freedom animation allows.
A significant contributor to this genre is Laika Studios, famous for its stop-motion animation and supernatural storytelling. This list features four standout films from Laika and one from another top animation studio, giving you a mix of spine-tingling mysteries, dark fantasy, and unsettling horror.
Whether you love creepy stories, supernatural adventures, or unsettling mysteries, these must-watch animated horror films are guaranteed to leave a lasting impression.
1. Kubo and the Two Strings (2016)
Awards: Academy Award Nominee for Best Animated Feature, BAFTA Award for Best Animated Film
Storyline & Horror Elements
Kubo and the Two Strings is a visually breathtaking stop-motion masterpiece that blends dark fantasy, mystery, and horror elements.
The story follows Kubo, a young boy with a hidden past, who lives with his mother in a small village. However, he soon discovers that his family’s history is far more dangerous than he realized. The Moon King, an ancient and terrifying being, wants Kubo’s other eye, forcing him on a journey filled with haunting creatures, powerful spirits, and dark magic.
Why It’s a Must-Watch
Dark and Atmospheric: The film creates a world where every shadow holds a secret, and every legend is more than just a story.
Terrifying Villains: The Moon King and his ghoulish twin daughters—The Sisters—are some of the creepiest animated villains ever, with their haunting smiles and eerie floating movements.
Emotional Depth: At its core, Kubo isn’t just a horror story; it’s a tale of grief, courage, and the power of storytelling.
This film is a must-watch for those who love horror that’s deeply emotional yet filled with eerie suspense.
2. Coraline (2009)
Directed by: Henry Selick
Awards: Academy Award Nominee for Best Animated Feature, BAFTA Nominee for Best Film
Storyline & Horror Elements
Adapted from Neil Gaiman’s beloved yet deeply unsettling novel, Coraline tells the story of a curious young girl who stumbles upon a hidden door in her new home. The door leads to an alternate reality—a seemingly perfect world where her parents are more attentive, the food is delicious, and everything is just right.
But soon, the illusion crumbles, revealing a horrifying truth. The Other Mother, the ruler of this world, wants Coraline to stay forever—but at a terrifying cost.
Why It’s a Must-Watch
One of the Scariest Animated Horror Movies: The Other Mother, also known as the Beldam, is pure nightmare fuel. Her button eyes, twisted grin, and spider-like transformation are hauntingly memorable.
Incredible World-Building: The contrast between Coraline’s dreary real world and the dream-like Other World makes the horror feel even more unsettling.
Psychological Horror: More than just jump scares, Coraline is about temptation, manipulation, and the fear of being trapped forever.
For fans of gothic horror with a psychological twist, this is an absolute must-watch.
3. Monster House (2006)
Directed by: Gil Kenan
Awards: Academy Award Nominee for Best Animated Feature
Storyline & Horror Elements
Monster House takes the classic haunted house story and turns it into an animated horror mystery.
DJ, a curious teenager, has always been suspicious of the old, creepy house across the street. When his cranky neighbor disappears, DJ and his friends suspect something sinister is happening inside. But the truth is even worse than they imagined—the house itself is alive.
Why It’s a Must-Watch
Perfect Blend of Horror & Comedy: While it has terrifying moments, Monster House also delivers plenty of humor and adventure.
Haunted House With a Dark Secret: Unlike most haunted house stories, this film explores the tragedy behind the horror, making the mystery more emotional and engaging.
Suspenseful and Creepy Visuals: The animation does an amazing job at building tension—shadows move, objects come to life, and the house itself feels like a living, breathing monster.
If you love classic haunted house stories with a fresh twist, this film is perfect for you.
4. ParaNorman (2012)
Directed by: Sam Fell & Chris Butler
Awards: Academy Award Nominee for Best Animated Feature
Storyline & Horror Elements
Norman isn’t your typical kid—he sees and talks to ghosts. While everyone else in town sees him as a weird loner, Norman soon realizes that his gift is the only thing that can save his town from an ancient curse.
As the dead rise and supernatural forces take over, Norman must uncover a long-forgotten mystery and confront the town’s dark past before it’s too late.
Why It’s a Must-Watch
A Horror Comedy With Heart: ParaNorman balances dark supernatural horror with sharp humor and heartfelt storytelling.
Incredibly Creepy Atmosphere: From ghostly apparitions to zombies rising from their graves, the horror elements are surprisingly intense for an animated film.
A Thought-Provoking Message: Beneath its spooky surface, ParaNorman is a story about bullying, fear, and understanding those who are different.
For those who love ghost stories mixed with humor and emotional depth, ParaNorman is a must-see.
5. The Boxtrolls (2014)
Directed by: Graham Annable & Anthony Stacchi
Awards: Academy Award Nominee for Best Animated Feature
Storyline & Horror Elements
Beneath the streets of Cheesebridge, a group of mysterious creatures called Boxtrolls live in hiding. The town fears them, believing them to be monsters that steal children in the night. But when a young boy raised by the Boxtrolls uncovers the truth, he must fight against the town’s evil ruler to save his underground family.
Why It’s a Must-Watch
Unique Horror Setting: While not as traditionally terrifying as Coraline or ParaNorman, The Boxtrolls creates a dark and eerie world filled with grotesque villains, twisted humor, and creepy visuals.
Memorable Villains: The film’s antagonist, Archibald Snatcher, is one of the most disturbing animated villains, with his obsession with cheese leading to horrifying consequences.
A Gothic Fairytale With a Horror Twist: Combining steampunk aesthetics, dark humor, and suspense, The Boxtrolls is a unique and hauntingly beautiful film.
For those who love strange, eerie fairytales, this movie is a must-watch.
Honorable Mentions
If you love animated horror, here are a few more films worth watching:
- Corpse Bride (2005) – A gothic love story with haunting visuals.
- Frankenweenie (2012) – A charming yet spooky twist on Frankenstein.
Both films offer dark, eerie atmospheres but are lighter in horror compared to the main list.
Final Thoughts – Which One Will You Watch First?
These films prove that animated horror isn’t just for kids—it can be deeply unsettling, thought-provoking, and visually mesmerizing.
Which one is your favorite? Have any more to recommend? Let’s discuss in the comments!
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| Created Using AI |
