---
title: "ParaNorman"
year: 2012
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/paranorman-2012"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 77174
imdb_id: "tt1623288"
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 93
community_rating: 7.0
vote_count: 2819
content_rating: "PG"
---

# ParaNorman (2012) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/paranorman-2012

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

"ParaNorman" is a stop-motion animated film. The story takes place in the town of Blithe Hollow, where the main character, Norman Babcock, possesses a unique ability. Norman's ability is not widely accepted by the people in his town, except for one eccentric individual who becomes his friend. Norman's new friend is informed by Norman's uncle about a ritual that Norman must perform to protect the town. This ritual is connected to a witch who cast a curse in the past. The curse was cast centuries ago.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "A misunderstood boy who speaks to the dead must protect his town from an ancient curse."

### Why Watch
- features unique animation
- combines comedy and adventure

### Caveats & Content Note
- involves raising the dead
- features a town curse
- Tone & Suitability: The film contains supernatural themes involving ghosts and a curse.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: animated, adventure, comedy, family

## Streaming Availability Matrix

| Region | Stream (Subscription) | Free / Ads | Rent / Buy |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **United States (US)** | None | None | Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home |
| **United Kingdom (GB)** | ITVX Premium | ITVX | Apple TV Store, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies |
| **Canada (CA)** | None | None | Apple TV Store, CosmoGo, Amazon Video |
| **Australia (AU)** | None | None | Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube |

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: Sam Fell, Chris Butler
- **Networks / Studios**: LAIKA

## Key Cast Continuity

- **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)*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: What is the release year of the film?
The film was released in 2012.

### Q: Where does the story take place?
The story takes place in the town of Blithe Hollow.

### Q: What unique ability does the main character have?
Norman Babcock can speak to the dead.

### Q: What threatens the town in the film?
The town is threatened by a curse cast by a witch centuries ago.

### Q: Who tells Norman about the ritual?
Norman's eccentric uncle tells him about the ritual.

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*