Coraline, the stop-motion animated masterpiece, captivated audiences and critics alike. The film ultimately grossed $124.6 million worldwide against a production budget of $60 million, proving to be a significant financial success for Laika Studios.
The Financial Journey of Coraline
Coraline, released in 2009, not only solidified Laika’s reputation for groundbreaking animation but also demonstrated the potential of stop-motion films to achieve mainstream success. The film’s performance at the box office was a testament to its compelling story, stunning visuals, and effective marketing campaign. Let’s break down the key elements of its financial journey.
Domestic Box Office Performance
Coraline was released in the United States on February 6, 2009, earning an impressive $16.85 million on its opening weekend. This placed it second behind Taken and demonstrated strong initial interest. Over its theatrical run in the US, the film accumulated $75.29 million, representing a significant portion of its total earnings. This success was largely attributed to positive word-of-mouth and strong critical acclaim.
International Box Office Performance
Beyond the US, Coraline also performed well internationally. It grossed approximately $49.3 million in various markets, contributing substantially to its overall financial success. Key international markets included the United Kingdom, France, and Japan, where the film resonated with audiences and garnered positive reviews. This broad appeal helped solidify its position as a global hit.
Budget and Profitability
With a production budget of approximately $60 million, Coraline needed to earn at least double that amount to break even, considering marketing and distribution costs. The film comfortably surpassed this threshold, achieving a global gross of $124.6 million. This made it a highly profitable venture for Laika Studios and solidified its position in the animation industry. The financial success allowed Laika to continue investing in future stop-motion projects.
Understanding Coraline’s Financial Impact
The success of Coraline had a significant impact not only on Laika Studios but also on the animation industry as a whole. It proved that stop-motion animation could be commercially viable and encouraged other studios to explore this unique art form. Furthermore, the film’s success helped raise the profile of animated films aimed at older children and adults, paving the way for more complex and nuanced storytelling in animation.
Influence on Laika Studios
Coraline‘s success was instrumental in establishing Laika Studios as a major player in the animation industry. It provided the financial stability and critical acclaim necessary for the studio to continue producing high-quality stop-motion films such as ParaNorman, The Boxtrolls, Kubo and the Two Strings, and Missing Link. The studio’s commitment to artistic excellence and innovative storytelling owes much to the initial success of Coraline.
Impact on Stop-Motion Animation
Before Coraline, stop-motion animation was often seen as a niche art form. The film’s commercial success helped to broaden its appeal and demonstrate its potential to reach a wider audience. It inspired other filmmakers to embrace stop-motion and experiment with its unique visual style. The film also contributed to advancements in stop-motion technology, further enhancing the creative possibilities of the medium.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Coraline’s Earnings
Here are some common questions regarding Coraline‘s financial performance and impact:
FAQ 1: What was Coraline’s production budget?
Coraline had a production budget of approximately $60 million.
FAQ 2: How much did Coraline make domestically (in the US)?
The film earned $75.29 million at the domestic box office.
FAQ 3: What was Coraline’s opening weekend gross in the US?
Coraline grossed $16.85 million during its opening weekend in the United States.
FAQ 4: How much did Coraline make internationally?
The international box office contributed around $49.3 million to Coraline‘s total gross.
FAQ 5: Was Coraline considered a box office success?
Yes, with a total gross of $124.6 million against a $60 million budget, Coraline was a significant box office success.
FAQ 6: What factors contributed to Coraline’s box office success?
Several factors contributed, including positive reviews, strong word-of-mouth, compelling story, innovative stop-motion animation, and effective marketing. The film resonated with both children and adults, expanding its audience appeal.
FAQ 7: How did Coraline’s earnings compare to other stop-motion films?
At the time of its release, Coraline was one of the most successful stop-motion animated films ever made. It helped pave the way for other commercially successful stop-motion features. While specific comparisons fluctuate with new releases, Coraline remains a benchmark for the genre.
FAQ 8: Did DVD and Blu-ray sales contribute significantly to Coraline’s overall revenue?
Yes, DVD and Blu-ray sales, along with streaming and digital rentals, contributed significantly to Coraline‘s overall revenue stream after its theatrical run. However, precise figures for these revenues are not publicly available with the same level of detail as box office numbers.
FAQ 9: Did Coraline receive any government subsidies or tax incentives during production?
While public information regarding specific subsidies or tax incentives isn’t readily available, it’s common for animated productions to explore such opportunities. It’s possible that Laika Studios received incentives, contributing to cost management during production. This would not be unusual in the animation industry.
FAQ 10: How did Coraline’s success affect Laika Studios’ future projects?
Coraline‘s success provided Laika Studios with the financial stability and creative confidence to continue producing high-quality stop-motion films. It allowed them to take risks and experiment with new techniques, solidifying their reputation as a leading animation studio. It also attracted talent and investors to subsequent projects.
FAQ 11: What role did the film’s merchandise play in its overall financial success?
Merchandise, including toys, books, and clothing, generated additional revenue for Coraline. While the precise figures are not readily available, merchandise sales contributed to the film’s overall profitability and expanded its brand presence.
FAQ 12: Has Coraline’s box office gross adjusted for inflation over the years?
While the unadjusted gross remains at $124.6 million, adjusting for inflation would provide a more accurate comparison to current box office numbers. Taking inflation into account would likely increase the film’s relative success, demonstrating its enduring impact on the box office landscape. While an exact inflation-adjusted figure would require specific calculations based on release year data, it’s important to consider this factor when evaluating its financial performance against more recent films.