Coraline

First and foremost, the story is a knockout. I think wanting to escape something that we all can relate to at times and, given the Jones' family rocky introduction to their new town, it especially makes sense in Coraline's case. She's easy to root for and very capable yet not so much that it takes you out of the story. The soundtrack is incredible. Seriously, whether it's the score or the children's choir, every bit of music stands out so beautifully and so creepily, it's just perfect. The costume design is also very well done. From Coraline's iconic yellow raincoat and blue hair to Wybie's jacket and mask to honestly everything about the Other Mother, it's easy to see why, year after year, people dress as them for Halloween. Also, there's a weird cat. What's not to love? So far as recommendations go, I think fans of films such as Paranorman, The Nightmare Before Christmas, and The Corpse Bride should give this a chance due to them also being stop motion animated, as well as the similar creepy yet family friendly atmospheres.