ParaNorman Remastered Resurrects in Theaters with $2 Million Short Run
LAIKA’s Halloween Revival Proves Stop-Motion Still Has Box Office Power
LAIKA’s ParaNorman returned to theaters this October with a brand-new remaster, thrilling audiences once again with its haunting mix of heartfelt storytelling and handcrafted animation. The limited re-release proved to be a success, scaring up an estimated $2.06 million worldwide during its brief theatrical engagement through October 27, 2025.
Following the record-breaking success of Coraline’s anniversary re-release earlier this year, the remastered ParaNorman continued LAIKA’s 20th-anniversary celebration with another strong showing for event-style stop-motion cinema.
A Short-Run Hit Across the Globe
According to Animation Magazine, ParaNorman (Remastered) grossed $1.277 million in the U.S., launched through Fathom Entertainment, with an additional $782,000 from international markets handled by Trafalgar Releasing between October 23–27.
“We’re thrilled to see families and new fans rediscover ParaNorman (Remastered) on the big screen,”
said David Burke, LAIKA’s Chief Marketing and Operations Officer.
“The response validates our belief that handcrafted storytelling and event-level presentation have a powerful place in today’s theatrical landscape.”
The remastered film earned the fifth-highest per-screen average in the U.S. on its third day, underscoring how a targeted release can still command impressive attendance when driven by nostalgia and craftsmanship.
An Event Beyond Nostalgia
To make the experience truly special, the feature was paired with an all-new CG short titled The Thrifting — featuring the voices of Anna Kendrick and Finn Wolfhard — as an exclusive theatrical bonus.
Audiences were also treated to a behind-the-scenes preview of LAIKA’s upcoming feature Wildwood: Where Magic Takes Flight, giving fans a first glimpse of the studio’s next major production.
Additionally, LAIKA will continue its anniversary celebrations at the 2025 World Animation Summit, presenting a special focus session on the studio’s 20-year legacy and a discussion with ParaNorman and Missing Link writer-director Chris Butler.
A Look Back at a Modern Classic
Originally released in 2012, ParaNorman follows Norman Babcock, a boy who can speak with the dead, as he confronts a centuries-old curse threatening his small town. Blending stop-motion artistry with a deeply emotional story about acceptance and courage, the film was both a critical and commercial success, earning nominations for the Academy Award and BAFTA for Best Animated Feature.
The movie initially opened to $14.1 million domestically and ultimately grossed $108.1 million worldwide during its original theatrical run. Its return to theaters in 2025 reaffirms its place as one of the most beloved modern stop-motion features.
The Significance for Stop-Motion Cinema
LAIKA’s decision to revisit ParaNorman as a theatrical event demonstrates a growing audience appetite for stop-motion cinema on the big screen. In an era dominated by digital animation, the film’s renewed box-office life highlights the lasting allure of tangible artistry and physical storytelling.
This success also follows the trend of event-based re-releases — where classic films are reintroduced with enhancements, new content, and limited screenings. For stop-motion, this approach offers a sustainable path to celebrate legacy works while maintaining theatrical relevance.
“Crossing the million-dollar mark on a short run proves ParaNorman is a true fan event, not just a catalog title,”
said Ray Nutt, CEO of Fathom Entertainment.
Conclusion
ParaNorman (Remastered) is more than a nostalgic revisit — it’s a celebration of what makes stop-motion special. By combining a high-quality remaster, new bonus content, and a perfectly timed Halloween release, LAIKA has once again shown that handcrafted animation can compete — and captivate — in today’s theatrical landscape.
For fans and filmmakers alike, it’s proof that stop-motion is not only alive but thriving, one frame at a time.
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