29 Best Movies like Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children (2016)

Magical elements take center stage when The House with a Clock in Its Walls involves uncovering secrets within a mysteriously enchanted home. The film stands out for its playful use of magic and intriguing settings, providing audiences with plenty of whimsy and suspense in a family-friendly adventure.

When ten-year-old Lewis is suddenly orphaned, he is sent to live with his Uncle Jonathan in a creaky (and creepy) old mansion with a mysterious ticking noise that emanates from the walls. Upon discovering that his uncle is a warlock, Lewis begins learning magic, but when he rebelliously resurrects an evil warlock he must find the secret of the house and save the world from destruction. The House with a Clock in Its Walls is a movie from Canada in English, with a total 1h 45m runtime, released in 2018 with an average rating of 6.3 by 2,330 people. The movie made an estimated total of $131,523,093 in the box office.

Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events appears here for its blend of eccentric characters and imaginative storytelling. Each twisty episode unfolds in a world rich with unusual personalities and odd occurrences, making the movie both visually inventive and engagingly unpredictable.

Three wealthy children's parents are killed in a fire. When they are sent to a distant relative, they find out that he is plotting to kill them and seize their fortune. Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 48m runtime, released in 2004 with an average rating of 6.8 by 5,346 people. The movie made an estimated total of $209,073,645 in the box office.

Stardust earns its place thanks to its vibrant fantasy world and adventurous spirit. The movie transports viewers to a land brimming with wonder, humor, and romance, offering a rewarding journey filled with unexpected turns and a dazzling cast of characters.

In a countryside town bordering on a magical land, a young man makes a promise to his beloved that he'll retrieve a fallen star by venturing into the magical realm. His journey takes him into a world beyond his wildest dreams and reveals his true identity. Stardust is a movie from United Kingdom in English, with a total 2h 7m runtime, released in 2007 with an average rating of 7.3 by 4,521 people. The movie made an estimated total of $137,500,000 in the box office.

In City of Ember, the sense of discovery and unraveling hidden secrets aligns with the adventurous tone found in stories of fantastical journeys. Its luminous underground world offers a visually striking setting and a narrative driven by youthful determination.

For generations, the people of the City of Ember have flourished in an amazing world of glittering lights. But Ember's once powerful generator is failing and the great lamps that illuminate the city are starting to flicker. Now, two teenagers, in a race against time, must search Ember for clues that will unlock the ancient mystery of the city's existence, before the the lights go out forever. City of Ember is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 35m runtime, released in 2008 with an average rating of 6.4 by 1,926 people. The movie made an estimated total of $17,869,048 in the box office.

Coraline belongs here due to its captivating exploration of parallel realities and the courage found in young protagonists. With its imaginative stop-motion animation and eerie atmosphere, the film delivers a uniquely haunting and visually distinctive viewing experience.

Wandering her rambling old house in her boring new town, 11-year-old Coraline discovers a hidden door to a strangely idealized version of her life. In order to stay in the fantasy, she must make a frighteningly real sacrifice. Coraline is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 40m runtime, released in 2009 with an average rating of 7.9 by 9,223 people. The movie made an estimated total of $185,860,104 in the box office.

The Spiderwick Chronicles follows young characters as they grapple with magical dangers and astonishing discoveries in their own home. The tale weaves together fantasy adventure and suspense, immersing audiences in a world filled with mythical creatures and family bonds.

Upon moving into the run-down Spiderwick Estate with their mother, twin brothers Jared and Simon Grace, along with their sister Mallory, find themselves pulled into an alternate world full of faeries and other creatures. The Spiderwick Chronicles is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 35m runtime, released in 2008 with an average rating of 6.7 by 2,916 people. The movie made an estimated total of $164,200,000 in the box office.

The Golden Compass resides on this list for its portrayal of a young hero confronting otherworldly threats in a richly built universe. It distinguishes itself through a blend of inventive world-building and philosophical undertones, inviting curiosity about fate and destiny.

In a parallel universe, after overhearing a shocking secret, precocious orphan Lyra Belacqua trades her carefree existence roaming the halls of Jordan College for an otherworldly adventure in the far North, unaware that it's part of her destiny. The Golden Compass is a movie from United Kingdom in English, with a total 1h 53m runtime, released in 2007 with an average rating of 6.1 by 4,889 people. The movie made an estimated total of $372,234,864 in the box office.

The Secret of Moonacre is included due to its enchanting approach to magical realms hidden from the everyday world. The story delights audiences with its lush production design and whimsical characters, presenting a tapestry of fantasy and adventure.

When 13 year old Maria Merryweather's father dies, leaving her orphaned and homeless, she is forced to leave her luxurious London life to go and live with Sir Benjamin, an eccentric uncle she didn't know she had, at the mysterious Moonacre Manor. The Secret of Moonacre is a movie from United Kingdom in English, with a total 1h 43m runtime, released in 2009 with an average rating of 6.6 by 507 people. The movie made an estimated total of $7,162,618 in the box office.

Bridge to Terabithia highlights the transformative power of imagination as children create magical kingdoms amid real-life challenges. Its emotional depth and heartfelt storytelling resonate with viewers and leave a lasting impact.

Jesse Aarons trained all summer to become the fastest runner in school. So he's very upset when newcomer Leslie Burke outruns him and everyone else. Despite this and other differences including that she's rich, he's poor, she's a city girl, and he's a country boy the two become fast friends. Together they create Terabithia, a land of monsters, trolls, ogres, and giants where they rule as king and queen. Bridge to Terabithia is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 35m runtime, released in 2007 with an average rating of 7.3 by 5,387 people. The movie made an estimated total of $137,587,063 in the box office.

The Addams Family earns a spot for its combination of quirky familial dynamics and macabre humor. The film's distinct blend of charming oddities and playful satire brings together memorable characters and an unmistakable gothic style.

When a man claiming to be long-lost Uncle Fester reappears after 25 years lost, the family plans a celebration to wake the dead. But the kids barely have time to warm up the electric chair before Morticia begins to suspect Fester is fraud when he can't recall any of the details of Fester's life. The Addams Family is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 40m runtime, released in 1991 with an average rating of 7.1 by 5,115 people. The movie made an estimated total of $191,502,426 in the box office.

Pan's Labyrinth makes this list for its immersive fantasy woven through a darker, emotionally resonant narrative. The film distinguishes itself with haunting visuals and a compelling story of survival, offering a mature and visually arresting fairy tale.

In post–civil war Spain, 10-year-old Ofelia moves with her pregnant mother to live under the control of her cruel stepfather. Drawn into a mysterious labyrinth, she meets a faun who reveals that she may be a lost princess from an underground kingdom. To return to her true father, she must complete a series of surreal and perilous tasks that blur the line between reality and fantasy. Pan's Labyrinth is a movie from Mexico in Spanish, with a total 1h 58m runtime, released in 2006 with an average rating of 7.8 by 11,608 people. The movie made an estimated total of $83,258,226 in the box office.

The Orphanage appears here for its atmospheric tension and supernatural mystery involving children. The movie leverages unsettling settings and emotional intrigue, resulting in a suspenseful experience that lingers well after the credits roll.

A woman brings her family back to her childhood home, which used to be an orphanage, intent on reopening it. Before long, her son starts to communicate with a new invisible friend. The Orphanage is a movie from Belgium in Spanish, with a total 1h 45m runtime, released in 2007 with an average rating of 7.2 by 3,171 people. The movie made an estimated total of $78,638,987 in the box office.

Inkheart justifies its inclusion with a plot where fictional characters and real worlds collide. Its premise gives viewers a multilayered adventure brimming with literary references and imaginative escapades, making for a tale that celebrates the power of stories.

The adventures of a father and his young daughter, in their search for a long lost book that will help reunite a missing, close relative. Inkheart is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 46m runtime, released in 2008 with an average rating of 6.3 by 2,304 people. The movie made an estimated total of $62,803,180 in the box office.

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is featured for transporting its young heroes into an extraordinary fantasy realm via a secret gateway. With epic storytelling and captivating visuals, it stands as a hallmark of classic adventure cinema.

Four kids travel through a wardrobe to the land of Narnia and learn of their destiny to free it with the guidance of a mystical lion. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 2h 23m runtime, released in 2005 with an average rating of 7.1 by 11,654 people. The movie made an estimated total of $745,013,115 in the box office.

Dark Shadows offers a differing but relevant entry due to its eccentric cast navigating mysterious happenings in an unusual mansion. The movie stands out for its blend of supernatural oddity and comedic flair, resulting in a quirky, entertaining outing.

Vampire Barnabas Collins is inadvertently freed from his tomb and emerges into the very changed world of 1972. He returns to Collinwood Manor to find that his once-grand estate and family have fallen into ruin. Dark Shadows is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 53m runtime, released in 2012 with an average rating of 6.1 by 7,670 people. The movie made an estimated total of $245,527,149 in the box office.

ParaNorman is brought in for giving audiences a young protagonist confronting extraordinary abilities and eerie dangers. Its stop-motion charm and sharp wit create a playful, spooky atmosphere ideal for fans of unconventional children’s adventures.

In the town of Blithe Hollow, Norman Babcock can speak to the dead, but no one other than his eccentric new friend believes his ability is real. One day, Norman's eccentric uncle tells him of a ritual he must perform to protect the town from a curse cast by a witch centuries ago. ParaNorman is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 33m runtime, released in 2012 with an average rating of 7.0 by 2,825 people. The movie made an estimated total of $107,307,220 in the box office.

Night at the Museum fits here as it unfolds in a world where everyday spaces become sites of magical occurrences after dark. The film's heartwarming humor, lively animation, and sense of discovery make it a perennial favorite.

Chaos reigns at the natural history museum when night watchman Larry Daley accidentally stirs up an ancient curse, awakening Attila the Hun, an army of gladiators, a Tyrannosaurus rex and other exhibits. Night at the Museum is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 48m runtime, released in 2006 with an average rating of 6.6 by 11,086 people. The movie made an estimated total of $574,480,841 in the box office.

Jumanji secures a place for the way its characters are swept into an unpredictable adventure by supernatural forces. Its blend of suspenseful action and lighthearted magic ensures a roller-coaster entertainment experience.

When siblings Judy and Peter discover an enchanted board game that opens the door to a magical world, they unwittingly invite Alan -- an adult who's been trapped inside the game for 26 years -- into their living room. Alan's only hope for freedom is to finish the game, which proves risky as all three find themselves running from giant rhinoceroses, evil monkeys and other terrifying creatures. Jumanji is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 44m runtime, released in 1995 with an average rating of 7.2 by 11,436 people. The movie made an estimated total of $262,821,940 in the box office.

Alice in Wonderland makes this list for taking its protagonist down a rabbit hole into an outlandish and fantastical landscape. The film's imaginative visuals and surreal characters create a singular cinematic journey.

Alice, now 19 years old, returns to the whimsical world she first entered as a child and embarks on a journey to discover her true destiny. Alice in Wonderland is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 48m runtime, released in 2010 with an average rating of 6.6 by 14,954 people. The movie made an estimated total of $1,025,467,110 in the box office.

The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus is included as it crafts a story where fantasy and reality intertwine through enigmatic spectacles. The film is noteworthy for its creativity and shifting dreamlike imagery, immersing viewers in an unpredictable world.

After a carnival troupe saves his life, a man agrees to help its immortal leader collect five souls and win a bet with the devil. The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus is a movie from United Kingdom in English, with a total 2h 3m runtime, released in 2009 with an average rating of 6.4 by 2,922 people. The movie made an estimated total of $64,352,607 in the box office.

The Book of Life earns mention due to its ambitious scope, inviting audiences into a vibrant narrative drawing on folklore and tradition. Its distinctive aesthetic and energetic storytelling make for a visually unforgettable experience.

The journey of Manolo, a young man who is torn between fulfilling the expectations of his family and following his heart. Before choosing which path to follow, he embarks on an incredible adventure that spans fantastical worlds where he must face his greatest fears. The Book of Life is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 35m runtime, released in 2014 with an average rating of 7.5 by 2,978 people. The movie made an estimated total of $97,437,106 in the box office.

The Odd Life of Timothy Green merits inclusion for its gentle introduction of magical realism into the lives of a family, fostering warmth amid whimsical developments. The film resonates as an uplifting exploration of hope and belonging.

A childless couple bury a box in their backyard, containing all of their wishes for an infant. Soon, a child is born, though Timothy Green is not all that he appears. The Odd Life of Timothy Green is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 45m runtime, released in 2012 with an average rating of 7.0 by 1,261 people. The movie made an estimated total of $56,012,642 in the box office.

The Kid Who Would Be King showcases young characters rising to heroism in a world suddenly alive with fantasy threats. Its contemporary take on myth brings youthful exuberance and fresh adventure to classic legend.

Old-school magic meets the modern world when young Alex stumbles upon the mythical sword Excalibur. He soon unites his friends and enemies, and they become knights who join forces with the legendary wizard Merlin. Together, they must save mankind from the wicked enchantress Morgana and her army of supernatural warriors. The Kid Who Would Be King is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 2h 0m runtime, released in 2019 with an average rating of 6.2 by 851 people. The movie made an estimated total of $32,140,970 in the box office.

Goosebumps is added for the way it plunges everyday life into chaos by unleashing supernatural creatures. With fast-paced excitement and comedic scares, it delivers a playful spin on the intersection of reality and imagination.

After moving to a small town, Zach Cooper finds a silver lining when he meets next door neighbor Hannah, the daughter of bestselling Goosebumps series author R.L. Stine. When Zach unintentionally unleashes real monsters from their manuscripts and they begin to terrorize the town, it’s suddenly up to Stine, Zach and Hannah to get all of them back in the books where they belong. Goosebumps is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 43m runtime, released in 2015 with an average rating of 6.3 by 4,024 people. The movie made an estimated total of $158,952,243 in the box office.

The Watcher in the Woods is featured for drawing suspense from mysterious goings-on surrounding children. Its haunting ambiance and unfolding secrets provide an old-fashioned, spine-tingling adventure.

After an American family moves to an old country manor in rural England, one of the daughters is tormented by the spirit of the owner's long lost daughter, who mysteriously disappeared 30 years ago during a solar eclipse. The Watcher in the Woods is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 23m runtime, released in 1980 with an average rating of 5.9 by 155 people. The movie made an estimated total of $5,000,000 in the box office.

The BFG earns placement with its tale of a child swept away into a world of extraordinary beings. It excels at balancing gentle humor and heart, crafting a magical tale suitable for viewers of all ages.

An orphan little girl befriends a benevolent giant who takes her to Giant Country, where they attempt to stop the man-eating giants that are invading the human world. The BFG is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 57m runtime, released in 2016 with an average rating of 6.3 by 3,673 people. The movie made an estimated total of $195,243,411 in the box office.

Tuck Everlasting finds its place with a story built around timelessness and the discovery of hidden worlds. Its lyrical approach to storytelling encourages reflection and wonder, leaving a lingering sense of enchantment.

Teenager Winnie Foster is growing up in a small rural town in 1914 with her loving but overprotective parents, but Winnie longs for a life of greater freedom and adventure. Tuck Everlasting is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 30m runtime, released in 2002 with an average rating of 6.7 by 508 people. The movie made an estimated total of $19,158,074 in the box office.

The Secret Garden is included for its depiction of a mysterious, transformative space filled with promise. Its enduring appeal comes from a focus on healing and friendship against an atmospheric backdrop.

A young British girl born and reared in India loses her neglectful parents in an earthquake. She is returned to England to live at her uncle's castle. Her uncle is very distant due to the loss of his wife ten years before. Neglected once again, she begins exploring the estate and discovers a garden that has been locked and forgotten. Aided by one of the servants' boys, she begins restoring the garden, and eventually discovers some other secrets of the manor. The Secret Garden is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 41m runtime, released in 1993 with an average rating of 7.4 by 988 people. The movie made an estimated total of $40,000,000 in the box office.

The Man Who Knew Infinity is present here not for fantastical elements, but for offering a narrative led by a prodigious outsider overcoming extraordinary circumstances. The film intrigues with its heartfelt dramatization of intellectual discovery and resilience.

Growing up poor in Madras, India, Srinivasa Ramanujan Iyengar earns admittance to Cambridge University during WWI, where he becomes a pioneer in mathematical theories with the guidance of his professor, G.H. Hardy. The Man Who Knew Infinity is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 48m runtime, released in 2016 with an average rating of 7.2 by 1,603 people. The movie made an estimated total of $11,472,454 in the box office.