The themes of this movie are well beyond the children that this animated film is aimed at. There is racism and persecution of the Romany people, including the murder of Quasi's mother and the attempted murder of many others. Frollo's lustful feelings for Esmelerda are played out in a song that is way over the top and not for kids. While the gargoyles are funny, the themes of the movie are really too adult for children.
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The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996)
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings(Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)
Not age appropriate for kids under 4, age appropriate for kids over 6; suggested age 6. -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Touching Disney tale cheers on the outcasts.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 6 and Up
The good stuff
What to watch out for
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Violence & scariness:
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Sexy stuff:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
About The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996)
Parents need to know that Frollo is a threatening bad guy who fights with swords and ogles over the suggestively dressed gypsy Esmeralda; he sings a song of desire about her and asks for her destruction -- or possession. Naturally deformities are addressed because the main character has a hunchback. Also, since this story does take place in Notre Dame Cathedral, religious symbols, icons, and religious themes abound.
Read our full review by Joly Herman
Families Can Talk About
- Families can talk about what it means to be different from the norm. Who were the gypsies? Why were they considered outcasts? What would it feel like to be Quasimodo? What does sanctuary mean? Why do people seek sanctuary? What other versions of this story do you know? Which one do you like best?
Our Members Say
Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title iffy for age 10 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate sexual content
Drama That's Dark & Distrubed
- I rate this title off for age 2 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Negative role models
Not good for anyone.
Since sexuality seems to be a major theme on this website, I'm surprised that this movie isn't totally being panned. The basic plot revolves around lust. It's even stated pretty explicitly in the review above, but in spite of this comment: "he sings a song of desire about her and asks for her destruction" it's ok for 6 year olds?? Really? To me, this just was never meant to be a story for children. I cannot understand the thought process at Disney that lead many someones to saying "Yes, let's make a movie for small children about lust!!" And I don't understand how this got anything besides a big, fat OFF here at Common Sense Media. Blech.
- I rate this title iffy for age 7 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Inappropriate language
Not for the younger kids.
well, I was afraid of this movie as a kid, and I used to watch horror movies with my family all the time. This movie features possibly the most evil villain in Disney history: Judge Claude Frollo. It is a frightening film for younger kids, but it has a very good message to it. It's up there with "The Lion King" for being a great Disney movie.
- I rate this title on for age 8 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
Great family flick for 8+
This is by far one of my favorite disney movies. It is a great movie for 7-8+, but only for violence. The ending scene with Frollo would be considered a little frightening for younger kids. Constantly, throughout the movie, Frollo is trying to capture and punish Esmerelda because he desires her. She is dressed suggestively in ONE SCENE. that's it, though. The language is a bit much for disney, but h*** is about as worse as it gets. Esmerelda also starts to call Phoebus a Son of a *****, but doesn't finish, because he interrupts her, telling her to watch it, because their in a church.
- I rate this title iffy for age 7 and give it
A Moving and Spellbinding Disney Classic!
This film, along with BEAUTY AND THE BEAST and THE LITTLE MERMAID, represent the best of Disney. This film has it all: an engaging plot, depth, messages, fun music, and visual appeal. Adults will adore it, and so will kids, though they won't pick up on much more than the songs and visuals. The film has many, many religious songs and analogies, and one song entitled "Hellfire" elaborates on the villain Frollo's lust for the heroine Esmerelda. He speaks of "growing desire that's turning me to sin". He wants her to be his, or to be dead. He, in one scene, sensuously sniffs her hair. Violence is another issue, with several scenes that aren't any more violent than other Disney films, but are more intense. Some families might be uncomfortable with the frequent mentions of "burning in hell", etc.
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Ratings at a Glance
| 100% | of parents say it's too violent |
| 100% | of parents say the sexual behavior isn't age appropriate |
| 50% | of parents don't feel there are good role models |
| 50% | of parents don't think the messages are positive |
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