The Little Vampire

Dark movie may frighten some kids.
Parents say
Based on 5 reviews
Kids say
Based on 12 reviews
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this movie includes dead bodies, stakes through the heart, a child locked in a crypt, a dead mouse, vampire cows, references to the undead, and a generally ghoulish atmosphere. Some kids, especially fans of the book, will love this stuff, but others will be upset by it. In addition, there are characters in peril, schoolyard fights with bullies, and a brief adult fistfight.
Community Reviews
Underrated Vampire Fun
Report this review
A GREAT ONE
Report this review
What's the Story?
Unhappy about moving from San Diego to Scotland so his father can build a golf course for Lord McAshton (John Wood), young Tony (Jonathan Lipnicki) begins having creepy dreams about vampires – but no one believes him when he says that they are real. One night, Randolph the vampire flies into Tony's room and tells Tony that the vampires want to be human again, but first they must escape the vampire killer who is after them and find a missing amulet before a comet arrives. Tony helps Rudolph find cows so he can suck their blood, and it turns out that a vampire is a handy friend when it comes to dealing with school bullies. The pair is in for some frightfully wild adventures, but everything ends on a positive note.
Is It Any Good?
On one hand, this is an imaginative and exciting story, based on a popular series of children's books. On the other hand, the subject matter is vampires who suck blood out of cows. So parents should be very cautious about watching this movie with younger kids. The production design is outstanding, and Richard E. Grant and Alice Krige as Rudolph's vampire parents are first rate.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what we do when we get scared. Tony pretends to be a vampire, which is one way to be less scared by them. And once he sees that Rudolph needs his help, he is not afraid anymore. Talk to kids about the bullies at school, and any experiences they may have had with bullies. Do they think that Tony becomes a bully in the movie?
Movie Details
- In theaters: October 27, 2000
- On DVD or streaming: March 6, 2001
- Cast: Jim Carter, Jonathan Lipnicki, Richard E. Grant
- Director: Ulrich Edel
- Studio: Warner Bros.
- Genre: Fantasy
- Topics: Friendship, Monsters, Ghosts, and Vampires
- Run time: 95 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG
- MPAA explanation: some mild peril.
- Last updated: March 31, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
Themes & Topics
Browse titles with similar subject matter.
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate