Common Sense Media Review
By Andrea Beach
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Fantasy-adventure takes a dark turn into troll territory.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Hilda and the Mountain King
What's the Story?
In HILDA AND THE MOUNTAIN KING, Hilda (Bella Ramsey) has been magically switched with a troll baby. Hilda's now a troll living in dark caves under the mountain, and the troll baby has taken human form and is now living in Hilda's home with her mom (Daisy Haggard). In one cave, Hilda meets a giant troll called Trundle (Dino Kelly), who promises to help her change back into a human in exchange for a few favors. While she works out how to help Trundle, she starts to enjoy the freedom and strength of being a troll running free in the mountains at night. But she still wants to get back to her real mom more than anything. Meanwhile, the people of Hilda's town feel more and more threatened by trolls each day, and start to ramp up security and build giant, troll-fighting weapons. Can Hilda and the troll baby get back to where they really belong, and can anything stop an all-out war with the trolls?
Is It Any Good?
This compelling fantasy-adventure has all the charm and whimsy fans of the graphic-novel series and TV show will expect, but be prepared for some scariness and real sadness, too. The biggest themes in Hilda and the Mountain King are mother-child separation, and the power of a mother's love even when you can't be together. The scary trolls in their dark world of gloomy gray colors are balanced and nicely contrasted by the bright colors of the town and its people. The sadness and anguish are also balanced with plenty of humor, furry friends, and the happiness that comes from being able to run wild and free. And it all comes to a safe resolution with the ending that tugs at the heartstrings.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence and scariness in Hilda and the Mountain King. Is it too much? Is it ever fun to be a little scared by movies or TV? What makes you feel better when you get scared?
Is Hilda a positive role model? What do you like or not like about her? What are her character strengths and weaknesses?
Have you seen the Hilda TV show, or read any of the books? If you have, which one is your favorite? If you haven't, would you like to now?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : December 30, 2021
- Cast : Bella Ramsey , Daisy Haggard , Ameerah Falzon-Ojo
- Director : Andy Coyle
- Inclusion Information : Non-Binary Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s) , Middle Eastern/North African Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Friendship
- Run time : 85 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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
Suggest an Update
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