Common Sense Media Review
By Sandie Angulo Chen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Father-daughter tale has mild scares, innuendo, potty humor.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Hotel Transylvania
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 47 parent reviews
Parents say this animated film offers a fun and entertaining experience for the whole family, blending humor with a charming storyline about a protective father and his daughter. While the comedy is generally appreciated, some reviewers noted moments of creepiness that might not be suitable for very young or sensitive kids, as well as concerns over a few innuendos and themes that may not resonate well with all parents.
- family-friendly
- fun humor
- protective themes
- age concerns
- mild creepiness
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 76 kid reviews
Kids say that the film is a family-friendly comedy that mixes mild scares with humor, making it suitable for children, particularly those around 8 and older. Many reviews appreciate the positive messages and character dynamics, although some note it may be a bit intense for very young viewers due to its animated monsters and a few dark themes.
- family-friendly
- mild scares
- positive messages
- suitable for kids
- humorous situations
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
More than a century ago, a grieving Dracula (voiced by Adam Sandler) decided to build a human-proof castle called HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA, where monsters could stay and—more importantly—where he could raise his vampire daughter, Mavis (Selena Gomez), in safety. Fast-forward to the present day, and Mavis is turning 118 (but looks 18), and "Drac" has planned a huge birthday celebration. As the hotel fills with Mavis' many monster aunties and uncles—like werewolf Wayne (Steve Buscemi), Frankenstein (Kevin James), Mummy Griffin (Cee-Lo Green), and the Invisible Man (David Spade)—an unexpected visitor arrives in the form of 21-year-old human Jonathan (Andy Samberg), a solo backpacker who somehow stumbles across the supposedly untraceable castle. Not wanting to alarm his guests, Drac puts Jonathan in costume and forces him to pretend that he's Frankenstein's younger cousin. What Dracula doesn't count on is Mavis and Jonathan falling for each other.
Is It Any Good?
Though its premise is much better than the execution, this movie is just palatable enough to tolerate for parents. Little kids too young for genuine spookiness will particularly enjoy how harmless the monsters are in Hotel Transylvania (save for Dracula's occasional rage face)—and how sweet the relationship is between Dracula and his loving daughter. Gomez is well cast as a naive girl who just wants a chance to discover the world beyond the hotel, and Samberg is like a young Sandler as the bumbling-but-sweet human who ends up stealing not only Mavis' heart but also befriending an entire circle of monster pals.
That's not to say that there aren't some issues with Hotel Transylvania; a Pixar masterpiece it's not. The word "zing" (as in the romantic spark between couples) quickly becomes tedious, as do some of the repetitive jokes about the werewolf cubs' poop and the Bride of Frankenstein's (Fran Drescher) hen-pecking. But despite the small missteps, kids—and they, after all, are the movie's target audience—will relate to Mavis, laugh at Dracula and his friends, and be completely invested in this monster mash of an animated comedy.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about who Hotel Transylvania is intended for. It's about monsters that have been in many horror movies, but it's not as scary as some other animated movies. How are the monsters kid-friendly?
Can you think of other movies that feature an overprotective father? How does Hotel Transylvania compare? How do you feel about Drac's motives? Does the film encourage understanding of his behavior? What does he learn?
Why are monster movies popular? Why is it sometimes fun to be scared?
Mavis shows curiosity and empathy in the film. Why are these important character strengths? Can you think of times you've shown these in your own life?
Movie Details
- In theaters : September 28, 2012
- On DVD or streaming : January 29, 2013
- Cast : Adam Sandler , Andy Samberg , Selena Gomez , Kevin James
- Director : Genndy Tartakovsky
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Latino Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Sony Pictures Animation
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Fantasy
- Character Strengths : Curiosity , Empathy
- Run time : 92 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some rude humor, action and scary images
- Last updated : April 18, 2026
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