Common Sense Media Review
By Renee Schonfeld
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Rebooted ghouls are less scary; some mild peril.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Monster High: Welcome to Monster High
What's the Story?
Draculaura (voiced by Debi Derryberry) and her dad, Dracula (Michael Sorich), live in a castle far from any populated areas in MONSTER HIGH: WELCOME TO MONSTER HIGH. It seems they, along with all the rest of the monsters of the world, are hiding out, afraid to interact with regular humans (or "normies" as they're called by the monster community). Draculaura isn't satisfied. She'd love to be a part of the world, make friends with the normies, and go to school and be a regular kid. When she meets Frankie Stein (Cassandra Morris), she becomes even more motivated. What about a place for young people who are different, "monsters," like themselves? Convincing her dad to let her try, Draculaura and Frankie set out to recruit other teen ghouls and start Monster High in an abandoned building they can transform. They travel far and wide, meet Clawdeen (Celeste Henderson), Laguna (Larissa Gallagher), and Cleo deNile (Henderson, again). It works! They feel safe, are friends, and together can prepare to meet the outside world. In the blink of an eye, the school opens. It's as amazing as they thought it would be -- at least until Moanica, a zombie leader with an army of her brethren, tries to take control. This new opponent threatens to overcome our heroines' good intentions and destroy any chance of peacefully sharing the world with their fellow humans.
Is It Any Good?
The "ghouls" have a whole new look, a new backstory, and younger-kid-friendly personalities in this amiable but not-as-witty or spirited reboot of the teen doll franchise. Purposefully "less scary" and "more approachable," according to Mattel, Monster High: Welcome to Monster High retains the high-heeled, high-style, curvy look without emphasizing it. The humor seems intended for younger kids (i.e., not as many cultural references or "in" jokes); the leading characters appear to be more "tween" than teen. More non-humanized monsters (blobs, skeletons, and animal-like creatures) attend the school. Moanica is a traditional villain who has been set up to return to irritate the Monster High clan on a frequent basis. So, it's younger, less sexy, and less stylish, but the messages about inclusion and respect for differences are intact, with a special focus on a plan to peacefully win over the humans in the world around them. It's an enjoyable enough introduction to the new look and feel. However, it may be a "curse" for die-hard Monster High fans (especially teens), who'll wonder, "Why fix what isn't broken?"
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the changes made to the Monster High franchise in Monster High: Welcome to Monster High. What's different about the characters' looks? About the behavior? About the story? Did you feel that the important messages about inclusiveness and friendship were retained?
If you're an old fan, what do you like or not like about the transformations of the ghouls and their community? Which well-known characters, if any, did you miss, and why?
A whole new line of dolls and play sets is available since the ghouls have been "rebooted." How will your family handle the prospect of replacing or adding to your Monster High toys?
Given the new physical appearance of Monster High ghouls, draw and/or write about a monster creation of your own that would attend the school. What's special about her or him? How would that character look?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : September 27, 2016
- Cast : Debi Derryberry , Cassandra Morris , Celeste Henderson
- Directors : Stephen Donnelly , Olly Reid
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Universal Studios Home Entertainment
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Friendship , School ( High School ) , Fantasy
- Run time : 73 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : October 1, 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