Common Sense Media Review
By Joly Herman
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Touching but dark Disney tale cheers on the outcasts.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996)
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 43 parent reviews
Parents say that while this animated movie features beautiful music and profound themes about acceptance and justice, it is significantly darker than typical children's fare, often deeming it unsuitable for younger audiences. Many reviewers caution that the film’s mature content, including themes of lust, betrayal, and violence, should be carefully considered before allowing children to watch it, with recommendations often suggesting a minimum age of 10 for viewers.
- dark themes
- unsuitable for kids
- compelling villain
- powerful messages
- mature content
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 95 kid reviews
What's the Story?
When Judge Frollo (Tony Jay) discovers a group of Gypsy castaways, he attempts to imprison them and is left holding a baby in the shadow of Notre Dame Cathedral. Noticing that the child is deformed, he starts to throw him down a well but is stopped by a priest and told to care for the child instead. So the child Quasimodo (Tom Hulce) is brought into a place of sanctuary and confinement, becoming the bell ringer of the great cathedral. As he grows, he longs to be in the world for one day, and he gets his wish suddenly, only to learn how cruel the world can be. Lucky for Quasimodo that he meets the Gypsy Esmeralda (Demi Moore), who befriends him and saves him from utter shame. Their paths become entwined, and their stories of surviving as outcasts serve as a touching theme.
Is It Any Good?
Disney's recreation of Victor Hugo's novel is rich in visual and musical sensation. But deeper beneath the rich production lie questions about normalcy, how sanctuary confines us as well as protects us, and what punishment is.
Some younger children might be frightened by Frollo's intensity. With his crusade against the Gypsies and simultaneous lecherous pursuit of Esmeralda, he is a formidable and contemptible villain. But Tom Hulce's performance is so lovely that it makes the darker aspects of this tale incredibly human. Along for comic relief, Jason Alexander of Seinfeld fame leads a trio of gargoyles, whose quick banter is fun but can be a little grotesque.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what it means to be different from the norm. Who were the Gypsies?
What is the overall attitude towards "outcasts" in this movie, and how does Esmeralda stand up to these beliefs?
In what ways does Esmeralda show courage in her words and actions?
What does "sanctuary" mean? Why do people seek sanctuary?
What other versions of this story do you know? Which one do you like best?
Movie Details
- In theaters : June 21, 1996
- On DVD or streaming : March 19, 2002
- Cast : Demi Moore , Kevin Kline , Tom Hulce
- Directors : Gary Trousdale , Kirk Wise
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Walt Disney Pictures
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Book Characters , Friendship , Arts ( Music and Sing-Along )
- Run time : 91 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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