Common Sense Media Review
By Jennifer Green
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Potentially upsetting violence in adventure series finale.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
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Trollhunters: Rise of the Titans
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 20 parent reviews
Parents say this movie strays far from the beloved series, with many reviewers expressing disappointment over confusing and disturbing plot points, including a male character's pregnancy and multiple character deaths that felt unnecessary. The animation and action scenes received praise, but the overall consensus is that the ending was unsatisfying, leaving many viewers feeling that it undermined the story arcs built over the series.
- disappointing ending
- confusing plot
- character deaths
- poor writing
- mixed reviews
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 38 kid reviews
Kids say the movie starts strong with impressive animation and engaging action scenes but ultimately disappoints with a rushed and unsatisfying ending that undoes the character development and sacrifices seen throughout the franchise. Many viewers express frustration over character deaths and the decision for Toby to become the new Trollhunter instead of Jim, leading to a feeling that the film tarnished what made the series meaningful.
- disappointing ending
- character deaths
- rushed plot
- animation praised
- storyline issues
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
The magic amulet which gave Jim Lake (voiced by Emile Hirsch) powers and protection has been destroyed by the Arcane Order, leaving him vulnerable and uncertain of his abilities, at the start of TROLLHUNTERS: RISE OF THE TITANS. After reuniting with a kidnapped Nari, the evil Order calls forth monstrous titans in a plan to destroy all beings on earth to save the planet. Facing the end of the world, Jim and his habitual gang of humans, good trolls, wizards, and aliens will have to fight the monsters unleashed by the Order's demigods.
Is It Any Good?
This latest installment is made for the series' legion of die-hard fans. Trollhunters: Rise of the Titans brings established characters, storylines, and mythology to a satisfying close while leaving the door cracked open just enough for a possible next chapter. As a finale, the focus here is naturally on action and denouement over character development, but that can leave newbies behind, and those unfamiliar with the series may find this world a bit impenetrable. An early scene where the heroes are interrogated by police helps flesh out some details in a humorous way, but there's a lot to grasp that this scene (and a 3-minute prologue) just can't summarize fully. In sum, it's best to watch the series first in order to really appreciate the tales given closure in this film. But fans will likely be delighted, especially by an intriguing twist at the end.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Trollhunters: Rise of the Titans carries on and brings some closure to the characters and story of the series. What's new? What's different? What was unexpected?
How do characters show courage in this film, sometimes discovering it in themselves despite feeling fear as well? Can you be scared and brave at the same time? What kinds of things give you courage when you need it?
Characters sacrifice themselves to save others or to save humankind and the planet. Do you view their sacrifices as justified or unnecessary? Why or why not?
There's a lot of animated violence in this film. Do you think it's all necessary? Does it add to or detract from you getting to know the characters or following the story?
What do you make of the ending? What do you expect would or could happen next?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : July 21, 2021
- Cast : Tatiana Maslany , Emile Hirsch , Nick Offerman
- Directors : Johane Matte , Francisco Ruiz-Velasco , Andrew L. Schmidt
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , Friendship , Robots
- Character Strengths : Courage , Teamwork
- Run time : 104 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : December 11, 2025
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