Parents' Guide to

Gargoyles

By Andrea Graham, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 8+

Dark, Gothic action cartoon is OK for tweens.

TV Toon Disney Kids' Animation 1994
Gargoyles Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

Community Reviews

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age 9+

Based on 7 parent reviews

Motorcitymull
Motorcitymull Adult
August 15, 2020
age 5+

Great show! Strong plots and characters

I watched this when I was really young and it never scared me but it could scare young children. Rewatching it as an adult, it’s very enjoyable with complex plot lines and well developed characters. It features a strong female lead, a recurring theme of tolerance and not judging someone by apparence or because they’re different than you, and great friendships. I would highly recommend.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
VRN600
VRN600 Adult
November 16, 2019
age 9+

Gargoyales one of the best darkest and edgy cartoons of the 90es

This show could be scary to some kids but unfortunately it is for 9 + the show features lots of action and violence kids love however it has to much violence and occasionally blood is seen. This show should have recieved a pg rating

This title has:

Too much violence
Too much swearing
See all 7 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Compared to Disney's many cartoons spun off from feature-length films, GARGOYLES stands out as a strong original series. Set in Manhattan, the show follows a group of gargoyles known as the Manhattan Clan as they patrol the skies of New York City, defending it from crime and corruption. Every night, the main characters -- Goliath (voiced by Keith David), Hudson (Ed Asner), Brooklyn (Jeff Bennett), and Bronx (Frank Welker) -- change from gothic statues into real live gargoyles. Partnered with NYPD cops Eliza Maza (Salli Richardson) and Matt Bluestone (Thomas F. Wilson), the Manhattan Clan helps protect NYC from the evil plans of billionaire David Xanatos (Jonathan Frakes) and enemy gargoyle clans.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (7):
Kids say (8):

Gargoyles will appeal to tweens and up but may prove too scary for the younger set. That said, most of the show's violence is of the hand-to-hand combat variety seen in most superhero programs. Characters punch, kick, and throw each other off of buildings, but they don't use very many weapons.

Gargoyles is very well-written, with likable characters. The storylines are interesting and involve many mythical and historical references, including Anglo and Scots mythology and even some Shakespeare references (never a bad thing). Violence plays a part in every episode, but it's not graphic or over the top. Kids who are old enough to watch Gargoyles will very likely enjoy it.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the gargoyles' efforts to maintain their close-knit clan. The relationships found within the gargoyle group are based on honor, honesty, and dedication; families can compare and contrast themes found in their own families and friendships. Why is it important to be honest to the people you care about? Have you ever been disappointed or hurt by a friend? How did you feel? What's the best way to react in that kind of situation?

TV Details

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