--- title: "Hotel Transylvania 2" year: 2015 kind: "film" canonical: "https://film.one/film/hotel-transylvania-2" fi1m_id: "hotel-transylvania-2" imdb_id: "tt2510894" tmdb_id: 159824 wikidata_id: "Q15270775" fi1m_score: 52 critics_score: 53 critics_reviews: 16 published: "2026-10-05T13:42:00.405075+00:00" updated: "2026-10-05T13:42:00.721246+00:00" region: "NO" licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL." --- # Hotel Transylvania 2 (2015) Directed by Genndy Tartakovsky · 1h 29m · Animation, Comedy, Family, Fantasy ## Identity Hotel Transylvania 2 - **Canonical:** https://film.one/film/hotel-transylvania-2 - **Type:** Film - **Fi1m ID:** hotel-transylvania-2 - **IMDb ID:** tt2510894 - **TMDB ID:** 159824 - **Wikidata ID:** Q15270775 - **Same entity:** https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2510894/, https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/159824, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q15270775 **Fi1m score: 52** · Critics 53 from 16 reviews *In a sentence:* A grandfather spends a road trip trying to get a five-year-old to bite somebody, and the film thinks this is sweet > Genndy Tartakovsky’s drawings are quick and funny; the script he has been handed is a string of sketches about an overbearing grandfather. Children will enjoy the squashing and stretching. The rest of us will notice that the moral does not survive the plot. ## Synopsis Dracula (Adam Sandler) has opened Hotel Transylvania to human guests, and his daughter Mavis (Selena Gomez) has married her human boyfriend Johnny (Andy Samberg) under its roof. Their son Dennis (Asher Blinkoff) is approaching his fifth birthday, the age at which a vampire’s fangs come in, and has shown no sign of any. Mavis begins to wonder whether a half-human boy would do better in California, near Johnny’s parents Mike (Nick Offerman) and Linda (Megan Mullally). Dracula sends the couple off to look at the place and, with his grandson to himself, loads Dennis into a hearse with Frankenstein (Kevin James), Wayne (Steve Buscemi), Griffin (David Spade) and Murray (Keegan-Michael Key) for a road trip meant to bring out the monster in him. ## Review The first [*Hotel Transylvania*](https://film.one/film/hotel-transylvania) ended with Dracula letting a human into the family. This one opens with the wedding and then, in quick succession, a baby, a hotel that now takes human guests, and a grandfather who cannot leave any of it alone. Genndy Tartakovsky directs again, from a script by Adam Sandler and Robert Smigel, and the result is 89 minutes of bright, elastic cartooning in the service of a story that is a string of sketches. Children will like it. We liked about a third of it, which for a Sandler production is not nothing. The plot turns on Dennis (Asher Blinkoff), who is about to turn five and has shown no sign of fangs. Mavis (Selena Gomez) wonders whether a half-human boy might be happier in California, near Johnny’s parents. Dracula (Sandler) packs the couple off to look at the place and, the moment they are gone, loads Dennis into a hearse with Frankenstein (Kevin James), Wayne (Steve Buscemi), Griffin (David Spade) and Murray (Keegan-Michael Key) to scare the vampire out of him. That is the first act, and it is also most of the film. Tartakovsky is the reason to watch. He came up through television animation, and he draws Dracula as a sheet of black rubber that can fold into a bat, flatten against a window or inflate with outrage inside a single second. When Dennis asks for a bedtime story, Dracula sings him a lullaby about the places monsters hide, and the boy’s face goes from delight to pure terror in three drawings. We laughed hard at that, and at Griffin insisting on a girlfriend who is also invisible, and we noticed that the laughs came from the animators’ timing rather than from anything in the lines. The words are mostly filler. The pictures are doing the work. The script is the trouble. Sandler and Smigel have built the whole thing on one joke, a grandfather who will not accept his grandson as he is, and then asked the film to deliver a message about accepting people as they are. Those two things pull against each other for the entire running time. Every scene in which Dracula tries to turn the boy into a vampire is a scene the film will later have to apologise for, and the apology, when it comes, is brief and not quite sincere. We will not describe how the last reel resolves it. We will say that we came out unsure what the film wanted a five-year-old to take from it, and we suspect the writers were too. The craft around Tartakovsky is tidy and anonymous. Michael Kurinsky’s production design gives the hotel its purples, cobwebs and candelabra, and then drops Mavis and Johnny into a California of beige lawns and supermarkets under flat sunlight; the contrast is the film’s best visual idea, and it is used for about ten minutes. Catherine Apple cuts fast, as the gags need, and the film never sags, though it never breathes either. Mark Mothersbaugh’s score bounces along underneath and asks for no attention. The voice cast is large and mostly wasted. Gomez and Andy Samberg, as Johnny, are given a marriage with nothing in it to play. Nick Offerman and Megan Mullally, as Mike and Linda, get one good run as parents trying far too hard to be relaxed about monsters, and are then shelved. Fran Drescher and Molly Shannon are in the credits and barely heard. James, Buscemi and Spade are reduced to passengers in the hearse, each with a single recurring bit. This is louder and thinner than the first film. Tartakovsky’s television work had more invention per minute than anything here, and he ought to be given something of his own again. We found ourselves, more than once, watching the background characters, which is where his invention was allowed out. For a U certificate aimed at the under-tens it does its job, and 89 minutes is the right length for it. Adults on the sofa will get three or four real laughs and an argument with themselves about the moral. Bring a child, or borrow one. *Fi1m score 52, published 5 October 2026.* ## What the critics say Most critics find Hotel Transylvania 2 a lively but routine sequel, and the reviews split nearly down the middle, tilting against. Where praise lands, it lands on Genndy Tartakovsky: the fluid, exaggerated animation and the steady stream of sight gags are credited even by reviewers who dislike the rest. Several note that the pace is brisk enough to carry a thin story, and a few find Adam Sandler more agreeable here than in his recent live-action work. The reservations gather round the plot and the message. Reviewers describe the story as formulaic and more-of-the-same, and many find the lesson about parenthood and accepting difference muddled or smothering; Slant Magazine argues the ending contradicts it outright. The spread is wide, from warm notices at The Wrap to an unusually harsh dismissal at Eye for Film, which finds no character and a single gag worn thin. The divide tends to follow whether a critic is watching for children or for themselves. ## Straight answers **Is Hotel Transylvania 2 worth watching?** *Hotel Transylvania 2* is worth watching for children under ten and for the adults sitting beside them, and we scored it 52. Genndy Tartakovsky's elastic cartooning earns three or four real laughs, but the script is a string of sketches about a grandfather who will not accept his grandson, and the message about acceptance never recovers from that. **How long is Hotel Transylvania 2, and what is it rated?** *Hotel Transylvania 2* runs 1h 29m. It is an animation and comedy film. **Where can I watch Hotel Transylvania 2 in Norway?** *Hotel Transylvania 2* is streaming on Netflix in Norway, and it is also available to rent from Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV from kr 39.00. Availability is checked daily; the links above go straight to each service. **How does Hotel Transylvania 2 compare to Hotel Transylvania?** *Hotel Transylvania 2* is louder and thinner than [*Hotel Transylvania*](https://film.one/film/hotel-transylvania), and the first film is the better of the two. Both share Tartakovsky's snappy animation and a story we have seen before, but the earlier film gives its monsters more to do, while the sequel reduces Frankenstein, Wayne and Griffin to passengers in a hearse with one bit each. Start with the original. **What should I watch after Hotel Transylvania 2?** After *Hotel Transylvania 2*, try [*Hotel Transylvania*](https://film.one/film/hotel-transylvania) (2012, Fi1m 54): The first one, where the joke was fresher and the monsters had more to do. Then [*ParaNorman*](https://film.one/film/paranorman) (2012, Fi1m 76): Stop-motion monsters for children, with a message that survives its own plot; and [*The Addams Family*](https://film.one/film/the-addams-family) (1991, Fi1m 77): Live-action ghouls who love their children exactly as they are, no lesson required. ### Reviews we read (16) - **IndieWire**, Greg Ehrbar (70/100, inferred): The critic finds the sequel funny and entertaining, though less cohesive and predictable compared with the original. He particularly praises the return of the appealing characters and the Blu-ray’s extensive bonus features. [Read](https://www.indiewire.com/criticism/culture/dvdblu-ray-review-and-exclusive-clip-hotel-transylvania-2-122433/) - **The Hollywood Reporter**, THR Staff (70/100, inferred): The critic finds this sequel an amusing, value-added return with stronger storytelling and character development. They single out Tartakovsky’s colorful visual contrasts and several effective sight gags. [Read](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/hotel-transylvania-2-film-review-826542/) - **Vulture**, Bilge Ebiri (70/100, inferred): Ebiri finds the film minor but a pleasant surprise, especially compared with Sandler’s recent live-action work. He praises its brisk pacing and abundance of sight gags and puns. [Read](https://www.vulture.com/2015/09/hotel-transylvania-2-is-minor-but-pleasant.html) - **The New York Times** (64/100, inferred): The page is blocked, so the critic’s verdict cannot be determined. No specific praise or complaint is available in the provided text. [Read](https://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/25/movies/review-in-hotel-transylvania-2-dracula-yearns-for-a-little-monster-of-a-grandson.html) - **The AV Club**, Jesse Hassenger (C+): Hassenger finds the sequel energetic and charming, but says its parental themes become smothering and unsettling. He praises Tartakovsky’s fluid, exaggerated animation while criticizing the film’s focus on Dracula’s meddling and its rushed, punching-heavy climax. [Read](https://www.avclub.com/hotel-transylvania-2-mixes-fun-gags-and-creepy-messages-1798184974) - **Radio Times**, Victoria Luxford (3/5): The review presents the sequel as an entertaining, gag-filled follow-up, though its message about parenthood is vague. It singles out the animation and Dracula’s alternative lullaby as highlights. [Read](https://www.radiotimes.com/movie-guide/b-lboeov/hotel-transylvania-2/) - **Los Angeles Times**, Charles Solomon (40/100, inferred): Solomon finds the film formulaic and overly sentimental, though it has entertaining moments. He especially praises the animation of Jonathan, while wishing director Genndy Tartakovsky had a more interesting assignment. [Read](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-et-mn-hotel-transylvania-2-review-20150925-story.html) - **The Guardian**, Peter Bradshaw (2/5): Bradshaw finds the sequel routine and fangless, calling it staple family-oriented fare. He singles out Dracula’s overbearing grandparent antics as the source of its wacky scrapes. [Read](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/oct/15/hotel-transylvania-2-review-adam-sandler) - **Time Out**, Joshua Rothkopf (2/5): The review finds the sequel naff and lacking bite. It criticizes the film for not delivering scares, even as it targets children. [Read](https://www.timeout.com/movies/hotel-transylvania-2) - **Slant Magazine**, Eric Henderson (1.5/4): The review is sharply negative, arguing that the film undermines its message of accepting difference. It criticizes the ending for validating Dracula’s efforts to make Dennis a vampire. [Read](https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/hotel-transylvania-2/) - **Variety**, Nick Schager (35/100, inferred): Schager finds the sequel frantic and largely more-of-the-same, though it may entertain young fans of the first film. He criticizes its slapdash plot, which muddles its message about tolerance while making room for juvenile slapstick and overworked jokes. [Read](https://variety.com/2015/film/reviews/hotel-transylvania-2-film-review-1201600848/) - **The Wrap**, Alonso Duralde (72/100, inferred): The critic finds the sequel a welcome, humane return to form for Adam Sandler, despite some clumsy moralizing. The film’s outrageous visuals and rapid-fire jokes are singled out as making its flaws easy to forgive. [Read](https://www.thewrap.com/hotel-transylvania-2-review-adam-sandler-andy-samberg-selena-gomez/) - **HeyUGuys**, Stefan Pape (70/100, inferred): The review finds the sequel entertaining despite a contrived theme and a weak story. It praises the steady stream of puerile jokes, which keep the film funny. [Read](https://www.heyuguys.com/hotel-transylvania-2-review/) - **Consequence**, Collin Brennan (55/100, inferred): Brennan finds the sequel mildly entertaining but says it is difficult to recommend to viewers without children. He praises the quick, character-based jokes, while criticizing the predictable plot and groan-worthy puns. [Read](https://consequence.net/2015/09/film-review-hotel-transylvania-2/) - **Den of Geek**, Ron Hogan (2/5): Hogan finds the sequel energetic but threadbare, with jokes that often fail to land. He praises Tartakovsky’s lively animation and notes that some quieter gags work well. [Read](https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/hotel-transylvania-2-review/) - **Eye for Film**, Angus Wolfe Murray (15/100, inferred): The critic finds the film weak and its plot tiresome. They single out the lack of character, arguing that the one-gag concept quickly wears thin. [Read](https://www.eyeforfilm.co.uk/review/hotel-transylvania-2-2015-film-review-by-angus-wolfe-murray) ## Details - **Director:** Genndy Tartakovsky - **Director:** Genndy Tartakovsky - **Writer:** Robert Smigel, Adam Sandler - **Editor:** Catherine Apple - **Music:** Mark Mothersbaugh - **Production design:** Michael Kurinsky - **Producer:** Robert Smigel - **Cast:** Adam Sandler as Dracula (voice); Selena Gomez as Mavis Dracula (voice); Andy Samberg as Johnny Loughran (voice); Kevin James as Frankenstein (voice); Steve Buscemi as Wayne (voice); David Spade as Griffin (voice); Keegan-Michael Key as Murray (voice); Asher Blinkoff as Dennis (voice) - **Runtime:** 1h 29m - **Release (Norway):** 30 October 2015 - **Genres:** Animation, Comedy, Family, Fantasy - **Budget:** $80 million - **Box office:** $473 million - **Trailer:** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7NR9MLK5W4 ## Where to watch in Norway - Netflix: streaming - Amazon Prime Video: rent kr 39.00, uhd - Apple TV: rent kr 39.00, hd - Amazon Prime Video: buy kr 79.00, uhd - Apple TV: buy kr 79.00, hd *Checked 2026-10-05.* Also available in: AE, AR, AT, AU, BE, BG, BR, CA, CH, CL, CO, CZ, DE, DK, EC, EE, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, HK, HR, HU, ID, IE, IL, IN, IS, IT, JP, KR, LT, MX, MY, NL, NO, NZ, PA, PE, PH, PL, PT, RO, RS, SE, SG, TH, TR, UA, US, VN, ZA. Add `?region=XX` to this URL for another country. ## Awards - Kids' Choice Award for Favorite Animated Movie 2016: Kids' Choice Award for Favorite Animated Movie (won) ## If you liked this - *Hotel Transylvania* (2012), Fi1m 54: The first one, where the joke was fresher and the monsters had more to do. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/hotel-transylvania.md) - *ParaNorman* (2012), Fi1m 76: Stop-motion monsters for children, with a message that survives its own plot. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/paranorman.md) - *The Addams Family* (1991), Fi1m 77: Live-action ghouls who love their children exactly as they are, no lesson required. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/the-addams-family.md) - *Monsters, Inc.* (2001), Fi1m 86: Monsters, a small child and a workplace; the gold standard for this sort of thing. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/monsters-inc.md) - *Song of the Sea* (2014), Fi1m 82: Irish hand-drawn animation about a half-human child, quieter and far more beautiful. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/song-of-the-sea.md) --- © Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/film/hotel-transylvania-2