---
title: "Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation"
year: 2018
kind: "film"
canonical: "https://film.one/film/hotel-transylvania-3-summer-vacation"
fi1m_id: "hotel-transylvania-3-summer-vacation"
imdb_id: "tt5220122"
tmdb_id: 400155
wikidata_id: "Q28840385"
fi1m_score: 64
critics_score: 58
critics_reviews: 15
published: "2026-10-05T14:47:12.620931+00:00"
updated: "2026-10-05T14:47:31.619716+00:00"
region: "AR"
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 3: Summer Vacation (2018)

Directed by Genndy Tartakovsky · 1h 37m · Animation, Comedy, Family, Fantasy

## Identity

Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/film/hotel-transylvania-3-summer-vacation
- **Type:** Film
- **Fi1m ID:** hotel-transylvania-3-summer-vacation
- **IMDb ID:** tt5220122
- **TMDB ID:** 400155
- **Wikidata ID:** Q28840385
- **Same entity:** https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5220122/, https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/400155, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q28840385

**Fi1m score: 64** · Critics 58 from 15 reviews

*In a sentence:* Dracula is excellent company until somebody insists on giving him a love story

> Genndy Tartakovsky’s monster comedy earns its laughs through elastic bodies and visual jokes. The thin romance and neglected supporting characters make it a modest choice for a family evening, despite the animators’ energy.

## Synopsis

Count Dracula (Adam Sandler) is caught up in a running contest with Professor Abraham Van Helsing (Jim Gaffigan). His love life also demands attention, with Ericka Van Helsing (Kathryn Hahn) at the centre of a romance. Mavis Dracula (Selena Gomez) and Johnny Loughran (Andy Samberg) are among the surrounding company, alongside Frankenstein (Kevin James), Eunice (Fran Drescher) and Wayne (Steve Buscemi). The opening chase sets up a comedy of monster encounters and courtship, with Dracula’s romantic hopes taking the leading role.

## Review

Genndy Tartakovsky’s *Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation* is a modest family diversion with some inventive physical comedy and a love story that struggles to hold our attention. Its pleasures are easy to identify: bodies stretch, poses become jokes, and the monsters are allowed to look ridiculous. The trouble is how much time passes between the better routines. It is worth considering for younger viewers who will let a few good visual gags carry a thin story.

The opening contest between Count Dracula and Professor Abraham Van Helsing makes a strong case for the film. We laughed at the pursuit and escape, because the characters’ extravagant movements make each reversal feel like a joke before anyone needs to speak. Genndy Tartakovsky understands how a body can prepare a laugh, then change shape to deliver it. There is a welcome lack of dignity here, particularly whenever Dracula is the one being made to look foolish.

Adam Sandler gives Count Dracula a playful vocal performance that suits this treatment, and the cast generally sounds willing to join in. Kathryn Hahn voices Ericka Van Helsing, the other half of a romance that occupies more space than its writing earns. Selena Gomez’s Mavis Dracula has too little to do, a problem shared by much of the supporting company. A film with this many comic faces can afford to leave some in the background, but this one would benefit from giving them more of the comedy.

Scott Wills’s production design helps keep the surroundings worth looking at, particularly in the soft sunset colours. The pastels give the eye somewhere to rest when the figures are busy contorting themselves. Joyce Arrastia’s editing is effective within individual comic routines, where anticipation and sudden movement need different amounts of time. Across the full 97 minutes, however, the rhythm becomes patchier, and stretches of story feel like waits for the next piece of physical business.

The music is credited to Mark Mothersbaugh and Tiësto, and the emphasis on dance gives the film another useful outlet for its restless movement. Those passages make sense in an animation so eager to get its characters out of a standing pose. The energy becomes tiring when the jokes are less sharp, though, and the musical bustle cannot make every routine equally funny. A little quiet would have made the louder moments more welcome.

Writers Genndy Tartakovsky and Michael McCullers give the film a kindly message about acceptance, but the courtship is too thin to make that message affecting. The film is so eager to insist on the romance that it gives us little reason to care about the couple. A livelier courtship might have made Dracula’s romantic hopes matter as much as his comic embarrassment. There is sweetness here, though the supporting characters could have supplied more warmth if they had been given something substantial to do.

Family animation can get a long way on this sort of cheerful nonsense, and there is no reason to demand a lesson every few minutes. The moments that trust the audience to enjoy a ridiculous shape are the ones that work. This is a reasonable choice for children who want frantic monsters, provided the adults are willing to accept rather fewer laughs of their own.

*Fi1m score 64, published 5 October 2026.*

## What the critics say

The consensus is mixed, with the animation earning more consistent praise than the storytelling. Across favourable and unfavourable reviews, critics pick out elastic movement, expressive character animation and elaborate visual gags as the film’s main strengths. The dance sequences draw particular approval, while several reviews also welcome the vocal cast and the affectionate treatment of familiar monsters. For its supporters, the slapstick and sweetness make a thin story easy enough to forgive.

The spread is wide, however, and critics disagree sharply about how much comedy actually lands. IndieWire finds a joyful sequel with a welcome message of acceptance; Variety considers it the series’ weakest entry, with uninspired humour and dwindling energy. Elsewhere, reservations centre on the sketchy plot, uneven pacing and characters pushed aside for the romance. Even some positive reviews describe stretches that drag, while several detractors still find pleasure in the visual invention.

## Straight answers

**Is Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation worth watching?**

*Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation* is a modest family diversion we score 64 out of 100, best suited to younger viewers who enjoy frantic monsters and visual jokes. We laughed at Dracula’s elastic physical comedy, but the thin romance and underused supporting characters leave adults with longer waits between laughs.

**How long is Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation, and what is it rated?**

*Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation* runs 1h 37m. It is an animation and comedy film.

**Where can I watch Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation in Argentina?**

*Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation* is available to rent from Apple TV from AR$3.99. Availability is checked daily; the links above go straight to each service.

**How does Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation compare to The Emperor's New Groove?**

*Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation* is the patchier comedy; we recommend [*The Emperor's New Groove*](https://film.one/film/the-emperors-new-groove) for its more reliable laughs and brisker pace. Both find humour in a pompous leading man’s loss of physical dignity, but Dracula’s thin romance slows his film down, while the other largely gets on with the jokes.

**What should I watch after Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation?**

After *Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation*, try [*The Emperor's New Groove*](https://film.one/film/the-emperors-new-groove) (2000, Fi1m 80): Another pompous leading man discovers how little dignity a cartoon body permits. Then [*Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit*](https://film.one/film/wallace-and-gromit-the-curse-of-the-were-rabbit) (2005, Fi1m 87): Affectionate monster comedy with patient visual jokes and a much sturdier story; and [*The Addams Family*](https://film.one/film/the-addams-family) (1991, Fi1m 77): For family affection, deadpan performances and relatives who make Dracula seem restrained.

### Reviews we read (15)

- **IndieWire**, Jamie Righetti (A-): Righetti finds the sequel a joyful, worthwhile summer treat with a timely message of acceptance. She singles out its dazzling animation and Sandler’s playful comic performance for praise. [Read](https://www.indiewire.com/features/general/hotel-transylvania-3-review-summer-vacation-adam-sandler-1201981845/)
- **Los Angeles Times**, Kimber Myers (70/100, inferred): Myers finds the film entertaining and sweet, though scattered and less ambitious than the best animated family films. She praises its message of acceptance while criticizing its underused female characters and jokes that do not always land. [Read](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-et-mn-hotel-transylvania-3-review-20180711-story.html)
- **The AV Club**, Jesse Hassenger (B-): Hassenger finds it the best and most thematically at-home entry in the series, despite familiar story limitations. He praises Tartakovsky’s elastic animation and visually driven comic sequences. [Read](https://www.avclub.com/improbably-but-amusingly-hotel-transylvania-3-notches-1827291143)
- **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 supplied text. [Read](https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/12/movies/review-hotel-transylvania-3-summer-vacation.html)
- **Radio Times**, Victoria Luxford (3/5): Luxford finds the film charming and packed with entertaining gags, though its plot is sketchy. She singles out a booby-trap-filled dance sequence between Dracula and Ericka for praise. [Read](https://www.radiotimes.com/movie-guide/b-ains1g/hotel-transylvania-3-a-monster-vacation/)
- **The Hollywood Reporter**, THR Staff (50/100, inferred): The critic finds it an energetic, middle-of-the-road timekiller with a troubling message about romantic destiny. Sight gags and expressive body-language animation are its strongest elements. [Read](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/hotel-transylvania-3-summer-vacation-review-1125527/)
- **Vulture**, Emily Yoshida (45/100, inferred): Yoshida finds the film mostly harmless but forgettable, with little continuity or character depth. She praises its kinetic end-credit animation and appreciates its slapstick silliness for young children. [Read](https://www.vulture.com/2018/07/the-kids-could-do-a-lot-worse-than-hotel-transylvania-3.html)
- **The Guardian**, Simran Hans (2/5): Hans finds the instalment tepid, though not entirely charmless. She singles out its sunset pastels and playful visual details as highlights. [Read](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2018/jul/29/hotel-transylvania-3-a-monster-vacation-review)
- **Time Out**, Olly Richards (2/5): The review finds the franchise short on laughs and story. It praises the series’ madcap, Tex Avery-like animation as its most appealing quality. [Read](https://www.timeout.com/movies/hotel-transylvania-3)
- **Slant Magazine**, Derek Smith (1.5/4): Smith argues the sequel is stale and overly focused on a treacly romance. He praises the fresh visual gags and elaborate set pieces, but faults the infantile humor and sidelined ensemble. [Read](https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/hotel-transylvania-3-summer-vacation/)
- **Variety**, Scott Tobias (15/100, inferred): Tobias calls it the weakest entry in the series, finding its comedy consistently uninspired. He praises the opening cat-and-mouse sequence between Dracula and Van Helsing, but says it loses steam halfway through. [Read](https://variety.com/2018/film/reviews/hotel-transylvania-3-film-review-1202868083/)
- **HeyUGuys** (80/100, inferred): The critic finds the third film a belatedly successful, funny and endearing entry in the franchise. They single out the lively vocal cast, visual gags and especially the dance sequences for praise. [Read](https://www.heyuguys.com/hotel-transylvania-3-summer-vacation-review/)
- **Den of Geek**, Don Kaye (3 out of 5): Kaye finds the film uneven but ultimately enjoyable, with a thin plot and stretches that drag. He praises its visual wit and affection for classic movie monsters, which may keep them alive for younger audiences. [Read](https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/hotel-transylvania-3-summer-vacation-review/)
- **Eye for Film**, Angus Wolfe Murray (75/100, inferred): The critic finds the film entertainingly chaotic and full of enjoyment. They praise the ingenious animation and pitch-perfect voice cast. [Read](https://www.eyeforfilm.co.uk/review/hotel-transylvania-3-summer-vacation-2018-film-review-by-angus-wolfe-murray)
- **The Wrap** (75/100, inferred): The review finds this installment an easygoing, midsummer delight and the most satisfying of Adam Sandler’s franchises. It praises the relentless slapstick and sight gags, while noting the DJ battle may leave viewers with an unwelcome song stuck in their heads. [Read](https://www.thewrap.com/hotel-transylvania-3-film-review-adam-sandler-selena-gomez/)

## Details

- **Director:** Genndy Tartakovsky
- **Director:** Genndy Tartakovsky
- **Writer:** Michael McCullers, Genndy Tartakovsky
- **Editor:** Joyce Arrastia
- **Music:** Mark Mothersbaugh, Tiësto
- **Production design:** Scott Wills
- **Producer:** Michelle Murdocca
- **Cast:** Adam Sandler as Count Dracula (voice); Kathryn Hahn as Ericka Van Helsing (voice); Selena Gomez as Mavis Dracula (voice); Jim Gaffigan as Professor Abraham Van Helsing (voice); Andy Samberg as Johnny Loughran (voice); Kevin James as Frankenstein (voice); Fran Drescher as Eunice (voice); Steve Buscemi as Wayne (voice)
- **Runtime:** 1h 37m
- **First release (Australia):** 28 June 2018
- **Genres:** Animation, Comedy, Family, Fantasy
- **Budget:** $80 million
- **Box office:** $529 million
- **Trailer:** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ku52zNnft8k

## Where to watch in Argentina

- Apple TV: rent AR$3.99, hd
- Apple TV: buy AR$12.99, sd

*Checked 2026-10-05.*

Also available in: AE, AR, AT, AU, BE, BG, BR, CA, CH, CL, CO, CZ, DE, DK, EE, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, HK, HR, HU, ID, IE, IL, IN, IT, JP, KR, LT, MX, MY, NL, NO, NZ, PA, PH, PL, PT, RO, RS, SE, SG, TH, TR, US, VN, ZA. Add `?region=XX` to this URL for another country.

## Awards

- Kids' Choice Award for Favorite Animated Movie 2019: Kids' Choice Award for Favorite Animated Movie (nominated)

## If you liked this

- *The Emperor's New Groove* (2000), Fi1m 80: Another pompous leading man discovers how little dignity a cartoon body permits. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/the-emperors-new-groove.md)
- *A Town Called Panic* (2009): For the same appetite for physical chaos, with considerably fewer romantic interruptions.
- *Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit* (2005), Fi1m 87: Affectionate monster comedy with patient visual jokes and a much sturdier story. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/wallace-and-gromit-the-curse-of-the-were-rabbit.md)
- *The Addams Family* (1991), Fi1m 77: For family affection, deadpan performances and relatives who make Dracula seem restrained. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/the-addams-family.md)
- *Mad Monster Party?* (1967): An earlier monster gathering, with stop-motion creatures and an equally cheerful disregard for restraint.

---
© 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-3-summer-vacation