The Hunchback of Notre Dame

The timeless tale of the seductive gypsy Esmeralda and the tortured hunchback Quasimodo.

1956 • 115 min • Drama · Horror

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Synopsis

In 1482 Paris, Frollo, Chief Justice of benevolent King Louis XI, becomes infatuated by the beauty of Esmeralda, a young Romani girl. The hunchback Quasimodo, Frollo's protégé and bell-ringer of Notre Dame, lives in peace among the bells in the heights of the immense cathedral until he's involved by the twisted magistrate in his malicious plans to free himself from Esmeralda's alleged spell, which he believes to be the Devil's work.

Our family guide

Best from age 10

Movie Knight Score

122 reviews

67 Audience · 122 · 100%

In 15th-century Paris, the kind-hearted hunchback Quasimodo lives in Notre Dame Cathedral. His adoptive father, Frollo, becomes obsessed with the Romani dancer Esmeralda, leading to dangerous events for all.

Violence & peril: 5/10
Language: 2/10
Drinking, drugs & smoking: 3/10
Romance & sensuality: 4/10
Scary moments: 6/10

Heads up

Chilling villainous actions
Themes of persecution and injustice
Some frightening mob scenes

What it models well

Compassion and kindness
Standing up for the innocent
Loyalty and friendship
Justice over prejudice

Talk about it after

Judging others by their appearance
The meaning of true beauty
Consequences of obsession
The importance of empathy

Written by the Movie Knight editorial team for The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Our own words, our own scoring — always double-check against your family's standards.