The Hunchback of Notre Dame

He dared to dream, he dared to love. This is the tale of a man… and a monster.

1996 • 91 min • Drama · Animation · Family

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Synopsis

Isolated bell-ringer Quasimodo wishes to leave Notre Dame tower against the wishes of Judge Claude Frollo, his stern guardian and Paris' strait-laced Minister of Justice. His first venture to the outside world finds him Esmeralda, a kind-hearted and fearless Romani woman who openly stands up to Frollo's tyranny.

Our family guide

Best from age 7

Movie Knight Score

5429 reviews

100 Reviewers · 2 · 51%
71 Audience · 5427 · 49%

Quasimodo, the kind bell-ringer of Notre Dame, longs to join the Parisian festivities, defying his strict guardian, Judge Frollo. He finds friendship with Esmeralda, a spirited Romani woman, who bravely challenges Frollo's cruel rule. This animated musical explores themes of acceptance, prejudice, and the true meaning of beauty.

Violence & peril: 6/10
Language: 1/10
Drinking, drugs & smoking: 2/10
Romance & sensuality: 3/10
Scary moments: 7/10

Heads up

Scenes of mob violence and persecution
The villain is genuinely menacing
Characters are tied up and threatened
Discussions of social injustice

What it models well

Empathy and acceptance
Standing up for others
Inner beauty and kindness
Fighting injustice

Talk about it after

What makes someone a hero?
Why is it important to treat everyone with respect?
How do we respond to prejudice?
The difference between inner and outer beauty

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.

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Top billed cast

Director: Gary Trousdale, Kirk Wise • Crew: Jonathan Roberts, Noni White, Irene Mecchi, Tab Murphy, Bob Tzudiker, Tab Murphy

Trailers & clips

Can you believe The Hunchback of Notre Dame is 30 years old?

The Hunchback of Notre Dame - 2002 DVD/VHS Trailer

The Hunchback of Notre Dame - 1995 Teaser Trailer

The Hunchback of Notre Dame - 1996 Theatrical Trailer (35mm 4K)

The Hunchback of Notre Dame - 1997 VHS Trailer

The Hunchback of Notre Dame - Sneak Peek #2 (April 24, 1996)

The Hunchback of Notre Dame - Sneak Peek #1 (February 28, 1996)

The Hunchback of Notre Dame

Reviewer notes

Recommended
This is what you might call a "free" adaptation of Victor Hugo's early 19th century tale of 15th Century French evil, bigotry, fear and love. "Quasimodo" is a young gypsy baby seized in Paris by the evil Justice Minister "Frollo". After the timely intervention of the Archdeacon, he is put in the care of the church at the imposing Notre Dame cathedral and grows into manhood - largely ridiculed for his hunchback app...
Geronimo1967, TMDB Community

RecommendedTrusted family reviewers
I've always enjoyed Disney's <em>'The Hunchback of Notre Dame'</em>. I love the atmosphere of the film, how fairly dark it is in parts and how lovely the animation looks. There are also many characters to enjoy, from Quasimodo to Esmeralda to Frollo to Phoebus to Clopin. The striking score is truly excellent too. As for the voice cast, all of those who speak for the aforementioned bring them to life splendid...
r96sk, TMDB Community