Hotel Transylvania 5: Monster Reunion (2025)
Starring: Adam Sandler, Selena Gomez, Andy Samberg
Genre: Comedy, Animation, Family

The Hotel Transylvania franchise has long been known for its unique blend of spooky humor and heartwarming family moments, and Hotel Transylvania 5: Monster Reunion is no exception. This latest installment takes fans on a monstrously fun ride, combining the antics of the lovable hotel staff with a dose of family chaos, plenty of laughs, and just the right amount of spooky.

The film picks up where its predecessor left off, with Mavis (Selena Gomez) and Johnny (Andy Samberg) now settled into their new life. But things take a sudden turn when a centuries-old curse is accidentally triggered, causing havoc in the beloved Monster Hotel. The curse, long dormant, turns every guest in the hotel into their worst nightmare, unleashing chaos in a way that no one — human or monster — could have anticipated.

Count Drac (Adam Sandler), along with his quirky team of friends and family, must scramble to fix the mess before it’s too late. But as is always the case in the Hotel Transylvania world, their attempts to solve the problem only lead to more hilariously complicated situations. As the monsters’ worst fears manifest in increasingly ridiculous ways, the hotel becomes a wild, unpredictable place, full of both mayhem and laughter.

The plot centers around the theme of family and the importance of sticking together, even in the most bizarre of circumstances. It’s a family reunion of sorts, where everyone comes together to face their deepest fears and try to bring everything back to normal — but of course, that’s easier said than done when you have a team of vampires, werewolves, and other creatures of the night, each facing their own challenges.

At the heart of the story is Mavis, who finds herself in a difficult position as she tries to reconcile the love she has for her family and her new life with Johnny. Mavis, ever the responsible one, is now tasked with helping her father, Count Drac, and the rest of the gang navigate the mess that has ensued. The transformation of the hotel’s guests into their worst fears is a testament to the power of the curse, and as things get more and more out of hand, Mavis must find a way to save the hotel and restore order, all while dealing with her own personal feelings and family dynamics.

Johnny, ever the optimistic and good-natured character, is along for the ride and does his best to keep spirits high, even as things spiral into chaos. His relationship with Mavis has evolved throughout the series, and in this film, they are forced to work together in ways they never have before. While Johnny’s human nature is often a source of comedy, he proves that he’s more than just a sidekick — he’s a key player in the family dynamic and a hero in his own right.

Count Drac, voiced by Adam Sandler, is, as always, at the heart of the action. Drac’s leadership is tested as he tries to come up with a solution to the curse that has turned their world upside down. Sandler’s portrayal of Drac remains one of the franchise’s highlights, bringing humor, heart, and just the right amount of villainous charm to the character. His interactions with his daughter Mavis and son-in-law Johnny are comedic, but also deeply meaningful, highlighting the complex relationship between family members and the generational differences that exist in any family — even one as fantastical as this one.

The ensemble cast of quirky characters, including the likes of Frankenstein, Murray the Mummy, and Wayne the Werewolf, all add to the film’s charm. Each character is given a moment to shine as they navigate their worst nightmares. These moments offer a great deal of comedy, as the transformations often result in exaggerated versions of the characters’ personalities and fears. Whether it’s Wayne turning into a more terrifying version of himself, or Frankenstein dealing with an uncontrollable version of his “monster” form, the antics are both hilarious and heartwarming.

One of the most compelling aspects of Hotel Transylvania 5: Monster Reunion is its ability to mix comedy with heartfelt moments. While the film is filled with humorous gags and wild action sequences, there is a deep sense of love and connection that runs throughout the story. The theme of family reunion is explored in a way that resonates with audiences, reminding viewers of the importance of supporting one another through life’s challenges. No matter how outlandish or bizarre the situation gets, the hotel staff and their guests always come together in the end, proving that family — no matter how unusual — is what truly matters.

The animation in this installment is as vibrant and colorful as ever, with the filmmakers once again delivering a visually stunning world for audiences to dive into. The Hotel Transylvania setting is lush and full of delightful details, from the grand architecture of the hotel itself to the magical elements that fill the space with wonder. The visual effects are a highlight, with the monsters’ transformations into their worst fears being particularly impressive, each one more outrageous and imaginative than the last.

Music also plays a key role in the film, with the score complementing the emotional beats of the story. There are moments of tension, but also moments of triumph, and the music helps elevate these scenes, pulling the audience into the adventure. The soundtrack is energetic and fun, perfectly in tune with the film’s lighthearted and chaotic nature.

As the film progresses, the tension rises, and the group’s efforts to reverse the curse intensify. The climax of the story is filled with high stakes, as they must race against time to restore peace before the entire hotel — and all of its guests — are permanently trapped in their worst nightmares. There are several plot twists along the way, keeping the audience on their toes and delivering a sense of surprise and excitement.

Ultimately, Hotel Transylvania 5: Monster Reunion delivers a joyous and satisfying conclusion to this chapter of the franchise. The film is a reminder of the importance of family, no matter how monstrous or unconventional that family may be. It’s a celebration of what makes us unique, while also reminding us that, at the end of the day, we all share common fears, hopes, and dreams. The monsters may be strange, but their love for each other is something everyone can relate to.

In terms of its rating, the film delivers a solid 8.5/10. It’s a fun, spooky, laugh-out-loud comedy that’s perfect for viewers of all ages. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the franchise or a newcomer, Hotel Transylvania 5: Monster Reunion offers something for everyone — a little bit of magic, a lot of laughs, and a heartfelt message about family. As the movie closes, audiences are left with the reassuring reminder that no matter how chaotic life may get, the bonds of family are always there to hold us together.