How To Watch The Hotel Transylvania Movies In Order

If you’re concerned about your children developing a fear of monsters, then it might be beneficial to introduce them to the “Hotel Transylvania” animated series first. This collection of comedies, which has been delighting viewers since 2012, offers a unique perspective on some of the most renowned monsters in pop culture. Characters like Count Dracula (voiced by Adam Sandler), Frankenstein (Kevin James), and Griffin the Invisible Man (David Spade) are just a few examples. These movies, which include some of Adam Sandler’s best work, have amused and touched both young and old audiences as they explore a kinder side to our beloved monsters.

For the tiniest of children, Dracula’s mesmerizing red eyes might seem a bit frightening at first, but they’ll soon find themselves charmed by these endearing monsters, much like how society has grown to love them. However, given the numerous movies featuring these creatures, one might question the optimal viewing sequence for these humorous monster films. In truth, watching them in the order of their release is actually the best approach. Here’s a brief rundown:

1. Movie 1
2. Movie 2
3. Movie 3
…and so on, following the chronological timeline of the movies’ releases. Enjoy the comedic monster adventure!

“Hotel Transylvania” (2012)
“Hotel Transylvania 2” (2015)
“Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation” (2018)
“Hotel Transylvania: Transformania” (2022)

To fully appreciate the Hotel Transylvania series, it’s essential to watch them sequentially as they progressively expand upon the storylines and motifs established in earlier installments. So, let’s delve into the reasons why you should start from the first movie and understand how each film adds layers to the narrative.

Why is that the correct order to watch Hotel Transylvania?

Essentially, to fully appreciate each installment of “Hotel Transylvania”, it’s best to watch them in sequential order. This is because the narrative of each movie is crucial for understanding the subsequent ones. Unlike a series like Marvel’s Cinematic Universe where each film builds upon the others, “Hotel Transylvania” isn’t quite that intricate. However, watching the first movie sets the foundation for the rest of the series, explaining key concepts such as monsters existing and their desire to hide from humans. For instance, in the original 2012 film, we learn about Dracula’s long-standing fear of humans due to past persecution, which leads him to build a hotel where monsters can live freely away from human eyes. This initial story helps lay the groundwork for the rest of the series.

Furthermore, the romantic tale between Johnny (Adam Samberg) and Dracula’s daughter, Mavis (Selena Gomez), plays a crucial role in the entire Hotel Transylvania series. In “Hotel Transylvania 2,” their relationship has progressed to marriage, and they have a son named Dennis at the start of the film. Given that these movies are designed for children, it is easy to follow along even if you jump around episodes. While nothing is excessively intricate, the emotional journeys of Dracula, Johnny, and Mavis intertwine as the series unfolds, making watching them in chronological order (which also happens to be the order of their release) the most sensible option.

Hotel Transylvania (2012)

Let’s kick off our exploration with the initial “Hotel Transylvania” movie. If you’re planning to start anywhere, this is undoubtedly the place to begin. In this film, we learn about Count Dracula’s deep-rooted animosity towards humans due to past traumas. He built Hotel Transylvania as a sanctuary not only for his companions but also for his daughter. However, on Mavis’ 118th birthday, she yearns to experience the world, convinced that humans aren’t all villainous or unlike monsters. Coincidentally, this is where Johnny, a young traveler, happens to wander into from his European backpacking trip. Initially baffled about his location, he soon realizes that monsters do exist, and he becomes apprehensive about his safety.

In the course of the story, Dracula and Johnny conspire to transform Johnny into a creature similar to Frankenstein’s monster, preventing his demise and shielding the secret of monsters from humanity. Over time, a bond forms between them as Johnny and Mavis develop feelings for each other. If you haven’t seen the first “Hotel Transylvania,” you’ll miss crucial character development scenes where Dracula learns that not all humans are evil, a pivotal lesson for his entire character arc across the series. Rest assured, there are mature aspects in “Hotel Transylvania” that adults will appreciate, making it enjoyable for everyone.

Hotel Transylvania 2 (2015)

Following on from the first movie, “Hotel Transylvania 2” continues the romance of Mavis and Johnny, concluding their story with marriage and a new family. Even though Dracula has grown and shows genuine affection for his son-in-law, he finds it challenging to accept the human side of his grandson, Dennis. Believing that Dennis will manifest vampire abilities by his fifth birthday (he’s a “late bloomer”), Dracula decides to encourage his grandson’s vampiric prowess. With Mavis and Johnny away visiting her family in California, Dracula is left with Dennis and his monster pals. Amusing situations unfold as Dracula frantically attempts to trigger Dennis’ supernatural abilities during their time together.

In the movie “Hotel Transylvania 2,” Dracula must confront his biases against humans. It’s not until he accepts Dennis for who he is that the boy reveals his abilities. Additionally, this second installment delves deeper into the Dracula family background, introducing Dracula’s traditional father, Vlad (portrayed by Mel Brooks). Therefore, it’s worth catching the sequel, but be sure to watch the first film beforehand.

Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation (2018)

In time, this franchise expanded into a trilogy, with “Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation” as its concluding chapter. This film was not only the last to be helmed by Genndy Tartakovsky, a renowned figure in animation who brought us the cherished series “Samurai Jack,” but also the final installment featuring Adam Sandler and Kevin James voicing Dracula and Frankenstein respectively.

“Summer Vacation” is loosely based on Tartakovsky’s own disastrous family vacation. It chronicles the escapades of the Dracula-Loughran clan as they embark on a luxurious sea cruise to avoid the sun. The movie creatively solves this problem, but the main appeal of “Hotel Transylvania 3” lies in introducing Dracula to his new love interest, Ericka Van Helsing, played by Kathryn Hahn. Yes, you guessed it, she is the great-granddaughter of his age-old adversary.

In the third installment of the Dracula series, the tormented vampire count begins to accept the possibility of loving again, beyond his lost wife. The storyline also incorporates a robotic version of Abraham Van Helsing (played by Jim Gaffigan) and the mythical city of Atlantis, but it all ties together effectively. Since Adam Sandler chose not to reprise his role as Dracula after this movie, it serves as a fitting farewell for the character and demonstrates how he has evolved throughout the trilogy. Watching them in sequence ensures one doesn’t miss out on the character development.

Hotel Transylvania: Transformania (2022)

In the fourth installment of the series titled “Hotel Transylvania: Transformania” (also known as “Hotel Transylvania 4”), the narrative veers off in an unanticipated path. This time around, Dracula (voiced by Brian Hull) feels it’s his time to retire and plans to pass the hotel to his daughter and son-in-law. However, when Johnny learns of this, he gets enthusiastic about potential renovations that Dracula deems detrimental to the hotel’s authenticity. The count then informs Johnny that only monsters can manage the hotel, prompting him to team up with Abraham Van Helsing in an attempt to transform into a monster himself. In the ensuing events, Johnny transforms into a dragon, causing Dracula to try and reverse the change. However, it’s Dracula who gets transformed into a human instead. Consequently, the two of them embark on a journey to South America in search of a means to revert themselves back to their original forms.

Transformania,” while perhaps not as endearing as the initial three installments of the series straight away, is still a must-watch for any enthusiast of “Hotel Transylvania.” This fourth film subtly revisits themes from the debut movie, notably Dracula’s acceptance of Johnny as a human, but does so in original manners that avoid feeling like a repetition. Due to its concluding sequence, it should be watched last in the series to preserve the overall plot – unless you don’t mind spoilers, read our “Hotel Transylvania: Transformania” review first.

Where do the TV shows fit in?

Beyond the “Hotel Transylvania” movies, there are additional animated ventures that fans might find interesting. The standout among them is “Hotel Transylvania: The Television Series.” This 2D animated show unfolds a few years before the 2012 movie, focusing on a younger Mavis (voiced by Bryn McAuley) and her monster pals as they frolic around the hotel while her father is off at the Vampire Council meetings. Unlike the films themselves, “The Series” doesn’t necessitate viewing, but fans may still take pleasure in this Mavis-focused escapade. Over its two seasons (and 52 episodes), it aired on Disney Channel from 2017 to 2020. You can watch “Hotel Transylvania: The Television Series” whenever you prefer, as it can be enjoyed independently of the films. Since it’s a prequel (meaning it comes before the first movie chronologically), it can still be appreciated as a distinct production.

Beyond the main “Hotel Transylvania” movies, there are some short films available for fans to enjoy. For instance, the 2012 short film “Goodnight Mr. Foot,” featuring a distinct 2D art style, is set before the events of “Hotel Transylvania” and doesn’t tie into the movie at all, so you can watch it whenever you prefer. On the other hand, the 2017 short “Puppy!” returns to the 3D animation used in the films and leads directly into the events of “Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation,” making it a good idea to watch this between the second and third movies. Lastly, the 2021 short film “Monster Pets” (which introduces Brian Hull as the voice of Dracula for the first time) takes place before “Hotel Transylvania: Transformania,” so it’s best to watch this between the third and fourth films in the series. While none of these shorts are essential viewing, they add fun elements to the “Hotel Transylvania” storyline, but you won’t miss much if you choose not to watch them.

2025-04-15 19:31