Four years after the heartfelt conclusion of Hotel Transylvania: Transformania, the iconic monster family returns in the eagerly anticipated Hotel Transylvania 5: Moonlight Masquerade. Directed by Jennifer Kluska and Derek Drymon, the sequel blends laugh-out-loud family comedy with unexpected emotional depth—and introduces an all-new adventure under the full moon.
The film picks up during Mavis and Johnny’s tenth-anniversary celebration at the rebuilt Hotel Transylvania. However, excitement turns to chaos when Dracula (voiced by Brian Hull) learns of an ancient Transylvanian tradition: every fifty years, during a rare “moonlight masquerade,” monsters must shed their disguises to prove their true selves. Dracula, desperate to avoid revealing his century-old secret anxieties, recruits his eccentric monster pals to help him cover up.
As the masquerade begins, Dracula’s insecurities take over. Cloaked creatures begin to misbehave when unmasked—Frankie can’t control his electric shocks, Murray the mummy starts unraveling, and Wayne the werewolf slides into mild canine chaos. The hotel turns into a raucous madhouse of moonlit mishaps.
At its heart, Moonlight Masquerade explores the power of vulnerability and authenticity, even for monsters. Drac’s journey from embarrassment to acceptance becomes the emotional anchor. Mavis (Selena Gomez) and Johnny (Andy Samberg) support him lovingly, balancing slapstick comedy with heartfelt encouragement.
Supporting characters receive delightful moments: the blended monster family bands together in quirky musical numbers, and youngsters like Dennis get to shine when tasked with repacking unruly guests. The story quietly highlights themes of aging, change, and the importance of being seen.
The suitcase-slamming style and monster-to-monster puns are back in full force, amping up the franchise’s trademark zaniness. The “unmasked mishaps” sequence is a standout set piece—lighting bolts, mummy unravelings, and werewolf barking crescendos deliver belly laughs. Vibrant animation shines under the moonlit palette, with cinematic flair in each masquerade scene, sparkling tent decorations, and expressive character designs.
Hotel Transylvania 5: Moonlight Masquerade succeeds in delivering exactly what fans want: warmth, humor, and family-focused fun—while still forging fresh emotional territory. Its central message—that admitting our flaws can bring us closer to loved ones—strikes a charming balance between monster hijinks and emotional resonance. The next generation, led by Dennis and friends, hints at even more adventures ahead.
