It’s time for the monsters to hit the high seas. In Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation, Adam Sandler’s Dracula takes a break from running his gothic resort to join his family and friends on a luxury monster cruise – but what should be a relaxing getaway quickly turns into a wild ride of love, danger, and hilariously spooky chaos.
Directed by Genndy Tartakovsky, this third entry in Sony’s hit animated franchise delivers the same mix of slapstick humor, heart, and visual invention that made the series a global success. Behind the colorful spectacle lies a sweet story about family, acceptance, and learning to open your heart — even if you’re an immortal vampire. Here is everything you need to know about Hotel Transylvania 3 — from the plot and cast to reviews and release date. The trailer is at the bottom of the article.
All the key details about Hotel Transylvania 3
- Title: Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation
- Format: Film
- Length: 97 minutes
- Genre: Animated comedy, family, adventure
- Country of production: United States
- Year of release: 2018
- Director: Genndy Tartakovsky
- Main cast: Adam Sandler, Selena Gomez, Andy Samberg, Kathryn Hahn
- Produced by: Sony Pictures Animation
What happens in Hotel Transylvania 3?
After years of running his monster hotel nonstop, Dracula is feeling lonely and overworked. Mavis, ever the devoted daughter, surprises him with a family cruise — a chance for the monsters to unwind and explore the ocean. But when Drac meets the ship’s mysterious captain Ericka, sparks fly… until he discovers she has a dark secret that could destroy everything he loves.
Set aboard a glittering ship full of eccentric creatures, Hotel Transylvania 3 turns the open sea into a playground for monster mayhem. Between comedy gags, underwater chases, and musical showdowns, the movie blends family warmth with fast-paced fun for all ages.
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Who’s in the cast of Hotel Transylvania 3?
Adam Sandler once again voices the lovably neurotic Dracula, while Selena Gomez returns as his daughter Mavis. Andy Samberg brings his signature energy to Johnny, Mavis’s human husband, and Kathryn Hahn joins the franchise as Ericka Van Helsing — the adventurous captain with a family vendetta. Supporting voices include Kevin James, Steve Buscemi, and Mel Brooks, all reprising their fan-favorite roles.
Is Hotel Transylvania 3 based on a true story?
No, it’s an original animated adventure written by Genndy Tartakovsky and Michael McCullers, continuing the universe launched in the first two Hotel Transylvania films. However, the story playfully draws inspiration from real-world family vacations gone wrong, exaggerated into monster-sized proportions.
What are the reviews on Hotel Transylvania 3?
Critics praised the film’s vibrant animation and breezy tone, calling it a “colorful, chaotic crowd-pleaser.” On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 61% critic score and a strong 72% audience rating, while IMDb users rate it 6.3/10 — showing it remains one of the most family-friendly hits of the franchise. Reviewers noted that while the plot is simple, the humor and heart make it perfect summer viewing. Families especially appreciated its fast pace and upbeat message about love beyond appearances. Several critics also highlighted Genndy Tartakovsky’s direction for keeping the third chapter visually inventive, with fresh gags that keep even adults laughing.
Where was Hotel Transylvania 3 filmed?
As an animated film, production was completed entirely in digital studios at Sony Pictures Animation in Culver City, California. The movie’s oceanic and cruise-ship backdrops were inspired by real Mediterranean and Caribbean voyages.
Hotel Transylvania 3: Behind the scenes and fun facts
Director Genndy Tartakovsky has said he drew inspiration for the film from his own family cruise experiences. The soundtrack includes upbeat monster remixes and a lively electronic score by Mark Mothersbaugh. Notably, this was the first Hotel Transylvania movie not centered at the hotel — taking its characters on a globe-trotting adventure instead.
What’s Hotel Transylvania 3 like?
If you enjoyed Despicable Me or The Addams Family, this film is right up your alley — blending witty monster humor with heartfelt family themes. It’s fast, funny, and filled with colorful visuals that keep both kids and adults entertained.
When is Hotel Transylvania 3 coming out on streaming?
Available now. Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation is already streaming on Netflix USA, where it continues to entertain families with its humor and heart. Release date on Netflix USA: October 2025. Watch on Netflix.
Watch the trailer
In the meantime, here’s the trailer:
