What many readers may not know about me is I, Marlee Lustig, have been an avid fan of Monster High for 15 years. This ranking will focus on the first-generation 3D films from 2012-2016.
11: “Monster High: Friday Night Frights”
This movie from 2012 ranks last on the list simply because I never think about it. Nothing about this film stands out. The dolls made for the film are bland, and there’s not even a Draculaura doll included. Its message of girl empowerment is important, but it’s just not a memorable watch. The best thing to come out of “Friday Night Frights” is the debut of Robecca Steam and Rochelle Goyle.
10: “Monster High: Great Scarrier Reef”
“Great Scarrier Reef” is the last first-generation film and the plot is forgettable. There isn’t a message for younger audiences, and it falls flat compared to the films before it. This movie feels off-brand for Monster High — colorful mermaid adventures go against the alternative brand.
New characters Posea Reef, Kala Mer’ri, as well as Peri and Pearl Serpentine are unique, , but the other designs are silly. It’s unnecessary to make a character like Lagoona Blue a mermaid because she’s already a sea creature that can breathe underwater. Additionally, changing the voice actress for her was distracting, since she had the same voice for six years.
9: “Monster High: Escape from Skull Shores”
There’s not much to say about “Escape from Skull Shores.” This movie has earned a spot at No. 9 because it’s not as boring as “Friday Night Frights” or as terrible as “Great Scarrier Reef.” The dolls are the best of the beach theme collections, but the movie doesn’t introduce any new memorable characters.
8: “Monster High: Freaky Fusion”
“Freaky Fusion” ranks low on this listbecause of the ending and the dolls. To kill Frankie Stein, a main character, and resurrect her with the power of friendship was unnecessary and lame. So much weird science potential that could have been used was ignored in the conclusion.
As for the new characters? Fabulous, and seeing mixed race representation in media was very rare growing up, so I loved them even more. My qualms aren’t with these dolls, though; they’re with the fusions of the pre-existing characters. While cute in the movie, they’re ugly in execution. Don’t even get me started on the dress-up fusion dolls; I’ve blocked them out for my peace of mind.
7: “Monster High: Scaris: City of Frights”
“Scaris: City of Frights” lands below the middle because while it does feature two fun new characters, Skelita Calaveras and Jinafire Long, it has a strange ending. During the last 20 minutes, Clawdeen Wolf’s design book becomes sentient and runs away. It’s as confusing as it sounds and seems better for a webisode than part of the movie.
6: “Monster High: Ghouls Rule”
This movie is pretty good. It’s a Halloween movie, the first time we see a human high school, and gives background characters,, Jackson Jekyll and Holt Hyde, the spotlight. The message of not judging people for how they look, but instead accepting them for their differences, is a key theme within the franchise. This movie, though, was the first time we saw conflict between monsters and humans. No new characters got dolls, but the dolls for the old charactersare some of the most stunning dolls Monster High put out.
5: “Monster High: Haunted”
This movie also took place at a new school and gave another background character some much-deserved attention. Spectra Vondergeist is kidnapped and forced to attend an all-ghost school with secretive Principal Revenant. Revenant serves as the second-most-terrifying villain in the first-generation movies. Three of the new characters River Styxx, Vandala Doubloons, and Kiyomi Haunterly each have a unique design feature in their doll. River’s arms and legs are transparent, Vandala has a detachable peg leg, and Kiyomi has no face.
4: “Monster High: Why Do Ghouls Fall in Love?”
“Why Do Ghouls Fall in Love?” is the first 3D film made, and set a standard of comedy, chaos, and fun. This seasonal film, for Valentine’s Day introduced C.A. Cupid and Kieran Valentine. The latter is the film’s legendary villain. This movie ranks fourth for the dolls being some of the most memorable, and for the drama of the main conflict —a “love square” of miscommunication and mind control. This movie also focuses on one of the most iconic couplings in the Monster High series, Draculaura and Clawd Wolf.
3: “Monster High: 13 Wishes”
It was a difficult decision between “Frights, Camera, Action!” and “13 Wishes” for third, but in the end, this movie was chosen because I hate Lagoona Blue and Gillington “Gil” Webber’s relationship. They are the most toxic couple in the franchise. Gil’s family has a strange sea creature hatred for Lagoona that he rarely defends her from, yet she stays with him.
The villain, Whisp, is the scariest villain in the entire series with a desire for revenge. I’d even go so far as to say this movie would not have a spot so high if not for Whisp. The doll’s clothes are amazing, but the new characters take the cake. Gigi Grant, Djinni “Whisp” Grant, Twyla Boogeyman, and the popstar Catty Noir have unique clothes that make them stand out as some of the most fun dolls.
2: “Monster High: Frights, Camera, Action!”
Second place on this list stands out to me for its pure rewatchability. No, that’s not a real word, and yes, I’m using it. “Frights, Camera, Action!” has a manhunt, world travel, mystery, lies, and deceit. Draculaura experiences character growth, but other ghouls also shine, like Robecca Steam, who hasn’t had a role of importance since “Friday Night Frights.” Elissabat, Honey Swamp, Viperine Gorgon, and Clawdia Wolf make their debut with their dazzling dolls.
1: “Monster High: Boo York, Boo York”
There are few words in the English language to describe the masterpiece that is “Monster High: Boo York, Boo York.” It’s a musical with new characters, old villains, and new romances. The new ghouls, Elle Eedee, Luna Mothews, Mouscedes King, and Astranova have beautiful red-carpet costumes. This movie gives the character Catty Noir, introduced at the end of “13 Wishes,” a starring role, personality, and a romance with Seth Ptolemy. The songs are catchy and iconic. If you haven’t heard “It Can’t Be Over” by Cleo De Nile and Deuce Gorgon, you’re missing out on a major moment in music history.
There you have it, folks: the true ranking of the Monster High movies. Now do yourself a favor and watch “Monster High: Boo York, Boo York.”
