The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1939)
Kernel Score: 81% · 214 ratings · Rated NR
Genres: Drama, Romance, Horror
Released: 1939-08-31
Runtime: 117 minutes
Where to watch The Hunchback of Notre Dame
- Stream: FlixFling, Bloodstream
- Free with ads: Kanopy, Bloodstream
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Paris, France, 1482. Frollo, Chief Justice of benevolent King Louis XI, gets infatuated by the beauty of Esmeralda, a young Romani girl. The hunchback Quasimodo, Frollo's protege and bell-ringer of Notre Dame, lives in peace among the bells in the heights of the immense cathedral until he is involved by the twisted magistrate in his malicious plans to free himself from Esmeralda's alleged spell, which he believes to be the devil's work.
The Hunchback of Notre Dame parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1939) is a classic drama dealing with racism, unrequited love, and a physically deformed protagonist facing persecution.
- Violence & scariness: Some — Includes persecution of a beggar clan and dark themes of obsession and cruelty.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official NR rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Hunchback of Notre Dame
If you liked The Hunchback of Notre Dame, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Les Misérables (1998) — 80%
- Charlie St. Cloud (2010) — 78%
- Before Sunset (2004) — 87%
- The Man in the Moon (1991) — 83%
- Tess (1979) — 80%
- The Bridges of Madison County (1995) — 86%
Director
William Dieterle
Cast
- Charles Laughton as The Hunchback Quasimodo
- Cedric Hardwicke as Frollo
- Thomas Mitchell as Clopin
- Maureen O'Hara as Esmeralda
- Edmond O'Brien as Gringoire
- Alan Marshal as Phoebus
- Walter Hampden as Archdeacon
- Harry Davenport as King Louis XI
- Katharine Alexander as Madame de Lys
- George Zucco as Procurator
The Hunchback of Notre Dame FAQ
Is The Hunchback of Notre Dame good?
The Hunchback of Notre Dame has an 81% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 214 audience ratings.
Where can I watch The Hunchback of Notre Dame?
In the US you can stream The Hunchback of Notre Dame on FlixFling and Bloodstream, watch it free with ads on Kanopy and Bloodstream and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is The Hunchback of Notre Dame OK for kids?
The Hunchback of Notre Dame is rated NR. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1939) is a classic drama dealing with racism, unrequited love, and a physically deformed protagonist facing persecution.
What movies are like The Hunchback of Notre Dame?
If you liked The Hunchback of Notre Dame, try Les Misérables, Charlie St. Cloud, Before Sunset and The Man in the Moon.