Trolls
The 'Trolls' animated film series, originating with the 2016 movie, centers on the perpetually optimistic Princess Poppy and the grumpy Branch as they navigate adventures to save their colorful, music-filled world. The franchise explores themes of happiness, friendship, individuality, and the power of music across various Troll tribes. While initially presenting as a vibrant, lighthearted musical for young children, later installments like 'Trolls World Tour' and 'Trolls Band Together' introduce more mature themes and subtle innuendos, broadening their appeal to older audiences and parents familiar with pop culture references. The films are generally characterized by their bright animation, catchy songs, and positive messages about acceptance and harmony, though the content evolves, leading to increased parental guidance considerations in sequels.
Concerns
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
HighThe 'Trolls' franchise, particularly its later installments, incorporates significant LGBTQ+ symbolism and representation. While the first film features subtle allegories, 'Trolls Band Together' includes overt references through visual cues and character casting, solidifying its LGBTQ+ presence.
In 'Trolls Band Together', rainbow flags, reminiscent of LGBT pride parades, are prominently displayed during the wedding of Bridget and King Gristle. The wedding is officiated by Miss Maxine, a character voiced by openly gay drag performer RuPaul Charles. Additionally, the character Boom, voiced by openly gay Lance Bass, has rainbow-colored hair, and the Trolls Trollpedia identifies Boom as the franchise's first officially confirmed LGBT+ character. Characters like Veneer and Floyd are also noted by fans and reviewers as being 'queer-coded' based on voice actors (Andrew Rannells and Troye Sivan, both openly gay) and certain fashion stereotypes.
Scary & Intense Content
HighThe 'Trolls' films, despite their colorful aesthetic, contain elements of peril and intensity. The threat of characters being consumed, combined with scenes of emotional distress and physical harm, can be frightening for younger audiences.
In the first 'Trolls' movie, the central premise of the Bergens needing to eat Trolls to achieve happiness is inherently intense and potentially frightening, as Trolls are actively hunted and captured. 'Trolls World Tour' depicts Queen Barb, the Hard Rock Troll leader, destroying other Troll towns and intimidating inhabitants, which can be disturbing. 'Trolls Band Together' includes intense chase scenes and a particularly distressing sequence where Branch's brother, Floyd, is shown progressively withering and appearing to die as his musical talent is drained by the villains, before ultimately being rescued.
Violence
MediumThe series includes animated violence and peril, particularly concerning the central conflict of Trolls being eaten by Bergens or facing threats from other creatures. Later films depict destruction and intense scenes of characters in distress, though graphic gore is absent.
In the original 'Trolls' movie, the Bergens are depicted as monstrous creatures whose sole source of happiness comes from eating Trolls, a concept that can be frightening for younger viewers. Poppy and Branch face multiple dangers, such as being chased and nearly eaten by large spiders, with Branch using his hair to fight them off. In 'Trolls Band Together', the character Floyd is shown becoming 'washed out and sick-looking', appearing to be near death after having his talent drained by the villains Velvet and Veneer, creating a strong sense of peril.
Romance and Sexual Content
MediumThe films contain mild romantic gestures and escalating suggestive humor and innuendo, particularly in the later sequels. These references are often veiled but become more explicit, suggesting adult themes that may go over children's heads but are noticeable to parents.
In the first 'Trolls' film, there are mild romantic references between Bridget and King Gristle, including flirtatious dialogue such as Bridget saying, 'Maybe we should find another way to…ahem…work up an appetite?'. Nudity and crude humor also appear, such as the King revealing his bare bottom and a glitter troll performing 'glitter-farts'. 'Trolls Band Together' features heightened innuendo, with Bridget telling King Gristle, 'I didn’t think we’d both get tied up this honeymoon,' and them recalling a water ride where King Gristle’s swimming trunks ripped off, prompting Bridget to say, 'So hot!'.
Profanity
MediumThe level of profanity in the 'Trolls' franchise is generally mild, with the original film having only minor insults. However, 'Trolls Band Together' introduces more noticeable instances of mild language, including misuses of religious exclamations and bleeped profanity.
The first 'Trolls' movie includes mild insults and body function jokes. In 'Trolls Band Together', there are multiple instances of mild profanity, including three misuses of God's name (e.g., 'Oh my God') and four exclamations of 'oh my gosh'. The film also features a brief, audibly bleeped four-letter profanity displayed with symbols on screen, and a line from Lizzo's song 'Good as H—' containing a profane phrase.
Substance Use
MediumThe franchise contains subtle allusions to substance use, primarily in the sequels. While not explicit, some scenes suggest altered states or recreational consumption, which may be interpreted differently by adult viewers.
In 'Trolls World Tour', there is a scene where the Trolls are depicted as entering an 'intoxicated state' when exposed to 'smooth jazz' music. 'Trolls Band Together' shows Poppy consuming what appears to be a 'fruity adult beverage' at a vacation resort. Additionally, some reviewers have interpreted elements of 'Trolls Band Together' allegorically, suggesting that the villains' use of a 'substance drained from Trolls' for fame and the protagonist Branch relaxing by sucking on a 'ring pop' carry undertones of illicit drug use.
Anti-Christian Themes
MediumThe 'Trolls' franchise does not directly address or mock Christian beliefs. However, the prominent use of rainbow imagery, particularly in 'Trolls Band Together', alongside overt LGBTQ+ themes and characters, may be perceived by some Christian parents as conflicting with biblical interpretations of the rainbow or traditional family values, rather than an explicit anti-Christian stance.
In 'Trolls Band Together', the frequent and prominent display of rainbow flags in Bergen Town during a wedding ceremony is explicitly likened to LGBTQ+ pride parades. This use of the rainbow, a symbol with significant biblical meaning (God's covenant in Genesis), in an LGBTQ+ context, could be a point of concern for Christian viewers. Additionally, the inclusion of an openly gay drag performer (RuPaul Charles as Miss Maxine) and an openly gay celebrity (Lance Bass as Boom) in key roles within 'Trolls Band Together' aligns the franchise more closely with LGBTQ+ advocacy, which some Christian perspectives may find antithetical to their values.
Witchcraft & Occult
LowThe 'Trolls' movies do not feature explicit witchcraft, sorcery, or occult rituals. Any magical elements are typically whimsical, tied to the Trolls' inherent abilities like their colorful hair or glitter, and are not presented in a dark or supernatural context.
The narrative of the 'Trolls' franchise centers on themes of music, happiness, and friendship, with 'magic' often depicted through the Trolls' vibrant appearances and positive attitudes. There are no scenes depicting characters performing explicit magic rituals, summoning spirits, or engaging in dark sorcery. One allegorical interpretation of 'Trolls Band Together' describes a 'Hustle' button activating a 'pineal gland' to summon a 'purple-skinned demon' to break reality, but this is an abstract interpretation by a reviewer rather than a literal depiction of occult practices within the film's storyline.
Disrespect & Rebellion
LowThe 'Trolls' movies generally promote positive messages of teamwork and friendship. While characters may disagree or challenge leadership, particularly in situations of crisis, outright disrespect or rebellion as a glorified act is not a central theme; instead, such conflicts often lead to character growth.
In the original 'Trolls' film, Branch initially maintains a pessimistic and reclusive demeanor, often challenging Poppy's unrelenting optimism and leadership, though this serves as part of his character arc towards opening up and embracing happiness. In 'Trolls World Tour', Poppy disregards her father King Peppy's warnings about the dangers of confronting Queen Barb, choosing to believe in her own approach to unite the Trolls. While this shows defiance, it is framed as a youthful, idealistic pursuit of harmony rather than malicious disrespect.
Other Notes
Target Demographic
6+ for the original 'Trolls' movie, increasing to 8+ for subsequent films due to escalating suggestive humor, mild peril, and more overt LGBTQ+ symbolism and representation.
Additional Notes
Parents should be aware that while the core messages of friendship and happiness remain consistent, the content, particularly suggestive humor and LGBTQ+ representation, notably increases in intensity and explicitness across the sequels, especially in 'Trolls Band Together'. Discussions around identity, family dynamics (including estranged family), and managing strong emotions are also present. Some allegorical interpretations of substance use have been noted by reviewers for the later films.
Related Reviews
Is Trolls right for your family?
These concerns are a starting point — what many Christian parents care about. Want to screen for other themes? Define your own concerns.
Screen any book, movie, or show — even titles no one else has reviewed.
“StoryScanner gives us clarity and confidence. It's become our go-to for checking books at the library and movies on family night.”
— Cristi & Brian, Dallas TX
“StoryScanner has been such a BLESSING for researching books for our children. You can set filters for your concerns, enter a book title, and it lets you know what's present.”
— Christian Book Reviews for Families (Facebook)
No credit card required