Save the Cat rankings

The Hotel Transylvania script analysis

The Hotel Transylvania script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Al, a goblin, sneaks into Hotel Transylvania to belong among monsters. Recruited by Dracula to sabotage Frankenstein, he pranks his way through hotel life, jeopardizing new friendships. After his plot backfires and Frankenstein is presumed dead, Al teams with Mavis and friends to rescue him and expose Dracula. In the end, Al finds a place where he truly belongs.

80 Save the Cat fit score 55% analysis confidence / 28 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

60%

Al is introduced in a frantic chase, setting the tone and showing his outsider status.

Aaaah! Hey that’s good! That’s really scary!
2

Theme Stated

Scene 6 / 5% target

60%

Dracula tells Al he doesn’t belong, hinting at the film’s theme of acceptance.

They know you don't belong here. It's written all over your face.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 1-3 / Page 1 / 10% target

55%

Al arrives at Hotel Transylvania, meets staff, and tries to fit in, establishing his goal and the world.

4

Catalyst

Scene 11 / 12% target

65%

Dracula formally hires Al to spy on Frankenstein, launching the central plot.

I want you to keep an eye on Frankenstein. Make note of everything he does. Every place he...
5

Debate

Scene 12 / 20% target

50%

Al excitedly tells his mummy friend about his new job, hinting at his uncertainty.

Yeah, sorry about that. But you're never gonna guess what just happened! I mean this morning I was...
6

Break into Two

Scene 14 / 25% target

55%

Al gains official entry to the hotel with his key, moving into Act Two.

7

B Story

Scene 9 / 30% target

60%

Al follows Mavis to the balcony, initiating their relationship subplot.

You will. I've got a few things cookin' with your dad. Pretty big stuff, actually.
8

Fun and Games

Scene 19 / 40% target

60%

Al and Dracula’s prank on Frankenstein plays out, showcasing the premise’s fun elements.

9

Midpoint

Scene 20 / 50% target

65%

The prank is exposed—no brain, just noodles—and the crowd turns on Al, a false defeat.

10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 21 / 65% target

60%

Mavis confronts Dracula and Al faces backlash, intensifying pressure.

How dare you sacrifice someone I care about your own selfish desires.
11

All Is Lost

Scene 24 / 75% target

55%

Frankenstein’s funeral ceremony suggests irreversible loss and Al’s failure.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 22 / 80% target

55%

Mavis and Al plan how to save Frankenstein, showing Al’s remorse and self-doubt.

13

Break into Three

Scene 23 / 85% target

60%

Al and Mavis recruit the Mummy, marking the regrouping and plan for Act Three.

14

Finale

Scene 27 / 95% target

65%

Al rescues Frankenstein and exposes Dracula, resolving the main conflict.

15

Final Image

Scene 28 / 99% target

60%

Al creates a sunrise for Mavis, showing his growth and true belonging.

Oh, Al. It's beautiful.