In the dead of night, Tony’s fantasy becomes reality when he encounters Rudolph Sackville-Bagg (Rüdiger in the books), a vampire boy of the same age. Rudolph isn't just a monster; he is weary. He is tired of hiding, tired of running from the villainous vampire hunter Rookery, and tired of the constraints of his nocturnal existence.
For anyone who grew up in the early 2000s, the name The Little Vampire conjures images of the beloved live-action film from 2000, starring Jonathan Lipnicki and Rollo Weeks. That movie, based on the popular book series by German author Angela Sommer-Bodenburg, held a unique place in the hearts of a generation. So, when a new animated adaptation titled The Little Vampire was released in 2017, it was met with a mixture of curiosity and skepticism.
The film has a dedicated online presence, particularly in "small fandom" circles on social media: The Little Vampire 3D on Tumblr
By 2017, however, the property was due for a modern refresh. The task fell to directors Richard Claus and Karsten Kiellanow. The decision to move away from live-action—last seen in the 2000 film—was a pivotal one. Animation allowed the filmmakers to lean into the fantastical elements of the story, creating a world where the grim aesthetics of a vampire crypt could coexist with the vibrant, colorful energy of a children’s cartoon.
Here’s a detailed, critical review of The Little Vampire (2017) — the 3D animated film directed by Richard Claus and based on the popular children’s books by Angela Sommer-Bodenburg.
(also promoted as The Little Vampire 3D ) is a computer-animated dark fantasy comedy film that revitalized a classic children's horror franchise for modern generations. Directed by Richard Claus and Karsten Kiilerich , the film serves as a vibrant, CGI-animated reboot of the iconic 2000 live-action movie . Both films trace their lineage back to the beloved German children's book series written by Angela Sommer-Bodenburg , which has sold over 10 million copies worldwide.
Their meeting occurs at a critical moment. Rudolph’s entire clan is trapped in a Transylvanian crypt, under siege by the ruthless, high-tech vampire hunter and his bumbling assistant, Maney . Despite their obvious differences, Tony and Rudolph strike up an instant camaraderie. Armed with Rudolph’s supernatural abilities and Tony’s resourcefulness—and later, the unexpected help of Tony's parents—the duo embarks on a whimsical, fast-paced battle to foil Rookery's traps, save the Sackville-Bagg family, and prove that humans and vampires can peacefully coexist. Key Characters and Voice Cast
For a new generation of toddlers and preschoolers, The Little Vampire 2017 may be their first taste of the franchise. And that’s okay. But for everyone else, the 2000 version—with its live-action heart and dramatic bite—remains the definitive cinematic adaptation of Angela Sommer-Bodenburg’s beloved books.
The answer depends entirely on your expectations.
The central conflict of the film is twofold. On a surface level, Tony and Rudolph must evade Rookery, a manic antagonist who provides the film’s primary source of danger. On a deeper level, the film revolves around a family quest. The Sackville-Bagg clan has been cursed to remain vampires forever, unable to walk in the sun or see their reflections. They seek a mysterious amulet that, when combined with a specific ritual, can grant them their humanity back.