Monster High#Films and TV specials

In the fictional American town of New Salem, the teenage children of famous monsters (and other mythical creatures) attend a high school called Monster High. The school is renowned for allowing all species of monsters to enroll in it: this is in contrast with other schools that exist in the franchise's fantasy world, which are reserved for one type of monster only (for example, a vampire-exclusive school). The characters' stories were told through the TV series, web series, films, the official website, as well as through diaries (booklets) included with the dolls. Since the franchise's beginnings in the late 2000s and early 2010s, Monster High has valued diversity among its characters and their visual appearance, personalities, abilities, and cultural backgrounds.{{Cite journal |last=Austin |first=Sara Mariel |date=2016 |title=Valuing queer identity in Monster High doll fandom |url=https://journal.transformativeworks.org/index.php/twc/article/view/693/720 |url-status=live |journal=Transformative Works and Cultures |volume=22 |doi=10.3983/twc.2016.0693 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220221213227/https://journal.transformativeworks.org/index.php/twc/article/view/693/720 |archive-date=February 21, 2022 |access-date=May 18, 2022|doi-access=free }}

{{Main|List of Monster High characters}}

Monster High features a variety of fictional characters, many of them being students at the titular high school. The female characters are called "ghouls", and the male characters are called "mansters". When the franchise was first introduced, the characters were generally the sons and daughters of monsters that have been popularized in fiction; in later years, it expanded to also feature characters inspired by other various types of mythical creatures, such as figures from folklore, mythology, and pop culture.

The franchise's official website at the time listed characters in four categories: "original" – the main characters who were introduced the earliest, "ghouls" – the female characters, "mansters" – the male characters, and "Frightmares" – characters who are half-centaur and half-monster.{{cite web|title=Characters|url=http://www.monsterhigh.com/en-us/character/index.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220221221200/https://play.monsterhigh.com/en-us/characters|archive-date=21 February 2022|access-date=21 February 2022|work=Monster High|publisher=Mattel}} The original characters are:

File:San Diego Comic-Con 2011 - Monster High girls (Mattel booth) (5992832407).jpg as Monster High characters at San Diego Comic-Con 2011]]

• Frankie Stein (voiced by Kate Higgins from 2010 to 2016, Cassandra Lee Morris from 2016 to 2018 and Iris Menas from 2022 onward){{cite web|url=https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/characters/Monster-High/Frankie-Stein/|title=Frankie Stein Voice - Monster High franchise|website=Behind The Voice Actors}} is the daughter of Frankenstein's monster and his bride. She is the central character of the franchise. She has white hair with black streaks and light, mint-green skin. Frankie is a simulacrum, meaning that her body is made of many different parts. She is clumsy, sweet, and always kind to others. She has a crush on Neighthan Rot. In the series, she used to date Jackson Jekyll and Holt Hyde, but this is different in the diaries, where both characters are in a relationship with Draculaura instead. In the first two incarnations of the franchise, Frankie uses she/her pronouns, while in the 2022 reboot they are non-binary and use they/them pronouns.
• Draculaura (voiced by Debi Derryberry from 2010 to 2018 and Courtney Lin from 2022 onward) is a vampire who is the daughter of Dracula. She is in a relationship with Clawdeen's older brother, Clawd Wolf. She is a vegetarian who faints at the sight of blood.{{cite web|title=Draculaura|url=http://play.monsterhigh.com/en-au/characters/draculaura|website=Monster High|publisher=Mattel|access-date=20 June 2016}} The diaries show that she used to date Jackson Jekyll and Holt Hyde. She has fangs and typically dresses in pink, black and white.
• Cleo de Nile (voiced by Salli Saffioti{{cite web|url=http://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/characters/Monster-High/Cleo-de-Nile|title=Voice Of Cleo de Nile - Monster High|website=Behind The Voice Actors|access-date=5 September 2017|postscript=Check-marks indicate the role has been confirmed using screenshots of closing credits and other reliable sources.}} from 2010 to 2018 and Kausar Mohammed from 2022 onwards) is the daughter of the mummy pharaoh Ramses de Nile, and is 5842 years old at the start of the series. She is the captain of the "fearleading" squad. Cleo prefers to accessorize with light-gold bandages or mummy wrappings. She is based on Cleopatra, while her older sister, Nefera de Nile, is based on Nefertiti. She is the queen of the social scene and has a boyfriend named Deuce Gorgon.
• Clawdeen Wolf (voiced by Salli Saffioti from 2010 to 2018 and Gabrielle Nevaeh Green from 2022 onward{{Harvnb|Terrace|2014|p=144}}) is the daughter of a werewolf. She is described as outgoing and sweet. She likes fashion. She has a bit of a temper at times when messed with, but can easily control it when coaxed properly. Her wolf ears are pierced in multiple places. In the 2016 reboot of Monster High, she develops mutual feelings for Raythe.
• Lagoona Blue (voiced by Laura Bailey from 2010 to 2015, Larissa Gallagher from 2016 to 2018 and Valeria Rodriguez from 2022 onwards) is the daughter of a sea monster. Lagoona is from "Down Under" and speaks with an Australian accent. She can talk with water animals. She is in a relationship with Gillington "Gil" Webber, but his parents disapprove of their relationship due to her sea-monster heritage. In the 2022 reboot she is Honduran and knows little about the outside due to growing up in a sunken castillo.
• Ghoulia Yelps (vocal effects by Audu Paden in most projects, and voiced by Felicia Day in the 2022 TV series) is the bespectacled daughter of a zombie couple from Canada. She is the smartest ghoul at Monster High, her personality is that of a shy and bookish girl with a sense of mischief. Due to being a zombie, she can only speak in moans and groans – a physical limitation that all zombies have. She has a romantic interest in Sloman "Slo Mo" Mortavitch, a tall male zombie on the chess team.
• Abbey Bominable (voiced by Erin Fitzgerald from until 2015, Cristina Milizia between 2017 and 2018, {{cite web|url=http://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/characters/Monster-High/Abbey-Bominable/|title=Voice(s) of Abbey Bominable|website=Behind The Voice Actors|access-date=4 November 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161104054743/http://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/characters/Monster-High/Abbey-Bominable/|archive-date=4 November 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://www.actionfigureinsider.com/mattel-celebrates-2014-san-diego-comic-con-with-hot-collectibles-and-fan-atic-festivities/|title=Mattel Celebrates 2014 San Diego Comic-Con with Hot Collectibles and Fan-atic Festivities|date=22 July 2014|website=Action Figure Insider|access-date=8 January 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161109222308/http://www.actionfigureinsider.com/mattel-celebrates-2014-san-diego-comic-con-with-hot-collectibles-and-fan-atic-festivities/|archive-date=9 November 2016}} and Aishwarya Pillai in the 2022 TV series) is the Russian-accented daughter of the Yeti. She is a proud and straightforward ghoul who doesn't readily spend words to bring her message more delicately. She's also very strong in terms of both physical abilities and psychokinetic ones and therefore intimidating, but although occasionally useful, she'd rather be known as simply a nice monster to hang out with. She has a romantic interest in Heath Burns, who she claims "makes her laugh".

Mattel began conceptualizing the Monster High franchise in 2007; the company filed for a trademark of the name "Monster High" in October of that year.{{Cite web |title=Trademark Status & Document Retrieval |url=https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=77311614&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch |access-date=21 May 2022 |website=United States Patent and Trademark Office}} Garrett Sander—then a packaging designer at Mattel—and his twin brother Darren went shopping with young girls one day, where they noticed that the young girls were into goth fashion. This served as inspiration for creating a toy brand with a dark aesthetic. Darren was involved with the early concepts for the brand; he came up with the slogan "(Where) Freaky Just Got Fabulous!". He also remarked that because the characters were monsters, they had more freedom to do things that ordinary kids could not do.{{cite web|date=5 November 2010|title=Behind the Design of Monster High |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SdrN8BLZlEk |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/SdrN8BLZlEk |archive-date=2021-12-21 |access-date=May 12, 2022 |work=Mattel Shop|publisher=Mattel |via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}} Other inspirations for the brand include children's interests in Tim Burton and Lady Gaga.{{cite web |last=Vultaggio|first=Maria |date=17 July 2013 |title=Goth Barbie Dolls Are Best Sellers: Mattel's Monster High Line Includes 'Draculaura,' 'Frankie Stein' And 'Clawdeen Wolf' [PHOTO] |url=http://www.ibtimes.com/goth-barbie-dolls-are-best-sellers-mattels-monster-high-line-includes-draculaura-frankie-stein |access-date=12 May 2022 |website=International Business Times}}

{{Infobox Toy

|name= Monster High dolls

|image= Monster High dolls.jpg

|caption= The original line of Monster High dolls released in 2010. From left to right: Clawdeen Wolf, Lagoona Blue, Cleo de Nile, Deuce Gorgon, Frankie Stein, and Draculaura.{{NoteTag|This is a promotional image featuring prototypes; the actual dolls released in 2010 looked slightly different from the way they do in this image.}}

|type= Fashion doll

|inventor= Garrett Sander

|country= United States

|company= Mattel

|from=2010–2018, 2020

|slogan={{Unbulleted list|

"(Where) Freaky Just Got Fabulous!" (2010–2011)|

"Be yourself, be unique, be a monster!" (2011–2016; 2022–present)|

"How Do You Boo (Be Out Of The Ordinary)?" (2016–2019)|"Everyone Is Welcome!" (2017–2020)}}

}}

Fashion dolls were the first franchise product to be released, with the media and other merchandise following soon after.{{Cite news |last=Zimmerman |first=Ann |date=3 June 2010 |title=Mattel's New Playbook: Toy First, Franchise Next |website=The Wall Street Journal |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748704515704575282682475749528|access-date=1 March 2022}} The first line, which included the original six characters, was released in 2010.{{Cite web|last=Hyland|first=Alexa |date=31 May 2010 |title=Mattel Bets on Creature Features |website=Los Angeles Business Journal |url=https://labusinessjournal.com/news/2010/may/31/mattel-bets-creature-features/ |access-date=27 February 2022}}{{Cite web|last=Chang |first=Andrea |date=13 August 2010 |title=Watch out, Barbie: Mattel's edgy Monster High is in session |website=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2010-aug-13-la-fi-monster-high-20100813-story.html |access-date=27 February 2022}}{{Cite news |last=Britten |first=Ashley |date=13 October 2021 |title=The best Monster High doll |work=Chicago Tribune |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/consumer-reviews/sns-bestreviews-toys-best-monster-high-dolls-20211013-6yrm2r6xyretxninmnzloydppa-story.html |access-date=February 27, 2022}} Mattel was experimenting with a new business strategy which consisted of launching a new franchise by releasing the toy first—without a "traditional entertainment property first"—and then following up with the media and entertainment. The original packaging boxes were designed by Garrett Sander himself.{{Cite Instagram|postid=B7QeE7Gh7W-|user=garrett_sander|title=Day 13: Frankie Stein from the 2010 line Monster High by @mattel ! [...]|date=January 13, 2020|author=Garrett Sander|link=yes|access-date=24 March 2022}} According to a social media post made by Sander in 2020, the first prototypes of the dolls during its development were made using head molds from another Mattel doll line that was never officially released, bodies from Barbie collector dolls, and with some accessories from My Scene dolls. A good amount of the initial design remained unchanged, but the actual dolls ended up looking drastically different.{{Cite Instagram|postid=CHiGBa5hy6H|user=garrett_sander|title=#HappyFridayThe13th every Monster! Unearthed from the depths of the Catacombs - Check out the very first prototypes that were made to pitch the idea of Monster High! [...]|date=13 November 2020|author=Garrett Sander|access-date=24 March 2022|link=yes}}

Over 750 different dolls have been released since its 2010 launch.{{Cite web|title=MH All Dolls|url=https://mh-merch.com/dolls/all/|access-date=24 March 2022|website=MH Merch|quote=Here, you'll find an overview of all Monster High Dolls, with a total of 756 releases.}} They vary in size, features, materials used, type of packaging, types of accessories they come with, country of manufacture, etc. Most of them are about {{cvt|10.5|inch}} tall. Some dolls, particularly the ones which were released a long time ago or in limited quantity, are rare, collectible, and therefore expensive. Most Monster High dolls were marketed to children as toys to play with, but some "collector's edition" dolls, priced higher and aimed at an older audience, were also made.{{Cite web|title=MH Collectors Edition Dolls|url=https://mh-merch.com/dolls/series/collectors-edition/|access-date=March 24, 2022 |website=MH Merch}}

In 2016, Monster High underwent a reboot, which was likely an attempt to make the brand appeal to a younger age category.{{Cite web |last=Aasland |first=Laura |date=January 12, 2016 |title=Monster High Reboot – A Collector's Thoughts |url=https://www.culturehoney.com/monster-high-reboot-a-collectors-thoughts/ |access-date=24 March 2022 |website=Culture Honey}} The sales were low that year, and the line was eventually quietly discontinued in 2018. In 2020, however, the franchise made its comeback when two new premium-priced collector dolls—dubbed "Skullector" and inspired by characters from the horror movies It and The Shining—were made available for purchase just in time for that year's Halloween. In 2021, a new set of two Skullector dolls inspired by characters from the movie Beetlejuice was launched exclusively through the "Mattel Creations" section of Mattel's website{{Cite web|last=Roberts|first=Tyler |date=August 10, 2021 |title=Mattel Creations Unveils Exclusive Beetlejuice Monster High Dolls |website=Bleeding Cool |url=https://bleedingcool.com/collectibles/mattel-creations-unveils-exclusive-beetlejuice-monster-high-dolls/ |access-date=24 March 2022}} alongside a doll inspired by the film Gremlins 2: The New Batch.{{Cite news|date=29 October 2021 |title=Mattel Creations Reveals 'Gremlins 2' Monster High Doll|work=License Global|publisher=Informa|url=https://www.licenseglobal.com/entertainment/mattel-creations-reveals-gremlins-2-monster-high-doll|access-date=24 March 2022}} In 2022, Mattel presented a new Monster High line called "Haunt Couture" (wordplay on "haute couture") which consisted of five new collector dolls: the five main characters of Frankie Stein, Clawdeen Wolf, Draculaura, Cleo de Nile and Lagoona Blue. They featured details such as rooted eyelashes and were priced at $75, and similarly were only available through the website.{{Cite web|last=Aune |first=Sean P. |date=February 17, 2022 |title=Mattel launches Monster High "Haunt Couture" dolls |website=The Nerdy |url=https://thenerdy.com/monster-high-haunt-couture/ |access-date=24 March 2022}} On Friday, May 13, 2022, Mattel released a new "Booriginal Creeproductions" line of Monster High dolls which were a tribute to the original 2010 line. It featured four of the main characters dressed in their original outfits and packaged in boxes that took heavy inspiration from the original packaging. They were priced at $25 each and at first available exclusively at Walmart outlets in the United States, and then also worldwide through the "Mattel Creations" section of the Mattel website.{{Cite web|date= 16 May 2022|title=Monster High|url=https://creations.mattel.com/collections/monster-high|access-date=16 May 2022|work=Mattel Creations|publisher=Mattel|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220516190334/https://creations.mattel.com/collections/monster-high |archive-date=16 May 2022}} They were aimed at older consumers who grew up with the original dolls prior to their 2018 discontinuation.{{Cite web|last=Watson|first=Cole|date=13 May 2022|title=Mattel targets collectors with resurrected Monster High toy line|work=Kidscreen|publisher=Brunico Communications|url=https://kidscreen.com/2022/05/13/mattel-targets-collectors-with-resurrected-monster-high-toy-line/|url-status=live|access-date=14 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220514121737/https://kidscreen.com/2022/05/13/mattel-targets-collectors-with-resurrected-monster-high-toy-line/|archive-date=14 May 2022}}{{Cite web|last=Zahn|first=James|date=13 May 2022|title=Monster High Boo-riginal Creeproductions Emerge for Friday the 13th|website=The Toy Insider|url=https://www.thetoyinsider.com/monster-high-boo-riginal-creeproductions-emerge-for-friday-the-13th/|url-status=live|access-date=14 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220514123851/https://www.thetoyinsider.com/monster-high-boo-riginal-creeproductions-emerge-for-friday-the-13th/|archive-date=14 May 2022}} Since then, Mattel has continued to periodically release new Monster High dolls, aimed at consumers and collectors alike.{{Cite web |date=October 18, 2024 |title=Monster High Dolls - MHcollector.com |url=https://mhcollector.com/ |access-date=October 18, 2024 |website=MHcollector.com}}

Various other Monster-High-branded products have been released: they include collectible vinyl figurines, Halloween costumes, plushies,{{Cite web|title=MH Merch Databases|url=https://mh-merch.com/|access-date=14 May 2022|website=MH Merch}} stationery, children's clothing, accessories, and makeup, perfume, and more. In February 2022, American fashion designer Maisie Wilen collaborated with Mattel to create a pair of earrings inspired by one of the main Monster High characters' style; they were available for $50 exclusively through the "Mattel Creations" section of the Mattel website.{{Cite tweet|number=1492624326843146240|user=MonsterHigh|author=Monster High|title=Toy-inspired accessories, for the human world. 💙 Shop the limited edition #MonsterHigh Skullette earrings by Maisie Wilen, now on presale exclusively on Mattel Creations.|date=February 12, 2022|access-date=May 17, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220517114539/https://twitter.com/monsterhigh/status/1492624326843146240|archive-date=May 17, 2022|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |title=MC Drop - Maisie Wilen Drop |url=https://creations.mattel.com/pages/mc-drop-maisie-wilen-drop |access-date=May 17, 2022 |website=Mattel Creations |publisher=Mattel}} In April 2022, Mattel collaborated with Hot Topic on a clothing collection inspired by the aesthetics of the franchise.{{Cite web |last=Buckley |first=Madeleine |date=April 13, 2022 |title=Monster High Gets a Scary Cute Collection at Hot Topic |url=https://thepopinsider.com/news/monster-high-hot-topic/ |access-date=May 17, 2022 |website=The Pop Insider}}

{{Main|Monster High (web series)|List of Monster High films}}

Launched in the digital media era, Monster High began adaptation into a web series which had its debut on YouTube on 5 May 2010, followed by a 23-minute TV special, New Ghoul @ School on October 30 that same year which premiered on Nickelodeon in the United States. The aforementioned New Ghoul @ School and the next TV special, Fright On! were 2D-animated, with the following films animated in CGI or computer animation: "Why Do Ghouls Fall in Love", "Escape from Skull Shores", "Friday Night Frights", "Scaris: City of Frights", "Ghouls Rule", "13 Wishes", "Freaky Fusion", "Haunted", "Boo York, Boo York", Great Scarrier Reef, Welcome to Monster High and Electrified. Other films were reported to be in development until the first franchise reboot and the discontinuation of Ever After High in 2016. Starting with Fright On! in 2011, the specials and films were released in direct-to-video home video formats by Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. The films ranked Monster High as the second in the list of children's direct-to-video franchises that year, according to online magazines and publications.{{cite web|url=http://www.nataliezworld.com/2015/12/monster-high-reboot-how-do-you-boo.html|title=Monster High Reboot How Do You Boo?|work=NataliezWorld|access-date=13 November 2016}} The films and specials have also appeared on streaming services/platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/Meet-The-Ghoul-Squad/dp/B07VZZCLPH/|title=Monster High Adventures of the Ghoul Squad|work=Prime Video|access-date=1 January 2020}}

In the 2015 film "Boo York, Boo York", a character known as Astranova makes contact with Apple White and Raven Queen from Ever After High suggesting a crossover in the future.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ka9xztBc9XA|title=Escena De Astranova|work=DC Super Hero Girls, Monster High y Ever After High|date=18 September 2015|access-date=13 November 2016|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}{{Dead Youtube links|date=February 2022}} However, the first franchise reboot and the discontinuation of Ever After High derailed and cancelled those plans (which also included more based-on films than the 16 indicated); brief storyboard animatics were instead released on the official Monster High YouTube channel under the title The Lost Movie{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5p0S_HeOGc&list=PLIsR9TmiBZZ-cPMbr6XT_0yiGP3uvIJC4 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/F5p0S_HeOGc|archive-date=21 December 2021|url-status=live|title=The Lost Movie|work=Monster High|date=May 6, 2016 |publisher=Mattel|access-date=26 November 2016|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}} and early designs for the EAH characters intended for the crossover have been released online.{{cite web|

url=https://www.facebook.com/EverAfterHighDolls/photos/a.307037339428144.1073741828.307033009428577/964675346997670/?type=3|title=Ever After High Dolls|work=Ever After High|publisher=Mattel|access-date=26 November 2016|via=Facebook}}

In 2021, it was announced that Mattel Television would produce a live-action musical film and an animated TV series for Nickelodeon, which premiered in October 2022. Both projects feature more gender diversity and LGBT characters.{{cite web|last=Milligan|first=Maercedes|date=13 July 2022|url=https://www.animationmagazine.net/tv/nickelodeon-mattel-unveil-voices-for-new-monster-high-animated-series/|title=Nickelodeon & Mattel Unveil Voices for New 'Monster High' Animated Series|website=Animation Magazine|access-date=19 July 2022}}{{cite web|last=Oddo|first=Marco Vito|date=13 July 2022|url=https://collider.com/monster-high-animated-series-cast-tony-revolori-kausar-mohammed-courtney-lin-nickelodeon/|title=Monster High Animated Series Adds Tony Revolori to Voice Cast|website=Collider|access-date=19 July 2022}}

Monster High: Kowa Ike Girls ({{Langx|ja|モンスター・ハイ こわイケガールズ|translit=Monsutā Hai Kowa Ike Gāruzu}}; Monsutā Hai and Gāruzu being transliteration of "Monster High" and "Girls", respectively) is an 8-episode series of 3-minute Japanese animated shorts produced by {{Interlanguage link|Shougakukan Music & Digital Entertainment|ja|小学館ミュージック&デジタル エンタテイメント}},{{cite web |title=Monsutā Hai |script-title=ja:モンスター・ハイ |trans-title=Monster High |url=http://www.shopro.co.jp/oha/monster_high/ |website=Oha Suta |publisher=Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions |access-date=18 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141028142542/http://www.shopro.co.jp/oha/monster_high/ |archive-date=28 October 2014|language=ja |url-status=dead}} and animated at Picona Creative Studio.{{cite web|author1={{Lang|ja|尾形美幸}} |script-title=ja:残業時間を月平均20～25時間へ抑制/インプットを増やしより良い作品づくりを目指すピコナ |url=https://cgworld.jp/interview/picona-201503.html |access-date=18 May 2022 |website=CGWorld + Digital Video |date=11 March 2015 |language=ja}} The shorts were broadcast as a part of TXN's morning children's television programming block Oha Suta beginning on October 22, 2014.{{cite web |title=Ibento |script-title=ja:イベント |trans-title=Events |url=http://amorecarina.com/event/page/2/ |website=Amorecarina |publisher=Good Choice Entertainment |access-date=18 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141009025728/http://amorecarina.com/event/page/2/ |archive-date=9 October 2014|language=ja |url-status=dead}} [https://www.youtube.com/user/matteljpn Mattel Japan's official YouTube account] later released the shorts online.

The theme song, simply titled "Monster High" ({{Langx|ja|モンスター・ハイ|translit=Monsutā Hai}}), was sung by Japanese teen idol girl band Amorecarina, featuring Kaede (from another idol girl band, Chu-Z) as a rapper. It was included in Amorecarina's debut single of the same name, along with an instrumental version.{{cite news|script-title=ja:「学校の中で1番かわいい」ガールズユニットがデビュー |url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/140223|access-date=18 May 2022|work=Natalie|publisher=Natasha, Inc.|date=6 March 2015|language=ja}}

The Kowa Ike Girls shorts were released in Japanese only.

Video games based on the franchise were released to accompany the audiovisual media.

The first game released was Monster High: Ghoul Spirit, available for the Nintendo DS and the Wii consoles on 25 October 2011. This release featured a special "Ghoulify" function for the Nintendo DSi. The game revolves around the player being the new 'ghoul' in school and must work their way through activities and social situations to finally be crowned 'Scream Queen'.

Another video game for Nintendo DS, Nintendo 3DS and Wii titled Monster High: Skultimate Roller Maze was released in November 2012. This game allowed players to experience the Monster High sport - Skultimate Roller Maze. Teams compete their way through a hazardous maze of obstacles.

The third video game for the Wii, Wii U, Nintendo DS, and Nintendo 3DS named after Monster High: 13 Wishes was released in October 2013. In this game, players take on the role of Frankie Stein who must free her friends from a magical lantern by collecting thirteen shards of a magic mirror.

Mobile apps Ghoul Box and Sweet 1600 are available on iTunes for the iPad and iPhone devices. The Monster High website has also released a series of catacomb-themed web games: "trick or trance", "phantom roller" and "scary sweet memories". In November 2015, Monster High: New Ghoul in School was released for the Xbox 360, PC, PlayStation 3, Wii, 3DS, and Wii U.{{cite web|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/11/nintendo_download_12th_november_north_america|title=Nintendo Download: 12th November (North America)|work=Nintendo Life|publisher=Gamer Network|first=Thomas|last=Whitehead|date=12 November 2015|access-date=31 December 2015}} The PC version was de-listed on Steam in 2017.

Lisi Harrison, a Canadian author known for writing popular book series; The Clique and The Alphas, wrote some young adult novels based on the franchise using a different fictional universe than the web series and deal with the Regular-Attribute Dodgers (RADs) and their struggles with love, social life, school and not to be outed as monsters to humans.

Mattel released Harrison's first Monster High novel on 26 September 2010. The book revolves around Frankie Stein and Melody Carver. The second book in the series, The Ghoul Next Door, was released at the end of March 2011{{cite web|url=http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/h/lisi-harrison/|title=Lisi Harrison|last=Harrisson|first=Lisi|website=Fantastic Fiction|access-date=13 November 2016}} and features chapters on Cleo de Nile.

The third book featuring Clawdeen Wolf is titled Where There's a Wolf, There's a Way and was released on 29 September 2011. The fourth novel titled Back And Deader Than Ever was released on May 1, 2012{{cite web|url=http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/back-and-deader-than-ever-lisi-harrison/1106980980?ean=9780316099172|title=Back and Deader Than Ever (Monster High Series #4)|work=Lisi Harrison|publisher=Barnes & Noble|access-date=13 November 2016}} and features Draculaura. Another Monster High book called Drop Dead Diary was released on January 19, 2011; it was written by a pseudonymous author Abaghoul Harris.{{cite web|url=http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/monster-high-drop-dead-diary-abaghoul-harris/1102057087?ean=9780316186612|title=Monster High Drop Dead Diary|work=Abigail Harris (as Abaghoul Harris)|publisher=Barnes & Noble|access-date=13 November 2016}}

Author Gitty Daneshvari has written a Ghoulfriends series focusing on Monster High characters Venus McFlytrap, Robecca Steam, and Rochelle Goyle. The four books include: Ghoulfriends Forever, Ghoulfriends Just Want To Have Fun, Who's That Ghoulfriend? and Ghoulfriends 'Til the End .

A book series by Nessi Monstrata was released covering five of the main franchise characters.

A book series by Misty Von Spooks was released that featured the Generation 2 franchise characters.

In 2024, IDW Publishing began releasing a line of Monster High comics including the limited series Monster High: New Scaremester and the one-shots Monster High Pride 2024, Monster High: Halloween Special, Monster High: Howliday Haunt, and Monster High: Bull's Eye.{{Cite web |title=Mattel Announces Monster High Publishing Program |url=https://corporate.mattel.com/news/mattel-announces-monster-high-publishing-program |access-date=2025-01-06 |website=corporate.mattel.com}}

Two songs titled "Fright Song" (2010), by Angela Buscio, and "We Are Monster High" (2013), by Madison Beer, were released digitally along with live-action music videos on YouTube.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGawAhRjtoA |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/nGawAhRjtoA |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|title=Fright Song|work=Monster High|publisher=Mattel|date=9 August 2010|access-date=13 November 2016|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJjbRxI9S6k |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/CJjbRxI9S6k |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|title=Fright Song - Behind The Scenes|work=Monster High|publisher=Mattel|date=8 August 2010|access-date=13 November 2016|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvU4TMyHwdc |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/tvU4TMyHwdc |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|title="We Are Monster High"™ - Madison Beer Music Video|work=Monster High|publisher=Mattel|date=16 January 2014|access-date=13 November 2016|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}} Ewa Farna additionally released a song and music video called "Monster High" (a version of "Fright Song") in both Polish and Czech.{{cite web | title=Ewa Farna fanynka MONSTER HIGH! | website=ŽENA-IN | date=2011-09-14 | url=https://zena-in.cz/clanek/ewa-farna-fanynka-monster-high | language=cs | access-date=2024-10-31}}{{cite web | title=Ewa Farna: Monster High (2011) | website=ČSFD.cz | url=https://www.csfd.cz/film/864117-ewa-farna-monster-high/zajimavosti/souvisejici/ | language=cs | access-date=2024-10-31}} Numerous soundtracks have also been released.{{Cite web |date=October 18, 2024 |title=Spotify – Monster High - Discography |url=https://open.spotify.com/artist/43niWwvn8OX1HmJLXu4aLV/discography/album |access-date=October 18, 2024 |website=Spotify}}

With the popularity of Monster High, companion doll lines were launched. Ever After High (abbreviated EAH) launched in July 2013 and features the children of characters of well-known fairy tales and fables. The franchise mainly focuses on Apple White, daughter of Snow White, and Raven Queen, daughter of the Evil Queen, also from Snow White in lead roles. Both represent the main conflict of its associated web series originally released on YouTube: the Royals, which is composed of students like Apple White who "want to follow their predetermined fairy tale story", versus the Rebels, which composed of students like Raven Queen who "wish to 'rewrite' their story/tale". The C. A. Cupid character from Monster High began featuring in its corresponding series from the 4th webisode onward where she is an exchange student there.

The second companion line was launched on July 18, 2017, as Enchantimals, featuring animal-inspired humanoid characters with a corresponding animal companion each as their pets. {{Citation needed span|text=This was in response to the growth of the My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic fandom.|date=April 2023}} It was originally tied to Ever After High, but fully branched off with EAH's declining sales.

Monster High was a massive financial success for Mattel,{{Cite news|last=Fleming|first=Mike Jr.|date=21 October 2015|title='Monster High' Franchise Launch Film To Be Helmed By Ari Sandel|work=Deadline Hollywood|url=https://deadline.com/2015/10/monster-high-ari-sandel-universal-mattel-franchise-launch-film-1201589651/url-status=live|publisher=Penske Media Corporation|access-date=21 March 2022|quote=This film is tied directly to the Mattel toyline that exploded in 2010 and became a billion dollar franchise.}}{{dead link|date=November 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}{{Cite web|last=Vincent|first=Roger|date=17 April 2013|title=Mattel profits quadruple on sales of Monster High dolls|website=Los Angeles Times|url=https://www.latimes.com/business/la-xpm-2013-apr-17-la-fi-mo-mattel-earnings-20130417-story.html|access-date=March 21, 2022}}{{Cite web|date=17 July 2013 |title=Mattel, Inc. (MAT) CEO Discusses Q2 2013 Results - Earnings Call Transcript |url=https://seekingalpha.com/article/1553132-mattel-inc-mat-ceo-discusses-q2-2013-results-earnings-call-transcript |access-date=March 21, 2022 |website=Seeking Alpha}}{{Cite news |last=Levy |first=Gabrielle |date=July 17, 2013 |title=Goth Barbie next best seller to the original |work=United Press International |url=https://www.upi.com/blog/2013/07/17/Goth-Barbie-next-best-seller-to-the-original/3841374081240/ |access-date=March 21, 2022}} becoming a billion-dollar brand in just three years and surpassing executives' expectations.{{Cite news |last=Ulaby |first=Neda |date=July 17, 2013 |title=Fangs And Fishnets For The Win: 'Goth Barbie' Is Monstrously Successful |work=National Public Radio |url=https://www.npr.org/2013/07/17/202417282/fangs-and-fishnets-for-the-win-goth-barbie-is-monstrously-successful |access-date=March 21, 2022}} During the first few years, the dolls' quickly rising popularity caused the sales of Mattel's own Barbie dolls to decline;{{Cite news |last=Lutz |first=Ashley |date=July 17, 2013 |title=Meet The Creepy Dolls That Are Burying Barbie |work=Business Insider |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/monster-high-dolls-outselling-barbies-2013-7?IR=T |access-date=March 21, 2022}} in 2013, while Barbie remained the best-selling doll brand, Monster High became the second best-selling doll brand, with more than $500 million in annual sales.{{Cite news |last=Anderson |first=Mae |title=In competitive world of dolls, Barbie fights for her life |work=Lubbock Avalanche-Journal |url=https://eu.lubbockonline.com/story/entertainment/local/2013/07/21/competitive-world-dolls-barbie-fights-her-life/15082792007/ |access-date=March 21, 2022}} In 2010, shortly after the dolls launched for the first time, they were so popular it was sometimes hard to find them in stores due to scarcity and they were selling out quickly.{{Cite news |last=Snyder Bulik |first=Beth |date=December 6, 2010 |title=Mattel's Got a Monster Holiday Hit, but Will Franchise Have Staying Power? |work=Ad Age |url=https://adage.com/article/news/monster-high-mattel-s-finds-christmas-toy-hit/147473 |access-date=March 21, 2022}} The line's success was partially thanks to its appeal to younger children who were choosing to play with toys which were "a little bit edgier" than traditional fashion dolls like Barbie,{{Cite news |date=July 18, 2013 |title=Barbie's dream life turns to nightmare, thanks to Monster High |work=The Mercury News |url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2013/07/18/barbies-dream-life-turns-to-nightmare-thanks-to-monster-high/ |access-date=March 21, 2022}}{{Cite news |last=Lutz |first=Ashley |date=October 16, 2014 |title=Barbie Dolls Are Quickly Becoming Obsolete |work=Business Insider |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/barbie-dolls-are-becoming-obsolete-2014-10?IR=T |access-date=March 21, 2022}} its "anti-bullying message" which encouraged children to be themselves and embrace their own flaws and differences,{{Cite news |last=Manders |first=Hayden |date=July 17, 2013 |title=Goth Barbies Are Mattel's "It" Girls Now |work=Refinery29 |url=https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2013/07/50107/goth-barbies |access-date=March 21, 2022}} and the "deep engagement" of fans with the franchise which was maintained through media and merchandise. It was built on a "trans-media storytelling [business] model, since it did not start with a traditional entertainment property first", which also contributed to its success. Even though the franchise experienced a lot of growth in its first few years, especially during 2012 and 2013, sales started declining in 2014.{{Cite web|last=Bias|first=William |date=28 July 2014|title=Here's Why Mattel Hit a Bump in the Road |website=The Motley Fool |url=https://www.fool.com/investing/general/2014/07/28/heres-why-mattel-hit-a-bump-in-the-road.aspx |access-date=March 21, 2022}} In 2016, the sales were weak.{{Cite news|last=Patnaik |first=Subrat|date=20 April 2016|title=Mattel struggles as Barbie sales slip again|work=Reuters|publisher=Thomson Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mattel-results-idUSKCN0XH2I5 |access-date=March 21, 2022}} Ultimately, the line was discontinued in 2018,{{Cite book |last1=Hopkins |first1=Charlotte |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OMhcEAAAQBAJ |title=HowExpert Guide to Doll Collecting: 101+ Tips to Learn How to Find, Buy, Sell, and Collect Collectible Dolls for Doll Collectors |last2=HowExpert |publisher=HowExpert |year=2022 |pages=60 |isbn=9781648918032 |quote=Monster High dolls debuted in July 2010 and were made by Mattel until 2018.}} then brought back two years later.{{Cite web|last=Goncalves|first=Deb|date=22 October 2020|title=Mattel Releasing New Monster High Dolls For 'The Shining' & 'It'|url=https://www.moms.com/mattel-new-monster-high-dolls-shining-it/|access-date=24 March 2022|website=Moms}} On May 16, 2022, when a new doll line featuring reproductions of the original 2010 dolls was made available online through the "Mattel Creations" section of the Mattel website, demand was high: the dolls sold out in less than one day.{{Cite web|date=17 May 2022|title=Monster High|url=https://creations.mattel.com/collections/monster-high|access-date=17 May 2022|work=Mattel Creations|publisher=Mattel|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220517103403/https://creations.mattel.com/collections/monster-high|archive-date=17 May 2022}}

The franchise has received positive recognition for its promotion of diversity among the characters, especially in comparison with other toy brands with similar levels of popularity.{{Cite web|last=Diaz|first=Alex|date=10 February 2021|title=A look into "Monster High": Why diversity in kids' media is important|website=Summit News|url=https://summitpsnews.org/2021/02/10/a-look-into-monster-high-why-diversity-in-kids-media-is-important/|access-date=18 May 2022}}{{Cite web|title=Dolls and feminism|url=https://dbknews.com/0999/12/31/arc-54b3c4nedzg3zkj27ld32rkaxe/|access-date=18 May 2022|website=The Diamondback|date=1 January 2014|quote=The author of this article incorrectly put out the date as "31 December 099", however in reading through the article's main body, look out for "Friday Night Frights movie"(2012) and "Ever After High" (which released in 2013); hence the source date indicated is in assumption that the body itself depicts enough justification.}}{{Cite web|last=Browne|first=Wendy|date=1 June 2015|title=Sorry Barbie But Ghouls Really Do Rule|url=https://womenwriteaboutcomics.com/2015/06/sorry-barbie-but-ghouls-really-do-rule/ |access-date=18 May 2022|website=Women Write About Comics}} This diversity continues to be a major selling point in Mattel's marketing of the franchise. In 2022, during the rollout of a new doll line, Lisa McKnight—Executive Vice President of Barbie & Dolls at Mattel—said: "We've been waiting for the right moment to reignite the Monster High brand to connect with [...] issues that are core to our purpose, like inclusion, diversity and community [...] with the updated franchise focused on being authentic, true to yourself and celebrating differences."

Monster High has some controversy and criticism, citing that the dolls' unrealistic bodies, often revealing outfits, and characters' focus on romantic relationships were a bad influence on young children.{{Cite web|last=McKay|first=Hollie|date=8 April 2016|title=Mattel's Waxing and Shaving Monster High Doll Sparks Outrage|website=Fox News|url=https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/mattels-waxing-and-shaving-monster-high-doll-sparks-outrage|access-date=22 March 2022}}{{Cite web|last=Mosbergen|first=Dominique|date=18 July 2013|title='Goth Barbies' Are The New 'It' Toy, But Are Monster High Dolls A Bad Influence?|website=HuffPost|url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/goth-barbie_n_3613443|access-date=22 March 2022}} They were criticized for being "hyper-sexualized" and reinforcing gender stereotypes about women; it was even implied that children could develop low self-esteem and eating disorders due to the presentation of unattainable body types.{{Cite web|last=Woods|first=Danianese|date=2019|title="Goth Barbies": A Postmodern Multiperspective Analysis of Mattel's Monster High Media |url=https://aquila.usm.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2706&context=dissertations|access-date=18 May 2022|publisher=University of Southern Mississippi |pages=136}} Peggy Orenstein similarly criticized Monster High in her 2011 book Cinderella Ate My Daughter.

Inspired by the commercial success of Monster High, other toy manufacturers — namely some of the biggest competitors in the toy industry which is the field of franchise owner Mattel{{Cite web|title=Mattel's Competitors, Revenue, Number of Employees, Funding, Acquisitions & News - Owler Company Profile |url=https://www.owler.com/company/mattel|access-date=18 May 2022|website=Owler}} — launched their own toy lines with a similar premise and/or aesthetic. In 2012, MGA Entertainment launched Bratzillaz (House of Witchez), a spin-off of the Bratz brand;{{Cite web|last=Bamford|first=Vince|date=14 July 2012|title=Fashion dolls rivalry takes a ghoulish turn|website=The Grocer|url=https://www.thegrocer.co.uk/non-food/fashion-dolls-rivalry-takes-a-ghoulish-turn/230791.article|access-date=19 May 2022}} it featured a similar theme centered around the paranormal, and was seen as MGA's attempt at capitalizing off of the success of Monster High.{{Cite news |last=Taylor|first=Alice |date=15 September 2013|title=Toy choice gets wider as internet inspires playtime revolution|website=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2013/sep/15/toys-retro-eco-educational|access-date=19 May 2022|quote=A recent visit to Hamleys' new dolls area turned up [...] glow-in-the-dark Bratzillaz (a brazen MGA fast-follow of the huge Mattel Monster High) [...]}} The same year, MGA also launched Novi Stars, a sci-fi-themed line of fashion dolls that featured extraterrestrial humanoids.{{cite news |title=MGA unveils doll lines|url=http://www.toyworldmag.co.uk/news/2012/07/mga-unveils-doll-lines-at-christmas-in-july-2012|access-date=21 May 2022|work=Toy World|publisher=Alakat Publishing |date=4 July 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141103213435/http://www.toyworldmag.co.uk/news/2012/07/mga-unveils-doll-lines-at-christmas-in-july-2012|archive-date=3 November 2014|language=en-UK|url-status=dead}} In 2013, The Bridge Direct launched Pinkie Cooper, which featured a humanoid Cocker Spaniel of the same name; in an interview with CNN Money, analyst Gerrick Johnson named both Monster High and Novi Stars as "competitors that come closest" to the dog-headed fashion doll.{{cite news|last1=Kavilanz |first1=Parija|title=After Bratz, will this be the next 'it' doll?|url=https://money.cnn.com/2013/02/04/smallbusiness/bratz-dolls-pinkie-cooper/index.html |access-date=21 May 2022|work=CNN Money|publisher=Cable News Network|date=4 February 2013|language=en-US}} Also in 2013, Hasbro launched My Little Pony: Equestria Girls as an anthropomorphized spin-off of the 2010 incarnation of the main My Little Pony franchise;{{cite news|url=https://kidscreen.com/content/pdf/51589.pdf|title=Hasbro Hits its Stride|pages=33–34|date=February–March 2013|work=Kidscreen|publisher=Brunico Communications|first=Brendan|last=Christie|access-date=9 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130424113414/https://kidscreen.com/content/pdf/51589.pdf|archive-date=24 April 2013|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/13/business/equestria-girls-a-my-little-pony-offshoot-in-its-movie-debut.html|title=A New Direction for a Hasbro Stalwart|work=New York Times|date=May 12, 2013|access-date=May 13, 2013|first=Gregory|last=Schmidt}} it featured the counterparts of My Little Pony characters in human-like silhouettes with non-human skin colors; it was regarded as Hasbro's take on Monster High.{{cite book|first=Sherilyn|last=Connelly|date=March 14, 2017|title=Ponyville Confidential: The History and Culture of My Little Pony, 1981-2016|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=yXRPDgAAQBAJ&pg=PA190|publisher=McFarland & Company|page=190|isbn=978-1476662091|via=Google Books}}

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• {{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=71GuAwAAQBAJ | title = Internet Horror, Science Fiction and Fantasy Television Series, 1998–2013 | first=Vincent | last=Terrace | publisher = McFarland & Company | isbn = 9781476616452 | year=2014 | via=Google Books}}

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{{Monster High}}

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