interesting video breh
I looked at the one titled 'Are the Gargoyles Alive?' and this dude shares the same sentiments that I do. The statues could be fabricated beings by Quasimodo to give him solace and comfort in his isolation. They could be argued to be reflections of his personality, and are a happy contrast to his usually sad existence. They encourage him to not worry about his looks, to go outside and explore the fair etc.
BUT, you then gotta ask the question whether the gargoyles attacked Frollo's soldiers or was it just Quasimodo imagining so? If they aren't real, why was Esmerelda's goat able to see one of them?
I think arguments can be made on either side. But I'd prefer to believe they're fake...it adds more to Quasimodo's character depth imo.
Statues generally play a big part in this film.