Common Sense Media Review
Comic horror classic is still scary; profanity, deaths.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 11+?
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Gremlins
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 66 parent reviews
Parents say this film can be a tricky choice for children's viewership; many caution that it's more intense and violent than they remembered, making it unsuitable for younger kids, particularly those who still believe in Santa. While some parents found it a delightful introduction to the horror genre, others noted alarming scenes that could be disturbing, with humor often intertwined with graphic violence and dark themes, urging viewers to assess their child's maturity and sensitivity before watching.
- parental guidance
- age appropriateness
- graphic scenes
- santa reveal
- horror comedy
- strong opinions
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 176 kid reviews
Kids say this movie is a funny yet dark holiday adventure that combines elements of horror and comedy, making it suitable for older tweens and teens. While many appreciate its humor and creativity, parental guidance is strongly advised due to the violent content and some disturbing themes, particularly those mentioning the myth of Santa Claus and graphic deaths of gremlins that some viewers found excessive.
- funny and dark
- parental guidance needed
- suitable for older kids
- violent content
- disturbing themes
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In GREMLINS, a man discovers a Mogwai in a curiosity shop and buys it as a Christmas present for his son, Billy (Zach Galligan). Billy loves his sweet, furry pet, which he names Gizmo. But when he disregards the basic rules of owning it, Gizmo spawns nasty offspring, the Gremlins, that immediately go wild. Joined by his mother, Lynn (Frances Lee McClain), and his love interest, Kate (Phoebe Cates), Billy sets out to destroy the little suckers. The mayhem looks under control until Spike, the malicious Gremlin leader, hops into the school swimming pool and multiplies exponentially. Soon the whole town is under attack.
Is It Any Good?
This hit from 1984 has lost none of its ability to frighten and entertain. Both a dark comedy and a cultural commentary, Gremlins adds up to much more than a monster flick. The titular creatures possess a sick sense of humor that establishes the film's twisted comic tone. Visually, the movie is also filled with fun touches, like a "Have a Safe and Happy Holiday" sign shown while a science teacher is rather indelicately butchered.
The special effects are also convincing if not original: Gizmo looks a bit like an Ewok from Star Wars, and the Gremlin pods seem lifted directly from Alien. Along with Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, Gremlins prompted the creation of the PG-13 rating, and it tries to explore the evils of 1980s corporate culture, as humans try to conquer and control nature. In the end, the old Chinese man who sold Billy's dad the Mogwai returns to sum it up: "You do with Mogwai what your society has done with all of nature's gifts. You are not ready."
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Gremlins' message. What do you think the point was? Do most horror movies have messages? What are some others you can think of?
Do you think this movie is intended to appeal to kids? Why, or why not?
Did the characters in the movie act responsibly toward the Mogwai/Gremlins? What responsibility do you have to care for the pets and animals around you?
Movie Details
- In theaters : June 8, 1984
- On DVD or streaming : September 30, 1997
- Cast : Hoyt Axton , Phoebe Cates , Zach Galligan
- Director : Joe Dante
- Studio : Warner Bros.
- Genre : Thriller
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic , Monsters ) , Holidays ( Christmas )
- Run time : 106 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : scary situations and mild violence
- Last updated : December 27, 2025
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