Gremlins (1984)
Kernel Score: 80% · 6,879 ratings · Rated PG
Genres: Fantasy, Horror, Comedy
Released: 1984-06-08
Runtime: 106 minutes
Is Gremlins worth watching?
Worth watching. A Christmas horror comedy that mixes cute creature gags with nasty, slapstick chaos. It's playful and darker than its reputation, and it's still fun forty years on.
Watch it if you
- like horror comedies with a mean streak
- enjoy 80s creature features
- want a different kind of Christmas movie
Skip it if you
- want a gentle family film
- dislike puppet-style horror
Best for: Fun cult night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Gremlins
- Stream: HBO Max
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
After receiving an exotic small animal as a Christmas gift, a young man inadvertently breaks three important rules concerning his new pet, which unleashes a horde of malevolently mischievous creatures on a small town.
Gremlins parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that Gremlins is a PG-rated horror-comedy with scary creature violence that may frighten younger children despite its family setting.
- Violence & scariness: Moderate — Creature mayhem and horror-tinged violence, including menacing gremlins causing chaos and danger to a small town.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Gremlins
If you liked Gremlins, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Ghostbusters (1984) — 90%: 80s comedy with creatures and practical effects.
- Evil Dead II (1987) — 84%: Horror comedy that goes gleefully over the top.
- Fright Night (1985) — 78%: 80s monster comedy with a playful mood.
- What We Do in the Shadows (2014) — 87%: Horror comedy with deadpan humor.
- Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024) — 77%: Spooky comedy with ghoulish, dark-edged fun.
Director
Joe Dante
Cast
- Zach Galligan as Billy Peltzer
- Phoebe Cates as Kate Beringer
- Hoyt Axton as Randall Peltzer
- Frances Lee McCain as Lynn Peltzer
- Corey Feldman as Pete Fountaine
- Keye Luke as Grandfather (Mr. Wing)
- John Louie as Chinese Boy
- Dick Miller as Murray Futterman
- Jackie Joseph as Sheila Futterman
- Polly Holliday as Ruby Deagle
Gremlins FAQ
Is Gremlins worth watching?
Worth watching. A Christmas horror comedy that mixes cute creature gags with nasty, slapstick chaos. It's playful and darker than its reputation, and it's still fun forty years on.
Where can I watch Gremlins?
In the US you can stream Gremlins on HBO Max and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Gremlins OK for kids?
Gremlins is rated PG. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that Gremlins is a PG-rated horror-comedy with scary creature violence that may frighten younger children despite its family setting.
What movies are like Gremlins?
If you liked Gremlins, try Ghostbusters, Evil Dead II, Fright Night and What We Do in the Shadows.