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Gremlins

*Gremlins* is a 1984 American fantasy horror comedy film directed by Joe Dante and written by Chris Columbus.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Gremlins is a 1984 American fantasy horror comedy film directed by Joe Dante and written by Chris Columbus. It follows a small creature called a mogwai named Gizmo, whose care instructions are broken, unleashing destructive gremlins on a small town during Christmas.

Plot premise

The story begins when Billy Peltzer receives Gizmo from Mr. Wing’s grandson, along with strict care instructions. When the rules are broken, chaos follows as new creatures emerge and terrorize the town.

The three rules

The film’s best-known rules are: do not expose mogwai to bright light, do not let them get wet, and do not feed them after midnight. These rules are repeated in the film and are central to the plot.

Cast and characters

The cast includes Zach Galligan as Billy Peltzer and Phoebe Cates as Kate Beringer, with Hoyt Axton appearing as Billy’s father. Gizmo is the film’s best-known creature character.

Legacy

Gremlins became a widely recognised 1980s genre film and helped define the pop-culture image of gremlins and mogwai. Its rules, characters, and Christmas setting remain closely associated with the franchise.

Key facts

  • The film centres on Billy Peltzer, who receives Gizmo as a pet mogwai.
  • The mogwai must be kept away from bright light, water, and food after midnight.
  • If the rules are broken, mogwai can multiply and transform into hostile gremlins.
  • The film was released in 1984.
  • Gizmo is the small, furry mogwai who becomes Billy’s pet.
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Canadian context

The film has long circulated widely in Canada through home video, television, and holiday-season programming, making it a familiar part of North American pop culture for Canadian viewers.

Frequently asked questions

What are the rules of gremlins?
The three rules are: keep them away from bright light, do not let them get wet, and never feed them after midnight.
Who is Gizmo in Gremlins?
Gizmo is the small mogwai Billy receives as a pet at the start of the film; he is the character whose care rules drive the plot.
Is there a Gremlins 3?
As of the available sources here, no released *Gremlins 3* film is identified; the franchise is known for the original film and its sequel *Gremlins 2: The New Batch*.
How old is Gremlins movie?
*Gremlins* was released in 1984, so it is 42 years old in 2026.
What is the cast of Gremlins?
The main cast includes Zach Galligan, Phoebe Cates, Hoyt Axton, Frances Lee McCain, Polly Holliday, and Corey Feldman.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gremlins
    Supports: Release year, premise, cast, and the three rules associated with the film.
  2. Warner Bros. UK — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3r9PG-A37js
    Supports: The film clip and narration state the three rules and identify Gizmo by name.
  3. Neuralword — https://www.neuralword.com/en/entertainment/cinema-film-tv-series/unmasking-the-mischievous-revealing-the-3-rules-of-gremlins
    Supports: States the three rules: no bright light, no water, and no food after midnight.