Gremlins opens across the U.S. in 1984. Joe Dante’s black comedy horror and Christmas film stars Zach Galigan, Phoebe Cates and Hoyt Axton in a tale about an unusual pet turning into monsters of folklore. Though the film is criticized for its violence, it’s a critical and box office hit and is followed by a sequel, a video game and a line of toys. It also inspires several lower budget rip-offs.
This Day in Halloween: Joe Dante’s black comedy horror and Christmas film "Gremlins" opens across the U.S. in 1984. / Illustration by Quinn Moody
