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September 11, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
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Kept by Bryan McAllister — short guides, clear facts, and the Canadian angle when it matters.
Screen & Stage • Film

Gremlins

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

Updated September 11, 20261 min readCited sources

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

What it is

The film centres on Billy Peltzer, who receives Gizmo as a pet mogwai 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.

Key details

The three rules are: do not expose mogwai to bright light, do not let them get wet, and do not feed them after midnight. The cast includes Zach Galligan as Billy Peltzer and Phoebe Cates as Kate Beringer, with Hoyt Axton as Billy's father. Gizmo is the film's best-known creature character.

Why it matters

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. The film has long circulated widely in Canada through home video, television, and holiday-season programming.

In short

  • Gremlins is a 1984 fantasy horror comedy directed by Joe Dante.
  • The three rules: no bright light, no water, no food after midnight.
  • Gizmo is the small mogwai pet whose care rules drive the plot.
  • The film is a familiar part of North American pop culture, including in Canada.
Canadian angle

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.

Quick 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.
How old is Gremlins movie?
Gremlins was released in 1984, so it is 42 years old in 2026.

Sources

  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.