10 Facts about Gremlins (1984)

The film’s title is a reference to the mythological creatures known as gremlins, which were blamed for mechanical failures in aircraft during World War II.
The film was directed by Joe Dante, who also directed the 1985 film Explorers and the 2011 film Cowboys & Aliens.
The screenplay for Gremlins was written by Chris Columbus, who also wrote the screenplays for Home Alone and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York.
The film stars Zach Galligan as Billy Peltzer, a young man who receives a Mogwai (a small, furry creature) as a pet for Christmas.
The Mogwai, named Gizmo, is given three rules: he must not be exposed to bright light, he must not be fed after midnight, and he must not get wet.
If any of these rules are broken, the Mogwai will transform into a Gremlin, a mischievous and destructive creature.
The film also stars Phoebe Cates as Billy’s girlfriend, Kate Beringer, and Hoyt Axton as Billy’s father, Randall Peltzer.
Gremlins was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $153 million worldwide.
The film was nominated for two Academy Awards: Best Original Score and Best Sound Effects Editing.
Gremlins has been praised for its mix of horror and comedy, and it is considered a cult classic.