Gremlins, a Hollywood classic that blended horror and comedy, was so graphic that it forced movie censors to invent an entirely new rating system to protect young viewers. While the film itself is only rated PG in cinemas today, its legacy continues to influence the film industry.
A Box Office Hit with a Gruesome Edge
Released on June 8, 1984, Gremlins celebrates its 42nd anniversary this year. Starring Zach Galligan and Howie Mandel, the film was a box office sensation, earning $212 million worldwide. However, many audiences were shocked to find that what they thought was a family-friendly movie contained intense violence and gory scenes.
The Birth of PG-13
When Gremlins debuted alongside Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, both films pushed the boundaries of the existing rating system. At the time, the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) only had four ratings: G, PG, R, and X. The violent content in these movies prompted the MPAA to introduce the PG-13 rating, warning parents that some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.
Steven Spielberg, executive producer of Gremlins, recalled in 2008: "It was sort of a perfect storm of movies that I either produced or directed. I said, ‘Let’s get a rating somewhere in between PG and R.’ The film board was proactive about it, completely agreed. And before I knew it there was a PG-13 rating."
Gory Moments That Shocked Audiences
The violence in Gremlins was both creative and disturbing. In one infamous scene, a Gremlin is blended to death after trying to eat cookie batter. Another moment shows a Gremlin's severed head burning in a fireplace. Perhaps the most gruesome death occurs when a Gremlin explodes in a microwave, bursting into green liquid.
Other horrific scenes include a cinema full of Gremlins being wiped out by a gas explosion, causing them to melt as they die. These moments left a lasting impression on viewers and contributed to the film's controversial reputation.
Legacy and Future
Gremlins spawned a sequel, Gremlins 2: The New Batch, and various TV shows. Rumors of a third film continue to circulate, and fans wonder what rating it might receive. The original film remains a cult classic, remembered not only for its humor but also for its role in changing movie ratings forever.
