Gremlins, the classic 1984 horror-comedy film starring a cute creature that turns into a nightmare, is directly responsible for a revolution in the movie rating system. Directed by Joe Dante and produced by Steven Spielberg, the film was originally released in the US with a PG (Parental Guidance Suggested) rating, but its scenes of extreme violence caused so much controversy that, still in 1984, they forced the Motion Picture Association (MPAA) to create the PG-13 category. Thus, Gremlins went down in history as the last and most violent film to carry the old PG rating, marking the end of an era where children could be exposed to intense content on screen.
As a result of numerous complaints from parents after watching Gremlins and other summer hits of 1984, such as Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, the MPAA instituted the new rating in July of that same year. Therefore, the PG-13 rating was born to warn that the material might be unsuitable for children under 13. However, the relevance of this story remains alive in January 2026, as the franchise not only survives but expands, with an animated streaming series and a new film already confirmed for 2027, showing that the legacy of these mischievous creatures is far from over.
The Content That Shocked a Generation
Despite marketing that sold Gremlins as a fantastic adventure, the film quickly descends into horror with graphic scenes that still surprise today. Not only do the monsters murder characters in brutal ways, such as using a snowblower, but the death of the leader Stripe, who melts and screams in agony, is terrifying. Furthermore, the dialogue carries a dark weight, like Kate’s tragic account of her father’s death on Christmas. Therefore, it’s easy to understand the film’s immediate impact and why it became the catalyst for a permanent change in cinema rules.
The Current Legacy and the Future of the Franchise
Since then, the franchise has softened its darker aspects, especially in the sequel Gremlins 2: The New Batch and the animated series Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai, released in 2022. Meanwhile, production for Gremlins 3, scheduled for release in 2027, promises a return to horror roots. With Chris Columbus, screenwriter of the original, directing, and Spielberg again producing, the expectation is that the new chapter will recapture the chilling atmosphere that defined the first film. Thus, more than four decades later, Gremlins continues to be a fascinating case study on culture, entertainment, and the constant evolution of the film industry for the Brazilian audience.
