Celebrating Gremlins 40th Anniversary: What’s New for Fans in 2024

Well, well, well, can ya believe it? “Gremlins” is turnin’ 40 years old this year. Yep, 40! It seems like just yesterday folks were sittin’ in the movie theaters watchin’ them little critters run wild. Back in 1984, “Gremlins” came out and scared the daylights outta people, but it also made ’em laugh till they cried. It was a funny and spooky mix that no one had ever quite seen before. Now, 40 years later, we’re still talkin’ about it, and folks are still watchin’ it every Christmas like it’s some kind of tradition. So, let’s take a trip down memory lane, shall we?

First off, let me tell ya, “Gremlins” ain’t like no other horror movie you’ve seen. It’s got its share of creepy stuff, for sure, but it’s also got a lot of comedy. It’s that mix of horror and humor that makes it so special. Directed by Joe Dante and written by Chris Columbus, this movie had some real big names back in the day. Zach Galligan, Phoebe Cates, and Hoyt Axton—these folks made the movie memorable. And let’s not forget Gizmo, the cute little mogwai, who was voiced by none other than Howie Mandel. Ain’t that somethin’?

Now, I’m sure y’all remember the rules, right? Don’t feed ’em after midnight, don’t get ’em wet, and don’t let ’em go out in the sunlight. You break one of them rules, and you’re in for a world of trouble. The little creatures, once they’re fed after dark, turn into the gremlins, and they’re a handful! They cause all sorts of mischief in the small town where Billy (played by Zach Galligan) lives. You got chaos, destruction, and a whole lotta laughs all in one movie.

But let’s talk about how “Gremlins” has aged over the years. It still holds up, y’know? Sure, the special effects might seem a bit dated compared to today’s CGI stuff, but there’s somethin’ about it that still feels fresh. The way the town looks, the cozy little shops, and the feel of the whole place—it’s like a step back in time. It’s got this timeless vibe that still makes it fun to watch today. The movie’s aged better than some of its sequels, if you ask me. I mean, “Gremlins 2” with its whole “office block of the future” look, it just doesn’t hit the same way, in my humble opinion.

And here’s somethin’ else to remember—when the movie first came out, people were all kinds of excited. The term “gremlin” comes from old slang used by British RAF pilots durin’ World War II. It was used to explain all the little mechanical issues they had with their planes. Like, if a plane suddenly broke down or something weird happened, they’d blame it on the gremlins. And that’s how the creatures got their name—tricksters that were blamed for all sorts of trouble. Ain’t that a fun bit of history for ya?

Now, as we celebrate the 40th anniversary of this classic, folks are still keepin’ the tradition alive. NECA, a company that makes all sorts of collectibles, has been busy celebratin’ by releasing some special edition figurines and other cool merch. If you’re a fan of “Gremlins,” these collectible items are sure to bring back some memories of the good ol’ days. If ya can get your hands on one, that is! It’s like a piece of history sittin’ on your shelf, right there with you.

And let’s not forget the impact “Gremlins” had on pop culture. Even though the movie’s funny and scary all at once, it’s also left its mark on other films, TV shows, and even video games. You’ve got other horror-comedy movies like “Beetlejuice” and “The Addams Family” that took a little inspiration from the mix of scares and laughs. And don’t forget all the Halloween costumes and toys that followed. Gremlins are everywhere, even today!

So, if you haven’t watched “Gremlins” in a while, now’s the perfect time to pop some popcorn, get comfy, and revisit the chaos. It’s still as fun, funny, and spooky as it was all them years ago. And if you’re already a big fan, well, you’ve got every reason to celebrate this 40th anniversary in style. Maybe even grab yourself a Gizmo figurine or something to remember it by. Ain’t it somethin’ to think about? 40 years of gremlin mischief, and we’re still watchin’! Here’s to another 40 years of fun, folks!

Tags：[Gremlins, 40th Anniversary, Horror Comedy, Gizmo, Joe Dante, Chris Columbus, Zach Galligan, Phoebe Cates, NECA, Pop Culture, Special Edition, Collectibles]