Gremlins 1 & 2: A Spooky Reunion for Halloween

Ah, the delightful chaos of October! Just when you thought it was safe to let your guard down with the arrival of autumn, Max is swooping in to remind us of the delightful anarchy that is Gremlins and its clever sequel, Gremlins 2: The New Batch. These films will commence streaming on October 1st—perfectly timed for the little goblins among us seeking thrills this Halloween season. And let's be honest, although the original is set against a backdrop of twinkling Christmas lights, its scares can easily turn your pumpkin spice latte sour any time of year.

Set in the fictional paradise that is Kingston Falls, the original Gremlins, released in 1984, stars the alluring Zach Galligan, the enchanting Phoebe Cates, and the ruggedly charming Hoyt Axton. Written by the ever-ingenious Chris Columbus, who brought you such family-friendly mischief as The Goonies and the tragicomic realities of Home Alone, and directed with panache by Joe Dante, it's no wonder we fell for it hook, line, and sinker. Add Stephen Spielberg as the executive producer and you have a recipe for cinematic magic—or should I say mayhem?

Oh, and let’s not forget Jerry Goldsmith's haunting score that rings through the film like a sinister lullaby. Here we meet Billy Peltzer, the unsuspecting hero who receives a rather troubling Christmas gift from his father, Randall (Axton). Instead of the usual socks or an ill-fated tie, he unwraps a furry little Mogwai named Gizmo, voiced in a surprisingly charming manner by Howie Mandel. This little guy comes with very specific instructions that sound suspiciously like they were penned by a parent promising to keep the house clean: no bright lights, and never—and I mean never—feed him after midnight. How easy could that possibly be?

With the predictability of a rom-com heroine’s bad date, chaos ensues as Gizmo is accidentally soaked by his friend Pete, creating a string of mischievous mini-Gremlins that terrorize Kingston Falls. The leader of the new brigade, Stripe, struts around causing what can only be described as an adorable yet terrifying ruckus. In the sequel, Gremlins 2: The New Batch, released in 1990, we find Gizmo in even more predicaments after being rescued from a research facility by our hero duo, Billy and Kate (Cates) who, it seems, don’t yet realize how much trouble one small Mogwai can conjure.

And just when you thought you could breathe a sigh of relief, you’re confronted with a reincarnated Stripe. Now sporting a trendy new look (hello, Mohawk), he captures Gizmo, leading to an entirely new level of mischief in a high-rise building in New York City. But wait! There’s more! Galligan, in an unexpected twist of fate, recently reprised his role as “Henchman No. 2” in Max’s latest venture, Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai, which brings with it intrigue that would make even the coolest cat envious.

Mark your calendars for October 3rd, as the second season, Gremlins: The Wild Batch, hits Max and introduces us to new characters, including the charming Simu Liu—who, fresh off his Ken Doll fame, is diving deep into the world of bootlegging and family drama linked to Chinatown’s most notorious clan. Picture it: a handsome rogue with a hint of trouble meets a crowd of endearing misfits including Sam, Elle, and our dear Gizmo on a wild road trip across America. Talk about a recipe for comic disaster!

To whet your appetite, the trailer promises not just cute chaos but touches on Gizmo's darker side—a worrying prospect for anyone hoping to maintain that family-friendly vibe. And let me just say, the tagline is as enticing as it is thrilling: *“Taking place one year after Season 1, Gremlins: The Wild Batch follows Gizmo, Sam, and Elle as they travel from their home in Shanghai to San Francisco, bringing even more magic, mystery, and Mogwai mayhem.”*

So get ready for an adventure that tracks our heroes across the American West, facing supernatural beings that we can only hope are less troublesome than your average Halloween guest. With guest stars including the likes of John Glover reprising his role from the original and a lineup of talented voices, this season promises to serve up even more delightful havoc. Bring on the Gremlins on October