How many Gremlins movies are there
There are two core Gremlins movies released by Warner Bros: Gremlins (1984) and Gremlins 2: The New Batch (1990). These form the definitive commercial canon of the franchise. This guide explains the count, clarifies what is and is not an official Gremlins sequel or remake, and provides key details for each release to help you quickly understand the scope of the franchise.
Official Gremlins theatrical films
Gremlins (1984)
The original film introduces Billy Peltzer and the rules for caring for a Mogwai named Gizmo. It establishes the lineage that produces gremlins when rules are broken and remains the baseline reference for the franchise. It is widely regarded as a classic of 1980s genre cinema and a defining film for a generation of viewers.
Gremlins 2: The New Batch (1990)
The sequel follows Billy and Kate in New York City, where Gizmo spawns multiple mogwai that descend into chaos. It leans into comedy and style compared to the darker tones of the first film. Both movies are produced by Steven Spielberg and directed by Joe Dante, ensuring tonal and creative continuity across the pair.
What is not an official Gremlins movie
Television films and later releases with Gremlin-like creatures or the word Gremlins in marketing are not part of the core cinematic series. These include various straight-to-video or broadcast projects that borrow the name or aesthetic but do not share the same continuity, creative leadership, or official status. It is important to distinguish these to maintain an accurate count of canonical Gremlins movies.
Projected release table: verified details
| Title | Year | Director | Primary Cast | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gremlins | 1984 | Joe Dante | Zach Galligan, Phoebe Cates, Hoyt Axton | Original theatrical feature; launched the franchise |
| Gremlins 2: The New Batch | 1990 | Joe Dante | Zach Galligan, Phoebe Cates, John Glover | Sequel set in New York; emphasizes comedy and style |
Frequently asked questions
Viewers often ask whether a third theatrical Gremlins film is in development or whether remakes or reboots count as official entries. As of now, no new theatrical Gremlins movies have been released, and unofficial or inspired works should not be counted as part of the franchise. The total number of canonical movies remains two.
Key context and background
The stability of the Gremlins series comes from a clear creative lineage, defined by two releases from the same studio and directors. While discussions of spin-offs, reboots, or crossover projects occasionally appear, none have materialized into additional theatrical features that expand the count. Understanding this helps set expectations about future additions to the series.
What to watch next
If you are exploring the series, start with Gremlins (1984) to learn the rules and tone, then watch Gremlins 2: The New Batch (1990) to see how the story and style evolve. Both are widely available on digital platforms and physical media, and they provide a complete, self-contained viewing experience that represents the full extent of the official Gremlins movies.