Gremlins 3 (2025)

After decades of rumors and false starts, Gremlins 3 finally arrives in 2025 as a long-awaited continuation of the beloved cult franchise. Set nearly 40 years after the events of Gremlins 2: The New Batch, the film brings back the mischievous creatures to a new generation—with updated visuals, a sharper tone, and a surprising emotional core.

The story follows Sam Peltzer, the teenage son of Billy and Kate, the original protagonists. When Sam discovers an old wooden box in his grandparents’ attic containing none other than Gizmo, the adorable Mogwai, he unknowingly reawakens a familiar nightmare. As expected, the three cardinal rules—no water, no food after midnight, and no bright light—are broken once more, unleashing a new generation of Gremlins into a world completely unprepared for their chaos.

This time, the havoc unfolds in a high-tech smart city filled with AI systems, drones, and automated security—all of which the Gremlins gleefully sabotage. Their destruction is both hilarious and satirical, poking fun at our tech-obsessed culture. Practical effects are blended with CGI to preserve the original charm while allowing for more dynamic action and creative creature designs.

Original cast members Zach Galligan and Phoebe Cates return in supporting roles as older, wiser versions of their characters, adding continuity and nostalgia. But it’s Sam’s bond with Gizmo that becomes the emotional anchor. While the Gremlins steal the spotlight with their slapstick anarchy, the film also explores themes of responsibility, generational legacy, and the dangers of ignoring the past.

Director Chris Columbus, returning as writer and producer, ensures that the tone stays true to the original—dark comedy with horror edges and moments of genuine suspense. Unlike many modern reboots, Gremlins 3 doesn’t aim for empty fan service. Instead, it blends reverence for the past with a fresh, relevant narrative that stands on its own.

The ending hints at a possible expansion of the Mogwai mythology, suggesting that there may be more to their origin than previously known. Whether this opens the door to future sequels or spin-offs remains to be seen, but Gremlins 3 succeeds in what it set out to do: reintroduce the chaos, charm, and cautionary tale of Gizmo and his gremlin offspring to a new generation—with heart, humor, and just the right amount of bite.