OVER the years film fans have debated whether Gremlins counts as a Christmas film.
The Steven Spielberg classic sees a bunch of evil creatures run riot over festive season
Five reasons why Gremlins is a Christmas movie
It takes place at Christmas
Gremlins starts off with Randall Peltzer venturing into Chinatown to find a Christmas gift for his son Billy.
He ends up with Gizmo, the super-cute Mogwai which reinforces the message that a pet is for life - not just for Christmas.
However, the three rules of Mogwai upkeep are simple: don’t give them any water; don’t feed them after midnight, and keep them away from bright light. Billy does his best to follow the rules, but it’s only a matter of time before Billy’s friend Pete accidentally spills water on Gizmo, creating a litter of new Mogwai.
Are there illegal baby names? Surprising monikers that are BANNED in other countries, from Sarah to Thomas
As more Mogwai spawn and the film descends into chaos we're given constant reminders of the festive season.
These include Gizmo playing the keyboard with a Santa hat on and the evil Gremlins singing Christmas carols and getting merry in the pub (something we've all been guilty of.)
The Christmas Villain
Every good Christmas movie has to have a villain - a character who's determined to ruin the festive vibe.
In this case it's Stripe, the ring leader of the no-so-cute reptilian Gremlins who could be called anti-elves.
They wreak havoc in the town of Kingston Falls and much like the Grinch are determined to ruin everyone's fun by spawning an army of Gremlins.
Stripe is considered one of the most evil Gremlins of all time, and responsible for all the chaos.
It's about love and friendship
Billy and Kate band together to stop the evil Gremlins from destroying the town and join forces to melt, burn and blow them up.
Kate also shares the tragic reason why her family doesn't celebrate Christmas - her dad died one year by getting stuck in the chimney.
By the second film they're happily married.
It's a tearjerker
At the end of the film Mr. Wing, from the shop comes back to retrieve Gizmo.
All about Rachel Nickell who was murdered in front of her son Alex Hanscombe
Angered by the carnage that has befallen the town he accuses Billy of not being ready to properly look after a Mogwai.
But Gizmo has become attached to Billy and it's hard not to shed a tear when he says "Bye, Billy…"
The merchandise
Like all good Christmas films such as Frozen and The Grinch, Gremlins has its own line of merchandise.
From action figures to Gizmo plush toys there's a whole range of movie mementos to collect - perfect for Christmas gift ideas.
Despite being released in 1984, the movie continues to be popular today.
