Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Mild
- eerie
- dreamy
- dark
- late night horror marathon
- nostalgic 1980s movie night
What critics said
Critics generally found the film an effective but derivative and uneven youth-oriented horror diversion, with imaginative creature work offset by a copycat, dreamlike plot.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
The backyard hole releases pint-sized demons that transform a familiar home environment into a supernatural threat.
The film's demon horde is associated with stop-motion creature effects and tactile fantasy-horror imagery.
Its young protagonists, PG-13 rating, and relatively restrained presentation make it an approachable introduction to horror.
Retrospective criticism identifies family values as a core theme, while the boys' struggle depends on cooperation and mutual protection.
Films like The Gate, and why
Critters
supernatural suburban horror centered on children confronting small monstrous creatures
The Monster Squad
child protagonists, practical creature effects, and accessible horror-fantasy adventure
Poltergeist
young heroes facing an otherworldly threat in a suburban setting with dark fantasy atmosphere
Movie Details
- Director
- Tibor Takács
- Release Date
- 1987-04-21
- Runtime
- 86 min
- Rating
- 6.1 / 10 (436)
Cast
- Stephen Dorff
- Christa Denton
- Louis Tripp
- Kelly Rowan
- Jennifer Irwin
- Deborah Grover
- Ingrid Veninger
- Linda Goranson
- Scot Denton
- Sean Fagan
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Philo, MovieSphere+ Amazon Channel
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is The Gate about?
- Two suburban boys must seal a backyard portal after unleashing a mischievous army of miniature demons.
- What is The Gate like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of The Gate as measured, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is The Gate violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in The Gate as mild.
- What did critics think of The Gate?
- Critics generally found the film an effective but derivative and uneven youth-oriented horror diversion, with imaginative creature work offset by a copycat, dreamlike plot.
- Which films are like The Gate?
- Films with a similar feel include Critters, The Monster Squad, and Poltergeist.
- How long is The Gate?
- The Gate runs 86 minutes.
- Where can I watch The Gate?
- In United States, The Gate streams on Philo, MovieSphere+ Amazon Channel.
