10 Horror Movie Monsters Who Make You EAT Your Words

Believe it or not, it’s been over four decades since Chris Columbus and Joe Dante introduced us to Mogwai. No, not the Scottish post-rock group, but the thing they were named after – you know, the little hairy guys that you don’t get wet, don’t expose to sunlight and definitely don’t feed after midnight.

For Christmas, Billy Peltzer (Zach Galligan) is gifted Gizmo, a Mogwai – a happy little fellow who likes to snuggle and sing and relax. But this kind of gremlin requires strict and specific kind of care that Billy isn't quite grown up or mindful enough to give, and soon the lil cuddly guy spawns a much bigger problem. Out of his fur grow a small army of Mogwai, who stock up on snacks and respawn as green, scaly nightmares.

Audiences who guffaw at the idea of these little guys posing much of a threat – or being in any way scary – are forced to eat their words with the horrors that unfold. With ringleader Stripe calling the shots, the monsters soon take over the town of Kingston Falls, slaughtering and terrorising its citizens, and making their bid for total domination. Thankfully, Billy and Gizmo get the better of them, but the final battle against Stripe is a harrowing, satanic ordeal that will have you biting back your opinions on future critter features.