Stranger Things Fans Are Missing Out — The Gate Is the 85‑Minute ’80s Horror You Need Tonight
The Gate is a 1987 kid-centered horror movie directed by Tibor Takács that mixes practical creature effects with a suburban, supernatural story. It runs about 85 minutes and stars a young Stephen Dorff as Glen. Fans of 1980s-style horror and viewers who like practical effects often recommend it as a compact, intense alternative to longer nostalgia-driven shows.
Overview
The Gate was released in 1987 and is directed by Tibor Takács. The film is roughly 85 minutes long, and its rating is typically PG-13. Stephen Dorff plays Glen, a kid who becomes the center of the story. Furthermore, the screenplay was written by Michael Nankin. The movie is often described as having an Amblin-esque vibe, which is why some viewers compare it to other 1980s kid-focused genre films.
Plot and tone
In short, Glen and his friend accidentally open a portal to a netherrealm in their backyard. Meanwhile, Glen’s teenage sister Alexandra is left in charge and a poorly timed party complicates the situation. The story uses childhood fears — like being trapped, losing control, and monsters in the house — and turns them into the central conflict.
The tone shifts from suburban family drama to overt horror. In addition, the film balances moments of light humor with scenes meant to provoke real tension. The final act contains the most intense moments, including some non-realistic eye-puncturing effects and brief spurts of blood, which is why the film sits at PG-13 rather than a lower rating.
Effects and performances
Practical effects drive much of the movie: rubber imps, claymation sequences, a towering creature, zombies, and possessed kids all appear. Takács and Nankin chose a mix of close-up monster shots and broader shadowy lighting to create atmosphere. The look often uses smoke and shuttered-window lighting common to 1980s genre films.
As for performances, Stephen Dorff plays Glen with a grounded, distressed energy. Louis Tripp appears as Glen’s friend Terry; his reactions—particularly in the film’s more physical sequences—are explicit and loud, which contributes to the overall sense of danger. In addition, the film uses gimbal-enabled effects and other practical stunts to sell the physical threat to the children on screen.
Kids and intensity
The movie’s final third ramps up the fear level. Rather than winking at the audience, many of the child actors react with genuine terror. Therefore, parents should be aware that the film can be unsettling for younger viewers, despite having limited graphic gore.
Where to watch
The Gate is available to stream on Prime Video or for free with ads on Tubi.
