Is The Gate Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, The Gate is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Horror movies.
It features a runtime of 86 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
The Gate Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1987, The Gate emerges as a significant entry in the Horror, Fantasy domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Three young children accidentally release a horde of nasty, pint-sized demons from a hole in a suburban backyard. Unlike standard genre fare, The Gate attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Horror is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Gate features a noteworthy lineup led by Stephen Dorff . Supported by the likes of Christa Denton and Louis Tripp , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of The Gate (1987) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.1/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
The Gate Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: The Gate is a Horror, Fantasy film that crafts an atmosphere of dread and suspense, using psychological terror and visual scares. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
The Gate Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: The Gate concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to horror resolution.
The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the horror themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Gate reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Gate?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Horror films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want a few scares and creepy atmosphere
The Gate Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $2.5M |
| Worldwide Gross | $13.5M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
The Gate Budget
The estimated production budget for The Gate is $2.5M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
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Full Cast & Crew of The Gate
- Stephen Dorff – Glen
- Christa Denton – Al
- Louis Tripp – Terrence "Terry" Chandler
- Kelly Rowan – Lori Lee
- Jennifer Irwin – Linda Lee
Top Highlights
Stephen DorffGlen
Christa DentonAl
Louis TrippTerrence "Terry" Chandler
Kelly RowanLori Lee
Jennifer IrwinLinda Lee
Deborah GroverMom
Ingrid VeningerPaula
Linda GoransonTerry's Mom
Scot DentonDad
Sean FaganEric
Where to Watch The Gate Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon VideoParents Guide & Age Rating
The Gate is rated PG-13. Parents should be aware that it contains frightening scenes, intense suspense. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.1/10, and global collection metrics, The Gate stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1987 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Gate movie hit or flop?
The Gate has received mixed reviews with a 6.1/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is The Gate worth watching?
The Gate is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Horror, Fantasy movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch The Gate online?
The Gate may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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Critic Reviews for The Gate
Not too shabby. Stephen Dorff is one of my favorites (in a long list of favorites mind you but one of my favorites none the less) so it was interesting to see him as a child in this one. He's pretty good no Elijah Wood in his age or anything but perfectly decent for the lead in this. It's a bit on the slow side but it's got some cool ideas and if I saw it as a kid I'm sure I'd appreciate it even more, might even been scary to me back then cause even though the cast are mostly kids it is rather dark in tone and manages to not feel too cheesy. I (re?)watched Critters some weeks ago and I didn't think it held up very well in 2017 but this one did just fine.
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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
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