4 things you didn’t know about the cult classic “Ghoulies”

When compared to modern-day movies, it’s hard for cult classics to stand up against the techniques that liven films today. Needless to say, Ghoulies holds a prominent place as one of the best so-bad-it’s-good horror movies ever made. Since the combination of demonic rituals and slimy green ghouls makes for a plot that won’t quit, we’re here to dissect this time-honored flick with four things you didn’t know about this horror franchise.

#1: “Ghoulies” was Mariska Hargitay’s film debut

Since many high-profile actors make their film debuts in low-budget horror movies, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that Law & Order: SVU alum, Mariska Hargitay began her movie career on the big-screen in Ghoulies. Her character, Donna, is one of the teenage partygoers who attends Jonathan Graves’ ritual resurrection! Pretty cool, huh?

#2: “Ghoulies” was originally going to be a child’s film

Upon looking at some Ghoulies horror movie collectibles you may find it hard to believe that the initial concept for this cult classic was light, more family-friendly tone. This is part of the reason that Fox offered the project such a large budget. Needless to say, once the film was in the works, the original script was scrapped and rewritten to appeal to an older audience to pave the way for a much gorier monster movie.

#3: Where did the name of the movie come from?

Although it may seem like the name Ghoulies was transpired by adding a couple of letters to the end of the word ghoul, there was a bit more thought put into the process of naming the film. The word “Ghoulie” translates to “small monster” in the Persian language, which in fact perfectly describes the movie to every detail. That being said, for those that don’t fully understand the significance in this, perhaps it’s time that you rewatched the flick! There are some ancient chants during the rituals that are spoken in this language.

#4: Both “Ghoulies” and “Gremlins” were produced concurrently

While Joe Dante’s Gremlins receives way more recognition when compared to Ghoulies horror movie collectibles, however, the two films were indeed made at the same time. In fact, when Warner Bros. heard that the movie name Ghoulies was going to be used, they tried to sue the production, as it was too close to their upcoming flick’s title, Gremlins. It was actually this battle for names that bankrupted producer Charles Band, which led to a seven-month delay in the production and release of the film.

If you had to pick, do you prefer Ghoulies or Gremlins? Drop a comment below to share with our followers.