Everybody has those special movies, those films that made an indelible impact on you and helped shape the person you would eventually evolve into. For me, and many others, one of those movies was The Monster Squad (1987).

The Monster Squad stands out as a unique diamond in the rough, a film that proves horror can be fun, inviting, and totally safe for newcomers. Blending laughs, scares, and iconic monsters, it turns fear into something thrilling rather than threatening, all wrapped up nicely in a ‘Goonies’ style adventure.

Though it never lit up the box office, its legacy only grew over the decades since its release. Today, it’s frequently recommended as a top gateway pick. It resonates with adults who rediscover their love of the genre, and with newcomers who get the perfect, gentle introduction to being scared

At first, The Monster Squad seems like a typical kids’ adventure. Friends form a secret club, hang out in a treehouse, and debate monster facts. Then, genuine monster royalty, Dracula, the Wolfman, Frankenstein’s Monster, the Mummy, and The Creature From The Black Lagoon Gill Man, appear in town.

It’s pure, undiluted '80s adventure with real danger, but it never gets too graphic. The humor and heart keep it light, and the kids’ relatable antics make the scares manageable. This blend of danger and fun is what sets the movie apart and is an ideal gateway for younger viewers into the world of horror cinema.

Critics have noted how skillfully the film manages its tones. For example, horror writer Meagan Navarro called The Monster Squad “the perfect balance of light and dark, scary and campy…the perfect gateway into horror for generations to come.” The film signals to new viewers that horror doesn’t have to be traumatic. You can get a thrill, laugh along the way, and still come out smiling. That’s what defines a true gateway experience.

This playful, engaging tone is present in every aspect of the film, from its promotional artwork all the way back to the sceenplay from which it originates. Written by the iconic Shane Black and Fred Dekker the script is packed with humour that engages the reader immediately.

Another reason the movie succeeds is its use of classic universal monsters that are easily recognisable to non-horror fans. Even if you’ve never seen a scary movie, you know Dracula, Frankenstein, and the Wolfman. The Monster Squad builds on these classic characters but updates them just enough to keep things interesting. They’re scary, but not so gross that you want to hide behind a cushion.

These are old school monsters, they’re safe, each rocking their own, tragic backstory and there’s nothing too disturbing here. Frankenstein’s monster even reenacts his classic friendship with a young girl, with decidedly happier results These moments ground the movie, keeping it real without ever being too intense. For newcomers to horror, this familiarity blended with fresh ideas makes for a great starting point.

In addition to familiar faces, The Monster Squad stands out for speaking to younger viewers without ever talking down to them. It’s PG-13, so there’s some peril and a few edgy jokes, but nothing overwhelming. The kids in the movie are old enough to do things on their own, yet still young enough to be scared.

For teens, it’s cool to see kids save the day when adults don’t believe them. A common aspect of successful Gateway Horror is a sense of empowerment, and The Monster Squad shows us that just because you’re a kid, it doesn’t mean you can’t stand up and do the right thing.

At just over 80 minutes, it never outstays its welcome. It’s fast-paced, with lots of action, jokes, and scares packed in. It’s an easy watch that begs to be revisited. I know a lot of people rewatch it every Halloween because it’s fun, nostalgic, and just scary enough to be exciting. You can show it to kids, friends, or anyone who’s curious about horror, and it pretty much always sticks the landing.

It’s not flawless, though. Certain jokes and language have aged poorly, and a few moments might be a little too frightening for the youngest viewers. Still, for most of us, these shortcomings matter little. The film remains entertaining, witty, and an excellent celebration of horror’s appeal: conquering monsters with your friends.

IMHO, The Monster Squad is the best gateway horror movie because it proves that getting scared can also be fun and welcoming. It invites viewers into the world of horror by balancing excitement, humour, and just enough fear to make the experience enjoyable rather than overwhelming. For many fans, it was the first step into the genre, and it still holds up as a friendly introduction. Even now, Horace’s line, “Wolfman’s got nards!” reminds us that facing monsters is cool and can be a joyful adventure, exactly what a gateway horror movie should do.

Written by Lee Bentley

MONSTER SQUAD: THE ULTIMATE GATEWAY INTO HORROR CINEMA