Gobsmacked: 15 Movies About Goblins That Will Give You Chills 


 

Imagine a creature lurking in the shadows. Its grotesque features, a patchwork of gnarled flesh and oversized ears, are barely discernible in the dim light. Its guttural voice rasps a language you don’t understand, and its eyes, gleaming with malice, fix on you with an unsettling intensity. This is the goblin, a creature of myth and legend, and the subject of countless terrifying tales. 

I’ve always been fascinated by goblins. They’re these creatures that exist on the fringes of our society, lurking in shadows and whispered about in hushed tones. Goblins are often depicted as being ugly and mischievous, but there’s something about them that I find incredibly captivating. 

I think it’s how they challenge our preconceived notions of good and evil. Goblins are often seen as evil creatures, but they’re also capable of great loyalty and compassion. They’re complex creatures that defy easy categorization, and that’s what makes them so interesting to me. 

In this article, I’m going to explore the world of goblins through the lens of film. Let’s look at some of the most iconic goblin movies ever made with these 15 movies about goblins that will give you chills. 

1. Goblin (2020) 

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Goblin is a horror film that goes beyond the typical scares and chills, delving into complex themes of trauma, family secrets, and the enduring power of love. The movie features a chilling goblin creature that is a complex and layered character who is both terrifying and sympathetic. The story is about Ji-eun, a young woman struggling to cope with the death of her mother and the abuse she endures at the hands of her stepfather.  

One night, she encounters a mysterious goblin dwelling in the woods near her home. This encounter sets in motion a series of events that unveil long-buried family secrets and confront Ji-eun with the dark side of her past. 

2. The Spiderwick Chronicles (2008) 

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The Spiderwick Chronicles is a fantasy movie that transports viewers into a mystical world when the Grace children uncover a secret universe inhabited by magical creatures upon moving into their ancestral estate. As the children explore this enchanting realm, they encounter a variety of fantastical beings, including goblins, portrayed as mischievous and malevolent creatures. 

The goblins, under the influence of the nefarious Mulgarath, seek the book that holds immense power, propelling the siblings into a battle to protect both the book and their newfound world. These goblins, depicted as formidable adversaries, serve as an obstacle in the children’s quest to safeguard the magical secrets hidden within the estate. 

With visually captivating effects and a blend of adventure and fantasy, this movie offers a thrilling tale filled with suspense, highlighting the goblins’ antagonistic role as they challenge the protagonists’ determination to protect the magical realm from dark forces. 

3. Trollhunter (2010) 

Trollhunter is a fantasy-horror film that draws inspiration from Norwegian folklore, incorporating traditional stories and beliefs about strange beings into its narrative. Blending found-footage style with fantasy elements, the film trails a group of students investigating mysterious bear killings, eventually uncovering a secret government operation. They join a clandestine troll hunter on his mission to control the troll population. 

The students encounter various species of trolls, including smaller, goblin-like creatures, each with distinct traits and dangers. These goblins are introduced as part of the larger troll ecosystem, showcasing goblins as integral entities within the film’s imaginative and dangerous world of mythological creatures. 

4. The House with a Clock in Its Walls (2018) 

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The House with a Clock in Its Walls is a fantasy film that unravels a tale of magic, mystery, and fantastical creatures. The film follows young Lewis, who moves in with his eccentric uncle and discovers a world of sorcery within his uncle’s magical house. 

During Lewis’s exploration of the enigmatic residence, he encounters various supernatural beings, including goblin-like creatures known as “Automatons.” These clockwork creatures, reminiscent of goblins, are whimsically animated beings controlled by the malevolent power lurking within the house’s walls. 

While goblins are not the primary focus, the Automatons’ presence adds a touch of eerie enchantment to the film, heightening the sense of wonder and danger within the magical setting. As Lewis and his uncle navigate the mysteries surrounding the clock hidden in the house, these fantastical entities contribute to the film’s fantastical and mysterious atmosphere. 

5. Troll: The Tale of a Tail (2018) 

Troll: The Tale of a Tail is a Norwegian-Canadian computer-animated high fantasy adventure film whose story revolves around young Jim, who discovers a magical world inhabited by trolls and other mythical creatures. He stumbles upon a hidden forest realm where trolls, including goblin-like creatures, reside.  

The film showcases various troll species, some resembling goblins in appearance and demeanor, adding an element of mischievousness to the narrative. While goblins are not the central focus, their inclusion among the troll community accentuates the film’s exploration of mythical beings, creating a vivid tapestry of folklore and fantasy within a modern storytelling context. 

6. The Hobbit Trilogy: 2012-2014 

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The Hobbit is a movie series that consists of three films titled, Unexpected Journey (2012), The Desolation of Smaug (2013), and The Battle of the Five Armies (2014). The story is about Bilbo Baggins who comes face-to-face with various fantastical beings, including goblins. Led by the Great Goblin, these creatures possess a menacing and treacherous nature, creating obstacles for Bilbo as he ventures through the perilous mountain pass.  

There is a Goblin town, a labyrinthine underground realm inhabited by hostile goblins of various shapes and sizes. The portrayal of goblins in this trilogy captures their malevolent and cunning characteristics, adding to the sense of danger and adventure that defines Bilbo’s journey.  

7. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016) 

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Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is a fantasy film that introduces audiences to a diverse array of magical creatures, including goblins. Goblins play a significant role in this magical world showcasing their keen intellect and business acumen. They are known for their craftsmanship, particularly in banking and metalwork, and are depicted as skilled artisans. 

Two goblins are operating in the hidden speakeasy scene of New York City, one serves as a performer, while the other is a cunning and ruthless gangster. This portrayal highlights the goblins’ ability to thrive in the shadows and establish their communities within the wizarding world, demonstrating their shrewdness and entrepreneurial spirit.   

8. The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf (2021) 

The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf is an animated fantasy film set in the world of The Witcher franchise that is known for its rich lore and diverse mythical creatures. In this film, goblin-like beings or similar fantastical creatures are among the various entities encountered within the Witcher universe. Though not the primary focus, the movie explores a world where monsters, creatures, and magical beings exist, often entwined in the lives of humans and other races. 

9. Maleficent (2014)  

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Maleficent is a live-action Disney film that offers a reimagination of the classic Sleeping Beauty tale, exploring the story from the perspective of the iconic villain Maleficent and introducing various magical creatures including goblins. They are depicted as small, grotesque creatures with pointed ears, sharp teeth, and leathery green skin. They appear more animalistic than humans, resembling a cross between orcs and goblins of traditional folklore. 

The movie offers a unique perspective on goblins, showcasing them as loyal and fiercely devoted supporters of the main character. While not individually fleshed out, these goblins play a crucial role in the narrative and contribute to the film’s dark and fantastical atmosphere. 

10. Pan’s Labyrinth (2006) 

Pan’s Labyrinth is a dark and enchanting fantasy film that intertwines reality with a captivating, mythical world filled with eerie and captivating creatures. It is the story of young Ofelia, who discovers a mysterious labyrinth and encounters fantastical beings, including the Faun, Pale Man, and other magical creatures. The goblins here are pale, almost albino, with large eyes and long, gangly limbs. Their appearance is reminiscent of frogs and insects, adding to their unsettling and otherworldly nature. 

In this movie, the goblins appear as servants of the Faun, tasked with aiding Ofelia in her three tasks. However, their motives remain ambiguous, often displaying hints of mischief and cruelty alongside their obedience. Ultimately, the goblins in Pan’s Labyrinth serve as more than just fantastical creatures. They are complex symbols of Ofelia’s internal struggles, the harsh realities of the world around her, and the blurred lines between good and evil.  

11. The Nutcracker and the Four Realms (2018) 

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The Nutcracker and the Four Realms is a fantasy film about Clara, who receives a mysterious egg-shaped box as a gift from her late mother. In her quest to unlock the box, she discovers a magical parallel world with four realms: the Land of Snowflakes, the Land of Flowers, the Land of Sweets, and the ominous Fourth Realm ruled by Mother Ginger. She must navigate these realms and uncover the secrets of her mother’s gift. 

The goblins in this movie vary in appearance and personalities. Some are tall and thin, while others are short and stout, with varying skin tones and facial features. They provide comic relief and are more carefree and lighthearted. This diversity makes the goblins feel more like individuals than a homogenous group. 

12. Inhabited (2003) 

Inhabited is a science fiction horror film about a young couple, Ben and Myra, who move into an old mansion. They soon discover that the house is haunted by a malevolent force. The goblins in this movie are creatures with pale skin, pointed ears, sharp claws, and teeth. They are mischievous and manipulative, evoking disgust and fear. The presence of the goblins forces the human characters to confront their fears and rely on each other for survival. 

13. Hellboy (2019)  

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Hellboy is a supernatural superhero film that follows Hellboy, a demonic creature summoned to Earth as a baby but raised by the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense (B.P.R.D.), a secret government organization dedicated to dealing with supernatural threats. As an adult, Hellboy becomes a powerful paranormal investigator, battling supernatural forces and creatures. 

The goblins in this movie are portrayed as ferocious and monstrous. They are depicted with scarred and leathery skin, sharp claws and teeth, and a variety of horns and bony protrusions. Their appearance alone evokes a sense of fear and disgust, and they serve as loyal foot soldiers in the army of the Blood Queen. They are not intelligent or cunning and are easily manipulated and controlled. Driven by a primal urge for violence and destruction, they attack with reckless abandon, tearing apart anything in their path.   

14. Willow (1988) 

Willow is a 1980s fantasy film that follows the journey of a humble farmer who embarks on a quest to protect a special infant from an evil queen. Throughout his adventure, he encounters various magical beings and creatures, including goblins, as he navigates a world filled with enchantment and danger. 

This movie has two distinct groups of goblins: the Nelwyns and the Brownies. The Nelwyns are portrayed as small, childlike creatures with large ears and mischievous expressions. They are often seen as clumsy and incompetent, providing comic relief through their slapstick humor and silly antics. The Brownies on the other hand are larger and more sinister, with sharp teeth and darker skin tones. They are more cunning and ruthless than the Nelwyns. 

The goblins’ unique language, “Gobbledygook,” adds to the film’s humor. Their nonsensical speech often results in misunderstandings and comical situations. 

15. Labyrinth (1986) 

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Labyrinth is a fantasy movie that is known for its unique blend of live-action and puppetry. It follows Sarah, a teenager, as she navigates a magical labyrinth to rescue her baby brother from the Goblin King. She encounters goblins within a labyrinthine landscape, and the movie showcases an enchanting world of mystical beings and captivating adventures. 


Those are the 15 movies about Goblins that made it to my list. They’re not just monsters but are also complex creatures with their own stories. Like in the movie Labyrinth where a Goblin says “You have no power over me”, that’s the spirit of goblins. They’re not afraid of anything, and they’re not going to let anyone tell them what to do! 

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