The Monster Squad is a 1987 American comedy horror film directed by Fred Dekker and written by Dekker and Shane Black, who met as classmates at UCLA. Peter Hyams was one of the executive producers. It was released by TriStar Pictures on August 14, 1987. The film features pastiches of the Universal Monsters led by Count Dracula who are confronted by a group of savvy kids out to keep them from controlling the world. While not being a major success during its theatrical run and receiving mixed reviews from critics, the film has gained a positive reception from audiences and has become a cult classic in the years since its release.