A Nightmare on Elm Street Films Ranked
9. A Nightmare on Elm Street (2010 Reboot)
A swing and a miss. How does Platinum Dunes keep getting film deals? They also did a terrible job with the reboot of “Friday the 13th.” The film was so poorly received that New Line has decided to once again reboot the franchise. I don’t blame Jackie Earle Haley. He is a fine actor, but his terrible makeup really limited his performance. And the film is just dull and boring. I’m not arguing that maybe it is time for a reboot, but not this. This is mediocre film not worthy of Freddy.
8. A Nightmare on Elm Street 5: The Dream Child
The worse film in the original anthology. This film finds the loan survivor of Dream Master somehow pregnant with Freddy’s child. The entire thing is a dream within a dream and far more confusing that previous films, as though the film was being written while they directed it. Still far better than the terrible reboot from 2010.
7. A Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master
Directed by the infamous Renny Harlin, this film sort of falls flat. Following the events of Dream Warriors this film finds the three teens that survived the last film now living normal lives in Springwood. Patricia Arquette does not reprise her role and instead Tuesday Knight plays Kristen Parker. Always bothered me they they recasted the role instead of cutting her from the film. Overall is not a bad film, and far better than Dream Child. But it just does not compare to the previous film in the series.
6. Freddy Vs Jason
Freddy Vs Jason film is not canon and possibly does not belong on this list. But I’ll be damned if I was not going to add it to this list. The dialog may be weak but the showdown between Freddy and Jason is phenomenal. New Line does a respectable job with Jason, but Freddy steals the show. Doubtful we will ever see two iconic horror characters ever face off again. And the special effects are top notch.
5. Freddy’s Dead: The Final Nightmare
A good final showdown to wrap up the Nightmare films (this was obviously before Wes Craven came back to close out the series in New Nightmare). This one finds Freddy taking on his estranged daughter played by Lisa Zane. We also get a nice cameo from Johnny Depp. This film was released with certain scenes presented in 3D when it originally hit theaters, but I have never got the chance to see any of it in 3D.
4. A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy’s Revenge
A good sequel to the original. Freddy returns to possess Jesse Walsh, who had moved in to the Elm Street residence once occupied by Nancy. Definitely more sexual undertones than the previous films. Great effects and enjoyable story. Truly underrated in the Nightmare anthology.
3. Wes Craven’s New Nightmare
Wes Craven returns to the series to put an end to Freddy in the most meta way possible. Heather Langenkamp returns to the role she is so famous for, this time playing well… herself. Absolutely a phenomenal film and a great way to end the series. Really dig Wes Craven’s cameo as well as the new look for Freddy. Awesome film.
2. A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors
The sequel we have been waiting for! Heather Langenkamp reprises her role as Nancy. This time she leads terrorized teens from a mental hospital to take on Freddy. Crazy awesome. The best soundtrack of the series and even the great John Saxon returns for a small cameo.
1. A Nightmare on Elm Street
The one that started it all, directed by the great Wes Craven. And people always remember Freddy being a joking, sarcastic character, but he is truly terrifying in the first film. And the death scenes are spectacular with Johnny Depp’s demise really stealing the show. Possibly one of the best horror films ever made.
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That is my personal ranking of the Nightmare films. What do you think? How would you rank them? Are you a Freddy fan?
