User Reviews

Greetings from Lithuania. "A Nightmare on Elm Street" (1984) is such an iconic horror slasher from the 80's that one can easily forgive it's shortcomings in order to enjoy it. The premise here is excellent for a horror - film - an seemingly unstoppable killer hunts one down in a sleep. Performances here are solid for this material. This was a low budget film therefore its obvious shortcomings are easy to forgive. The make up in this movie is pretty amazing. Directing by a legendary Wes Craven was excellent - at its running time 1 h 30 min. this movie is superbly paced and is involving from start till finish.Overall, "A Nightmare on Elm Street" has one of the most iconic killers in a history of iconic killers. This is a good film to revisit from time to time during Halloween season.

An epic, but dated, fil by was craven mixes, practical effects and stellar acting with an nightmarish performance by Robert England, yep another classic!

[SPOILER ALERT: This review contains spoilers.]

The first installment of the franchise introduces the iconic Freddy Krueger and Nancy, laying the foundation for the series. Created, written, and directed by Wes Craven, the film establishes Freddy’s backstory as a child murderer burned alive by vengeful parents, returning to haunt the nightmares of Elm Street’s teens—a concept inspired by a real-life case of a young man who died in his sleep. Freddy stands out from other horror villains of the era: he talks, psychologically tortures his victims, and his kills are ingeniously executed with mechanical effects rather than CGI. With a strong cast, including Robert Englund as Freddy, Heather Langenkamp as Nancy, and Johnny Depp in his first role, the film combines inventive scares and suspense. Although Freddy is still secondary to Nancy in this entry, he is already a formidable threat, and the movie demonstrates that the only way to survive his nightmares is to overcome fear. A Nightmare on Elm Street remains a landmark in horror cinema, celebrated for its story, direction, and characters.

I love this film. It looks great. The sound is a bit hollow though, especially the dialogue, especially the guy with the leather jacket. The characters are really engaging, it has an original story and it is a bit chaotic in a good way. Some of the practical special effects like the stretched arms and floating woman are goofy but most of it is really good. The editing and makeup is excellent which I don’t normally notice. The occasional melodrama is entertaining but feels dated. I like to think that this inspired Home Alone (1990) but it probably didn’t. Some of the jump scares are more effective than others. The whole final act is so entertaining, I loved it! Overall there is a noticeable step-up in production quality across the board compared to Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter (1984).

One of the best horror movies ever! Great original plot, creepy villain that stalks you in your dreams, creative deaths and more gore than you can shake a stick at. This movie would have the worst nightmare for 80s kids, you can’t sleep to get away from Freddy Krueger because he would have brutalised you by the next morning. Sadly, ending does take away from the overall movie.

This was a classic and none the less impressive horror slasher. Freddy has the ability to be gross, brutal and funny all at the same time. The cast was great in this movie and Freddy had such a fun time trying to toy around with his victims, except when he met Nancy. Nancy was a good protagonist and was the only one to truly stand up to Freddy. This movie was such a good beginning to a great horror franchise.

Arguably Wes Craven's best film and one of the greatest and most important horror films ever made. Craven invents a modern figure of the Black Man, cruel, ruthless and ironic. Dream and reality merge to createan atmosphere in which there seems to be no escape. The taste for staging and a good dose of blood,they do not hide the socio-political messages already present in Craven's previous works; adults are portrayed as inept, alcoholic, absent, snob, possible murderers. It is denied to young people, left to their own, devices also the possibility of taking refuge in dreams, because these become **** direction, the music and the photography are really very good. The performance of all the actors is valid and convincing,in particular Heather Langenkamp, ​​​​credible and courageous, and Robert Englund, extraordinary, in the figure of Fred Krueger.

A Nightmare on Elm Street. Don't sleep! A classic horror film that uses the violence of dreams to penetrate the very depths of our subconscious. Director Wesley Craven creates a gripping story about Freddy Krueger, who tortures and kills his victims in their dreams. The film skillfully builds tension, plunging viewers into a chaos of fear and an anthology of nightmares. Robert Englund portrays Freddy Krueger with terrifying charm and subtle brutality. "A Nightmare on Elm Street" not only impresses with its visual effects, but also with its piercing music that emphasizes the menace and desperation of the characters. Despite some dated elements, the film remains a cult classic that leaves teeth gritting and souls unsettled. This is an immersion into a nightmare world that will be remembered and frightened for a long time.

A must see for horror movie fans. It is a pretty good movie that is cemented into horror culture. The plot is alright but is a fun watch

A Nightmare on Elm Street is a great slesher who gave rise to a whole media franchise. A Nightmare on Elm Street surprises, it gives a lot of new emotions. And of all the first films of the cult horror/slasher franchises of the 70-80s, A Nightmare on Elm Street surprises the most. First of all, A Nightmare on Elm Street flirts with the viewer, breaking the line between the real and fictional. Given the small budget of the film, it surprises both cinematography and a really smart script for a teenage horror. And Freddie Krueger himself as a character is registered, this is the first scary character since the original Halloween that can scare the viewer. A Nightmare on Elm Street is a 1984 film and it surprises with visual effects, for their time they look very decent. I advise everyone to watch it.

Сначала показалось, но потом пазл сложился это хоррор с комедией, Фред Крюгер вроде бы и маньяк, и опасный враг, но преимущественно во сне, и то не для всех. В начале я переживал за героев, потом, к середине фильма уже стало все ясно, и я просто ждал развязки, перед просмотром видел что тут снимался Джон Депп, в итоге я его так и не увидел, потом понял что это тот мальчишка, ваще не похож. Больше мне понравилась Главная героиня, как внешне так, так и своей игрой. Фразой, "ты будешь следующим", вспомнил про пункт назначение. Маньяк разговорчивый не привычно,после пятницы 13, может меня это и сподвигло относится как комедии, его не так боялся к Джейсона, при этом это оказалось паранормальщина. Половина персонажей просто раздражают, своим неверием, вроде как и всегда, но неприятно. В предпоследней убитой да и в последней убитой Крюгером, смотрится дешево но и эффектно (про предпоследнее, такое я конечно не ожидал). Конец готовит что будет продолжение, хотелось бы посерьезнее. Считалось зачет, слушал ее даже когда еще не понимал про кого она, думал про мишку фредди Раз-два, Фредди заберёт тебя. Три-четыре, Фредди ходит по квартире. Пять-шесть, Фредди собирается тебя съесть.

In my opinion this is one of the best horror film until now, great villain, good mythology, good jumpscares, can create a creepy vibe, but the acting isn't very good and some practical effects are aged, although in my opinion that doesn't spoil the film. I recommend it for horror fans.

meu filme favorito de todos os tempos não tem como dar menos que 10 ,incrivel.

o filme com melhor antagonista que ja assisti,e com final realmente corajoso.

A low budget masterpiece. It's flawed, but the flaws are minimal. The pinnacle of 80s horror, truthfully.

The nightmare that started it all. Made us all scared to go to to sleep. My favorite horror series next to Friday the 13th. Love this movie.

One of Wes Craven's best, with a Slasher and a great idea, this movie made history.

I watched this when I was like, three or four, and loved the absolute hell out of it, for THIS IS GOD.

This was definitely a classic. The first kill was an all time creepy and unsettling kill. Loses a good amount of steam in the middle 3rd unfortunately. Fun jingle and a great horror concept and implementation.

Legendary film with an iconic score. Robert Englund IS Freddy Kruger. Classic 80’s horror at its finest with iconic scenes that still hold up nearly 40 years later!

this is a really good horror movie not the most scary ever but it was not like it wasnt scary at all.

gerilimi iliklerinize kadar hissedeceğiniz zamanına göre harika ve yaratıcı öğeleri ile şaşırtan yapımdır.

What can I say really about Nightmare on Elm Street. It has been said that it is a horror classic, Freddy Kreuger is iconic and it is an all round great film. I have to say, I agree. Is it a perfect movie? Not quite, the characters are not that well developed, but actually with everything else done so well that is a small gremlin. The film is shot in a non-cheap and atmospheric way with good editing and lighting that is never too dark or dim. The music also helps to enhance the mood without being too obvious, the script is smart, the story is compelling but what Nightmare on Elm Street really succeeds in doing is how it incorporates its scares. There is gore, but it is not used in a cheap and excessive way, and there are some genuinely suspenseful touches. The ending is surprising and very shocking. The acting is good, this is all about Nancy and she is very believably played. Johnny Depp went on to do better things but he's also fine. I'll remember Nightmare on Elm Street though for the terrifying performance of Robert Englund, Kreuger is now an iconic villain and after you see how Englund interprets him you would say justifiably so. And Wes Craven directs efficiently. Overall, the first of the series and the best and most iconic of the series. The sequels were mixed with a lot of gore and silliness and not much heart and suspense and the remake is not worth bothering with. 10/10 Bethany Cox

"I could be bounded in a nutshell, and count myself a king of infinite space, were it not that I have bad dreams" Man, Freddy is poetically dedicated to traumatize his victims before he kills them. Freaking chills.

Classic 80's horror movie, lots of supernatural element and good fx (for that time). Watchable by young adults (but check Rating of course) because violence scenes are of fantasy nature. This was from a time when horror movie has good ideas and don't relay only on disturbing scene like some of the modern ones do.

[SPOILER ALERT: This review contains spoilers.]

Looking back on this movie it is complete 80's trash. The story is really good, the kills are really good (same with the killer) and possibly the best comedy film of all time. It is a must-watch.

It is difficult to say anything about this film that everyone has not already mentioned. It was scary when it was released and remains one of the most respectable films in the horror genre, a classic in its own right. Despite its merits and qualities, personally, I did feel the weight of age at some points in the film, which never really scared me. The plot is known to everyone I think: the teenagers of a certain American street are disturbed in their sleep by Fred Krueger, the spirit of a child murderer who was killed by their parents, decades before, when justice failed to punish him for the crimes he committed. Appearing in their dreams, he disturbs them until he manages to kill them, and the death inflicted in the dream resounds in real life, with violent and tragic contours for everyone. Director Wes Craven (one of the big names in horror cinema, with solid credits in the genre) knew how to make the film effectively, albeit without developing much of the story or characters, focusing on entertainment and the deaths that go on. Happening. The cast is made up of names I don't know well. The film did not demand much from them and the characters are very sketchy and not very noticeable, being in the film to die or simply to show fear. Young Heather Langenkamp, however, gave life to one of the central characters in the plot and was entitled to better material and more careful development. The result is natural: it stands out from the majority, with quality work, even if it is not brilliant. Robert Englund also deserves applause for the convincing way in which he brought the film's villain to life. Finally, a brief mention of Johnny Depp's participation in one of his first cinematographic works. Technically, it is a film based on effectiveness. Cinematography is used with skill and decisively helps to create a scary environment. The visual and sound effects were also well-used and enjoy the best that was there when the film was released. I especially liked the effects with fire and electricity. The scenarios were equally well done, especially the abandoned factory that appears to be where Krueger resides. Everything seems convincing enough, and it doesn't seem to have been done in a way that saves on the budget. Incidental music, with an abundance of treble, is very good for the most tense moments, and the soundtrack is discreet, highlighting the children's song sung at the end, as if it were a prelude to indicate that evil was not effectively defeated.

For it's time it had a very original story. In this first installment of the series Freddy was sadistic, cruel, and terrifying instead of the tension-breaking jokester he would become in later films. You really empathize with his victims more in this film without the comedy breaking the tension in the more intense scenes. All the special effects were practical, and there were about 70 in a 90 minute film.

I dont like horror movies, but this one was interesting, especially because you ask yourself how you want to defeat someone from your dreams. Also I was surprised to see some famous actors here. Of course the effects are outdated and some scenes are looking bad.

As good as it is, this movie is pretty dated. The acting, the visuals and especially the music kept this movie from being truly terrifying. However, the film is still a lot of fun. Freddy Krueger is an amazing and really creepy villain, the kills are creative and there's some real sense of danger and desperation in many scenes. I would have liked if the rules of how Freddy can interact with the real world were clearer. I'm in the minority when I say that I enjoy the 2010 remake. In fact, there are some aspects of that movie that I prefer over the original. However, this is definitely a better put together movie, and it's a classic for a reason.

[SPOILER ALERT: This review contains spoilers.]

This horror film remains as my personal favorite slasher horror film from the 1980's! With it's great nightmarish special effects, and brilliantly told plot, A Nightmare on Elm Street gives the serial killer horror key a taste of the supernatural.

For a long time, I wanted to watch this movie and now I have finally watched it (I am late, I know). The whole concept of a monster that kills people in their dreams was a wonderfully original idea. The problem was that the execution of the idea was not so good. Also, the acting wasn't good. Film's conclusion was also messed up. Film contains some creepy moments, but not that much hyped moments. What's good about the picture is Freddy. Here he is a monster, plain and simple. No one-liners, just a cold-blooded killer. Overall, this is a good movie but the direction and poor acting drag down this particular movie.

It's a classic and I hate when people say that Michael and Jason are better because they're not Freddy Krueger is the Ultimate Classic slasher villain

an Hella good movie and Freddy is such an amazing villain, it's not scary at all but it keeps you entertained and curious about what's going to happen. Light 8

This is one of the best films ever made. As an 80s kid, born in 79 I worshipped Freddy but definitely had more love for the sequels because I thought he was cool in them. I did not think he was cool in this one he was creepy as hell. In fact Noes was the first horror film I saw at 5 and actually ended up going to school psychiatrist because of it. As a young effeminate boy my father thought it would butch me up. But it just made me have awful nightmares and idolized Nancy and wanted to be her. I mean after all she was the one who survived and she had a hot boyfriend played by a young Johnny Depo wearing a crop top. As I got older I really began to appreciate the perfection that is this film. Robert Englunds iconic performance as Freddy is nightmarish and the film's dark, gritty tone is disturbing. I now regard it as my favorite of the franchise and celebrate the unique creativity that went into every stylish frame and was the first step in establishing the late horror master Wes Craven as my favorite director. Budget: $1.8m Domestic Box Office: $26m Worldwide Box Office: $26m 5/5

As someone who has never seen the film and lived for the better part of three decades within a "post-A-Nightmare-On-Elm-Street" world, I can tell you for a fact that this is almost impossible to walk into without preconceived notions. I can only imagine what it would be like to see this in 1984, either in my teen years or early 20's, having the absolute dookie scared right out of me and not being able to sleep the same way for the next few days/weeks/months. Alas, I didn't get that luxury in actuality. I watched this movie on my couch, with a decent knowledge of its plot, the overarching plot of the entire franchise that entailed after it, the laughable plot of the crossover with "Friday The 13th" that we tried to forget in 2003, and the "revamped" plot of the remake that came and went in 2010 all in my head. Did any of this effect my overall enjoyment of "A Nightmare On Elm Street?" How could it not? This isn't a bad movie. In fact, there's so much in it that -- again -- I can't help but feel would've been even more enjoyable had I seen it in its time. But there's also some other things within that just simply don't age well. The acting is subpar at best, featuring line readings that conjure up more horror than the actual subject matter of the film. The music is laughable in certain moments, with a lot of the chase music making me think that Chris Pontius was coming after Heather Langenkamp, whilst wearing his bowtie and speedo, rather than Freddy Krueger, in his fedora and sweater. The special effects are really well done, though, with some of the moments even making you think to yourself, "How the hell did they do that at all? Let alone back then?" This is a mixed bag, albeit an enjoyable one. As someone on the other side of a nearly 40-year-old movie, I had a lot of the same problems I've had with other films that are as heavily embedded in their cinematic era as this is. Still, it's required viewing for anyone interested in the history of horror films and filmmaking in general.

[SPOILER ALERT: This review contains spoilers.]

When most people think of 70s-80s horror films they either think Halloween, Friday the 13th or A nightmare on elm street. The first film in the series is unarguably the best (as is usually the case). The primary element that elevates A Nightmare on Elm Street above many of its contemporaries is that the storyline invites intellectual participation. In addition to offering the visceral thrills that are necessary in a genre entry, Craven's screenplay works on another level. He wants viewers to think about the division between dreams and waking, between fantasy and reality, between other worlds and this one. He also warps expectations - at times, we're aware that the characters are trapped in a dreamscape, but there are times when we're not. And there are occasions when we think they're dreaming and they're actually awake. And of course, we got Freddy Krueger. (rousing horror by Wes Craven)

It is the best horror film I have ever seen. It was entertaining, creepy, and and first in the horror genre.

[SPOILER ALERT: This review contains spoilers.]

Good classic horror movie. Nightmare is not a scary movie, but it has a well-created atmosphere and soundtrack. Plus, this film has colossal significance for the entire horror genre.

Another Horror Classic A Nightmare On Elm Street is one of the most iconic horror films with its suspense, excellent scares, and of course Freddy Krueger.

A classic horror film that is absolutely nothing like the imitators. A Nightmare on Elm street is one of the most inventive horror films in history. Best of all, its actually scary without excessive jump scares.

Besides the last 10 minutes of the movie , and some bad acting, this movie is perfect

Craven's imaginative mythological world is the apt wake up call for the legacy we pass on. A Nightmare On Elm Street Craven's imaginative mythological world is the apt wake up call for the legacy we pass on. The concept is admirable since it fiddles with relationship between subsequent generations and the torch that is passed on by the elders to the young ones. And as much as beautifully it is weaved out, the procedure that it follows is raw horror extracted from old school textbook genre that still works. It is a smartly crafted conflict whose solution, which seems impossible to eradicate, is simply smart and on that note of closure that it achieves by making a full circle, lies the real trick. The structure of the script too is familiar with a series of unnerving death sequences followed by going deep into the root and analyse a thesis out for a loud finale. And yes, the final act is loud but until then you have bought Craven's theories and are being whirled around this chaotic and literal bloodbath. Another major strength of it, is tricky camera work. The narration keeps the surrounding under the shades in order to easily fabricate this hallucinating dream or nightmare on screen with decent editing. Unfortunately, the performance objective is short handed and is a friction to this smooth narration. It also lacks creativity on displaying the death sequences with innovative and intriguing ideas especially its execution, it could have been more practical along with the art designing. Despite of such setbacks, Craven's passion on making alive this and his dream is what drives this film to the end with a satisfying and enthralling experience where even the thrills aren't taken for granted. A Nightmare On Elm Street may not be the ultimate horror experience but its three dimensional characters are undeniably immortal for their moving and effective background track that is inspiring.

I'm not really in to horror movies but this one was slightly entertaining while still be creepy. It does make you not want to go to sleep.

[SPOILER ALERT: This review contains spoilers.]