Author: Tritone

Tritone's love of horror and mystery began at a young age. Growing up in the 80’s he got to see some of the greatest horror movies play out in the best of venues, the drive-in theater. That’s when his obsession with the genre really began—but it wasn’t just the movies, it was the games, the books, the comics, and the lore behind it all that really ignited his obsession. Tritone is a published author and continues to write and write about horror whenever possible.

Best Performing Sequel Horror Movies

Categories
Scary Movies and Series

Ranking The Best Horror Movie Sequels?

Horror movies are sometimes so good that they prompt follow up movies known as sequels.  It is no new news, however, that most horror movie sequels suck. At minimum, most of the horror movie sequels out there are simply no where near as good as the original movies. Still, even with the sea of terrible horror sequels, there are a few gems which have done pretty good, just as good, or better than the original movie.  In some franchises, it may just be the first and/or only sequel to perform well, while there are some horror movie franchises with several movies which do pretty great.  The next natural question to ask is “which horror movie sequels are the best?”  While something like “the best horror movie sequels” is very clearly an opinion, many fans can agree on most of the best ones (coincidentally also the most popular ones); and thus Horror Enthusiast has officially ranked the best horror movie sequels of all time!

The Best Horror Movie Sequels Of All Time

This is a ranked list of the best horror movie sequels of all time. Remember, sequel means “part two”, or subsequent part of a series, not “remake” (thus there are no remakes on this list).

A New Nightmare (1994)

A New Nightmare is one of Wes Craven’s greatest creations.  Arguably the best Nightmare movie ever made, although that is a rough call when taking the original and part III into consideration. Still, in terms of sequels, it is an original adventure that continues the story beyond the idea of simple, fictional, on-screen fear.

Saw II (2005)

Saw II is arguably more sadistic than the original by far, which is an interesting variable when ranking sequels.  Still, it is one of the best performing and most entertaining sequels there are in terms of horror movies.  Saw II took the winning concept of a trap room as seen in the original movie and essentially expanded it into an entire house.

best sequels for horror moviesFinal Destination 2 (2003)

The Final Destination franchise was cutting edge in terms of suspense-thrillers and also unique on-screen deaths.  The second movie was the response of the hype built up from the original, which many people loved.  Fortunately, Final Destination 2 stepped up to the plate, making a place for itself on the list of best horror movie sequels ever.

Scream 4 (2011)

Scream 4 came a bit late in the franchise, but it was nevertheless truly exhilarating to watch. Bringing movie goers back to the original town of terror, Woodsboro, they embark down Sidney Prescott’s decade’s worth of effort to move on from her traumatic past.  Scream 4 did a great job of reminding the audience exactly how scary Ghostface can be!

Nightmare on Elm Street Part III: Dream Warriors (1987)

The third installment of the Nightmare series earns itself a healthy spot at the top of the list, as it embraced creativity, re-invented the idea of Freddy Krueger in a way that people enjoyed.  Giving the heroes the abilities to fight back in their own unique ways kept the Nightmare franchise rolling, full steam ahead!

Halloween II (1981)

One of the things that made Halloween II more terrifying than the original and more terrifying than many horror movie sequels, is the fact that it takes place largely in a hospital setting.  Hospitals are supposed to be safe havens, not bloodbaths! This true terror of a Halloween sequel is one of the best horror movie sequels of all time. 

Freddy Vs Jason (2003)

This movie is one of the most controversial horror movies of all time…but it is also one of the best sequels for two independent franchises (and one of the only of its type). Both franchises, the Nightmare on Elm Street and Friday the 13th, saw this sequel as a hit and an instant classic among fans.

Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones (2014)

This Paranormal Activity movie is arguably the best of the franchise. The amount of ritualistic-style terror is off the charts and the, well, paranormal activity, is on a whole different level of scary.  This movie most certainly deserves a place on the list of best horror movie sequels of all time.

chucky is great in the sequelsChild’s Play 2 (1990)

A lot of fans argue about which movie is best: Child’s Play or Child’s Play 2.  Regardless, Child’s Play 2 is absolutely one of the best horror movie sequels ever.  It’s an adventure that created a bigger cult fear of Chucky than the original movie could have ever mustered alone.

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning (2006)

Although it is technically a “prequel,” it is most definitely a follow up to the success of the 2003 Texas Chainsaw Massacre remake (which could not make the list due to being classified as a remake, not a sequel).  The Beginning, however, helps the audience understand how Leatherface and family got to be so savage (definitely worth seeing)!

Halloween H20: 20 Years Later (1998)

Halloween H20 is set (obviously) 20 years after the original movie’s release, and in the storyline, it is set 20 years later as well.  Laurie Strode is now trying to cope with her past and still struggles with the idea of being stalked by her murderous, mute, brother, Michael Myers.  He in fact returns on Halloween and the slayings continue, while Halloween H20 secures a spot as one of the best sequels in the horror business.

Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter (1984)

There are a lot of Friday the 13th movies, but only some of them are good.  The Final Chapter is one of the best ones, if not the best one. Jason has been revived for (supposedly) one last rampage, making his way from the morgue back to his beloved Camp Crystal Lake.

28 Weeks Later (2007)

This sequel is staged 28 weeks after the original outbreak in the storyline.  With the plague-like virus that had everyone turning zombie supposedly eliminated, the US Army begins rebuilding life on the British Isles.  Unfortunately, the virus isn’t gone and it comes back stronger than ever.

Friday the 13th Part 2 (1981)

It is no surprise that Jason has made the list again, as there are a lot of Friday the 13th movies, however, the second movie is definitely a gem. It is the first movie Jason is the killer, and showcases the most human-like Jason of them all. It’s scary because it seemed it could really happen.

Insidious: Chapter 2 (2013)

Insidious is its own brand of scary. It showcases a fear that steps beyond the normal world, suggesting there are places we cannot see that exist all around us, all the time.  The idea that the supernatural can interfere with the real world in this way is a very terrifying thought!

The Hills Have Eyes Part II (1984)

The remakes of the Hills Have Eyes (in the 2000s) couldn’t make the list, but the actual sequel of the original movie, is absolutely terrifying enough to make the list. The storyline continues 8 years later, following the sole survivor of the tragedy, who ends up having to relive the horror.

horror movie sequels that are goodHellbound: Hellraiser II (1988)

Hellraiser is always scary but Hellbound, the second movie in the body horror franchise, is truly terrifying.  This movie gives the heroine residence in a mental institution, where she struggles to help her father, whom is trapped in hell, dealing with a number of horrifying demons.

Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives

Jason has made the list another time with Part VI: Jason Lives.  This is the first time Jason has been very obviously considered supernatural by the writers.  The audience sees what they would further understand as an immortal Jason and a killer who is going to continue to return.

A Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master (1988)

So many fans like the fourth movie in the Nightmare franchise, despite an almost equal group of fans absolutely hating it.  It retains a really large following and showcases some pretty narly Freddy Krueger kills, making it a strong enough contender to be one of the best horror movie sequels of all time.

I Still Know What You Did Last Summer (1998)

The sequel to “I Know What You Did Last Summer,” is probably just as good as the first, if not better.  Although the cast changed, the actual murders were just as scary. The killer is just as good a mystery and the twist is pretty awesome.  This movie easily earns a spot on the list for its cleverness and creativity.

Psycho II (1983)

Norman Bates is a truly terrifying weirdo. In the sequel to the Psycho film, Bates has finally finished his run at the mental hospital and he’s back home, trying to adjust to a normal life.  The problem is, the voices haven’t stopped, and the murder spree needed to continue.

Scream 2 (1997)

Ghostface makes the list again as he wreaks havoc on heroine Sydney Prescott and her friends. This time, a parody of the event, a horror movie called “Stab” has been released, and the real killer is back again as the movie picks up steam.  A movie within a movie, need we say more?

The Purge: Election Year (2016)

The Purge franchise is a unique horror that brings the idea of killings into every day life.  Part of what makes this particular sequel so scary is its plot is so closely intertwined with the timeline of the actual election in the United States. Talk about tension!

Final Destination 5 (2011)

The second time Final Destination landed a movie on this list, the fifth movie in the installment does a great job of bringing back the fear.  Final Destination 5 reminded the audience what made death so scary to begin with, and it did so with flair and death scenes like never before.

Final Words On The Best Horror Sequels Ever

One of the best parts about horror movie sequels is there can be another at any time! A lot of franchises have begun from a movie that swore up and down from every angle it would be the only one.  There were many sequels which spawned from movies that were meant to only be a single story. Even fan-based sequels have followed masterpieces and done very well.  There will always be more horror movie sequels and this list will always be able to expand.  As of 2018, the best sequels are pretty clear though, and many of them have provided fans a way to further explore the worlds that they have come to fear in the original movies.

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Do Horror Movies Make Real Serial Killers

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A Scrap of Flesh - General Horror

Do Horror Movies Inspire Real Serial Killers

All throughout time there have been serial killers, and many of them have gained a significant amount of fame for their atrocities.  There are some popular movies which a lot of people argue are based upon real life serial killers…but are there any horror movies which have inspired real life serial killing?  Are there any serial killers who have mimicked the killings they have seen on-screen? It may be more difficult to tell, as it may be reasonable to assume these types of cases get less media attention.  This would probably be due to the likelihood that law enforcement would want to reduce the notoriety any perpetrators may be seeking by copying a slasher horror movie (and rightfully so).  But seriously: have there been any serial killers that have copied the on-screen murders we have all come to know in the fictional world of the horror movie genre?  Horror Enthusiast has dove deep into some of the darker alleyways of serial killer history to find the truth.

Serial Killers That Were Inspired By Horror Movies

Whether it is for good or evil, human beings are far great at mimicking one another; thus it is only natural some serial killers wound up following in the footsteps of their fictional, on-screen horror “heroes.” These are a few of the more notorious cases (listed in no particular order).

Martin Bryant Loved Chucky

The Child’s Play movies can be creepy. And at times, Chucky can really seem to come to life, however, breathing life into a real life serial killer seems to be an unfortunate consequence.  The Port Arthur Massacre (Bryant’s murder spree) took place between the 28th and 29th of April in 1996. Unfortunately, 35 people were killed.  It has been revealed in several interviews and investigations that Bryant had an unhealthy obsession with Chucky and specifically the second Child’s Play movie (Child’s Play 2).  He felt very strongly that the movie gave him power and he absolutely identified with and related to the murderous Chucky doll.

Thierry Jaradin Copied The Scream Movies

Scream has been so iconic and notorious for being one of the most serial killer-like movies. It is so representative of serial killing that even an American judge described it as a great way to learn to commit homicide.  That said, Thierry Jaradin chose to murder a young girl, Alisson Cambier in 2001 while wearing an actual Scream costume and with a large kitchen knife.  He muffled her voice while stabbing her a reported 30 times, leaving her body literally ripped open.  He very openly confessed to murdering her in the fashion of the famous ghostface killer from the Scream franchise and has essentially circulated rumors of a love affair between the two (reported as untrue by family members of the victim).

Barry Loukaitis Was a Huge Natural Born Killers Fan

In 1996, Barry Loukaitis entered Frontier Middle School in Moses Lake, Washington, and killed 3 people, including his Algebra teacher.  He may have been influenced by many films with school shootings, however, he identified with the horror movie Natural Born Killers. While Natural Born Killers may be only borderline horror, the entire incident was horrifying and then copied by several other student-killers moving forward in time.

Horror Movies That Were Inspired By Serial Killers

On countless occasions, serial killers grace the cover of front page news everywhere, and it has always been this way all throughout time. These real life serial killers create such a fear in their infamy that it is understandable many horror directors choose to capitalize on the big names. These are some of the more popular movies that were inspired by serial killers (listed in no particular order).

Zodiac Was Based On The Real Life Zodiac Killer

The 2006 horror-suspense The Zodiac was based on a real life zodiac killer of the same M.O.. The real life zodiac killings took place in the 1960s and 70s and unfortunately were never solved.  The Zodiac was absolutely based on a true story and the unfortunate deaths of anywhere between 5 and 37 people.  The killer himself in a series of letters sent to the police and various media agencies (newspapers, etc.), confirmed being responsible for 37 deaths, however, investigators have only officially tied 7 victims to the zodiac killer (of which only 5 were actually killed).  Supposedly, if the zodiac riddles were solved, the killer’s identity would be exposed, however, to this very day only 25 percent of the “crytpograms” have been solved.

Scream Was Based On The Gainesville Ripper

The year was 1990 and Danny Rolling of Louisiana had made his way in life to Gainesville, Florida, where he would shatter a number of lives all in one short murderous spree.  In total, five victims suffered hideous fates. They would be young University students, all female but one.  He had raped the women (all but one) and left the girls in sexually provocative positions…creating immense shock for the loved ones who found them, law enforcement and the media. The killer’s sly entry, home-invasion tactics, targeting of college students and his killing methods (knife to the back), all inspired the creators of Scream to actually write and make the movies feared today.

The Strangers Was Based On The Manson Murders

Man with scary mask giving peace sign from horror movie The Strangers

The scary movie known as “The Strangers” is another home invasion-style horror flick…however, the terror it portrays was based on the notorious murderous spree of the Manson family. The Mason family murder spree took place at the end of the 1960s and was covered extremely closely by the media.  Charles Manson, in reality, may have had some more serious motivations in mind when shooting Bernard Crowe, and murdering the rest of his victims, however, the writer of The Strangers (Bryan Bertino) has revealed his motivation behind the movie being deranged Manson-style murders.

Halloween Was Based On Real Life Killer Edmund Kemper

Edmund Kemper was a deeply disturbed individual and serial killer. He shares many similarities with Michael Myers. Although it is never directly connected to the Halloween franchise, the murderous thinking and actual serial killings of Edmund Kemper almost mimic Michael Myers.  Some even suggest the mask selected for Myers, was made to look a lot like Kemper himself.  Kemper is most notorious for killing his grand parents and mother, however, he is responsible for a total of 10 victims…most of which were sincerely disfigured.

Dahmer, and My Friend Dahmer, Were Based On Real Life Killer Jeffrey Dahmer

Very obviously some movies are named explicitly after their inspirations. Dahmer (2002) and My Friend Dahmer (2017) are two made after the truly gruesome killings of real-life Jeffrey Dahmer.  Dahmer was a social outcast who lured (usually) young gay males back to his home where they would be (sometimes) drugged, raped, murdered and normally disfigured or otherwise mutilated.  In total, 17 men and boys were targeted. The movies themselves focus on the details of the exchanges of Dahmer and his victims (Dahmer, 2002), and his early life (My Friend Dahmer, 2007).

Monster Was Based On Real Life Prostitute Killer Aileen Carol Wuornos

Monster (2003), staring Charlize Theron and Christina Ricci, focuses on the real life serial killer Aileen Carol Wuornos.  Wuornos was a prostitute from age 15, after suffering a series of unfortunate sexual and non-sexual abuse incidents scattered throughout her entire childhood life.  She would eventually shoot 7 men at point blank range in what she would describe as “self defense against rape and unwanted advances.”  Her convictions would begin rolling in during 1992 following her confessions and a lengthy investigation.

Close Relations to Serial Killers

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Some movies like the Texas Chainsaw Massacre, are based off of the idea of a murderer, but only loosely off of real life events. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre was based off of real life “Ed Gein,” who was notorious for grave robbing. Ed Gein would steal parts of corpses (or the entire thing) and turn the pieces into furniture, clothing, masks, and other fiendish creations. The terror of the idea of such a person also being a murderer and wearing their victims flesh only seemed like the most natural step to take for film genius and the father of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Tobe Hooper. 

Some people also claim that Ted Bundy inspired American Psycho, though any true Bundy fanatic will explain that Patrick Bateman and Ted Bundy are nothing alike.  Wes Craven explained that Freddy Krueger was based upon a few different inspirations but most notably a homeless bully he remembers stalking him on his walk home. And finally, there is Stephen King’s “IT,” whom most people assume was inspired by John Wayne Gacy.  In reality, IT was inspired by a creepy bridge and the idea of a troll living underneath it…which eventually transformed into the creepy clown in the sewer instead.

Cleaver’s Final Say On Serial Killing and Horror Movies

While there may be many opportunities in the horror genre when it comes to film making, it is true some of them are merely based off of real life events. As far as serial killers being created from watching horror movies, very little evidence exists which would prove such a theory. In fact, most surveys seem to indicate that horror movie fans are typically very peaceful people.  There will always be some examples of humans copying other humans though, no matter the genre or publication; and thus it is natural that there are a few cases of serial killers manifesting the same types of slayings depicted on screen.

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Is The People Under the Stairs Based on a Real Story?

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Scary Movies and Series

Is The People Under the Stairs Based Upon a True Story?

The People Under the Stairs (1991) was one of Wes Craven’s greatest horror movies of all time. It gets a little less publicity than most of his other films, but it is a diamond among the rough! The movie is a little edgier than most horror films, but it pays off in huge scares and real terror. A wicked family keeps their sheltered daughter hidden from the world while collecting a number of other people ‘under the stairs’. Although the movie received mixed reviews from critics, it is without a doubt a cult classic and one of Wes Craven’s finest films.

The True Inspiration Behind The People Under the Stairs

The horror that transpired within the house that harbors the ‘people under the stairs’ is grim and the atrocities of this family are sincerely twisted.  Here is a little about what inspired The People Under the Stairs.

Wes Craven’s Inspiration Behind The People Under The Stairs

The real inspiration behind the movie came from a newspaper excerpt that Wes Craven was reading, about a family that got into trouble after police were called to a burglary scene.  Apparently, burglars tried to break into a house, but instead of finding the perpetrators…the police found locks everywhere and children who had never been allowed to go outside, raised in total abuse, totally indoors.

Although he would take the movie to an extreme, with the idea that the family was on the search for a perfect brother to match their ‘perfect daughter.’  Each boy that did not meet the standards, had their tongue cut out and now resides in the basement, in cages under the stairs.  They are malnourished and scary looking. One of Wes’ most interesting twists in the People Under the Stairs, is turning the home burglars into protagonists and the property owners into antagonists (normally the home owners would be victims of a home invasion or robbery, not the antagonists).

The movie was also meant to be a sort of adventure type of film. There are contraptions and traps everywhere, both to help and harm the protagonists. There are hidden rooms and a whole network of tunnels made throughout the walls of the house.  There is even a tale of gold to be had at the end!  The action is pretty solid as well, but still in a horror-thriller, suspenseful kind of way.

Modern Day Example: Real Life People Under The Stairs

People under the stairs horror movie actor illustration

Recently there was a case that came to light from the woodwork. A strongly religious family, much like the belief system of Alice’s parents in the movie, were found to be keeping their 13 children captive in their home basically their entire lives.  Although they appeared younger than they actually were, the children were all different ages, some even in their 20s. The David-Louis Turpin family is a perfect example of a real life People Under the Stairs situation.  Despite the fact the children were not abducted, the girl in the movie (Alice), was not abducted either, but apparently the family’s natural born daughter.

Another case a few years back also shines light on the possibilities.  Ariel Castro abducted Michelle Knight (one of three women abducted, actually), and kept her captive for more than a decade. There are several other cases of the similar sort, where victims are mutilated. Whether through abduction or natural child birth, unfortunately these are all very real fears that exist in the world, making such a movie about children kept captive for years in a basement so much more scary.

A Realistic Fear the Audience Can Feel

The story line behind The People Under the Stairs is absolutely heartbreaking and truly realistic in presentation.  There are real life thugs like Leroy, and there are hurting families out there willing to do nearly anything to help their situation.  Unfortunately, there are sadistic families that truly do keep their kids captive from the world, and it really is possible to have them mutilated as well. 

Be safe out there, as there is real evil in the world very similar to the evil seen in this movie, and you never know when there may be some people living under the stairs!

Fun Fact: Wes Craven once said he would remake The People Under the Stairs, alongside Shocker and The Last House on the Left, however, sadly he only had a chance to remake the last of the three.

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Is Leatherface Still Alive Today? [Texas Chainsaw Movie Facts]

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Scary Movies and Series

How Old Would Leatherface Be Today?

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre movies are not always very clear on the fate of the Sawyer and/or Hewitt family at the ending of the films.  In fact, sometimes Leatherface is seen very much alive and even angry, or frustrated!  This leads Texas Chainsaw fans wondering, could Leatherface be alive still today? Would it be possible, if he were not a fictional character? What age would Leatherface be if he had survived everything and was still breathing today?

Horror Enthusiast has carefully reviewed all the evidence available throughout the Texas Chainsaw and Leatherface movies to speculate upon his most probable fate, and ultimately whether or not Leatherface could be alive today.

Where is Leatherface Now?

Although it would be absolutely amazing if the original Leatherface from the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974) were still alive. He was (at best) in his 20s in the original film, but what would be a greater struggle than age, would be his lifestyle. He has no skills to keep himself alive besides murdering, butchering and cooking.  He would literally have to rely on hunting humans off the highway…and with technology today,  it is unlikely he would survive the first major disappearance of…anyone.  Because he could not get a job on his own, he would be relying upon his family to provide jobs to him (be it cannibal-related or not).

It is possible, however, that parts of his family survived and are still involved in a Texas-Chainsawing syndicate. If some of his family is assisting him, and with a high protein diet, he is probably still alive.  He may be suffering from some version of Mad Cow disease, however, from eating other human beings for so long.  This would not matter much, as it has been speculated that Leatherface already suffers from mental illness.

If he were alive from the original film, he could be alive still.  At best (if he were 20 years old in 1974), he would be 67.  If he were in his mid 40s, say 46 for example purposes, he would be in his 90’s.  Given the high-risk lifestyle he has lived, the lack of society-based / people skills, and the cannibalistic diet, he probably has met his demise within the last few decades.

The Leatherface from the later movies in the franchise could still be alive. Although the 2003 and 2006 movies focused still on a 1960s and 1970s era setting (leaving Leatherface still a wrinkled elderly man in the event  he is still alive), there was Leatherface: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre III (1990) and Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Next Generation (1994), which featured a still-young appearing Leatherface, maybe in his late twenties to early 40s, and these two films appeared to be set in “present day” for their time.  This would place Leatherface’s odds more favorable, providing an age today potentially as low as 46-50 years old.

And then there is the Texas Chainsaw 3D (2013) film which shows what seems to be a present day Leatherface alive and well, maybe in his 40s or 50s. 

Leatherface Gets the Last Laugh

Leatherface very well could be alive still.  His survival skills, though minimal in quantity, are hardcore and allow him to eat as frequently as he finds victims.  With all the flesh he carves off his victims, he probably could survive the cold even without shelter…though it does not seem anyone has ever cared about the Sawyer/Hewitt properties ever before, so his home probably still stands just fine. In the end, Leatherface might be laughing under that grotesque mask of his after all!

Additional Info: Ed Gein, the character Leatherface was based upon, was not actually a murderer but only a grave robber. He died in 1984 in a mental institute, though he probably knew about the Texas Chainsaw Massacre movie that he inspired.

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Scariest Nightmare on Elm Street Movie of Them All

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Best Of Best of Movies Scary Movies and Series

What is the Scariest Freddy Krueger Movie?

There are nine films featuring the finger-bladed Nightmare on Elm Street killer, Freddy Krueger.  Out of the nine films, some performed better at the box office than others, and some were ultimately scarier than others. And while Freddy Krueger may always draw a crowd…he was much more entertaining in some films.  Some of the special effects and changes in production throughout the Nightmare on Elm Street movies have contributed to varying levels of terror felt within the audience.  And they can be ranked!

Ranking the Nightmare on Elm Street Movies by Scariest Movie

Freddy Krueger always comes back, which is why there are so many Nightmare on Elm Street movies! So without further ado, Horror Enthusiast ranks the Nightmare on Elm Street movies in order of scariest to least scary.

A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)

#1 Scariest Nightmare on Elm Street Movie

It is truly hard to beat an original.  The original Nightmare on Elm Street was revolutionary. Wes Craven (the director and writer) and Robert Englund (Freddy Krueger actor) made the horror slasher an instant icon. This movie offers the least effects of any of the movies…but Horror Enthusiast ranks this film, by far, the scariest of them all.

Wes Craven’s New Nightmare (1994)

2nd Scariest Nightmare on Elm Street Movie

Returning to write and direct A New Nightmare, Wes Craven built a brilliant, real-life Freddy Krueger.  In this movie, the real life actors from the original film experience the fictional character, Freddy Krueger, breaking into their real world.  This movie made Freddy Krueger more real than ever before and absolutely secured its place as the second scariest Nightmare on Elm Street film in the franchise.

A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors (1987)

3rd Scariest Nightmare on Elm Street Movie

This D&D-like edition to the Nightmare series was absolutely entertaining. With characters that had special powers to keep the audience interested in between Freddy scenes, and extremely exciting death scenes, Nightmare 3 had it all!

A Nightmare on Elm Street (2010)

4th Scariest Nightmare on Elm Street Movie

The Nightmare on Elm Street remake highlighted many aspects that made the original film so great.  Character development was perfectly deep, without wasting too much time on any one character. The audience feels immersed.  The chilling story line is thorough, from start of the film to finish. And Freddy Krueger (a new actor, Jackie Earle Haley) did a great job of bringing on the fear.  It was not the same as the traditional Freddy Krueger, but it was admittedly pretty good!

A Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master (1988)

5th Scariest Nightmare on Elm Street Movie

The fourth movie in the franchise is decent. In “Dream Warrior” fashion, the idea of the characters having powers in their dreams is still an important part of the plot.  Freddy Krueger takes out nearly everyone in this movie in spectacular, terrifying fashion…hunting the heroine for last and solidly securing the 5th scariest Nightmare on Elm Street rank!

A Nightmare on Elm Street 5: The Dream Child (1989)

list of scary nightmare of elm street movies freddy kruegar knife hand near a child's face

6th Scariest Nightmare on Elm Street Movie

This movie simply wasn’t as scary as the better half of the Nightmare on Elm Street movies.  It was meant to be scary, but seemed to drain an already dying story line.  The movie is a little weird, focusing on the fetus of pregnant fourth movie heroine, Alice. Weird is not exactly scary, maybe creepy, but not nearly as scary as the other movies.

A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy’s Revenge (1985)

7th Scariest Nightmare on Elm Street Movie

This movie received mixed reviews. Some fans claimed it was attempting to push gay rights. Ultimately, however, it did not seem as scary as the other films.  The emphasis on the characters was too great and the audience mostly lost track of the horror slasher in between his appearances altogether.

Freddy’s Dead: The Final Nightmare (1991)

8th Scariest Nightmare on Elm Street Movie

Literally, Freddy’s Dead was an attempt to ride the franchise into the grave: this film was meant to be the last Nightmare on Elm Street movie.  It was also one of the least scariest.  The production quality felt cheesy and rather crude.  The series seem to be relying more on Freddy’s humor than ever before. Freddy Krueger comedy is good, but Freddy Krueger scary is better!

Freddy vs Jason (2003)

Freddy vs Jason screenshot from the horror film of teens talking at a carnival

9th Scariest Nightmare on Elm Street Movie

Although Freddy vs Jason was a whole new level of excitement for the fans, it was ultimately much less scary than the other films.  The cinematic effects were focused on building the anticipation of the fight between the two horror slashers.  The story line may have provided a few victims, but ultimately, it was all centered on pitting the two horror movie killers against one another. Even with Jason Voorhees making appearances throughout the film, it is simply less scary than the true Nightmare on Elm Street films.

Freddy Krueger is Always Scary

Whether the movie is the scariest in the franchise or not, every Nightmare on Elm Street movie features a fantastic Freddy Krueger.  And even the weakest movies in the franchise offer a strongly entertaining death scenes and Freddy’s quirky sense of humor. As one of the smarter horror movie slashers, Freddy has held the limelight throughout all of his movies.  All of the Nightmare on Elm Street movies have a unique feel that cannot be ignored: they are simply some of the best horror movies to grace the industry!

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