7.4
Where can I stream A Nightmare on Elm Street legally?
You can rent or buy it from Apple TV, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Google Play Movies. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
A Nightmare on Elm Street
1984·Movie
A Nightmare on Elm Street fingerprint
Relentless energy, immersive world, a touch of humor.
Energy
Terrifying and nerve-racking
- Scare10
- Tension9
- Violence8
Heart
Nostalgic
Much of it is about growing up.
- Nostalgia8
- Coming of Age7
- Catharsis6
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Dark Humor4
- Wit & Wordplay2
- Absurdist Humor1
World
The mind, pop culture, and growing up
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
- Novelty9
- World Immersion8
- Rewatchability8
Craft
Standout direction
- Direction8
- Intrigue8
- Acting7
Style
Standout score and sound design
- Music Composition9
- Sound Centrality9
- Music Centrality8
Energy
Very highTerrifying and nerve-racking
A Nightmare on Elm Street is terrifying, nerve-racking, and violent.
All energy traits
- Scare10Frightening moments and scares.
- Tension9Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Violence8Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline7High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace6Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle6Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Related traits
- Uncanny9Eerie, unsettling strangeness.
- Grotesque8Macabre, distorted imagery.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
- Slow Burn5Gradual build with payoff.
Heart
MediumNostalgic
Much of it is about growing up.
Emotionally, it's nostalgic. Much of it is about growing up.
All heart traits
- Nostalgia8Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Coming of Age7Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Catharsis6Emotional release and payoff.
- Pathos5Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Family Dynamics5Relationships and generational ties.
- Hopefulness4Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wonder4Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Romance3Love stories and emotional connections.
- Melancholy3Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Wholesome1Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
Related traits
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
- Character Depth6Rich, complex characterization.
Humor
LowA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Dark Humor4Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Wit & Wordplay2Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody1Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Situational Comedy0Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy0Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor0Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
Related traits
- Eccentricity5Oddball tone and quirks.
World
HighThe mind, pop culture, and growing up
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
Its world is built around the mind, pop culture, and growing up. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in. It holds up on a rewatch. It leaves some questions open.
All world traits
- Novelty9Fresh ideas and invention.
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability8Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity7Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Dialogue Centrality4Stories driven by conversation.
Related traits
- Psychological8Inner worlds and mind games.
- Pop Culture8References and cultural commentary.
- Surrealism8Dreamlike, bizarre imagery.
- Fantasy6Mythic worlds and magical systems.
- Mystery6Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Crime5Heists, investigation, and underworld.
All craft traits
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Intrigue8Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Acting7Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality6Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Character Depth6Rich, complex characterization.
- Complexity5Layered plots and ideas.
- Meta Narrative2Stories about storytelling.
- Non-linear Narrative0Time-shifts and structure play.
Related traits
- Novelty9Fresh ideas and invention.
- Fast Pace6Quick tempo and momentum.
- Slow Burn5Gradual build with payoff.
Style
HighStandout score and sound design
Look and sound: the score and sound design stand out.
All style traits
- Music Composition9Score and musical identity.
- Sound Centrality9Sound design as core element.
- Music Centrality8The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Visual Stylization7Distinctive aesthetic signature.
Related traits
- Grotesque8Macabre, distorted imagery.
- Spectacle6Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Psychedelic6Mind-bending, trippy visuals.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightParty VibeSolo WatchTeensThought-Provoking
Skip it if
Graphic violence bothers youYou scare easily
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Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.
About
If Nancy doesn't wake up screaming, she won't wake up at all.
Teenagers in a small town are dropping like flies, apparently in the grip of mass hysteria causing their suicides. A cop's daughter, Nancy Thompson, traces the cause to child molester Fred Krueger, who was burned alive by angry parents many years before. Krueger has now come back in the dreams of his killers' children, claiming their lives as his revenge. Nancy and her boyfriend, Glen, must devise a plan to lure the monster out of the realm of nightmares and into the real world...
Slasher Horror IconDream Logic NightmareVisceral Practical EffectsAnxiety-Inducing AtmosphereCultural TouchstonePsychological TerrorUnrelenting TensionGothic Suburban SettingIconic VillainSurvival Horror
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
Movies
Shows
Sequels and Prequels
Media
Questions about A Nightmare on Elm Street
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is A Nightmare on Elm Street worth watching?
81
GreatGoodWatch scoreYes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 81/100 (IMDb 7.4, Rotten Tomatoes 93%, and Metacritic 76). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is A Nightmare on Elm Street rated?
RViolenceDisturbing imageryStrong language
It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: violence, disturbing imagery, and strong language.
How long is A Nightmare on Elm Street?
1 h 31 min
A Nightmare on Elm Street runs 1 h 31 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on A Nightmare on Elm Street?
Critics85
Audiences80
Yes. Critics average 85 and audiences 80 out of 100, so both groups see A Nightmare on Elm Street much the same way.
Was A Nightmare on Elm Street a box office hit?
Budget$2 million
Box office$57 million
Yes, a big one. It cost about $2 million to make and earned $57 million worldwide, 31.7 times its budget.
What language is A Nightmare on Elm Street in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch A Nightmare on Elm Street?
90
+76
+76GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for A Nightmare on Elm Street in 90 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does A Nightmare on Elm Street use?
Iconic Sequel CharacterDead by DaylightMake Them RotHappy Ending OverrideClap Your Hands If You BelieveWould Hurt a ChildWeaker in the Real WorldTake That!Wolverine ClawsCrusty CaretakerNightmares on Elm StreetNightmare Dreamsand 123 more
TV Tropes lists 135 storytelling tropes for A Nightmare on Elm Street, including Iconic Sequel Character, Dead by Daylight, Make Them Rot.