This proves Wes Craven is the king of horror

Rating: 9/10 (22 June 2007)

1996's Scream may be a slightly more improved film than this but there is no doubt the cultural impact Wes Craven's original slasher film had on the public in 1984. Not only did he create one of the most memorable horror characters of all time but he introduced the world to a certain young actor named Johnny Depp. The murder scenes are fantastically well put together, showing the director's vision of how a horror film should be, tongue in cheek.
A Nightmare on Elm Street is no comedy though, some scenes are genuinely scary such as Robert Englund's arms stretching to inhuman lengths and the blending of Johnny Depp. The only drawback is the ending which tries to be something of a Carrie but doesn't pay off, unfortunately none of the sequels were even close to the brilliance of the original.
Verdict: One of the best b-movies of the 80's and an iconic horror film that showed the workings of a true genius.