A Nightmare On Elm Street

1 9 8 4 (USA)

Are you ready for Freddy? In 1984, this one made Wes Craven into a horror legend, inspired six sequels and a short-lived TV series, and was also responsible for kicking off Johnny Depp's career. But this, the original, stands out from the rest as a perfectly formed horror movie that taps into that most terrifying of places - our own subconscious. 

Freddy Krueger had already been killed by his vengeful parents and had become a razor-gloved, fedora and sweater-wearing child molester who now resides in the dream world . . . and if he gets you there, you're finished in real life too!

Using the same set pieces that defined Friday The 13th and Halloween, this took things to a new level, as Freddy terrorised a group of LA youths, constantly flipping between the real and unconscious as grisly, blood-spattered mayhem ensues.

Always creepy, with some great squirm moments (including a rather nasty bath-time sequence), this is an imaginative horror movie which kicked off an entire genre of inferiors. It probably did wonders for the sale of No-Doz as well.

One, two, Freddy's coming for you
Three, four, better lock your door
Five, six, grab a crucifix
Seven, eight, better stay up late
Nine, ten, never sleep again!