If you want the main, continuous story of Nancy Thompson and the Elm Street kids (ignoring New Nightmare and the reboot):
: Set five years after the original, Freddy attempts to enter the real world by possessing a teenager named Jesse. A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors (1987) order of nightmare on elm street movies
To get the most "solid story," you should follow the Original Continuity , which spans from the 1984 debut through to the crossover with Jason Voorhees. While the release order is almost identical to the chronological order, the franchise includes "meta" entries and a reboot that sit outside the main story. The Main Storyline (Original Continuity) This is the core narrative of Freddy Krueger as the "Springwood Slasher". Wikipedia +1 A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) : The introduction of Freddy Krueger and his first major battle with Nancy Thompson. A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy's Revenge (1985) : Set five years later; Freddy attempts to possess a teenage boy to enter the real world. A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors (1987) : Widely considered the best sequel; Nancy returns to help a group of institutionalized teens fight back using "dream powers". A Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master (1988) : Introduces Alice, a new protagonist who can also control the dream world. A Nightmare on Elm Street 5: The Dream Child (1989) : Freddy tries to return by feeding on the dreams of Alice’s unborn child. Freddy’s Dead: The Final Nightmare (1991) : Intended to end the series, it explores Freddy's origins and his daughter’s attempts to stop him for good. Freddy vs. Jason (2003) : A crossover hit where Freddy manipulates Jason Voorhees to restore his own power in Springwood. Show more The "Meta" and Reboot Entries These films are considered separate from the original story's timeline. Wes Craven’s New Nightmare (1994) : A "meta" film set in the "real world" where the actors and creators of the original movies (playing themselves) are hunted by a demonic entity that looks like Freddy. A Nightmare on Elm Street (2010) : A complete reboot of the franchise with Jackie Earle Haley as Freddy; it does not connect to the previous seven films. Wikipedia +3 Show more Viewing Summary Table Order Movie Title Continuity Why Watch? 1 A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) Original The classic original. 2 Freddy's Revenge (1985) Original Explores Freddy in the real world. 3 Dream Warriors (1987) Original High fan favorite; Nancy returns. 4 The Dream Master (1988) Original Peak 80s "slasher" fun. 5 The Dream Child (1989) Original Darker, Gothic tone. 6 Freddy's Dead (1991) Original Freddy's "final" story and origin. 7 Freddy vs. Jason (2003) Original The ultimate horror crossover. 8 New Nightmare (1994) Meta Cerebral, meta-horror masterpiece. 9 The Remake (2010) Reboot A darker, modern interpretation. Would you like a recommendation on If you want the main, continuous story of
: Set in a future where almost every teen in Springwood has been killed; it explores Freddy’s origins and introduces his daughter, Maggie. External Entries and Reboots These films exist outside the main "Springwood" timeline. Wes Craven's New Nightmare (1994) The Main Storyline (Original Continuity) This is the
Ultimately, the best order to watch the Nightmare on Elm Street movies will depend on personal preference. However, here is a recommended viewing order:
These films follow a linear progression of Freddy Krueger’s terror in Springwood. A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)