10 Horror Movie Sequels Nobody Wanted…. But Everyone Loved

10. A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors

The original A Nightmare on Elm Street was a significant success upon its release (in 1984), garnering a lot of love from casual audiences and critics while also heightening the profiles of writer/director Wes Craven and Freddy Kreuger actor Robert Englund.

In contrast, successor Freddy’s Revenge (shoved out less than a year later and without the involvement of Craven) was much less appreciated. The chief reasons were its almost complete disconnection from its predecessor – including altering the rules, tone, and mythos Craven established – and inferior acting, directing, and storytelling.

Obviously, Freddy’s Revenge has received more love in hindsight, but at the time, it did little to generate excitement and validation for more movies.

That’s why it was such a pleasant surprise that said third entry – Dream Warriors – delighted skeptics and detractors alike when it emerged in 1987. 

Co-written by Craven and the great Frank Darabont (and directed by the great Chuck Russell), it was a huge improvement because of its stellar characters, engaging connections to the original, poignant social commentaries, mischievous villain, and imaginative set pieces.

Beyond that, Dream Warriors helped turn Freddy into a wisecracking pop culture icon, and many people now deem it the best of the series.