How could this film not be on a list like this?! Ignore the witless sequels and remakes and focus on this film. Yes, it has dated somewhat but Wes Craven plays on that most primal of fears...what happens if the nightmares are real and you can't even go to sleep? In a way, the idea is more frightening than Fred Krueger but, with his killer, Craven created an iconic pop-culture monster. He didn't start out like that though. From the first boiler room shots of the killer sharpening his razor sharp knives to the same be-gloved hand appearing between the legs of Nancy as she sleeps in a bath, this film really does play on our fears. How many of us have woken from a nightmare, sweating and with our heart-beating, only to calm down when we realise 'it was only a dream'? Here, Craven plays the game that we might simply be waking up into a nightmare. The only way to defeat Freddy is to not be scared of him but how can you do that with a burned monster like him? Freddy became iconic but, as with several of the characters on this list, his impact was diluted by the sequels and it is only by going back to the original and watching it on its own merits that you can see it for what it is. The fact that he only attacks teenagers preys on ideas of teenage sexuality and growing pains. Having this monster punish them for the temerity of growing up is a nightmarish idea enough.
