10 Movies and Shows Like A Nightmare on Elm Street (2010)

Description: 'The Exorcist' and 'A Nightmare on Elm Street' (2010) are both seminal horror films that explore the battle between good and evil, with the former focusing on demonic possession and the latter on a dream demon. Both films feature intense, visceral horror and push the boundaries of what was acceptable in cinema at their respective times. The films also share a focus on the vulnerability of their young protagonists and the psychological toll of the horror they face.

Fact: 'The Exorcist' was the first horror film to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture. The film's special effects, including the infamous head-spinning scene, were groundbreaking for their time. The movie was based on a novel inspired by a real-life exorcism case.

Description: 'The Shining' and 'A Nightmare on Elm Street' (2010) both explore the breakdown of reality and the intrusion of supernatural horror into everyday life. While 'The Shining' focuses on a man's descent into madness in an isolated hotel, 'A Nightmare on Elm Street' deals with a killer who invades dreams. Both films use surreal imagery and a slow-building tension to create a sense of unease. The films also feature iconic villains—Jack Torrance and Freddy Krueger—who have become synonymous with horror.

Fact: 'The Shining' was directed by Stanley Kubrick and is based on Stephen King's novel of the same name. The film's famous 'Here's Johnny!' line was improvised by Jack Nicholson. The movie's labyrinthine Overlook Hotel set was one of the largest ever built at the time.

Description: 'Poltergeist' and 'A Nightmare on Elm Street' (2010) both involve supernatural entities terrorizing a family, with the former focusing on a haunted house and the latter on a dream-invading killer. Both films blend horror with family drama, creating a more emotionally resonant story. The films also use practical effects and a sense of escalating terror to keep the audience on edge.

Fact: 'Poltergeist' was co-written and produced by Steven Spielberg, though Tobe Hooper is credited as the director. The film's tagline, 'They're here,' has become iconic in horror cinema. The movie is notorious for its alleged curse, with several cast members dying under mysterious circumstances.

Description: 'Candyman' and 'A Nightmare on Elm Street' (2010) both feature a supernatural killer with a tragic backstory who preys on the fears of their victims. Both films explore themes of urban legends and the power of belief, with 'Candyman' focusing on racial and social issues. The films also use a mix of psychological and visceral horror to unsettle the audience. The titular characters, Candyman and Freddy Krueger, have both become iconic figures in horror cinema.

Fact: 'Candyman' is based on Clive Barker's short story 'The Forbidden'. The film's score, composed by Philip Glass, is considered one of the best in horror cinema. Tony Todd's performance as Candyman, with his deep, resonant voice, has become legendary.

Description: 'The Ring' and 'A Nightmare on Elm Street' (2010) both revolve around a curse that leads to inevitable death, with the former involving a haunted videotape and the latter a dream-invading killer. Both films use surreal, nightmarish imagery to unsettle the audience and explore themes of guilt, revenge, and the supernatural. The films also feature a strong female protagonist trying to uncover the truth behind the curse.

Fact: 'The Ring' is a remake of the Japanese film 'Ringu' (1998). The film's iconic scene of Samara crawling out of the TV has become one of the most memorable moments in horror cinema. The movie's success helped popularize J-horror remakes in Hollywood.

Description: Similar to 'A Nightmare on Elm Street' (2010), 'The Grudge' features a vengeful supernatural entity that haunts its victims relentlessly. Both films use non-linear storytelling and jump scares to create a sense of unease. The Grudge's Kayako, like Freddy Krueger, is a tragic figure whose backstory adds depth to the horror. The films also share a dark, oppressive atmosphere and a focus on the inescapability of the horror.

Fact: 'The Grudge' is another American remake of a Japanese horror film, 'Ju-On: The Grudge'. The film's ghost, Kayako, with her eerie croaking sound, has become a horror icon. Director Takashi Shimizu, who directed the original Japanese version, also helmed the American remake.

Description: Similar to 'A Nightmare on Elm Street' (2010), 'The Conjuring' delves into the horror genre with a strong emphasis on supernatural elements and psychological terror. Both films feature a malevolent entity that preys on its victims in their most vulnerable states, with 'The Conjuring' focusing on a haunted house and demonic possession, akin to Freddy Krueger's invasion of dreams. The films share a dark, suspenseful atmosphere and rely on jump scares and a sense of dread to unsettle the audience.

Fact: 'The Conjuring' is based on the real-life case files of paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren. The film was so well-received that it spawned a successful franchise, including sequels and spin-offs like 'Annabelle' and 'The Nun'. Director James Wan used practical effects to enhance the film's authenticity and scare factor.

Description: Like 'A Nightmare on Elm Street' (2010), 'Sinister' is a horror film that plays on the fear of the unknown and the supernatural. Both films involve a sinister entity that targets children and uses their fears against them. 'Sinister' employs found footage and eerie visuals to create a sense of dread, similar to the dream sequences in 'A Nightmare on Elm Street'. The films also share a dark, foreboding tone and a focus on the psychological impact of horror.

Fact: 'Sinister' features real snuff films as part of its plot, adding to its disturbing nature. The film's antagonist, Bughuul, is inspired by pagan deities and folklore. Director Scott Derrickson used a haunting score by Christopher Young to heighten the film's terrifying atmosphere.

Description: 'The Babadook' shares thematic similarities with 'A Nightmare on Elm Street' (2010) in its exploration of psychological horror and the blurring of reality and nightmare. Both films feature a monstrous figure that symbolizes deeper psychological traumas—Freddy Krueger represents the sins of the parents, while the Babadook embodies grief and depression. The films also use visual storytelling to create an unsettling, dreamlike atmosphere.

Fact: 'The Babadook' was director Jennifer Kent's debut feature film. The film's monster, the Babadook, became a cultural icon and even a symbol for the LGBTQ+ community, representing the acceptance of one's inner demons. The movie was critically acclaimed for its portrayal of mental health issues through horror.

Description: 'Hereditary' and 'A Nightmare on Elm Street' (2010) both delve into psychological horror and the theme of inherited trauma. While 'Hereditary' focuses on a family's dark secrets and demonic possession, 'A Nightmare on Elm Street' deals with the sins of the parents affecting their children. Both films use disturbing imagery and a slow-building tension to create a sense of dread. The films also explore the idea of reality being manipulated by unseen forces.

Fact: 'Hereditary' was director Ari Aster's debut feature film. The film's shocking decapitation scene was achieved using a combination of practical effects and CGI. Toni Collette's performance was widely praised, with many considering it one of the best in horror cinema.