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A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors

Play trailer Poster for A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors R Released Feb 27, 1987 1h 35m Horror Play Trailer Watchlist
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68% Tomatometer 62 Reviews 68% Popcornmeter 250,000+ Ratings
During a hallucinatory incident, young Kristen Parker (Patricia Arquette) has her wrists slashed by dream-stalking monster Freddy Krueger (Robert Englund). Her mother, mistaking the wounds for a suicide attempt, sends Kristen to a psychiatric ward, where she joins a group of similarly troubled teens. One of the doctors there is Nancy Thompson (Heather Langenkamp), who had battled Freddy some years before. Nancy senses a potential in Kristen to rid the world of Freddy once and for all.
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A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors

A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors

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Critics Consensus

A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors offers an imaginative and surprisingly satisfying rebound for a franchise already starting to succumb to sequelitis.

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Critics Reviews

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Nigel Andrews Financial Times Abysmal, and the only thing worth cheering is special effects work by Peter Chesney. Jul 27, 2023 Full Review Desmond Ryan Philadelphia Inquirer It's the dumbest installment in the series. Jul 25, 2023 Full Review Bill Briggs Orlando Sentinel Drive-In Academy Award nominations for... Robert Englund, as Freddy Krueger, the one and only, and Chuck Russel, the director, for doing a heck of a job. Jul 24, 2023 Full Review Matt Brunson Film Frenzy Easily the best film in the series. Rated: 3/4 Oct 20, 2024 Full Review Michael D. Reid Victoria Times Colonist (B.C., Canada) The ingeniously, splendidly executed fantasy sequences are what make the movie so ultimately enjoyable. Rated: 3/4 Jul 25, 2023 Full Review John Wooley Tulsa World The special effects this time include some convincing animation and a couple of very grisly sequences. Rated: 3/5 Jul 25, 2023 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Sondra J S Dream Warriors is a Good Movie for Freddy it a 8/10 Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 02/01/25 Full Review Alexander S Dream Warriors offers a more entertaining sequel that features one of the original film’s surviving characters. As it leans more towards a blend of horror, comedy and entertainment, fans may either be pleased or disappoint those seeking genuine horror. Grading: C+ Rated 3 out of 5 stars 01/28/25 Full Review Kevin P A surprisingly great sequel that expands and escalates the scale of Freddy Krueger’s world while still adhering to the rules of his powers. Nancy’s return is great as she takes the lead and helps guide everyone else. There’s even a nice conclusion and satisfying tell-off to Nancy’s stubborn father at the end. Freddy is more jokey this time around, but he still has enough edge and visual creativity to make him a joy to watch. And the dream powers of the main kids is a weirdly fun worthy opponent to Freddy’s own twisted dark dream magic. The lost souls in Freddy’s chest are also a nice touch. Nancy’s death at the end was a bummer, but I’m glad she dragged Freddy down with her in a great final sacrifice. It’s still a Freddy Krueger movie, but a damn good one and easily the best of the series right next to the original. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 01/26/25 Full Review James B This is a more creative film and makes up for Freddy's revenge by offering good kills and great characters. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 01/24/25 Full Review Jerod S The dream team has some young a list actors that morph in their sleep to try and take out Freddy. Arquette's back flip is epic. Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 01/17/25 Full Review Angel C “The Perfect Blend of Horror, Creativity, and Heart!” Wes Craven’s A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors is a triumphant return to form, cementing itself as one of the greatest horror sequels of all time. Packed with imaginative visuals, clever storytelling, and a perfect mix of scares and empowerment, this film revitalized the franchise and set a new standard for horror sequels. What makes Dream Warriors so unforgettable is its brilliant premise. The idea of a group of troubled teens joining forces in their dreams to fight Freddy Krueger is as empowering as it is terrifying. This fresh twist on the series injects new energy and raises the stakes, making the battle against Freddy feel bigger and more exciting than ever before. Robert Englund delivers one of his best performances as Freddy Krueger, balancing his sinister menace with a darkly humorous edge that elevates his iconic status. Freddy’s kills are more creative and horrifying than ever, showcasing the surreal and nightmarish possibilities of the dream world. Each death is not just a scare—it’s a spectacle of inventive horror that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. The return of Heather Langenkamp as Nancy Thompson is a highlight, bridging the gap between the original film and this sequel. Nancy’s role as a mentor to the new group of teens brings emotional depth to the story, and her chemistry with the young cast is heartfelt and genuine. The ensemble cast, including Patricia Arquette in her breakout role as Kristen, brings a likable and relatable energy to the film, making you care deeply about their fates. Chuck Russell’s direction and Frank Darabont’s screenplay balance the horror with moments of levity and character development, ensuring that the film is as emotionally engaging as it is scary. The dream sequences are stunningly creative, filled with surreal visuals and memorable moments—who can forget the horrifying puppet scene or Kristen’s acrobatic dream powers? Adding to the film’s charm is its deeper exploration of themes like trauma, resilience, and the power of unity. It’s not just about surviving Freddy—it’s about overcoming fears and finding strength in each other, which gives the story a surprisingly uplifting edge. With its innovative visuals, strong performances, and a perfect blend of horror and heart, A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors is a standout entry in the franchise. It’s a thrilling, imaginative ride that honors the spirit of the original while taking the series to bold new heights. Rating: 10/10 – A must-watch for horror fans and one of the finest sequels in horror history! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/12/25 Full Review Read all reviews
A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors

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Movie Info

Synopsis During a hallucinatory incident, young Kristen Parker (Patricia Arquette) has her wrists slashed by dream-stalking monster Freddy Krueger (Robert Englund). Her mother, mistaking the wounds for a suicide attempt, sends Kristen to a psychiatric ward, where she joins a group of similarly troubled teens. One of the doctors there is Nancy Thompson (Heather Langenkamp), who had battled Freddy some years before. Nancy senses a potential in Kristen to rid the world of Freddy once and for all.
Director
Chuck Russell
Producer
Robert Shaye
Screenwriter
Wes Craven
Distributor
New Line Cinema, Image Entertainment Inc., Media Home Entertainment
Production Co
New Line Cinema
Rating
R
Genre
Horror
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Feb 27, 1987, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
Sep 30, 2010
Box Office (Gross USA)
$44.1M
Runtime
1h 35m
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