Bad Dreams

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Bad Dreams

R

1988

1h 26m

Horror

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

38%

Tomatometer

16 Reviews

43%

Popcornmeter

1,000+ Ratings

Unity Field, a "free love" cult from the '70s, is mostly remembered for its notorious mass suicide led by Harris (Richard Lynch), its charismatic leader. While all members are supposed to burn in a fire together, young Cynthia (Jennifer Rubin) is spared by chance. Years later, the nightmare of Unity Field remains buried in her mind. But when those around Cynthia start killing themselves, and she begins having visions of Harris, she may be forced to confront the past -- before it confronts her.

Roger Ebert

Chicago Sun-Times

This is another of those foul teenage vomitoriums in which the only message is that the world is evil and brutal.

Rated: 0.5/4

Jan 1, 2000

Full Review

Rene Jordan

El Nuevo Herald (Miami)

Bad Dreams is a cinematographic nightmare…qualifying as outstanding in service. [Full review in Spanish]

Jun 13, 2022

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Mike Massie

Gone With The Twins

A noteworthy, entertaining, twisty little thriller.

Rated: 7/10

Aug 31, 2020

Full Review

Patrick Brennan

Dread Central

Long deemed an Elm Street rip-off, Bad Dreams is far more original (not to mention entertaining) than it's given credit for and is well worth a watch.

Rated: 3/5

Jul 16, 2020

Full Review

Ángel Luis Inurria

El Pais (Spain)

The interesting premise falls flat in its development. [Full Review in Spanish]

Mar 31, 2020

Full Review

Ian White

Starburst

As a total package this is probably one of the most underrated horrors of that decade.

Rated: 9/10

Jul 31, 2018

Full Review

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Dread and T

A film incapable of escaping the shadow of the "A Nightmare on Elm Street" comparisons, but if you take the time to watch the film, you may find there is more to offer than a blatant rip-off. Incredible effects makeup and a bone-chilling performance from Richard Lynch make this film at least a "worth a watch" for horror genre fans.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

08/24/24

Full Review

Brad P

Long deemed an Elm Street rip-off, Bad Dreams is far more original (not to mention entertaining) than it's given credit for and is well worth a watch.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

02/27/23

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Audience Member

Esse filme e absolutamente incrível e inovador até mesmo para os dias de hoje,ele certamente esteve sob a sombra de A Nightmare on Elm street,o que e um absurdo pois este filme não e uma cópia a idéia e tão original quanto o próprio filme citado,ele tem um plot twist incrível no final

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/22/23

Full Review

steve d

Surprisingly effective and really intense.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

03/30/23

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Audience Member

Take the rating with a grain of salt as I'm no longer a fan of most '80s horror. While I was growing up they were amazing and set the foundation for my love of horror. But most of them have aged horribly, including Bad Dreams. I couldn't finish the whole thing, so may be the ending salvaged it.

Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars

01/15/23

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delysid d

interesting story but theres a whole lot to hate about this thing

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

03/06/19

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Andrew Fleming

Director

Jennifer Rubin

Cynthia

Bruce Abbott

Dr. Alex Karmen

Richard Lynch

Harris

Dean Cameron

Ralph

Harris Yulin

Dr. Berrisford

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Synopsis

Unity Field, a "free love" cult from the '70s, is mostly remembered for its notorious mass suicide led by Harris (Richard Lynch), its charismatic leader. While all members are supposed to burn in a fire together, young Cynthia (Jennifer Rubin) is spared by chance. Years later, the nightmare of Unity Field remains buried in her mind. But when those around Cynthia start killing themselves, and she begins having visions of Harris, she may be forced to confront the past -- before it confronts her.

Director: Andrew Fleming
Producer: Gale Anne Hurd
Screenwriter: Andrew Fleming, Steven E. de Souza
Production Co: No Frills Film Production
Rating: R
Genre: Horror
Original Language: English
Release Date (DVD): Sep 13, 2011
Box Office (Gross USA): $8.9M
Runtime: 1h 26m
Sound Mix: Surround