The Best Movies About Nightmares
Ranked By
731 votes
86 voters
1 reranks
Voting Rules
Nightmares must play an important role in the plot of the film.
When thinking about the best nightmare movies, the Nightmare on Elm Street franchise certainly comes to mind but this list proves there are other great movies that feature bad dreams. Famous nightmares in movies can make even the most cynical film viewer forget they’re watching a movie and jolt them out of their seat. Nightmares are the mind’s way of disturbing itself when it’s at its most vulnerable; which makes them perfect fodder for film. They have fueled top horror films long before Freddy Kruger donned the glove and have given filmmakers a chance to fully explore beyond the ordinary confines of everyday life.
Nightmares can drive the characters’ motives, actions, and relationships for better or worse within the plot like Dreamscape and The Cell where most of the movie takes place in dreams. An artistic tool to be sure; nightmares in cinema are a blank canvas that can tell you a lot about the psyche of the characters, and even more about yourself!
Is this list of best films about nightmares the stuff dreams are made of? Feel free to vote up the nightmare movies that make it difficult to sleep at night! You can always remind yourself, it was all just a dream.
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Most divisive: Dreamscape
Over 80 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best Movies About Nightmares
- 1John Saxon, Ronee Blakley, Heather LangenkampIn the chilling horror classic A Nightmare on Elm Street, Nancy Thompson (Heather Langenkamp) finds herself tormented by a monstrous figure in her dreams. This spectral menace, known as Freddy Krueger (Robert Englund), wears a bladed glove and leaves a trail of terror in his wake. As teens in her town start dying mysteriously, Nancy realizes the peril is not confined to her nightmares. Directed by Wes Craven, this film weaves a web of psychological terror that blurs the lines between dream and reality. The movie was so impactful that it spawned a franchise of sequels, solidifying its place in horror cinema history.
- 2Heather Langenkamp, Patricia Arquette, Craig WassonIn A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors, the infamous Freddy Krueger (Robert Englund) returns to torment the youths of Springwood, Ohio. This time, his victims are a group of troubled teens at a psychiatric hospital. The narrative spotlights a young woman, Kristen Parker (Patricia Arquette), who possesses a unique ability to draw others into her dreams. She and the other patients band together under the guidance of returning character Nancy Thompson (Heather Langenkamp). They form the titular Dream Warriors, using their dream powers to battle Krueger in his own realm. This horror flick is known for its inventive dream sequences and creative special effects, adding an extra layer of surreal terror to this third installment of the popular franchise.
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- 3Tim Curry, Seth Green, John RitterMaine friends struggle with the embodiment of evil.More It
- 4Robert Englund, Heather Langenkamp, Miko HughesIn Wes Craven's New Nightmare, horror takes a meta turn. Heather Langenkamp, playing herself, is a retired actress famous for her role as Nancy Thompson in the Nightmare on Elm Street series. Her old nemesis, Freddy Krueger (Robert Englund), transcends fiction and invades reality, terrorizing Heather and her family. Directed by Wes Craven himself, this self-referential film blurs the line between cinema and life, wrapping up the Nightmare series with an innovative twist. The movie boasts a unique blend of suspense and horror, which earned it a Saturn Award nomination for Best Horror Film.
- 5Dale Midkiff, Fred Gwynne, Denise CrosbyIn the chilling horror film Pet Sematary, Dr. Louis Creed (Dale Midkiff) relocates his family to rural Maine, unaware of the eerie pet cemetery near their new home. The story takes a dark turn when tragedy strikes, leading Louis to an old local named Jud Crandall (Fred Gwynne). A secret, ancient burial ground with sinister powers is unveiled by Jud. As the Creeds grapple with death and its unnatural reversal, director Mary Lambert masterfully unravels a tale of escalating dread and unspeakable horror. Characters plunge into a nightmare where boundaries between life and death hauntingly blur.More Pet Sematary
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- 6Jack Nicholson, Shelley Duvall, Danny LloydIn the chilling film The Shining, Jack Torrance (portrayed by Jack Nicholson) takes on a winter caretaker role at Colorado's secluded Overlook Hotel. His aim is to overcome his writer's block, and he brings along his wife Wendy (Shelley Duvall) and son Danny (Danny Lloyd). A unique aspect of this narrative is Danny's psychic abilities, which lead him to experience unnerving premonitions. The movie unfolds as Jack grapples with a stagnant writing process and Danny's visions grow increasingly alarming. The crux of the plot lies in Jack uncovering the hotel's sinister past, an event that triggers a terrifying transformation within him towards violence against his own family.
- 7Ellen Burstyn, Linda Blair, Max von SydowIn the heart-stopping horror classic The Exorcist, Regan MacNeil (Linda Blair), a young girl, becomes inexplicably ill. After all medical explanations are exhausted, her mother Chris (Ellen Burstyn) seeks help from two priests. Father Karras (Jason Miller), a troubled cleric wrestling with his faith, and veteran exorcist Father Merrin (Max von Sydow) step in to confront an evil beyond their understanding. The film, directed by William Friedkin, is recognized for its chilling portrayal of possession and exorcism. It won two Academy Awards and remains one of the most influential horror films to this day.
- 8A. Michael Baldwin, Bill Thornbury, Reggie BannisterThe residents of a small town have begun dying under strange circumstances, leading young Mike (Michael Baldwin) to investigate. After discovering that the Tall Man (Angus Scrimm), the town's mortician, is killing and reanimating the dead as misshapen zombies, Mike seeks help from his older brother, Jody (Bill Thornbury), and local ice cream man Reggie (Reggie Bannister). Working together, they try to lure out and kill the Tall Man, all the while avoiding his minions and a deadly silver sphere.More Phantasm
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- 9Patrick Wilson, Rose Byrne, Barbara HersheyDelving into the realm of supernatural horror, Insidious is a chilling film that masterfully intertwines the ordinary with the eerie. The film centers around Josh (Patrick Wilson) and Renai Lambert (Rose Byrne), who are confronted with an otherworldly force after moving into their new home. Their son Dalton (Ty Simpkins) inexplicably falls into a coma, triggering a series of unsettling events. As the Lamberts desperately seek help to save their son, they cross paths with Elise Rainier (Lin Shaye), a gifted psychic. With her aid, they uncover the bone-chilling truth: their son's spirit is trapped in a dark realm known as 'The Further'. This revelation sets them on a perilous journey, where they must confront malevolent entities to rescue Dalton and reclaim their peaceful lives. Insidious, directed by James Wan, is celebrated for its inventive plot twists and atmospheric tension, making it a standout entry in modern horror cinema.More Insidious
- 10James Brolin, Margot Kidder, Rod SteigerIn the chilling realm of horror, The Amityville Horror stands as a spine-tingling testament to suspense. George Lutz (James Brolin) and his wife Kathy (Margot Kidder) become the new inhabitants of a Long Island home. Unbeknownst to them, this isn't just any house - it's a house with a dark past. A year prior, a gruesome family massacre occurred within these walls, tainting its foundations with an ominous presence. As the Lutzes settle in, they begin experiencing inexplicable phenomena that escalate into terrifying incidents. The family dog acts strangely. Mysterious voices echo through empty rooms. The once warm and inviting house transforms into a menacing entity, twisting reality and sanity alike for the unfortunate Lutzes. Steeped in fear and tension, The Amityville Horror is an exploration of a haunting that blurs the line between the psychological and supernatural.More The Amityville Horror
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- 11Essie Davis, Daniel Henshall, Noah WisemanA chilling venture into the realms of psychological horror, The Babadook is a masterful exploration of grief and fear. Amelia (Essie Davis), a widowed mother, struggles to manage her troubled son Samuel's (Noah Wiseman) nightmarish visions of a monster he believes is coming to kill them. The line between reality and imagination blurs when they discover a sinister storybook titled Mister Babadook. As the unsettling occurrences escalate, Amelia is forced to confront the presence that has taken root in their home. Directed by Jennifer Kent, this Australian horror film won the AACTA Award for Best Direction in 2014.More The Babadook
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- 12Robert Englund, Lisa Wilcox, Brooke BundyA Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master is a 1988 American slasher fantasy film and the fourth film in the Nightmare on Elm Street series. The film was directed by Renny Harlin, stars Robert Englund, Lisa Wilcox and Danny Hassel. It is the sequel to A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors and is followed by A Nightmare on Elm Street 5: The Dream Child. The film was released on August 19, 1988 to generally mixed to positive reviews, grossing over $49.3 million domestically, making it the highest grossing horror film at domestic box office released in the 1980s, and the most financially successful film in the franchise until the release of Freddy vs. Jason.
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- 13Toni Collette, Gabriel Byrne, Alex WolffIn the chilling film Hereditary, the Graham family, helmed by Annie (Toni Collette), finds their lives spiraling into an abyss of horror following the death of their secretive matriarch. Peter (Alex Wolff), the son, grapples with his increasingly eerie and inexplicable experiences, while Steve (Gabriel Byrne), the father, attempts to hold the fraying family threads together. The movie, a psychological thriller sprinkled with supernatural elements, reveals a haunting exploration of heritage and fate. Directed by Ari Aster, Hereditary was nominated for multiple awards due to its darkly gripping narrative and powerful performances, notably Collette's critically acclaimed portrayal of a mother on the edge.
- 14Donald Pleasence, Jameson Parker, Victor WongPoking around in a church cellar, a priest (Donald Pleasence) finds an otherworldly vial filled with slime. Frightened, he brings his discovery to a circle of top scholars and scientists, who eventually learn that the strange liquid is the essence of Satan. The slime then begins to seep out, turning some of the academics into zombified killers. As the possessed battle the survivors, student Kelly (Susan Blanchard) is infected by a large quantity of the liquid and becomes Satan personified.More Prince of Darkness
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- 15Tim Robbins, Elizabeth Peña, Danny AielloIn Jacob's Ladder, Jacob Singer (Tim Robbins), a Vietnam War veteran, struggles to maintain his sanity. Plagued by flashbacks and hallucinations, he teeters on the brink of reality and illusion. His girlfriend Jezzie (Elizabeth Peña) and his chiropractor Louis (Danny Aiello) provide support as he navigates his confusing existence. As Jacob delves deeper into his own mind, the line between life and death blurs. This psychological horror film, directed by Adrian Lyne, is an unnerving journey into the human psyche, laced with war-induced trauma and spiritual exploration.More Jacob's Ladder
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- 16Danny Elfman, Chris Sarandon, Catherine O'HaraIn the hauntingly whimsical film, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Jack Skellington (voiced by Chris Sarandon), the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, stumbles upon Christmas Town. Enchanted by its stark contrast to his eerie homeland, Jack decides to replicate Christmas in Halloween Town. But he struggles to grasp the true spirit of this holiday. Directed by Henry Selick and produced by Tim Burton, this stop-motion animated musical has won numerous awards for its unique blend of horror and holiday cheer. Sally (voiced by Catherine O'Hara), a rag doll smitten with Jack, adds a tender element to this dark yet enchanting tale.
- 17Robert Englund, Ken Kirzinger, Monica KeenaIn the cross-genre horror film Freddy vs. Jason, iconic movie monsters Freddy Krueger (Robert Englund) and Jason Voorhees (Ken Kirzinger) come to life in a terrifying clash. As the denizens of Elm Street find their dreams hijacked by Freddy, they realize that their only hope lies in summoning Jason, the infamous slasher of Camp Crystal Lake. The plot thickens as these two titans of terror battle each other, leaving a trail of fear and destruction in their wake. Directed by Ronny Yu, this movie intertwines elements of supernatural horror with slasher tropes, creating a unique cinematic experience that redefines the boundaries of its genre. Despite its spine-chilling theme, Freddy vs. Jason is characterized by an undercurrent of dark humor, adding an unexpected twist to this classic tale of good versus evil - or more accurately, evil versus evil.More Freddy vs. Jason
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- 18Kristen Connolly, Chris Hemsworth, Anna HutchisonThe Cabin in the Woods is an enigmatic horror film, laced with elements of comedy. Five college friends, including Dana (Kristen Connolly) and Curt (Chris Hemsworth), embark on a vacation to a remote cabin. Unbeknownst to them, their every move is being manipulated by mysterious puppeteers underground. As the group's weekend getaway transforms into a terrifying ordeal, they find themselves entangled in an intricate web of life-and-death scenarios. Directed by Drew Goddard, this movie offers a refreshing twist on classic horror tropes and won the Saturn Award for Best Horror or Thriller Film in 2013.
- 19David Naughton, Jenny Agutter, Griffin DunneIn the genre-bending horror-comedy, An American Werewolf in London, college students David (David Naughton) and Jack (Griffin Dunne) encounter a werewolf during their backpacking trip through Britain. After this harrowing incident, David wakes up in a London hospital only to learn of Jack's unfortunate demise. Nurse Alex Price (Jenny Agutter) becomes his caretaker and confidante, as he navigates through disturbing nightmares and horrifying transformations. Directed by John Landis, this film is renowned for its groundbreaking makeup effects by Rick Baker, which earned it an Academy Award in 1982. It successfully melds horror with humor while delivering a unique take on the classic werewolf lore.
- 20Jennifer Lopez, Vince Vaughn, Vincent D'OnofrioIn The Cell, Jennifer Lopez delivers a chilling performance as Catherine Deane, a child therapist. This is no ordinary therapy, however. Employing an experimental technique, Deane dives deep into the minds of her patients - literally. When serial killer Carl Stargher (Vincent D'Onofrio) falls into a coma, FBI agent Peter Novak (Vince Vaughn) recruits Deane to enter his mind and discover the location of his latest victim, trapped in a custom-built cell. The line between reality and nightmare blurs as Deane navigates Stargher's twisted psyche in this psychological thriller.More The Cell
- 21Hilary Duff, Jonathan Bennett, Lydia HearstMarried to filmmaker Roman Polanski, actress Sharon Tate is a rising star who's about to have her first baby. Plagued by terrifying premonitions, Tate sees her worst nightmares come true when she encounters members of the Manson Family cult.
- 22Mark Patton, Kim Myers, Robert RuslerIn A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy's Revenge, the sinister specter of Freddy Krueger (Robert Englund) returns to haunt the dreams of Jesse Walsh (Mark Patton), a teenager living in the former Elm Street house. As sleep becomes a battleground, Jesse is tormented by nightmarish visions and a terrifying transformation looms. His girlfriend Lisa (Kim Myers) must unravel the mystery of Freddy's revenge before it consumes Jesse completely. This horror sequel, steeped in suspense and unexpected twists, delves deeper into the twisted realm of dream-stalking Freddy.
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- 23Justin Theroux, Naomi Watts, Laura HarringIn David Lynch's puzzling masterpiece, Mulholland Drive, Betty Elms (Naomi Watts), an aspiring actress, finds herself entangled in the enigmatic life of Rita (Laura Harring), an amnesiac woman. As they traverse the dreamlike landscape of Hollywood, their journey is peppered with cryptic symbols and shadowy figures. Simultaneously, director Adam Kesher (Justin Theroux) grapples with strange occurrences disrupting his latest film project. This surreal mystery-drama, honored with a Best Director award at Cannes, weaves a complex web of intrigue that blurs the lines between dreams and reality, challenging audiences to unravel its mysteries.More Mulholland Drive
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- 24Florence Pugh, Jack Reynor, William Jackson HarperA young American couple, their relationship foundering, travel to a fabled Swedish midsummer festival where a seemingly pastoral paradise transforms into a sinister, dread-soaked nightmare as the locals reveal their terrifying agenda.More Midsommar
- 25Leonardo DiCaprio, Mark Ruffalo, Ben KingsleyIn the chilling mystery-thriller Shutter Island, U.S. Marshal Teddy Daniels (Leonardo DiCaprio) is dispatched to an asylum set on a remote island, along with his partner Chuck Aule (Mark Ruffalo). Their mission is to investigate the unexplainable disappearance of a murderess who was a patient there. As they delve deeper into the case, secrets as murky as the surrounding waters begin to surface. The film, directed by Martin Scorsese, weaves a complex narrative that keeps viewers guessing until its final moments. The atmospheric setting and top-notch performances are notable aspects of this gripping cinematic experience.More Shutter Island
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- 26Ingrid Bergman, Gregory Peck, Michael ChekhovWhen Dr. Anthony Edwardes (Gregory Peck) arrives at a Vermont mental hospital to replace the outgoing hospital director, Dr. Constance Peterson (Ingrid Bergman), a psychoanalyst, discovers Edwardes is actually an impostor. The man confesses that the real Dr. Edwardes is dead and fears he may have killed him, but cannot recall anything. Dr. Peterson, however is convinced his impostor is innocent of the man's murder, and joins him on a quest to unravel his amnesia through psychoanalysis.More Spellbound
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- 27Annabelle Wallis, Maddie Hasson, George YoungParalyzed by fear from shocking visions, a woman's torment worsens as she discovers her waking dreams are terrifying realities.More Malignant
- 28Dennis Quaid, Kate Capshaw, Max von SydowSelfish teen Alex Gardner (Dennis Quaid) is coerced into joining a government project in which psychics like him are trained to enter others' dreams. He starts learning to use his abilities to do good, but before long, a new official, Bob Blair (Christopher Plummer), seizes control of the project. A writer (George Wendt) helps Alex uncover Blair's true motives, which involve assassination via dreams. Soon, only Alex and a beautiful scientist (Kate Capshaw) stand in the way of something terrible.More Dreamscape
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- 29Donald Pleasence, Ellie Cornell, Danielle HarrisThe apparently comatose Michael Myers (George P. Wilbur) is being transferred from one hospital to another, but he wakes up when the ambulance crew talk about his surviving niece, Jamie (Danielle Harris). After slaughtering his attendants, Myers sets out to find his one living relative who is, fortunately, being cared for by a kind and resourceful foster sister named Rachel (Ellie Cornell). Meanwhile, the ever-cautious Dr. Loomis (Donald Pleasence) remains on the killer's path.
- 30Nicolas Cage, Rose Byrne, Chandler CanterburyFifty years after it was buried in a time capsule, a schoolgirl's cryptic document falls into the hands of Caleb Koestler, the son of professor John Koestler (Nicolas Cage). John figures out that the encoded message accurately lists every major disaster from the past five decades, and predicts three future calamities -- one a global cataclysm. When his warnings fall on deaf ears, John enlists the help of the prophetic author's daughter and granddaughter to try to avert the ultimate disaster.More Knowing
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