So, I stumbled upon this nicely produced YouTube list of the Top Ten Freddy Krueger Kills from the Nightmare on Elm Street series. View Part One here and then Part Two here. Here’s my opinion on the choices:
10. Joey’s Death from A Nightmare on Elm Street 4
Meh. Minus the breasts (the Elm Street series was noticeably absent of the slasher genre staple of gratuitous nudity) this one is just alright in my book. Shouldn’t be on the list.
09. Coach Schneider’s Death from A Nightmare on Elm Street 2
This one is pretty good in the context of this much maligned sequel. The homosexual undertones throughout the film make it a totally interesting and weird way to follow up a horror classic, and this scene kind of beat people over the head with that sentiment. Should be higher.
08. Debbie’s Death from A Nightmare on Elm Street 4
Definitely in my top three – absolutely unnerving scene for me as a kid. Just gross and totally eye-shielding kill. Love it. Should be way higher.
07. Dan’s Death from A Nightmare on Elm Street 5
Probably the right position for this one. I agree with the creator of this video, the effects are awesome and are made more impressive by the lack of CGI. About where it should be.
06. Mark’s Death from A Nightmare on Elm Street 5
I was never a big fan of this one, and as a comic book fan, I should be all over this one. Maybe I didn’t like the character…but that should make this kill even better. Should be lower.
05. Glenn’s Death from A Nightmare on Elm Street
Number four for me so almost right on the money. Absolutely iconic kill for the series. Plus Johnny Depp has been a good sport about the whole getting sucked into a bed thing. A little higher.
04. Spencer’s Death from Freddy’s Dead: The Final Nightmare
Really? Garbage. Not even the best kill in this shitty, shitty movie. Should be WAY lower.
03. Phillip’s Death from A Nightmare on Elm Street 3
Love, love, love this scene. One of the best in the series. Fantastic effects throughout and great reactions from the cast. Almost high enough.
02. Jennifer’s Death from A Nightmare on Elm Street 3
Definitely should make the list but not number two material. Funny stuff – first real sign of the one-liner Krueger we come to both love and hate for the rest of the series. Should be lower though.
01. Tina’s Death from A Nightmare on Elm Street
Nailed it. Can’t beat this as the best Krueger kill of all time. The tricks used throughout her dream is absolutely awesome – gotta love that revolving room. Her getting dragged up to the ceiling and then reaching out towards her boyfriend…absolutely fantastic filmmaking.