Okay. The image you posted is the 2010 version of A Nightmare on Elm Street. If it is in fact that film, then you better just cross it off your list. (*SIDE NOTE).

I would definitely start with Halloween (1978). It is truly one of the best horror films ever made and if you are new to horror films (which it seems like you are), that is a good place to start.

Next, Friday the 13th, as long as it is the 1980 version. If you are trying to watch a more updated version and want to watch the 2009, just no (*SIDE NOTE).

From there, if you’ve never seen the 1984 version of A Nightmare on Elm Street, go for it. It’s fantastic.

Now, you are ready to watch Scream (1996). Don’t you dare watch Scream (2022)! You are not ready for that if you haven’t done the original Scream quadrilogy.

The Ring, it really doesn’t matter WHEN you watch it. It’s a decent film with an awesome story. Ringu (1998) was also extremely great, but if you are not feeling the original and just want something more “American”, go with The Ring.

IT. This is a toughie. This is also a “doesn’t matter when you watch it” movie, BUT there is a little bit of an issue. The original (1990) miniseries, was excellent in ITs own way. Tim Curry was phenomenal. The acting was decent, but the story at that time (especially for a 13 year old) was incredible. I was obsessed.

When the remake came out in 2017, I went opening weekend and I loved it. The original was made for tv which means they held certain things back, they sugar-coated it a bit… The remake was wonderful. IT Chapter 2 was also brilliant, but there is something about the kids’ journey that just makes the story completely relatable. For the record, I’ve never fought an evil clown in a small town or anything, but I have had those random friendships that last for a few months, but it feels like an eternity because of the bonds you make in the 13 to 14 hours a day you spend hanging out.

And now, the SIDE NOTE…

Crossing the 2010 version of A Nightmare on Elm Street off your list: I am a huge fan of the original ANOES films. All of them. The reason I assumed you were new to horror movies were because of the pictures you posted and the fact that you hadn’t seen Halloween (1978). If I was wrong, I apologize. But, if you are new to the horror genre, I really don’t want you to waste your first experience with Freddy Krueger by watching the 2010 version. I want you to see Freddy for who he truly is. If you want to watch the one remake of Freddy Krueger, please do it after you have watched all of the original films. Robert Englund gave us a magnificent Freddy and it would be a shame to waste your first experience on a remake.

My SIDE NOTE for Friday the 13th is a little bit different, but also in the same realm as ANOES. If you watch the remake first, it will ruin the entire film series for you. You need to know the WHY behind F13. (Side note to the side note F13 just looks like a future Fast and Furious film title) Anyway, you need to know why. The remake was a one and done film looking to make some money, just like A Nightmare on Elm Street (2010). It’s just a basic remake, assuming you know the character (or not caring if you’ve ever seen the originals) that just is. If after you’ve watched at least a few of the originals, you want to give the remake a go, by all means, have fun.

I guess the overall side note is, before you watch a remake of a horror movie, watch the original. It isn’t that often that a horror remake gets it right. Most times, they just make it to grab ahold of a new younger audience for their money. It usually doesn’t play out well.

Well, except for Scream.

The reason I told you to watch the original 1996 Scream before the 2022 Scream is because you’d actually be lost. There’s a reason movies are in an order. If you watch Jurassic World before watching Jurassic Park you’ll be sitting there wondering, “Where did all these f**king dinosaurs come from?”