Next year will mark the 35th anniversary of A Nightmare on Elm Street. Created by the “Master of Horror”, Wes Craven, the slasher franchise released its seven films in the span of a decade, followed by Freddy vs. Jason in 2003 and the remake in 2010.
Freddy Krueger was actually named after a child that bullied Craven at school. In the films, Freddy is a child killer in the fictional town of Springwood, Ohio. Due to a police mix up he was acquitted of his crimes and released. The parents of the town decided to enact revenge which resulted in Freddy being burned alive. The intervention of some supernatural forces meant he had the ability to terrorise the children of Elm Street; when his victims died in their dreams they died for real. With each film came more backstory and creative kills, with Freddy preying on the fears of his potential victims.
Even as an adult, nothing is quite as haunting as those children dressed in white, skipping and singing.
Which Nightmare of Elm Street film is your favourite? What is your favourite Freddy kill?
The answer to these questions may help guide you toward a concept for your tattoos. Be inspired by our picks of the top Nightmare on Elm Street tattoos and get excited about what your chosen artist can create for you.
Colour realism Freddy Krueger half sleeve tattoo by @marcoklose_official
Stylised Freddy Krueger tattoo by @nicolereidtattoo
Traditional style needle-fingered Freddy Krueger tattoo by @dan_gagne
Colour realism Freddy Krueger tattoo by @stepanovtattoo
Stylised neo trad Freddy Krueger tattoo by @fulviovaccarone
Colour realism Freddy Krueger tattoo by @audie_tattoos
Colour realism Freddy Krueger from stencil, to fresh tattoo, to healed. Tattoo by @joekworrall
Colour realism A Nightmare On Elm Street 2 tattoo by @ron570tattoos
Neo trad double exposure Freddy Krueger tattoo by @jayjoree
Colour realism Freddy Krueger tattoo by @paulackertattoo
Traditional Freddy Krueger portrait tattoo by @moira.ramone
Colour realism Freddy Krueger tattoo by @michaelburger.tattoo
Colour realism Nightmare on Elm Street tattoo by @paulackertattoo
Nightmare On Elm Street love heart tattoo by @sam.nancy.tattoos
Healed traditional Freddy Krueger tattoo by @bach85
Colour realism Freddy Krueger tattoo by @khailtattooer
Colour realism Freddy Krueger tattoo by @q_tattoos
Colour realism Freddy Krueger tattoo by @audie_tattoos
Neo trad Freddy Krueger glove tattoo by @renunutattoo
Colour realism Freddy Krueger tattoo by @mikejohnstontattoo
Colour realism Nightmare on Elm Street tattoo by @paulackertattoo
Colour realism Freddy Krueger tattoo by @audie_tattoos
Neo trad Freddy Krueger glove tattoo by @lucybluetattoo