Artwork created to advertise films in the A Nightmare on Elm Street franchise typically features the antagonist, Freddy Krueger, and elements of his dream-world setting. These promotional materials range from depictions of Krueger’s iconic glove with bladed fingers to surreal and nightmarish imagery evocative of the film’s themes. Specific examples include the original film’s poster showcasing a shadowed Krueger’s hand and a screaming face, and later installments’ variations emphasizing different aspects of the character and narrative.
As key marketing tools, these visuals serve to attract audiences and establish a film’s tone and atmosphere. They often become culturally recognizable symbols linked to the franchise’s broader themes of fear, dreams, and the subconscious. Historically, their styles have evolved alongside the changing aesthetics of film advertising, reflecting trends in graphic design and popular culture from the 1980s onwards. These pieces of promotional art offer insights into the evolving portrayal of Krueger and the franchise’s enduring appeal.
