How To Watch The 'Fear Street' Movies In Order
In 2021, Netflix dazzled fans with Fear Street, a three-film horror release. Inspired by the book series of the same name by legendary children’s horror writer R. L. Stine, the film series was released over three weeks in July, creating a binge-worthy, epic summer movie event.
The Fear Street trilogy stood out for its retro slasher atmosphere, homages to horror classics, and ability to differentiate itself and subvert the typical horror tropes. Four years after its success, the series expanded with Fear Street: Prom Queen, bringing Shadyside’s horror to prom season. Viewers eager to catch up on the series can use our guide to find out how to watch the Fear Street movies in order on Netflix.
The Fear Street series is meant to be watched in release order. Hence, viewers will start with Fear Street Part One: 1994, which follows Deena Johnson’s (Kiana Maderia) attempt to make sense of a brutal string of massacres in her hometown of Shadyside.
Fear Street Part One: 1994 is a bold reimagining of Stine’s work, offering a retro slasher with standout performances. It also marks the establishment of an intriguing lore that makes it unique from other horror movies. With jump scares, a delightfully suspenseful atmosphere, just enough campiness, and grisly murders, Fear Street Part One: 1994 beautifully captures the nostalgia of the ‘90s slasher while modernizing it to appeal to both older and younger audiences. If you’re obsessed with iconic slashers like Scream (1996) and A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984), you can’t miss Fear Street Part One: 1994.
In Fear Street Part Two: 1978, Deena and the crew go back in time to a grisly 1978 summer camp massacre to get to the bottom of Shadyside’s bloody history.
Fear Street Part Two: 1978 is a fun and brutal addition to the summer camp slasher subgenre. Bolstered by performances from Sadie Sink and Emily Rudd, the film is filled with retro slasher thrills and a bold change in scenery that sets the sequel apart from the first film, despite subscribing to a similar formula. While the first film paid tribute to Scream, Fear Street Part Two: 1978 is for fans nostalgic for Sleepaway Camp (1983) and Friday the 13th Part 2 (1981), just expect a little more ‘70s flair as opposed to ‘80s camp.
Fear Street Part Three: 1666 goes even further back in time, as Deena has a vision of 1666 from the perspective of alleged witch Sarah Fier, learning the true source of Shadyside’s curse. If you liked the slasher aspect of 1994 and 1978 expect something a little less stabbing and a little more supernatural.
Fear Street Part Three: 1666 boasts the most audacious premise of the franchise, spanning centuries and neatly pulling off an effective conclusion to the sprawling lore established in the first two films. Additionally, it delivers on the surprise end twist and old-school slasher thrills. Fear Street Part Three: 1666 leaves the door slightly open for more and will definitely satisfy Fear Street fans who love a good Stine-esque surprise ending. Although it still has that slasher vibe, the film also delves deeper into witchcraft, intriguing fans of thought-provoking, witchy horror like The Witch (2015) and You Won’t Be Alone (2022).
After the three-part Fear Street series, viewers will backtrack slightly to 1988 with the standalone entry, Fear Street: Prom Queen, which sees a high school prom queen competition turn deadly.
Fear Street: Prom Queen adds another satisfying chapter in Shadyside's history with a horror slasher filled with teen drama and ‘80s nostalgia. While it’s not as sharp as its predecessors, it’s an entertaining addition to the franchise for those who miss the original series. The prom backdrop is especially intriguing, as it keeps up with the franchise’s callback to horror classics. This time, viewers who loved Prom Night (1980) and Carrie (1976) won’t want to miss Fear Street: Prom Queen.
