Fear Street Part One: 1994
Netflix | Release Date (Streaming): July 2, 2021
5.7
USER SCORE
Mixed or average reviews based on 204 Ratings
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87
Mixed:
61
Negative:
56
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User scoreBy dateMost helpful
5
The_Man_With_NoJul 11, 2021
This movie isn't terrible, it's incredibly easy to predict, but it isn't awful. The worst part is Netflix's quota on LGBTQ+ activity. Why is it every movie or show there has to be that representation that is loud and very prevalent in theThis movie isn't terrible, it's incredibly easy to predict, but it isn't awful. The worst part is Netflix's quota on LGBTQ+ activity. Why is it every movie or show there has to be that representation that is loud and very prevalent in the story? Do you think I care about the horror aspect or the random relationship you half-assed threw in? Part of the movie is literally just Fear Street Part One: Reluctant Lesbian Simulator. It's just so insanely counterproductive to a movement as well because it's not quality representation, it's just something thrown in for the sake of being thrown in because honestly, who even cares for romance of any type in a horror film? It would be fine if it was a passing thing, but it's a key component of the story, and that killed some of the enjoyment. I wish Netflix would stop trying to just push romance into every single thing they do, it's mind-numbingly annoying.… Expand
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
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5
MichaelWongJul 18, 2021
Very poor entertainment not sure if it's horror or comedy. If you have something to watch, you can, but ... but...
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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5
ThemadcowJul 5, 2021
Good production values and a strong cast, but sadly the plot and script isn't strong enough to carry off the "Stranger Things but a gory horror" vibe it's aiming for. Credit where its due though for one truly excellent bit of gore in the final act.
3 of 4 users found this helpful31
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6
TVJerryJul 3, 2021
This is the first in a trilogy based on R. L. Stein’s books about a small town that’s been haunted for generations. When the rating pops on screen, the first words are “strong bloody violence.” That also sets up expectations for viciousThis is the first in a trilogy based on R. L. Stein’s books about a small town that’s been haunted for generations. When the rating pops on screen, the first words are “strong bloody violence.” That also sets up expectations for vicious stabbings and other gory dispatches. The film delivers on the killings in classic style, which is to say not original, but simple, brutal and well executed. There’s also more chatter about the curse and how this group can reverse it that drags the pace and the suspense. Still, as an echo of classic slasher films, this one pays homage without much new. NOTE: The subsequent parts (set in 1978 and 1966) will be released in coming weeks.… Expand
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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4
HonestTalkJul 3, 2021
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Its called Fear Street, for marketing purposes, but has very little in common with the Fear Street books.

Let me start this off by saying that the protagonist is definitely the most uninteresting and annoying character in the entire movie. The dullness and whiny nature of her character can only be matched by her equally boring girlfriend "Sam." Honestly, the main character should have been her little brother who was actually useful in the movie. "Deena", the protagonist, just cries, whines, and puts her lesbian girlfriend before everything, and everyone, else in the movie. On the other hand, her brother literally was the one who finds out what is going on and how they might stop the "witch" Sarah Fier. Unfortunately, he is relegated to a subordinate status so that we might see "Deena" (with two E's) tongue her girlfriend down and cry about her the entire film. And the equally interesting character, Kate, who had the chance to become a love interest for the brother is quickly killed off in order to focus on more crying and kissing between Deena and Sam. As stated beforehand this movie is "Fear Street" in name only. Many who are watching this film and giving it rave reviews are either paid critics or have never read the Fear Street novels. One lady had a Goosebumps book on her Youtube video when reviewing the film; as if Goosebumps is Fear Street. There were several ways the movie thumbed its nose at the Fear Street novels. The whole "only Sarah Fier the witch" is one of the ways the movie breaks away from the actual novels. In the novels there is an entire Fier family. The second way was with this whole "rich vs poor" class warfare nonsense that peppers the film. In the novels Shadyside is not an impoverished area that everyone is looking to "get away from to better their life." Its a regular suburb where creepy things happen. In fact, the Fier family, which is where they got Fear Street, is wealthy. I recall reading one of the novels where someone myseteriously drowned in a shallow lake or something like that. I can't really recall as I read the novels over ten years ago. The point is, Shadyside was not seen as a low class area at all. It was just feared because it was a place where strange things happened.

There was no arguing over wealth and so and so moved to the "good side" or any of that. That seems to be something that the "Karen" who was behind this film is stuck on.

The third way this film breaks with the books is the LGBT relationship. This is just not part of the Fear Street series. Especially one that is based in the 90s. That wasn't what killed it for me though. I went in knowing how infamous politically driven Hollywood is for butchering beloved franchises. Star Wars and Ghostbusters I'm looking at you!

One of the things that killed it for me was the removal of some of the only likeable characters. Kate was likeable and so was the young man who was murdered. The only likeable character that is left is Deena's brother and the police officer. I was surprised when they actually wrote in a young minority male character who had a pretty girl who liked him. Usually they hurry up and kill any minority males off in horror films and make sure they are just token characters. I also liked the fact that he was smart and had learned many things on his own. Again, I honestly wish he had been the main character in the series; but as I said Hollywood is politically driven. I was also surprised when they wrote in the small romance between Kate and his character. However, they fell back on Hollywood's fear of strong minority male main characters when they made sure his unofficial love interest got killed off right after she kissed him. I mean you can't have a smart, self taught, educated so called black boy getting the prettiest girl in the movie can you? So I saw that one coming.

Overall, other than the neon lights which were meant to make it feel "Fear Street-y" this movie just felt like a bootleg Scream with an LGBTQ love story to boot.… Expand
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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6
JLuis_001Jul 4, 2021
Doesn't do much, but what it does well is enough.
Certainly the script is not the strongest suit, and that of course makes me wonder how necessary the next two sequels are to give context to the story.
Because clearly you don't need it here.Doesn't do much, but what it does well is enough.
Certainly the script is not the strongest suit, and that of course makes me wonder how necessary the next two sequels are to give context to the story.
Because clearly you don't need it here.

My understanding for what I read about the trilogy from some professional reviewers who have seen the three films, is that the whole concept is better absorbed by watching the three altogether, but that's really not a very good thing to say, because it means that none of them will be able to stand on its own.

This gets reflected a lot in the last act, and especially the conclusion, since both are merely constructed with the intention of leaving things unfinished so you can follow the story in what comes next.
Basically a miniseries of films.

Visually, it looks like a lost episode from CW.
A mix of Riverdale with Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, although the violence is graphic, and that adds a bit of gore, but not necessarily scares.

Definitely made to have fun for a while and it doesn't require anything else.
For what it matters, that was fine because I was entertained, but the impression is perishable.

The only thing I don't understand is why Netflix didn't schedule them for Halloween. Would've been better.… Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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5
SpenReviewerJul 2, 2021
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Just mediocre. The storyline revolves around your typical “cursed town“ where teenagers come together to stop evil. There’s not even anything remotely new to the story except maybe the LGBT subplot and without that subplot this movie would have scored lower in my book. It’s probably the only interesting thing about the show.… Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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5
theredskyJul 11, 2021
It’s fine. There really isn’t a whole lot to say about this film as it is the first part of a trilogy and my opinion could change when the trilogy is over but it’s definitely a weak first act. I liked some of the references to films likeIt’s fine. There really isn’t a whole lot to say about this film as it is the first part of a trilogy and my opinion could change when the trilogy is over but it’s definitely a weak first act. I liked some of the references to films like Scream and The Shining but that’s the main selling point to me. I liked watching and seeing what films they were referencing but everything else was kinda bland. The film isn’t super long but it feels like it is. It peaks at the beginning with the Scream homage with Maya Hawke but it fails to keep my interest after that. I didn’t find the characters all that relatable or engaging however that could change with the other 2 films in this trilogy. The tone is all over the place. It’s got some great horror moments and some interesting set up with the creatures being attracted to only one person but the film takes a break from all this action for two steamy scenes. This would be fine if we weren’t shown that the monsters were relentless and pretty quick to catch up to their prey. The soundtrack also adds to this tonal inconsistency. The songs are good but their placement is weird and it feels like it’s trying too hard to be like Stranger Things. I liked the film’s use of violence though and how relentless it is. Some of these scenes are pretty brutal and it’s refreshing to see that this film has a massive “No One Is Safe” sign on it. Don’t get too attached to these characters. The film’s use of neon colors was pretty refreshing especially in the beginning. It’s a shame they abandoned this style for a majority of the film and only really bringing it back in the end. I would recommend checking this out if you want something that feels like Stranger Things or if you want homages to classic horror films but don’t expect something on the same level as those.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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4
Xenomorph_killsJul 18, 2021
The appeal of a Goosebumps style horror movie with extreme violence is all it has going for it. It is violent and the tone of the movie makes it unexpected when it does come. But besides that the plot is so generic that you could guess whatThe appeal of a Goosebumps style horror movie with extreme violence is all it has going for it. It is violent and the tone of the movie makes it unexpected when it does come. But besides that the plot is so generic that you could guess what the characters are gonna say and do before it happens. The characters are also dumb. Almost all of them care more about their relationship drama than the fact that they are about to be killed. Very disappointing and i have no interest in watching the sequels.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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5
akshatmahajanJul 6, 2021
I decided to watch this part after reading positive reviews from critics. I thought I will watch something new and interesting but I was wrong. After watching it, I am starting doubting the critics especially Rotten Tomatoes.

For first half,I decided to watch this part after reading positive reviews from critics. I thought I will watch something new and interesting but I was wrong. After watching it, I am starting doubting the critics especially Rotten Tomatoes.

For first half, it felt almost same as Scream movie. This movie had a lot of potential but Netflix missed the opportunity. The storyline was alright but the execution was lackluster. The cast did okay as a whole, however the lead characters are unlikable. You fail to connect with them. Not your fault, there performance was bad. The adaptation was done so badly that you can't feel the movie. Movie didn't have proper horror elements. Emotional elements were missing, you may not even feel bad for any character when they die or are in difficult situation. Also, the movie is set in 90s but it doesn't give you 90s vibes.

Overall, movie could have been much better if there would have been good direction along with better execution.… Expand
0 of 2 users found this helpful02
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4
thearacadzJul 9, 2021
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The story is good. The music and outfits were definitely 90s, but the characters didn't make me feel like i was watching something from the 90s. And it was kinda messy watching it. I've watched so many 90s thriller/slasher/horror movies and this just didn't hit the spot. The main character Deena... i hate her. She's not an understanding girlfriend, thinks her friend's ideas are dumb, and she has way too many scenes that are just not really needed. Sooo many scenes in the movie kinda don't make sense and etc... the 1978 movie is way better (fear street part 2)… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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5
MattBrady99Mar 9, 2022
Well, I'm just thankful it doesn't take place in 1980's, with it being set in 1994, just so it's not one of those 80's tribute type of entertainment we get most days, even though this doesn't look very 1994.

Anyway, This was a lot of funWell, I'm just thankful it doesn't take place in 1980's, with it being set in 1994, just so it's not one of those 80's tribute type of entertainment we get most days, even though this doesn't look very 1994.

Anyway,

This was a lot of fun and decent characters. It did make me interested in checking out part 2.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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5
hello_worldJul 25, 2021
Originally, the only thing that made me watch this movie was because I heard that it was based on books by R. L. Stine of Goosebumps fame. Not the deepest reason to watch a movie, but what can I say, the man wrote part of my childhood. What IOriginally, the only thing that made me watch this movie was because I heard that it was based on books by R. L. Stine of Goosebumps fame. Not the deepest reason to watch a movie, but what can I say, the man wrote part of my childhood. What I got was a pretty fun movie that pays homage to the slasher genre. Make no mistake, this is a slasher film that does things that the kid-friendly goosebumps couldn't get away with.

Best way to describe this movie is that it's a slasher film. As in the things that one would expect from a slasher film is in here. Rebellious teenagers, serial killers and a couple pints of blood. the characters are serviceable, but none were all that likeable. Granted we do get to know some of the doomed teens, moreso than other slashers, so there is some weight to the scenes where they inevitably meet their end. It just would have paid off more if the movie took time to show more of their redeeming qualities or just more vulnerability from the young characters so their deaths can give a little more punch. The story also at times doesn't make a lot of sense. It's not entirely a turn off your brain kind of movie, but it will do you a disservice by thinking too much about certain details. Overall it was a fun romp for what it is.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
ChurchinoAug 8, 2021
Se você é fã de slasher movie, assista a trilogia e não desista no primeiro filme!
Confesso que não sei o que aconteceu, mas esse é o pior (de longe)! O ritmo e a trilha sonora estão muito fora de hora, a atuação dos personagens é genérica, eSe você é fã de slasher movie, assista a trilogia e não desista no primeiro filme!
Confesso que não sei o que aconteceu, mas esse é o pior (de longe)! O ritmo e a trilha sonora estão muito fora de hora, a atuação dos personagens é genérica, e a história em si não é muito atratativa.
Se não fosse os outros 2 filmes, eu daria um 4 fácil! Logo, não desista porque fica (bem) melhor e a história é até que bem interessante!… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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5
tenacious_KJul 21, 2021
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Netflix's first movie based off the fear street series falls on a flat note and shows an unfortunate lack of originality. I went in hoping for better, I read goosebumps as a kid, and growing up in the 90's I was well within the demographic for this but unfortunately this movie just can't decide what it wants to be. Similar to another Netflix movie, the babysitter, this relies heavily on nostalgia and makes continuous references and call backs to video games and iconic movies in an attempt to connect with the viewer but unfortunately just comes off as forced. As mentioned earlier the lack of originality is an issue here, the killers used here looked like the came straight out of your local horror house and were cheep to loan out as it is not yet the Halloween season. Our cast of characters really come off as unlikable save josh, played by Benjamine Flores Jr, who feels like he belongs in a different movie all together. Other than this we have stereotypical out for herself till the last minute, stereotypical stonner who casting really wishes was Evan Peters, overly emotional and illogically depressed girlfriend, and her other half the so wooden she could've just been a cardboard cutout carried around by the rest to the cast victim. Special notice here goes to Olivia Scott Welch who had such an emotionless delivery with all her lines she smashed my suspension of disbelief in this movie featuring immortal killers commanded by a witch by attempting to have me believe that anyone would be attracted to, much less want a relationship with, such an emotionless husk. Effects and aesthetic on the other hand do deserve some praise, as a high school mall rat from the early 00's I really appreciated the usage of the local mall and how its stores were presented though outside of there, most notably the grocery store from the climax the appropriate nodes were missing. One thing that was almost comedic was the Johnson family being able to afford having the internet at this time when we are constantly reminded of how poor and bad off their town is, and writers here clearly forgot that back then dial up modems were a thing, preventing all others within a house hold from using the phone while someone is online. Finally, for the reason we all watched this, the kills. While there was a liberal use of blood here there was unfortunately only one original kill here with our stereotypical cheerleader losing the top half of her head to a meat separate. Other than that it was just all generic stabbing and one axe kill, nothing original like we would've seen in one of the movies this attempts to pay homage to. I understand this has a crowd that will no doubt enjoy it, but personally I just felt disappointed for all the above reasons with the lack of creativity on display here really bothering me.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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4
DimXOct 15, 2021
Not recommended, very stupid movie. Horror movies don't have to be smart, but that's too much.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
JLauAug 23, 2021
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Good things happen in one town but serial killings keep happening in the neighbouring town because the residents sometimes get possessed by a witch wrongly hanged 400 years ago.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
bshu89Aug 16, 2021
Fear Street Part One was a really fun surprise. Was it the best horror flick ever? No. Did it do anything special? No, not really. But it was fun. And what it did do, they did really well. Hopefully part 2 and 3 will live up to how good part one is.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
HellHoleHorrorMar 18, 2023
Not my favourite or even especially memorable it is still entertaining mostly because of the excellent casting. The writing is the most disappointing with thinly drawn characters and quite a dull story. Thankfully the cast transcends theNot my favourite or even especially memorable it is still entertaining mostly because of the excellent casting. The writing is the most disappointing with thinly drawn characters and quite a dull story. Thankfully the cast transcends the writing to make the characters engaging enough to watch the whole film and just about enough for me to want to watch part 2. In terms of believability, they looked and acted slightly too old for the roles they were playing. The direction along with all of the technical aspects are high quality big budget but ultimately uninspiring. The heavy use of vignette may fit with the style of the 90s but as not much else fits that style I found it annoying.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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5
CarlElmoreNov 24, 2022
Maya Hawke was great but she was barely in the movie. It was okay but didn't do anything to amaze me.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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