How did this movie 'Fear Street: Prom' resonate with the audience?

 Fear Street: Prom Queen, released on Netflix in May 2025, received a mixed to negative response from both critics and audiences. While some appreciated its nostalgic nods to 1980s slasher films, many felt it failed to capture the essence that made the original Fear Street trilogy compelling.

Critical Reception

The film holds a 48% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes and a 44/100 on Metacritic, indicating lukewarm reviews. Critics like Dennis Harvey from Variety described it as a "pedestrian concept" that merely recycles clichés without offering a fresh perspective. Similarly, The Guardian criticized its "thin plotting" and "ineffective scares," noting it lacks the creativity and energy of the original trilogy.

However, not all reviews were entirely negative. Alison Foreman of IndieWire gave it a B+, praising its "flirty and fiendish" approach and suggesting that, despite its flaws, it offers energetic entertainment.

Audience Reaction

Audience responses mirrored critical sentiments. On Rotten Tomatoes, the audience score stands at 56%, reflecting a generally unfavorable view. Many viewers felt the film lacked originality and failed to connect with the established lore of the Fear Street universe. A Reddit user commented, "It felt very campy and not in a good way... just a standalone cliché slasher movie that wants to give 80s nostalgia."

Some fans expressed disappointment over the absence of supernatural elements and deeper character development that characterized the original trilogy. Others noted that the film's attempt at 80s nostalgia felt superficial, with one viewer stating, "The time period wasn't really much of a factor in a lot of the outfits, hair, set design, etc."

While Fear Street: Prom Queen aimed to revive the slasher genre with a nostalgic 80s setting, it largely fell short of expectations. Critics and audiences alike found it lacking in originality, depth, and connection to the broader Fear Street narrative. Despite some praise for its energetic moments and gore, the film is generally considered a weaker entry in the franchise.