Wes Craven changed the game in 1996 with his fantastic revamp of the slasher genre. Scream wasn’t just another horror movie — it was a witty, self-aware deconstruction of the genre that still delivered genuine scares. With its mix of mystery, meta-commentary, and gore, Scream became one of the best films of the year, horror or otherwise.
At the time, the slasher genre was stagnant, weighed down by tired tropes and uninspired sequels. Scream gave horror a shot in the arm, inspiring a wave of late-’90s slashers (I Know What You Did Last Summer, Urban Legend) and cementing Ghostface as one of the most recognisable horror icons ever. The mask — originally a cheap Halloween store find — became synonymous with the franchise and pop culture at large.
Another Scream hallmark was born with Drew Barrymore’s unforgettable death scene: the “opening kill.” Each subsequent entry would try to top it, from Jada Pinkett and Omar Epps in Scream 2 to the subversive layered opening of Scream 4, and even the shocking fake-out killer reveal in Scream 6.
Naturally, success breeds sequels. Across nearly three decades, the franchise has grown to six films, each adding to the lore of Ghostface while playing with horror conventions. Even the weaker entries are entertaining, but not all Scream movies are created equal. With Scream 6 still fresh in the memory, it’s the perfect time to look back and decide which film truly stands at the top of the pile.
6. Scream 3
Every Scream film has its strengths, but one must land at the bottom. Unfortunately, Scream 3 takes that spot. While it still feels like part of the series at heart, its flaws outweigh its merits.
The biggest letdown? The killer reveal. The identity of Ghostface is the engine that drives each Scream, and here it sputters. Roman Bridger — a previously unmentioned half-brother of Sidney Prescott — feels like an underwhelming twist with little emotional weight.
The absence of Kevin Williamson’s sharp writing is felt throughout. Dialogue is flat, the meta-humour feels diluted, and the Hollywood setting, while promising, isn’t enough to elevate the story. Even strong performances from the returning cast can’t compensate for wasted opportunities — including the unceremonious early death of Cotton Weary.
The “meta” layer here focused on Hollywood’s exploitation of true crime and sequels, but it lacked the bite and wit of other entries.
5. Scream 6
The newest entry has moments of brilliance but struggles to maintain momentum. The opening scene — a series hallmark — is easily one of the best in the franchise, delivering tension, subversion, and a clever reveal of an initial Ghostface who isn’t the film’s final killer.
Unfortunately, after that bold start, Scream 6 settles into a predictable rhythm. The “Core Four” characters are charming, and the New York City set pieces bring a fresh urban energy, but the film drags in places. At two hours, some sequences overstay their welcome.
Its meta commentary on franchises moving to “bigger stages” is fun, but it still leans heavily on familiar beats. It’s not a bad movie by any stretch, but its formulaic approach leaves it feeling more like a solid chapter than a standout reinvention.
4. Scream (2022) / Scream 5
With the wave of horror reboots in recent years, it was inevitable that Scream would return. Scream 5 manages to blend new blood with legacy characters in a way that mostly works.
Tara and Sam Carpenter are welcome additions, with Jenna Ortega and Melissa Barrera bringing both vulnerability and grit. Chad and Mindy provide much-needed humour and meta-awareness, keeping the tone in line with the series. Dewey, Gale, and Sidney’s appearances are handled respectfully, giving fans nostalgic payoffs without overshadowing the new cast.
However, the killer reveal suffers from the same issues as Scream 6 — too obvious, too early. Richie and Amber’s motivations never feel fully convincing, and the film leans a bit too heavily on mirroring the original without adding enough new layers.
The “meta” lens here tackles the idea of “requels” — reboot/sequel hybrids — and while clever, it occasionally tips into self-indulgence.
3. Scream 4
A decade after Scream 3, Craven returned with Scream 4, and the franchise found its spark again. This entry cleverly updates the meta-commentary for the social media era, incorporating livestreams, online fame, and the culture of recording everything.
The killer reveal stands as one of the best in the series. While Charlie’s involvement could be guessed, Jill’s betrayal is a genuine shock. Her motive — craving fame in a media-saturated world — feels disturbingly relevant.
Tight scripting, energetic pacing, and a balance of humour and horror make Scream 4 feel like a reinvigoration rather than a retread. Its commentary on fame-hungry culture was a natural evolution of the series’ satirical bite, showing the dangers of chasing notoriety in the digital age.
2. Scream 2
Rushed into production after the original’s success, Scream 2 could easily have stumbled — instead, it became a near-perfect sequel. Moving the story to a university allows for new dynamics, bigger set pieces, and a fresh supporting cast.
The returning core — Sidney, Dewey, Gale, and Randy — bring continuity, while Cotton Weary’s expanded role adds tension and ambiguity. The killer reveal, involving Billy Loomis’s mother seeking revenge, ties directly to the original while offering a clever twist on the idea of personal vendettas.
Memorable kills, from the dramatic theatre finale to Randy’s shocking mid-film death, cement Scream 2 as a smart, suspenseful follow-up. The “meta” hook this time zeroes in on sequels — their tendency to go bigger, bloodier, and sometimes sillier — and Scream 2 leans into it with confidence.
1. Scream (1996)
There could only be one at the top. Scream revitalised horror in the mid-90s, rescuing the slasher genre from self-parody and decline. Kevin Williamson’s razor-sharp script, Wes Craven’s precise direction, and a perfect cast combined to create lightning in a bottle.
The film’s meta-awareness — characters openly discussing horror tropes while being trapped in one — felt revolutionary. Drew Barrymore’s shocking opening death set the tone: in Scream, no one was safe.
The killer reveal, with Billy Loomis and Stu Macher as a deranged duo, was thrilling in 1996 and still works today thanks to its execution. The whodunnit structure, layered with black comedy and genuine terror, keeps the audience engaged from start to finish.
Quite simply, Scream didn’t just launch a franchise — it redefined horror for a new generation. Without it, the slasher revival of the late ’90s might never have happened.
Across six films and nearly thirty years, Scream has proven to be more than just a slasher franchise — it’s a pop culture institution. Each entry, whether groundbreaking or just serviceable, adds another layer to the Ghostface mythos and to the ongoing conversation about horror itself.
From the genre-shaking brilliance of the original Scream to the bold swings and occasional stumbles of its sequels, the series has consistently blended suspense, satire, and self-awareness in ways no other horror saga has matched.
Whatever the future holds for Woodsboro — or wherever Ghostface strikes next — one thing is certain: Scream has carved its place in horror history, and fans will always answer the call when that voice on the phone asks, “Do you like scary movies?”
