A classic slasher franchise that has made fans laugh, jump and smile for almost 30 years, the “Scream” movies have become a staple of every Halloween movie marathon! As Halloween rolled around again, I decided this year would finally be the time to watch every “Scream” movie and see which one is truly the best of them all.
If you don’t know “Scream,” it follows a killer in a Ghostface mask who uses a phone and a knife to stalk and scare his victims. Like every entry, each kill unveiled in the series has a motive and a reason behind it, making every movie full of new twists and turns. While some are stronger than others, you can always count on another jump scare or mind-blowing moment on screen!
Kicking it off, the original “Scream” (1996) remains my favorite even after watching the whole series. It’s filled with the classic moments you can quote time and time again. The cold open scene featuring Drew Barrymore is iconic and unforgettable. Starring Neve Campbell, David Arquette, Matthew Lillard, Courteney Cox, Skeet Ulrich and Jamie Kennedy, the cast delivers an all-time favorite film that can be watched every year and still freak you out. It inspired a whole series of other slasher films and defined what a horror movie is!
Following up a classic, “Scream 2” was a bit disappointing for me. Though it still has some fun moments as Ghostface follows our lead character, Sidney, to college, it falls flat on the kills, reveals and story. I found myself getting bored at times as it felt repetitive and like a “copy-and-paste” sequel. It adds a goofy element to get more laughs that feel forced throughout the runtime. I enjoy the concept of the in-universe “Stab” movies that poke fun at horror tropes, but the ending feels weak and too predictable to be enjoyable.
“Scream 3,” the conclusion of the classic trilogy, surprised me in a good way. Many fans tend to hate this one as it takes the horror to Hollywood, but I thought it was pleasantly creative. It has flaws like some pointless side characters and cluttered moments, but it brings a fresh concept to the series. Watching a movie about making a movie is a mind trip that adds to the tension. It doesn’t suffer from feeling like another “copycat” film and instead stands out as unique and entertaining.
Eleven years after the original trilogy wrapped, “Scream 4” was released as a legacy sequel to continue the story. It’s the last “Scream” film directed by the legendary Wes Craven before his death. This movie juggles a lot in its runtime and can feel messy. While the middle has strong points, the beginning and end feel rushed and don’t leave a lasting impact. It works thanks to solid character development and creative kills, but it suffers from forgettable new characters and being the least connected to the other films.
Another eleven years later, “Scream” (2022) arrived to reignite the franchise. This legacy sequel, instead, stays true to its mission of honoring the original, offering fun callbacks, and introducing a new core cast. It’s a seamless mix of old and new that works extremely well! Featuring Melissa Barrera, Jenna Ortega, Jack Quaid, Mikey Madison, Mason Gooding and Jasmine Savoy Brown, along with returning stars Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox and David Arquette, this cast shines on screen. It’s exactly what I wanted from a modern revival and what longtime fans were hoping for, too.
Last but not least, “Scream 6” takes the action to New York City, adding a city vibe to the mix. This film brings creativity while keeping the suspenseful energy of the older ones. It can feel out of place at times, but it delivers a satisfying ending and introduces engaging new characters. Even as the sixth film, it still finds ways to surprise you and keep things exciting. While not amazing, it’s a fun and worthy follow-up that continues the story in a great direction.
The “Scream” franchise remains a favorite among horror fans, especially around Halloween. If you’re looking for something fun, a bit scary and always interesting this series is for you. With a seventh film on the way next year, now’s the perfect time to revisit everything these movies have to offer. As Ghostface would ask, “What’s your favorite scary movie?” For me, these are definitely near the top of my list!
