In Scream VI is now playing in theaters, we thought it would be fun to look back at the amazing Wes Craven Scream series.
The series has shown no signs of slowing down, so if you’re new to the franchise or looking to brush up on your knowledge of this long-running series, check out Scream movies ranked below and then let us know which ones Scream the movie gets your adrenaline pumping.
6) Scream 4 (2011)
There was a point Shout 4 where I’m willing to declare the third sequel the best of the bunch — and a killer piece of cinema that adroitly uses modern media as its ultimate weapon. Unfortunately, Wes Craven and returning writer Kevin Williamson opted for a happy ending that allowed the original cast to live to see another day.
Basically, the picture should have ended with Emma Roberts’ deranged killer, Jill Roberts, riding off into the sunset as a twisted version of Sidney Prescott after manipulating the news media to create her own. -made hero’s journey. Imagine the ramifications of her actions in sequels — will she be haunted by the murders she committed? Will he regret positioning himself as a target for would-be villains in Ghostface? Will he eventually lose his morbid tale?
Shout 4 a shocking ending is needed to justify its existence. Unfortunately, despite some great kills and great performances from the likes of Hayden Panettiere and Rory Culkin, the fourth entry is little more than another chapter in a franchise stuck on autopilot.
5) Scream VI (2023)
Directors Tyler Gillett and Matt Bettinelli-Olpin are back for the sixth entry and … bring nothing new to the franchise. Gone is the clever meta-humor that defined Wes Craven’s original shock, replaced instead with pointless violence, a darker tone, and a variety of cartoon characters that pale in comparison to the original gang. There are plenty of set pieces, but nothing particularly memorable, and the big reveal is about as predictable as a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
Actually, it’s just a remake of Scream 2. There are some interesting ideas lingering within this difficult business, especially the connection between Sam (Melissa Barrera) and Billy Loomis (Skeet Ulrich) that continues to simmer beneath the surface. Such ideas need to take center stage if this franchise hopes to continue.
4) Scream (2022)
surprisingly, Scream, the requel, managed to shock and awe without bringing much new to the table aside from a more somber tone. While the kills are meaner and crass than before, the jokes are less common; even Dewey, our resident goofball, has replaced the twinkle in his eye with a tired stare that somehow makes the character less interesting.
More criminally, directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett and writers James Vanderbilt and Guy Busick bring Sidney back for more trouble with Ghostface but he can’t do anything. The character feels shoehorned into the plot because one wouldn’t think audiences would come for more Scream unless they saw Neve Campbell on the poster. To be fair, the talented actress does her best in what amounts to a massive cameo, but she doesn’t push the limits of the script. His showdown with this iteration of Ghostface feels more forced than the last one, ruining the character’s journey in the original trilogy.
Apart from the negative, Scream 2022 still offers enough blood and guts to fight to warrant your attention. The young cast, led by Melissa Barrera (as Billy Loomis’ daughter), Jenna Ortega, and Jack Quaid, handle the material well, and the script has at least some new ideas worthy of enthusiasm for in the next event. At this point, there’s only so much you can do with this franchise, and credit to everyone involved for at least creating a plausible reason for Ghostface to kill again.
3) Scream (1996)
Wes Craven’s original shocker still delights as a smart slice of 90s pop culture, but too often feels like a made-for-TV thriller starring impossibly attractive 20-year-olds as high school The action is clunky, Craven’s direction surprisingly erratic; while the cinematography wraps the horror in warm colors more suitable for a romantic comedy.
In other words, you could say that no one involved had any idea how successful it was Scream eventually will be. However, much of that success rests on Kevin Williamson’s clever screenplay (and the excellent opening scene featuring Drew Barrymore), which pokes fun at the slasher genre without straying from the formula. At one point, two characters literally scream at a security monitor like they’re watching Halloween. It’s pretty good.
However, after my most recent rewatch, I found myself saddened Screamed overall design, its one-note characters, and the overlong finale. I still respect the original for its freshness but I think parts two and three performed well Scream the concept is better.
2) Scream 3 (2000)
I don’t put Shout 3 here just to drum up controversy. I think it’s a very well-made slasher film that somehow manages to reconfigure the Scream formula to something, ah, important. Sure, you get the usual variety of grisly murders and surprising twists and turns, but Wes Craven and screenwriter Ehren Kruger aim a little higher with their threequel and stab at the ravenous underbelly of Hollywood; exploring a world overflowing with sleazy producers who spend too much time preying on young actresses itching for stardom. Somehow, it all connects to Sidney, the results of which may surprise you.
Also, where the first two films were very much a product of the late 90s, Shout 3 feeling more timeless with less focus on tongue-in-cheek meta-commentary and more emphasis on character and story. There’s also the welcome addition of Parker Posey, who really nails his character who worships Gale Weathers and delivers a scene-stealing performance that makes you want him to stick around a little longer.
I just saw Shout 3 several times, but every viewing always gives me pleasure. I also think Sidney’s arc should have stopped here, as the pic gives him much needed closure. Ditto for Dewey and Gale, who enjoy their own happily ever after away from Ghostface’s relentless reign of terror.
Alas, the powers that be couldn’t hold back and just had to dust off our rag-tag team for more sequels ruining their personal journeys.
1) Scream 2 (1997)
where Scream is a novel cinematic exercise that somehow turns into an entertaining film, Scream 2 takes the established concept and completely knocks it out of the park. With a bigger budget at his disposal, Wes Craven delivers a bolder, bloodier, and more stylish sequel filled with shocking revelations, gruesome murders, and a dazzling array of suspense that keeps you hooked to be on the edge of your seat from start to finish.
This is the movie Scream want to be
Everyone brings their A-game, especially Neve Campbell, who adds even more pathos to Sidney, transforming from a run-of-the-mill scream queen into an actual person. Courtney Cox and David Arquette execute the Gale/Dewey romance with gusto, while newcomers Sarah Michelle Gellar, Timothy Olyphant, and Jerry O’Connell leave an impact in smaller supporting roles. duty
Yes, the third act picks up a bit again and the big reveal elicits more eye rolls than gasps, but Scream 2 moves along with such confidence and cheeky self-awareness that it’s easy to overlook its flaws. From the brilliant opening scene with Jada Pickett and Omar Epps to the wild confrontation with Ghostface at the climax, Scream 2 dazzling with its whip-smart dialogue and oh-so-clever jabs at pop culture (especially in the sequels). It’s a riot.