In 1996, Wes Craven’s teen-slasher, Scream stalked its way into cinemas. The post-modern horror film, about a masked killer dubbed ‘ghostface’, was a huge hit with audiences and led to a series of sequels.
These sequels were largely well received, and not only did they continue the story, but they also proved to be a hit with fans. As such, the Scream horror franchise has been a staple of the horror genre for decades, and a favourite series too!
But how many Scream movies are there and is the viewing order straightforward or is it convoluted like many horror movie series? For all the details and more, keep reading.
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The Scream movies
Scream (1996)
As noted above, the Scream horror movie series began in 1996 with Scream. Set in the town of Woodsboro, the movie centred its story around Sidney Prescott – a young teen who becomes the target of a masked ‘Ghostface’ killer.
The killer has a detailed knowledge of horror movies, and operates by the supposed ‘rules’ of a horror film while bumping off victims. These victims tend to be students at the local high school, and they share a connection to Sidney. (111 mins)
Scream 2 (1997)
Picking up the story shortly after the events of Scream, Scream 2 sees Sidney off to college where she attempts to put the Woodsboro killing spree behind her. However, this isn’t an easy thing to do, especially since the events of the murders have inspired a horror movie of their own, titled Stab.
But just as Stab begins to open in theatres, a new series of murders take place. It appears as if another Ghostface killer is bumping off victims, with Sidney once again a target. (120 mins)
Scream 3 (2000)
Having survived two attempts on her life, Sidney becomes a recluse and disappears from the world. However, when a new Ghostface killer emerges, and two murders take place, Sidney is forced to step out of the shadows.
Meanwhile, the Stab movie franchise has reached a third entry and this is attracting the attention of Ghostface. As the bodies begin to pile up, it’s time for Sidney to unmask this latest killer. (117 mins)
Scream 4 (2011)
In Scream 4, it is the 15th anniversary of the original Woodsboro murders, two high school students are killed by a new Ghostface. This brings Sidney back to town, where she initially becomes a suspect.
Remaining in Woodsboro while an investigation takes place, Sidney becomes a target once again. But can she survive a fourth encounter with Ghostface? (111 mins)
Scream (2022)
In 2022’s Scream, 25 years have passed since the Woodsboro murders and high school student Tara Carpenter is attacked by a new Ghostface. Tara survives, but is hospitalised, prompting her estranged sister, Sam to return home.
From here, more murders take place, with Sam becoming a target. However, she isn’t facing this situation alone, as she gets some help from former Ghostface survivor, Sidney Prescott. (114 mins)
Scream VI (2023)
Picking up the story a year after the events of 2022’s Scream, Scream VI continues the story of Sam and Tara Carpenter, who survived the previous killing spree. But just as they are attempting to put their lives back together, a new Ghostface arrives and this one is through with lurking in the shadows. (122 mins)
Scream 7 (2026)
In Scream 7, it has been 30 years since the original Woodsboro murders, and in this time Sidney Prescott has built a new life for herself. But that life is turned upside down when another Ghostface killer arrives and targets Sidney’s daughter. (114 mins)
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The Scream movies in order
To date, there are seven Scream movies. All the Scream movies are part of the same series, with events depicted in chronological order.
Should you wish to watch the Scream films in timeline order, follow this list:
- Scream (1996)
- Scream 2 (1997)
- Scream 3 (2000)
- Scream 4 (2011)
- Scream (2022)
- Scream VI (2023)
- Scream 7 (2026)
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Who are the cast of the Scream movies and are the films the work of the same director?
Notable actors in the Scream movie series include Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, David Arquette, Roger L. Jackson, Jamie Kennedy, Liev Schreiber, Skeet Ulrich, Matthew Lillard, Rose McGowan, Hayden Panettiere, Melissa Barrera, Jenna Ortega, Mason Gooding, Jasmin Savoy Brown, Jack Quaid, Mikey Madison, Drew Barrymore, Timothy Olyphant, Jerry O’Connell, Jada Pinkett, Laurie Metcalf, Patrick Dempsey, Scott Foley, Lance Henriksen, Emily Mortimer, Parker Posey, Emma Roberts, Adam Brody, Rory Culkin, Mary McDonnell, Alison Brie, Dylan Minnette, Kyle Gallner, Heather Matarazzo, Jack Champion, Liana Liberato, Dermot Mulroney, Joel McHale, and Mckenna Grace.
In terms of directors, the movies are the work of the following:
- Wes Craven directed Scream, Scream 2, Scream 3, and Scream 4
- Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett directed Scream (2022) and Scream VI
- Kevin Williamson directed Scream 7
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How is the Scream television series connected to the movies?
In 2015 (four years after the release of Scream 4), a Scream television series was launched. Conceived as a horror anthology show, the series focused on a group of high school teens being stalked by a masked killer.
The series ran for three seasons between 2015 and 2019, and developed a loyal fanbase, but never quite reached the heights of popularity the movies achieved. As for its place within the movie series, well, it isn’t connected.
The Scream TV show is very much it’s own thing. It’s a standalone series, inspired by the movies, and that’s all.
Notable cast members include Willa Fitzgerald, Bex Taylor-Klaus, John Karna, Amadeus Serafini, RJ Cyler, Keke Palmer, C. J. Wallace, Tyler Posey, Mary J. Blige, Tony Todd, Paris Jackson, and Roger L. Jackson.
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And finally, which is the best entry in the Scream movie series?
According to IMDb the Scream movies are rated as follows:
- Scream (1996) – 7.4/10
- Scream 2 (1997) – 6.3/10
- Scream 3 (2000) – 5.7/10
- Scream 4 (2011) – 6.2/10
- Scream (2022) – 6.3/10
- Scream VI (2023) – 6.4/10
- Scream 7 (2026) – Not yet rated
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Thank you for stopping by It’s A Stampede! to read this post about the Scream movies. For more posts be sure to check out the recommended reads below.
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