MovieWeb

Scream

Scream
Scream

Summary

Scream is a series of American slasher films created by Kevin Williamson and Wes Craven. The films star Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, and David Arquette. The series has grossed over $600 million in worldwide box-office receipts and consists, to date, of four motion pictures. The first series entry, Scream, was released on December 20, 1996 and is currently the highest grossing slasher film in the United States. The second entry Scream 2 was released on December 12, 1997 followed by a third installment, Scream 3, released February 4, 2000. Scream 4 was released eleven years after the previous, on April 15, 2011. The films follow the character of Sidney Prescott (Campbell) who becomes the target of a succession of murderers who adopt the guise of Ghostface to stalk and torment their victims. Sidney receives support in the films from town deputy Dewey Riley (Arquette), reporter Gale Weathers (Cox), and film-geek Randy Meeks (Jamie Kennedy). Williamson's original script was bought by Miramax and developed under the Dimension Films label by Bob and Harvey Weinstein, who recruited Craven to direct, who in turn recruited composer Marco Beltrami to score the film. This team went on to be involved in each film in the series though Williamson was forced to take a smaller role for Scream 3, writing only a brief plot outline due to his commitments to other projects, with Ehren Kruger replacing him as screenwriter. The series' violence resulted in conflicts with the Motion Picture Association of America and news media concerning censorship resulting in a reduction of violence and gore in Scream 3 when the Columbine incident brought increased focus on the media's influence on society. Scream became notable for its use of established and recognizable actors which was uncommon for horror films at the time, yet has since become common in part due to Scream's success. The series has received significant critical acclaim, Scream being credited with revitalizing the horror genre in the late 90s by combining a traditional slasher film with humor, awareness of horror film cliché and a clever plot. Scream was one of the highest grossing films of 1996 and became, and remains, the highest grossing slasher film in the world. Its success was matched by Scream 2 which not only broke box-office records of the time but which some critics argued was actually superior to the original. Scream 3 fared worse than its predecessors, both critically and financially, with critics commenting that it had become the type of horror film it originally parodied in Scream. It did however receive some positive response with claims that it was the perfect end to the trilogy. The film series has been the recipient of several awards including a Saturn Award for Best Actress and MTV Movie Award for Best Female Performance for Campbell and Best Horror Film for Scream.

latest

Jenna Ortega as Tara Carpenter and Melissa Barrera as Sam Carpenter with Ghostface and the New York skyline behind them in Scream VI 1
Scream VII Woes Continue With Loss of Director: "Dream Job Turned Into a Nightmare!"

Scream VII's Christopher Landon has revealed that he left the movie "weeks ago".

By 
Matthew Lillard wearing glasses and his Scream character of Stu Macher 1
Matthew Lillard Candidly Discusses What His Scream Character Means to Him

Matthew Lillard played Stu Macher in 1996's Scream, and 27 years later, he really just doesn't care much about his character.

By 
Scream 7 Who's Left to Carry on the Franchise 1
Scream 7: Who's Left to Carry on the Franchise?

In the middle of the controversy of Scream 7's casting, we're giving you some potential storylines that could be used to carry on the franchise.

By 
Jenna Ortega as Tara Carpenter and Melissa Barrera as Sam Carpenter with Ghostface and the New York skyline behind them in Scream VI 1
The Scream Franchise Can Still Be Successful Without Two Lead Stars

With two of the film's stars no longer attached and fans voicing their anger with how things have been handled, how can the Scream franchise go on?

By 
Jenna Ortega in Scream 1
Scream VII: Why Jenna Ortega Returning Was More Important Than a Neve Campbell Comeback

Jenna Ortega has departed Scream VII, and losing the rising star is a bigger blow to the franchise than Neve Campbell for Scream VI.

By 
Melissa Barrera in the movie Carmen 1
Scream 7's Melissa Barrera Firing Slammed as Censorship in Letter Signed by 1300 Actors and Artists

A letter signed by stars including Olivia Colman and Amiee Lou Wood has called out numerous instances of censorship over the Middle East conflict.

By 
Jenna Ortega in Scream VI 1
Scream 7: New Report Suggests Jenna Ortega Departure Wasn't Over Scheduling Issues

A new report sheds light on the conflicts behind Scream 7, the dismissal of Melissa Barrera, and the departure of Jenna Ortega.

By 
Melissa Barerra as Sam Carpenter in Scream 5 1
What Is the Fate of the Scream Franchise with Jenna Ortega Dropping Out and Melissa Barrera Being Dropped?

It's been a tough week for the Scream franchise with the losses of Melissa Barrera and Jenna Ortega, but here's how the horror favorite can recover.

By 
Neve Campbell in Scream 5. 1
Scream 7 Will Be Completely Reworked, Studio Wants Neve Campbell & Patrick Dempsey to Return

Following the Scream 7 fallout, a new report has revealed what the studio has planned. Including the return of Neve Campbell.

By 
Jenna Ortega as Tera Carpenter in Scream VI on a subway train, looking at someone on the train with a scared expression 1
Jenna Ortega Not Returning for Scream 7

Wednesday star Jenna Ortega reportedly told producers she would not be available due to a scheduling conflict.

By 
John Carver wearing a pilgrim mask and hat, carrying an axe in Thansgiving, with Ghostface from Scream wearing his iconic mask carrying a bloody knife. 1
Could Thanksgiving Become the New Scream?

No one could ever replace Ghostface, but John Carver can try.

By 
Sam wears the black cloak in Scream VI 1
Melissa Barrera
Melissa Barrera Fired From Scream VII Following Israel-Hamas Social Media Posts; Director & Spyglass Media Respond

Melissa Barrera has become the latest celebrity to come under scrutiny for social media posts relating to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

By 
Neve Campbell as Sidney Prescott, holding a phone next to her ear in Scream 1996 1
Neve Campbell Finally Reacts to Scream VI: ‘I Thought They Did a Really Good Job’

Neve Campbell didn't return as Sidney Prescott for Scream VI, but the actress still enjoyed watching the horror sequel.

By 
1:36
Best Horror Comedies of All Time Thumbnail 1
13 of the Funniest Horror Comedies Ever Made

Horror and comedy both rely on tension and release, and these films induce a really physical reaction with both laughter and fear.

By  and
Scream masterfully revealed Ghostface's identity in the opening scene. 1
Scream: Ghostface's True Identity Was Revealed Right From the First Scene

Scream masterfully revealed Ghostface's identity in the opening scene, hiding it in plain sight.

By 
Wes Craven sits on a couch in his film Wes Craven's New Nightmare 1
Why Wes Craven is One of the Greatest Horror Movie Directors

Wes Craven was a visionary film pioneer who would shape the landscape of the horror genre, and may be its best director.

By  and
scream VI 1
Scream: What Scream VI Does to Elevate the Franchise

Looking into how the latest entry steps up to the legacy of Scream.

By  and
Scream 6 Official Trailer Ghostface Weathered Mask 1
How the Scream Franchise Has Outlived So Many Slasher Series

Over the years, the Scream franchise has established a dedicated fan base through the use of a solid formula it's constantly willing to deviate from.

By  and
Scream 5 2022 cast 1
How Scream Changed the Face of Horror

The first Scream film hit theaters in 1996 and rejuvenated the struggling horror genre in many iconic (and ironic) ways.

By  and
10 Great Horror Slashers to Watch If You Love the Scream Franchise 1
15 Great Horror Slashers to Watch If You Love the Scream Franchise

Along with Scream VI, you may want to check out these other slasher horror movies if you love the Scream franchise.

By  and
See more articles +