If Ghostface called me and asked, “What’s your favorite scary movie?” the answer is simple: “Scream.” And no, I’m not just placating our favorite masked killer. The world is hell as it is, and I don’t want to be in the sequel, thank you very much.
This article is part of Trick or Stream, a seasonal series where Tom's Guide writers share their favorite horror movies and thrillers.
I saw “Scream” far too young in the late ‘90s, and it sparked a lifelong obsession with horror, especially the satirical kind. Wes Craven is a legend for a reason, but no one could have guessed in 1996 that “Scream” would become one of the most influential horror franchises of its time. The genius formula — different killers adopting the Ghostface persona each installment — keeps the series fresh while letting the OG characters return for more hospital visits.
I’m usually team "Not Everything Needs a Reboot," but “Scream” has never fallen into that trap. Sure, there are misfires (“Scream 3,” I’m looking at you), but I’ve never felt the "this shouldn’t exist" energy that plagues many nostalgic remakes. Decades later, the franchise still delivers laughs, stabs, and betrayals that feel new ... well, as fresh as anything can feel compared to the original.
Surprise! Not everyone makes it out alive
“Scream” nailed its plot twist formula in the first 12 minutes. Mid-’90s audiences expected Drew Barrymore to lead the final girl charge, but she wanted to shake up horror’s biggest flaw: You always know who survives.
She fought to play Casey — the girl who dies almost immediately — telling "Hot Ones," “What I wanted to do is to take that comfort zone away. I asked if I could be Casey Becker so we would establish that this rule does not apply in this film.” Nearly 30 years later, it remains a legendary move.
Barrymore’s early exit shocked audiences and set a precedent for surprise reveals throughout the series. Even five movies in, “Scream” keeps fans guessing, and the original twist is still iconic.
When horror roasts itself
Satirical horror is tricky. It must lovingly roast the genre while still respecting it. “Scream” nails this, threading humor into the plot itself. Sidney mocks movie final girls (“big-breasted girls who can’t act”), while Randy lectures Jamie Lee Curtis’s character and is too busy yelling to notice Ghostface behind him. His rules-of-horror speech has been a staple since the ‘90s (tip: avoid sex if you want to survive).
Tatum (Rose McGowan) remains a personal favorite. Her face-off with Ghostface is legendary, and her crop-top jersey nods to Johnny Depp in "A Nightmare on Elm Street." The film’s references keep it firmly ‘90s, yet still timeless.
Still screaming after all these years
Most horror sequels flop, but “Scream” is different. Its killer-swapping formula lets Sidney, Gale, and Dewey return in inventive ways. Even the 2020 requel balances new Woodsboro teens with OG characters, keeping the franchise grounded. That’s rare in horror, and why it continues to satisfy longtime fans.
Six films in, I’m still thrilled for each new “Scream” release—especially the cameos and the latest Ghostface reveal. Even when Neve Campbell skipped Scream VI, the franchise proved it could survive. But if they ever kill off my favorite final girl for good, I’ll never forgive them. Until then, I’ll be waiting for justice for Tatum—mouthy, feminist, and iconic. Sidney, who?
Watch "Scream" on Hulu or Peacock
Follow Tom's Guide on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our up-to-date news, analysis, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button!
More From Tom's Guide
You must confirm your public display name before commenting
Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.
