Ranking the Scream Movies from Worst to Best
6. SCREAM 3
As is the case with all my rankings, I wouldn't talk about something I don't enjoy and so when it comes to the Scream Franchise -- it's my absolute favorite. All six movies have a lot to offer, even if the third one here is the "worst." Scream 3 is usually touted as everyone's least favorite scream movie and it's unfortunate that it's treated that way when it's still a good Scream movie! This is the movie that wraps up the original trilogy and it does so well enough, even if the Ghostface motive and plan are a little farfetched. Another complaint could be that Sidney isn't really used effectively (those stupid ghost scenes, I mean seriously) and doesn't even join the rest of the cast till the second half. Here's what it has going for it, the new decisions to bring Scream into Hollywood and to incorporate a voice-mimicking device for Ghostface were inspired choices, in my opinion. Lastly, while it was sad to see a legend leave us in the opening scene, it continued Scream's run of memorable and heart-racing first scenes to make this still a fine entry to the franchise.
5. SCREAM 4
This is where I think a lot of fans would agree the fourth installment belongs. It's a step or two up from the previous film which is an impressive feat considering it was made 11 years later. Let's start out with the elephant in the room, the opening scene is easily the worst of the franchise. It's almost too meta and makes it hard to take things seriously when someone dies in these scenes and the ones in the future. The supporting cast also isn't very likable either besides fan and personal favorite Kirby (Hayden Panettiere), so it's tough to care when they get their guts taken out. On the bright side, here we have the best Ghostface since the original and maybe just ever depending on whom you ask. Bonus points too for Alison Brie's character, Rebecca Walters, getting the best death of the movie in that parking garage scene in heels. Hilarious.
4. SCREAM (2022)
At... #4 we have the second reboot that takes place 11 years after the last (weird coincidence). We get all the legacy characters back together for the last time (RIP to that one character) and they're always fun to see in action. They don't get a ton to do this time (besides Dewey) because most of the time is dedicated to the new cast but it might actually have worked out for the better when looking back on it. There really isn't too much to complain about besides the fact that the killers are hinted at a little too heavily throughout and that takes a little punch out of the reveals, which are pretty great by themselves. On the positive side of things, the new cast is straight awesome. Jenna Ortega is a rising star and they're lucky to have her. The kills in this movie are also deliciously gory and the most inventive since the second film. Finally, the heart in this movie is surprisingly felt more than any others, thanks to the nice tributes made in it to Wes Craven. Rest in Peace big fella.
3. SCREAM VI
The most recent and longest Scream movie to date continued the franchise's streak of consistency when it comes to the quality of the movies. And then some. Scream VI is delightfully suspenseful throughout its first two acts thanks to the subway, gas station, and ladder scenes that are up there at the top of Scream set-pieces. Plus, this franchise still manages to find ways to subvert expectations with awesome opening scenes this time without insulting our intelligence like Scream 4 did. The success of this movie can also be due to the so-called "Core Four" and a returning Kirby making for a great foil once again for the Ghostfaces this time, with Sam in particular given a better arc than the last film despite those Billy visions. However, things crumble in the third act with the killer revealing at the end that could be figured out miles before it happened. The Ghostface shrine is a perfect place to have it occur but it just didn't stick the landing at the end there. To end on a more positive note, the soundtrack in Scream VI is probably the best of the bunch as well.
2. SCREAM 2
Scream 2 slides in here at #2 (how fitting) thanks to it reaching higher highs than the requel. The movie theater's opening scene, to begin with, is stapled into horror history as one of the most iconic openers. I mean cmon, Jada Pinkett Smith put her soul into that performance. Next, we get introduced to one of the best characters in Cotton Leary who is a soft-spoken man wrongfully accused of murder who becomes a hero and its storyline is slept on when talking about the best parts of this film. Even better, the self-awareness is turned up a notch in this one and it makes it one of the funnier movies in the franchise. Lastly, the third act (the recording booth scene in particular) is well-executed, and the Ghostface's are for the most part satisfying. The reason why it's not #1 you ask? Well, you know who's death is still controversial to this day and shouldn't have happened while Derek's singing scene in the lunchroom feels out of place.
SCREAM (1996)
Where oh where to start with one of my favorite movies of all time. This is, in my humble opinion, the best horror and slasher movie that's ever been made. Creator and director Wes Craven laid the base for plenty of horror movies and franchises to follow with their meta-commentary on the genres while also being masters of suspense and mystery. Here, we are first introduced to aspiring news anchor Gale Weathers (Courtney Cox), deputy sheriff Dewey Riley (David Arquette), and final girl, Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell). In the fictional city of Woodsboro, these three icons face off against a masked killer in a movie full of classic quotes and moments. There are so many to speak of so I'll only talk about the one that I consider to be the best scene in the franchise and the horror-slasher genre as well. That, of course, is the Drew Barrymore 20-minute opening scene which is a fantastic display of slow, escalating tension. While it is also technically downhill from that point on in the movie/franchise, they get damn close to reaching these heights again several times here. Also, shout out to Randy Meeks (Jamie Kennedy) for truly making this a special movie.
