As a die-hard fan of slasher films and someone who grew up watching the original Scream trilogy, I must say that revisiting this iconic franchise has been a thrilling journey! The 2022 Scream was a perfect blend of nostalgia and new blood, with Neve Campbell delivering an outstanding performance that reminded us all why Sidney Prescott is such a badass.
As Halloween approaches, I find myself pondering over how best to delve into the chilling world of the Scream franchise. For fellow cinema enthusiasts who share this spooky season excitement, here’s a guide on watching the horror series in the sequence it was meant to be enjoyed:
The franchise already comprises six features and a series, and it’s only set to get bigger, with a seventh Scream film from Christopher Landon (Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones) also on the horizon.
Confirmation has come in that Neve Campbell will be back to headline the upcoming film, reprising her famous role as Sidney Prescott, a role she had previously stepped away from for the last installment due to salary disagreements.
Luckily, following the plot of the Scream series is straightforward – unlike, for instance, the Marvel Cinematic Universe – since each film builds upon its predecessor, featuring consistent characters within a single cinematic universe.
So, without further ado, read on for everything you need to know about the release order.
How to watch the Scream movies in order of release
Scream
Released: 1996
As a dedicated cinephile, I vividly recall the electrifying impact of the initial Scream movie when it graced our screens for the first time. Intriguingly, creator Wes Craven revisited a familiar theme – a masked slasher – that he had previously explored in his seventh installment of the Nightmare on Elm Street series, titled New Nightmare.
The captivating plot filled with unexpected twists and a cast of unforgettable characters who were all potential victims of the murderer, made Scream an immediate hit. It’s no surprise that sequels sprang up rapidly afterward, although they may not have reached the same level of greatness as the original film.
You can stream the movie “Scream” on Paramount+. It’s also accessible if you have an Amazon Prime Video subscription.
Scream 2
Released: 1997
In a slightly less intense manner than its predecessor, Scream 2 still manages to thrive by maintaining the self-aware, meta vibe that defines the series. Unlike the first film, which capitalized on traditional slasher movie elements, the second film emphasized its status as a sequel, incorporating all the anticipated twists and turns typical of follow-ups in the genre.
There was a great cast assembled for this one, too, including Jerry O’Connell, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Laurie Metcalf and Timothy Olyphant, and they played alongside the returning characters well and helped give us a story that, while not doing too much to change things up from the original, still made it feel fresh. We’re still not sold on the killer’s identity with this one, though…
Where to watch: Scream 2 is streaming on Paramount+ and Amazon Freevee
Scream 3
Released: 2000
Without a doubt, among the six films released thus far, Scream 3 stands out as the least compelling. Although it had its moments, the plotline was showing signs of growing stale by the third installment. Despite some unexpected twists, like the shocking demise of an original character from the Scream series early on, it became challenging to engage with a franchise that, at this stage, seemed overly repetitive.
To jump to the defence of Scream 3, though, it was a film that was heavily influenced, and hampered, by the studio in response to several real-world violent acts that many blamed slasher movies for. The violence was toned down and the comedy was dialled up, and while that worked in places, Scream was always a horror franchise first and a comedic one second, and Scream 3 is the perfect example of why it should always stay that way.
Where to watch: Scream 3 is streaming on Paramount+ and Amazon Freevee
Scream 4
Released: 2011
As a die-hard fan, I’ve been patiently waiting for over a decade to catch another installment in this beloved franchise. It’s been eleven years since Scream 3 graced our screens, and surprisingly, the gap between Scream 4 and the one before it was identical – another eleven years! But let me tell you, the wait was worth it. The fourth movie was not just well-received but surpassed its predecessor in terms of appreciation. Plus, the self-referential humor about reboots couldn’t have been more spot-on!
Besides the familiar characters, the fresh additions – Emma Roberts, Hayden Panettiere, Anthony Anderson, and Adam Brody – were delightful to observe, each leaving a lasting impression. The plot twist involving the unmasking of the serial killer added an exciting, unexpected element.
Where to watch: Scream 4 is streaming on Paramount+, which is also available on Amazon Prime Video
Scream (2022)
Release date: 2022
2022’s Scream, sharing the same name with its predecessor, serves primarily as a sequel to Scream 4, yet it also functions as a reboot by focusing on new characters. However, it keeps key figures such as Sidney, Gale, and Dewey central to the narrative, making them an essential part of the plot’s unfolding.
25 years following the initial movie, Ghostface resurfaces in Woodsboro, focusing on a fresh batch of teenagers who share ties to the original cast members. Tara Carpenter is Billy Loomis’ daughter, while Vince Schneider is the nephew of Stu Macher, one of the original accomplices. The latest Scream installment leans more towards self-referential elements than jump scares, but Neve Campbell delivers an outstanding performance that outshines her previous portrayals in the series.
Where to watch: Scream (2022) is available to rent or buy on Amazon Prime Video
Scream VI
Release: 2023
In a new twist, the initial “Scream” movie departs from its traditional setting in Woodsboro and follows Ghostface as he terrorizes New York City, targeting the Carpenter sisters. Hayden Panettiere reappears from “Scream 4,” playing Kirby, to assist the Carpenters in solving the enigma.
Unlike its predecessor, Scream VI didn’t garner the same level of acclaim. However, it managed to inject freshness by moving the action to New York and delivering a gruesome climax. Yet, the absence of original cast members was noticeable, with only Courteney Cox making a significant appearance in an extended cameo.
Where to watch: Scream VI is streaming on Paramount+, which is also available on Amazon Prime Video
Bonus: The Scream TV series
This piece serves more as an additional viewing experience rather than a direct continuation. Additionally, there was a television series called Scream, which spanned three seasons from 2015 to 2019. Although it doesn’t fit into the movie timeline continuity, it shares the same overall atmosphere, and it’s intriguing to observe how they manage to narrate a story over a longer timespan compared to the movies.
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2024-10-31 17:08