In terms of long-running horror franchises, it’s hard to argue that any can match the consistent quality of “Scream.”
Seven movies in, and it’s still going strong with horror fans.
With “Scream 7” now released, it’s the perfect time to rank the series.
7. ‘Scream 7’ (2026)
Even with Kevin Williamson stepping into the director’s chair, “Scream 7” struggles to justify its existence.
The film leans heavily on nostalgia without pushing the story forward in meaningful ways. While Neve Campbell (Sidney Prescott) delivers a strong performance, the movie relies too much on callbacks and repeated ideas.
There are moments of tension and Ghostface remains brutal, but the weak killer reveal and unfocused story make this the most forgettable entry in the series. “Scream 7” feels less like a new chapter and more like a franchise running out of ideas.
6. ‘Scream 3’ (2000)
You could do a lot worse than “Scream 3.” And it’s actually impressive that it’s this low in a seven-film franchise.
The concept itself is brilliant – a movie within a movie. But “Scream 3” doesn’t do enough with it. The violence is minimal, the voice-changer is tacky and the killer reveal is underwhelming.
“Scream 3” misses the mark. Yet it remains a guilty pleasure worth watching.
5. ‘Scream VI’ (2023)
On first watch, “Scream VI” is intense and fast-paced. On rewatch, however, it doesn’t hold up quite as well.
This installment fails to commit. Despite its brutality, “Scream VI” repeatedly backtracks at the last possible second. The killer reveal is also among the weakest, with the camp levels going absurdly far afterward.
There’s still the classic appeal of “Scream” within, but “Scream VI” has too many problems to rank higher.
4. ‘Scream’ (2022)
Bringing back the original cast while introducing new faces, “Scream” succeeds more often than not.
The film follows the path of other legacy sequels like “Halloween” while poking fun at its own “requel” identity. The kills are once again upped a notch here, with a more visceral approach to the violence. Unlike “Scream VI,” it doesn’t pull back at the last moment.
It has its issues, but “Scream” remains a memorable and rewatchable entry.
3. ‘Scream 2’ (1997)
The sharp meta tone continues in “Scream 2,” and at its best it comes close to matching the original.
The film runs too long and the final act is mediocre. Despite this, it still stands as one of the strongest horror sequels ever made.
“Scream 2” builds on the original with larger set pieces and sharper satire. Even when it misses, it’s consistently entertaining.
2. ‘Scream 4’ (2011)
Despite the bizarre visual aesthetic, “Scream 4” is a return to form for the series.
Directed by Wes Craven, the film feels ahead of its time with its focus on fame and online popularity – themes that feel even more relevant today. Hayden Panettiere (Kirby) and Emma Roberts (Jill) make this installment particularly memorable.
“Scream 4” goes back to what made “Scream” successful while still adding its own twist. It’s brutal while remaining one of the funniest entries in the franchise.
1. ‘Scream’ (1996)
Nothing beats a classic. The one that started it all is still the best in the franchise.
Directed by Craven and written by Williamson, “Scream” cemented its status as one of the best slashers ever made. The cold open with Drew Barrymore remains perfect and the killer reveal is still unbeatable.
While later installments begin to feel preachy with the meta commentary, this entry nails the satire angle. It’s frightening at times and hilarious in others.
“Scream” is a genre beast.
Even at its weakest, “Scream” remains one of the most consistent horror franchises ever made. Seven films in, the series still manages to entertain – even if the future of Ghostface remains uncertain.
