- Primary Subject: The Scream horror film franchise
- Key Update: In anticipation of Scream 7 hitting theaters on February 27, 2026, we have re-evaluated and ranked the entire series to see how the previous six films stack up.
- Status: Confirmed
- Last Verified: February 17, 2026
- Quick Answer: The Scream franchise is a meta-horror powerhouse that redefined the slasher genre, with the 1996 original remaining the gold standard of self-aware mystery.
Ghostface is back! With the seventh installment of the Scream franchise officially on the horizon, fans are buzzing about the return of legacy players, most notably Neve Campbell.
While the series has seen its fair share of highs and lows over the decades, it has remained remarkably consistent, consistently delivering sharp meta-commentary, creative kills, and the kind of high-stakes horror that defines a generation. To celebrate Sidney Prescott’s upcoming return, we’re slashing through the archives.
Here is our definitive ranking of every Scream movie
6. Scream 3
While Scream 3 offers plenty of twists and a sharp satirical bite directed at the Hollywood machine, it is widely considered the franchise's weakest link. The film traded genuine chills for a campier tone, hampered by some questionable creative pivots, including the infamous voice-mimicking device.
That said, even a "bad" Scream movie is a good time. It remains a highly entertaining entry thanks to its chaotic energy and the introduction of franchise standouts like Patrick Dempsey’s Detective Kincaid and Scott Foley’s Roman Bridger, both of whom leave a lasting mark on the Woodsboro legacy.
5. Scream VI
There is plenty to admire about Scream VI. By moving the carnage to New York City, the franchise traded the white-picket fences of Woodsboro for a gritty, claustrophobic urban landscape that felt entirely fresh. This shift allowed the "Core Four" to truly step out of the shadows and prove they could carry the franchise on their own merit.
Ranking it at number five is by no means an indictment of its quality. It’s a testament to how high this series sets the bar. While the film is a high-octane, polished slasher, it couldn't quite shake the Sidney-shaped hole in its heart. Despite the stellar ensemble, Neve Campbell’s absence was palpable, leaving some fans longing for the ultimate final girl.
4. Scream 4
After more than a decade of silence, Scream 4, the final work from Wes Craven, delivered a razor-sharp homecoming. It successfully navigated the tricky "passing of the torch," balancing the beloved legacy trio with a fresh crop of Woodsboro victims in a way that felt both nostalgic and vital.
The film left a permanent mark on the franchise with its relentless set pieces and a cynical, ahead-of-its-time motive. Nothing topped the shocking third-act reveal of Emma Roberts’ Jill Roberts, whose thirst for digital fame led to one of the most brutal and exciting finales in slasher history.
3. Scream (2022)
After another lengthy hiatus, the franchise came roaring back with a modern "requel" that masterfully bridged the gap between generations. By reuniting the legendary original trio and introducing the "Core Four," this installment proved that the Scream legacy was in very capable hands.
Under the Radio Silence team's direction, the film served as a thrilling return to form. It felt undeniably fresh and high-octane, yet it captured the specific DNA of the 1996 original. Even with the bittersweet absence of Wes Craven, his spirit felt woven into every frame of this surprisingly effective and emotionally resonant chapter.
2. Scream 2
Scream 2 accomplished the near-impossible: delivering a sequel that rivals the original's brilliance. By transplanting the survivors into a college setting and introducing a memorable new ensemble, it successfully expanded the scope of the Ghostface murders without losing the franchise's intimate tension.
The climax remains a series high point, anchored by a shocking and delightfully unhinged reveal from Laurie Metcalf. Her committed, scenery-chewing performance solidified her as one of the most terrifying killers in the series. It is truly impressive how the production team pulled off such a fresh, high-quality follow-up, especially considering it hit theaters a mere year after the first film.
1. Scream (1996)
As the saying goes, nothing beats the original. Nearly three decades later, the original Scream remains one of the most influential and beloved horror films of all time. It didn't just participate in the slasher genre; it elevated it, proving that a masked-killer story could be self-aware, intellectual, and completely refreshing.
A true masterwork of suspense, Scream delivered a perfect blend of high-stakes thrills, shocking twists, and a genuine "whodunit" mystery. This is the blueprint that defined a franchise and reshaped the horror landscape for years to come.
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