Scream has been a captivating horror franchise since its debut in 1996, and its thrilling twists have kept fans eagerly coming back for more. With a new movie set to release in 2026, there’s no better time to dive into the chilling world of Scream. Whether you’re a newcomer or revisiting the series, watching the films in order can heighten your experience. Here’s how to watch the Scream movies in the correct sequence.
How Many Scream Movies Are There in Total?
Currently, there are six Scream films, with the seventh installment scheduled for release in 2026. The original film launched the series in 1996, and even after decades, it continues to enthrall slasher movie fans.
Scream Movies In Order of Release Date
The Scream franchise has provided audiences with a total of six thrilling films, and the seventh film is just around the corner. To watch the series in order of release, start with the original film from 1996 and work your way to Scream VI, which hit theaters in 2023. Follow this list to keep track of each Scream title:
- Scream (1996)
- Scream 2 (1997)
- Scream 3 (2000)
- Scream 4 (2011)
- Scream (2022)
- Scream VI (2023)
- Scream VII (2026)
1. Scream (1996)
- Release Date: December 20, 1996
- Director: Wes Craven
- Cast: David Arquette, Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, Matthew Lillard, Rose McGowan, Skeet Ulrich, Drew Barrymore
In this iconic horror film, we are introduced to Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell), a teenager living in Woodsboro, California. Her life is upended when she begins receiving menacing phone calls from a masked killer known as Ghostface. With the help of friends and law enforcement, she must unravel the mystery of the killer’s identity while fighting for her life.
2. Scream 2 (1997)
- Release Date: December 12, 1997
- Director: Wes Craven
- Cast: David Arquette, Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Jamie Kennedy, Laurie Metcalf, Jerry O’Connell, Jada Pinkett, Liev Schreiber
Set two years after the original, Scream 2 follows Sidney as she struggles to move on from the trauma of her past. Unfortunately, a new killer emerges, using the Ghostface persona once more. As the plot unfolds, we dive deeper into the connection between the original murders and a fictional film series inspired by them, further immersing viewers in the Scream universe.
3. Scream 3 (2000)
- Release Date: February 4, 2000
- Director: Wes Craven
- Cast: David Arquette, Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, Patrick Dempsey, Scott Foley, Lance Henriksen, Matt Keeslar, Jenny McCarthy, Emily Mortimer, Parker Posey, Deon Richmond, Patrick Warburton
Scream 3 takes place three years later, continuing Sidney’s saga as a new Ghostface emerges. As the storyline delves into the impact of the Stab movie franchise, it offers a compelling look at how fiction reflects reality, and highlights Sidney’s resilience against recurring threats.
4. Scream 4 (2011)
- Release Date: April 15, 2011
- Director: Wes Craven
- Cast: David Arquette, Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, Emma Roberts, Hayden Panettiere, Anthony Anderson, Alison Brie, Adam Brody, Rory Culkin, Marielle Jaffe, Erik Knudsen, Mary McDonnell, Marley Shelton, Nico Tortorella
Scream 4 marked a significant return for the franchise after eleven years. Sidney Prescott returns to her hometown, but the past still haunts her as a new Ghostface resurfaces. The film combines classic horror elements with modern twists, keeping audiences engaged and allowing us to witness Sidney’s growth as a character.
5. Scream (2022)
- Release Date: January 14, 2022
- Director: Matt Bettinelli-Olpin, Tyler Gillett
- Cast: Melissa Barrera, Mason Gooding, Jenna Ortega, Jack Quaid, Marley Shelton, Courteney Cox, David Arquette, Neve Campbell
The 2022 installment acts as a reboot, taking place 25 years after the original. It features familiar faces alongside new characters, creating a bridge between the past and present. The film brilliantly connects to its roots while delivering fresh excitement and depth to the narrative through new perspectives, especially that of Sam Carpenter, who is linked to a pivotal character from the original.
6. Scream VI (2023)
- Release Date: March 10, 2023
- Director: Matt Bettinelli-Olpin, Tyler Gillett
- Cast: Melissa Barrera, Jasmin Savoy Brown, Jack Champion, Henry Czerny, Mason Gooding, Liana Liberato, Dermot Mulroney, Devyn Nekoda, Jenna Ortega, Tony Revolori, Josh Segarra, Samara Weaving, Hayden Panettiere, Courteney Cox
Scream VI takes the horror out of Woodsboro and places it into the bustling setting of New York City, providing a fresh backdrop for familiar faces. While Sidney does not appear, the film maintains connections to its predecessors, revisiting elements and characters from the original storyline that keeps audiences hooked.
Scream Movies In Chronological Order
If you prefer a linear view of the storyline, it’s worth noting that the events unfold seamlessly in chronological order, corresponding closely with their release. The upcoming Scream VII will continue from where Scream VI left off. Here’s the chronological order for your viewing pleasure:
- Scream (1996)
- Scream 2 (1997)
- Scream 3 (2000)
- Scream 4 (2011)
- Scream (2022)
- Scream VI (2023)
- Scream VII (2026)
With this guide, you’re all set to binge-watch the Scream movies in order. The franchise is relatively straightforward in terms of timeline, but each entry enriches the broader narrative, making it essential to watch them all to fully appreciate the forthcoming seventh film.
How does the Scream series compare to other horror franchises?
The Scream series uniquely blends slasher horror with humor and sharp critiques of horror tropes, setting it apart from others like Halloween or Friday the 13th, which often focus strictly on terror.
Is Scream appropriate for younger audiences?
Due to graphic violence and mature themes, Scream is generally not suitable for younger viewers. The franchise is best enjoyed by mature audiences familiar with horror tropes.
Who are the main characters in the Scream franchise?
The key characters include Sidney Prescott, Dewey Riley, and Gale Weathers, who navigate the chaos of each new Ghostface attack while growing personally and emotionally over the series.
When will Scream VII be released?
Scream VII is set to be released in 2026, continuing the chilling saga started in 1996.
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