Every Scream Film Ranked Worst to Best

The Scream franchise stands as one of the few in modern entertainment that always manages to deliver.  Even its weakest installments are just fine.  Still, spanning six films and two sets of directors, many have opinions on what the best of these films are.  This article likewise reflects an individual opinion on the films of this fantastic, slasher franchise.  While some placements are shared with others, others may be surprised by some rankings that follow.

6.) Scream 3 (2000)

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It’s not exactly an uncommon opinion to say that Scream 3 is the worst film in the franchise.  Being the first film not written by original writer and creator Kevin Williamson, Scream 3 underwent many difficulties behind the scenes.  On top of many rewrites and Kruger tossing away many of Williamson’s original ideas for the film, it’s tone was also made more comedic and the violence toned down, due to public outcry about violence in media, especially as this film was coming off of the heels of Columbine.

Regardless of these factors, Scream 3 is not a bad film.  While the lack of violence and horror, and emphasis on comedy do impact the film, the meta-commentary of the  franchise still remains intact.  In recent years particularly, Scream 3 is looked back on with more fond eyes.  Even modern Scream projects aren’t afraid to reference this particular film every so often.  Still, the killer can easily be seen from a mile away.  In addition, the many twists and turns taken ultimately lack any impact, given the over emphasis on comedy.  Thankfully, Craven and Williamson would come back to revive the franchise, otherwise Scream would’ve gone out on a meh note.

5.) Scream 4 (2011)

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On the subject of that revival, Scream 4 proved to be a welcome surprise for the franchise.  While by no means the strongest film, Craven’s final directed film managed to reignite interest in the franchise despite performing the worst out of all films at the box-office.  This of course resulted in the 2015 MTV series, and the eventual fifth film in 2022.  Opting to satirize remakes, social media, and fame, Scream 4 managed to craft out a unique identity for itself compared to previous films.  Of course, the previous actors all were as sharp as ever, but the new cast was just as strong.  In particular, Hayden Panettiere as Kirby Reed would become a fan favorite, even returning to the sixth film as a major character.

Still, it stands as one of the more predictable ones on the first watch.  In addition, it suffers some of the same problems of Scream 3, in that it isn’t too scary.  Regardless, Scream 4 was a great film to cap off Craven’s work on the franchise, and one which many fans look back on fondly.

4.) Scream 2 (1997)

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From here on out, all of these films are great, and ranking them comes down to preference.  As such, Scream 2 is a great follow up to the original.  Much like the original stood out for satirizing horror films, this film satirizes the nature of sequels.  In many respects, Scream 2 expanded the series in many ways, establishing many tropes that would become synonymous with Scream, such as the film within a film Stab.

In addition, the film keeps up with the gruesome kills, unpredictable nature of the true killer, and balance between horror and comedy.  The film continues the stories of the original survivors in ways which feel natural, while the characters unique to this film stand as memorable additions to the franchise.  Still, compared to the original which was the trailblazer, and the newest films which have carved out a distinct feel for themselves, Scream 2 doesn’t quite reach the height of the best of this franchise.

3.) Scream (2022)

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Scream, otherwise referred to as Scream 5 by fans, was the first film not to involve Wes Craven after his death in 2015.  As such, directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett had massive shoes to fill.  Luckily, they are two for two in showing they can be trusted with continuing the franchise.  Not only do they bring a new direction and feel, but they effortlessly manage to retain what made the original films so beloved.

Scream proceeds to make fun of the trend of legacy sequels(or requels as the film refers to them).  Not only does it do so in the ways which feel distinctly Scream-like, it does so in brutal fashion.  Comedy compared to the previous films was toned down, and the horror and violence far more intense.  Even when it purposely recreates sequences from the original film,  the fifth film puts a spin on it which makes it unpredictable, with many not entirely seeing the reveal of the character coming on first watch.  All in all, Scream (2022) feels like a perfect book end to the original story.  All of this, while perfectly setting up a new, unique story for the future.

2.) Scream 6 (2023)

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In many ways, Scream 6 has a lot going against it.  It’s the first film to not feature Sydney Prescott, due to a pay dispute with actress Neve Campbell.  In addition, being on the sixth film of the franchise, it was fair to expect this film to go one of two ways.  Either, it subverts all expectations and splits the fan base, or it plays it far too safe and doesn’t evolve.  Thankfully, Scream 6 manages to balance both and serve as the best sequel of the franchise.

On top of having the most ruthless Ghostface in the franchise, the film manages to tell a new type of story with all of the familiar elements of Scream.  The NYC setting adds a level of uncertainty and unfamiliarity for the cast, all of whom are doing well at breaking out of the shadows of the legacy cast.  That said, the legacy characters in this film, both Gail and returning favorite Kirby, both still shine.  Both show how these characters cope and move on from all of the Ghostface killings, and how those lessons influence the new cast.

All in all, Scream 6 does enough heavy lifting to bring the franchise in a new, fresh direction.  Of course, only one film could really be at the top.

1.) Scream (1996)

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How could it not be Number 1?  Scream is to this day the most tightly written film in the series, and most well-balanced.  The humor, meta-commentary, violence, and story are all equally great.  Iconic horror characters like Sydney, Gail, and Dewey got their start here.  To this day, Stu and Billy are still some of the most memorable villains to don the Ghostface mask.  Every film after this one has been influenced by it in some form and fashion.  Truly, the fact that so much of the franchise can so easily tie back to this movie in such a natural way is a testament to the quality of this franchise.

What’s your favorite Scream film?  If you haven’t seen them, check them out on Paramount+.