If you don’t know the “Scream” films by now (and if not, I suggest you head to Netflix immediately), you’ve missed one of the most influential horror franchises of the last three decades.
Emerging at a time when horror had become oversaturated and, let’s face it, a little dull, “Scream” initially burst onto the scene in 1996. Directed by Wes Craven and written by Kevin Williamson, it offered a sharp, refreshing take on the genre, subverting the traditional ‘rules’ of horror through its extreme self-awareness and biting meta-commentary.
Featuring an all-star cast across its six – soon to be seven – films, the story centres on Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell), who, on the anniversary of her mother’s murder, is stalked by a masked killer (also known as Ghostface) in the fictional town of Woodsboro, California. Together, Sidney and her friends work to unmask the killer – whose identity and motive change in each film – by unravelling and calling into question the ‘rules’ of horror, exposing and subverting the genre’s familiar tropes as they fight to survive.
So, on the eve of the “Scream 7” release, what is it about these films – now a fully-fledged franchise – that has led them to become so firmly woven into the fabric of popular culture? And why, time and again, do we find ourselves returning to Woodsboro?
Its self-awareness and meta-commentary
“Scream” was among the first of its kind to explicitly recognise and satirise the tropes and conventions of the horror genre, with characters who are fully aware of those very clichés and use that knowledge as a means of survival. Each film features its own ‘Randy’ – first played by Jamie Kennedy – the horror-obsessed character who lays out the ‘rules’ of the genre, predicting who is next likely to die, and speculating about the killer’s identity. For viewers, this is part of the fun; it draws us in and invites us to play along, spotting red flags, guessing suspects, and calling out those all too familiar horror tropes.
And what keeps the franchise so relevant – and so fresh – is its ability to evolve with the times and stay in touch with its contemporary audience. The original film playfully satirised its slasher predecessors such as “Halloween” and “Friday 13th,” yet later instalments turned their attention to sequels, trilogies, social media culture, ‘requels,’ franchises, and even toxic fan bases.
‘Scream’ offered a sharp, refreshing take on the genre.”
Perhaps best of all is when “Scream” turns its playful teasing on itself through the fictional ‘Stab’ franchise – a series of films portrayed within the “Scream” universe that dramatise the Woodsboro murders. By showing characters watching exaggerated movie versions of their own traumatic experiences, the franchise adds a clever meta-layer that mirrors and makes fun of the events of ‘Scream’ itself. It’s both fun, and witty, managing to entertain while maintaining a genuine affection for the genre.
Transformation of the ‘Final Girl’
While it might seem standard now for the ‘final girl’ to be strong, resourceful, and astute, “Scream” was one of the first to define this more modern version of the surviving heroine. Whilst Sidney retains some traits of earlier slasher protagonists, such as her sexual purity and her clean-cut ‘girl-next-door’ vibe, she is far more self-aware, resourceful, and proactive – not to mention has far more depth to her character – than her predecessors.
Sidney endures intensely traumatic and horrifying experiences, from the murder of her mother and discovering her boyfriend is a killer (spoiler) to witnessing the brutal deaths of her friends, all while repeatedly facing and surviving attacks from Ghostface (really puts our problems into perspective, doesn’t it?). Yet she demonstrates extreme resilience, refusing to be a ‘damsel in distress’ and instead comes to serve as an empowered and, in the face of it, quite ‘normal’ heroine that we can relate to (well, as much as you can relate to someone who has watched their loved ones die whilst on the run from a masked killer).
Excellent casting and performances
Another defining strength of “Scream” – and something relatively rare within horror – is its exceptional cast, extending even to the smallest roles. Each instalment famously opens with a set piece in which a victim (and the audience) encounters the killer for the first time through the iconic, ominous phone call. This tradition begins with Drew Barrymore, one of the biggest names attached to the original film, who was initially set to play Sidney before opting to switch roles (I know, seems mad to me, too).
It continues with high-profile opening appearances from well-known actors such as Sarah Michelle Gellar in “Scream 2,” Anna Paquin, Lucy Hale, and Shenae Grimes in “Scream 4,” and Samara Weaving in “Scream 5,” reinforcing the series’ flair for top-tier casting, even in its earliest, most disposable roles. Part of the fun, at least for me, lies in those small opening scenes: anticipating who’s been cast and seeing how the film chooses to introduce us to the killer for the very first time. Not to mention the series’ leading stars, with outstanding performances from the likes of Courteney Cox, David Arquette, Matthew Lillard, Skeet Ulrich, Hayden Panettiere, and Jenna Ortega. And having firmly situated itself in the horror hall of fame, who can blame them for wanting to join the franchise and be part of the fun?
Changing killer, keeping you on your toes
Part of the intrigue and suspense in “Scream” comes from its ever-changing Ghostface. Each film casts a different killer, keeping both the audience and the characters guessing who is behind the mask, a refreshingly new approach for the genre. Before “Scream,” slashers typically featured the same kind of villain: think Michael Myers, Jason Voorhees, or Leatherface, all fairly two-dimensional, silent, and driven by a simple backstory. “Scream’s” killer, by contrast, is fully integrated into the story, often known to the main characters, and displays clear motives and genuine emotion, not to mention some downright gory kills in true slasher style. And whilst we’re often looking for clues to figure out who might be the new killer on the block, there’s always the possibility that old faces could return…
Another defining strength of ‘Scream’ is its exceptional cast, extending even to the smallest roles.”
Ultimately, what keeps us coming back to “Scream” is that it has, strange as it sounds, become a source of comfort to us all. Sitting down to watch “Scream” is like settling in with a warm cup of cocoa after a long day: familiar, reassuring, and oddly soothing despite the chaos unfolding on screen (I mean, that’s not just me, right?). Watching the original trilogy transports us straight back to the ’90s – back to a world without social media, where tension builds through analogue phones and answering machines, a world with double denim, frosted eyeshadow and plenty of teen angst. And while the cast expands over time, returning to Woodsboro and to our favourite horror trio, played by Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, and David Arquette, begins to feel like coming home to old, familiar friends.
’90s nostalgia
And, let’s be honest, we know what to expect with “Scream.” Whilst the ‘rules’ evolve with the times, the core formula remains the same: the tense opening, the meta-commentary, the suspects, the big final act reveal. That consistent structure makes it feel safe and allows us to revel in the suspense without feeling overwhelmed, carrying the warmth of nostalgia and ritual that keeps us coming back for more. And with the imminent release of “Scream 7,” which so many of us await in anticipation, it shows that the comfort of this franchise isn’t just rooted in the past – it still resonates today.
