How do you watch the Scream movies in order? Ghostface has been in our lives from day one. Ever since we first encountered the ghoulish killer in the original 1996 Scream, we’ve been obsessed with the franchise that keeps bringing him back for more bloody fun.
And after the release of Scream 6, it makes sense to get our facts straight and learn the best way to binge each installment of — arguably — the best horror movie franchise. After all, Ghostface has been busy, and more victims than you can count have met their end after being stabbed by the iconic slasher movie villain.
If you’re looking to get up to date with the legendary series, then don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. Here’s how to watch the Scream movies in chronological order and release order, including where you can find each release on the best streaming services. And don’t worry, we won’t make you answer a round of horror movie-based quiz questions.
How to watch all the Scream movies in chronological order:
- Scream (1996)
- Scream 2 (1997)
- Scream 3 (2000)
- Scream 4 (2011)
- Scream (2022)
- Scream VI (2023)
Scream (1996)
Where to watch: Paramount Plus
The original 1996 movie changed the game when it came to horror as an art form. Incorporating all the best slasher movie tropes and melding them with the style and dialogue of a teen flick, Scream achieved its ultimate goal: to satirize the horror movie genre while also solidifying itself within its ranks.
We all know the opening scene: Drew Barrymore, a Hollywood legend, gets murdered on-screen surprisingly early à la Alfred Hitchcock‘s Psycho. From then on, all bets are off.
The 1996 version also introduced us to the main stay Scream cast and characters that would go on to become as integral to the legacy of the series as Ghostface himself. Sidney Prescott, Gale Weathers, and Dewey Riley all became recurring characters within the Scream canon and went on to encounter the masked killer again and again.
Scream 2 (1997)
Where to watch: Paramount Plus
Taking place two years after the original film, Sidney is now at college, where a copycat killer dressed in Ghostface garb stalks her and her friends yet again. A significant chunk of the plot revolves around references to a fictional horror film called Stab, which is based on the events of the Woodsboro killings.
The second outing features outrageous murders, stronger comedy movie tropes, and further in-movie references to the genre, including a tongue-in-cheek classroom scene in which the ethics of fictional violence and the success of sequels are discussed (wink, wink).
Scream 3 (2000)
Where to watch: Paramount Plus
If you thought the franchise was already meta enough, then you’ve got another thing coming with Scream 3. Now, the gang is hanging in the storied streets of Hollywood, where the third Stab movie is being filmed. But we guess the new killer doesn’t exactly like trilogies since they start to kill off the cast one by one.
If you like in-jokes and layered references, Scream 3 is the place to go. Gale coaching the actress playing in Stab, full-on Woodsboro sets purpose-built for murder recreations from previous movies… Courteney Cox’s iconic fringe! It might not be the most artfully crafted film of the bunch, but it certainly packs a punch. (Or a stab.)
Scream 4 (2011)
Where to watch: Paramount Plus
Released a lengthy 11 years after the third installment, Scream 4 came onto the scene with the aim of rebooting the franchise with a slicker look, hotter teens, and a clever utilization of more movie-savvy characters (though this still doesn’t stop them from being plucked off one by one though).
At this point, things might start to get a bit convoluted. Still referencing the fictional Stab movies, this film walks the fine line between sticking to what it knows and twisting it all up. The thesis of this film can be summed up aptly by one character, who declares: “The unexpected is the new cliché.”
Scream 4 also introduces the concept of modern tech, having Ghostface document the murders via video camera, bringing this old villain into the new age.
Scream (2022)
Where to watch: Paramount Plus
It might be soft-reboot, but it’s still kids getting terrorized by the hooded serial killer. Only this time, the gang is mostly fresh, with Gen Z teens leading the movie and rolling their eyes at the legacy references while dubbing their own turn as a ‘requel’.
The classic trio of Sidney, Gale, and Dewey return, only this time they are older, wiser, and perhaps not as quick off the mark as they once were when it comes to outwitting Ghostface. And though Billy Loomis is brought back into the fold in some capacity via the sequels, this version is perhaps the most refreshing and surprising.
The kills in 2022’s Scream are memorable and innovative, including one scene that stretches out the tension and expectation so far, it makes you want to… well, scream. Read our Scream 5 review for more!
Scream VI (2023)
Where to watch: Paramount Plus
Scream 6 is the fresh face in the franchise, and it changes things up for Ghostface. We now find the killer partying it up in the big city, following the ‘core four’ from Scream 5 into New York.
The trailer for the new movie caused something of a stir with Ghostface brandishing a shotgun; it undoubtedly serves as a promise: this ain’t your mama’s Ghostface. No, this time, he’s back and as unpredictable as ever.
Sidney leaves the Scream cast this time, though there are plenty of other familiar faces to keep steering things in the right direction. Check our out Scream 6 review for all our detailed thoughts.
How to watch the Scream movies in release order:
- Scream (1996)
- Scream 2 (1997)
- Scream 3 (2000)
- Scream 4 (2011)
- Scream (2022)
- Scream VI (2023)
Watching the Scream movies in release order is the same as watching them in chronological order, as so far, there’s been no jumping around in the timeline. That makes it nice and simple
So, there you have it! All the Scream movies in order, ready for your viewing pleasure. But remember, before you settle in for your scary movie marathon, lock the doors, turn on the lights…and never pick up a ringing phone.
For more scares, be sure and check out the best horror series of all time, as well as the best monster movies, too. You can also read our guide on how to survive Ghostface, and our thoughts on why Scream 4 has the best Ghostgace reveal.
Then, check out our picks for the best movies of all time, all the new movies heading our way this year, and everything we know about the Scream 7 release date.