The 10 Greatest “Scream Queens” in Horror Movie History

Horror films captivate us with their pulse-pounding tension, and the women who face the terror head-on are the heart of the genre. These scream queens deliver unforgettable performances, blending fear, resilience, and raw emotion to make every scare hit harder. They’re not just victims—they’re icons who shape how we experience horror.

From slashers to supernatural thrillers, these actresses have left their mark across decades, creating moments that linger long after the lights go up. Below, we explore the top 10 scream queens who’ve defined horror history, ranked from tenth to first, celebrating their unforgettable contributions.

10. Marilyn Burns

Marilyn Burns defined raw terror as Sally Hardesty in ‘The Texas Chain Saw Massacre’ (1974). Her relentless screams and frantic survival against Leatherface set a gritty standard for horror heroines. The film’s visceral intensity owed much to her authentic performance.

Burns later appeared in ‘Eaten Alive’ (1977) and ‘Helter Skelter’ (1976), tackling intense roles with ease. Though she stepped away from horror later, her raw energy remains a benchmark for the genre.

9. Sarah Michelle Gellar

Sarah Michelle Gellar owned 1990s horror with her fierce energy. As Helen Shivers in ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’ (1997), her iconic chase scene burned with desperation. She also starred in ‘Scream 2’ (1997) and ‘The Grudge’ (2004).

Her role as Buffy Summers in ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ (1997-2003) mixed horror with heroism, cementing her as a pop culture legend. Gellar’s blend of vulnerability and strength defined an era.

8. Veronica Cartwright

Veronica Cartwright’s piercing screams shaped horror classics. As Cathy Brenner in ‘The Birds’ (1963), she faced Hitchcock’s feathered terror, and as Lambert in ‘Alien’ (1979), her panic amplified the xenomorph’s dread. She also starred in ‘Invasion of the Body Snatchers’ (1978).

Her later roles in ‘The Witches of Eastwick’ (1987) and ‘Candyman: Farewell to the Flesh’ (1995) showed her range. Cartwright’s raw emotion made her a versatile scream queen across genres.

7. Jenna Ortega

Jenna Ortega has skyrocketed as a modern scream queen. As Tara Carpenter in ‘Scream’ (2022) and ‘Scream VI’ (2023), she brought resilience to the franchise. Her role as Wednesday Addams in ‘Wednesday’ (2022-ongoing) added gothic flair to her horror resume.

Ortega’s work in ‘X’ (2022) and ‘The Babysitter: Killer Queen’ (2020) showed her range in horror-comedy. Her fearless energy and emotional depth make her a standout for today’s audiences.

6. Mia Goth

Mia Goth has emerged as a modern horror powerhouse. In the ‘X’ trilogy (2022-2024), she played Maxine Minx in ‘X’ (2022) and ‘MaXXXine’ (2024), blending ambition with terror, while her chilling role in ‘Pearl’ (2022) stole the spotlight.

Her earlier work in ‘A Cure for Wellness’ (2016) and ‘Suspiria’ (2018) showcased her knack for unsettling characters. Goth’s bold, layered performances mark her as a new horror legend.

5. Jennifer Love Hewitt

Jennifer Love Hewitt became a 1990s horror staple as Julie James in ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’ (1997). Her desperate fight against a hook-wielding killer showcased her as a relatable, determined survivor. She returned for the sequel, ‘I Still Know What You Did Last Summer’ (1998).

Hewitt also starred in ‘The Ghost Whisperer’ (2005-2010), playing a woman communicating with spirits, blending horror with drama. Her emotional intensity and girl-next-door charm made her a standout in the teen horror boom.

4. Heather Langenkamp

Heather Langenkamp’s Nancy Thompson in ‘A Nightmare on Elm Street’ (1984) brought brains and courage to the final girl role. Outsmarting Freddy Krueger, she became a fan favorite, returning in ‘Wes Craven’s New Nightmare’ (1994) for a bold, meta twist.

Her roles in ‘The Butterfly Room’ (2012) and ‘Scream Queens’ (2015-2016) as a special effects artist showed her versatility. Langenkamp’s grounded, relatable performances made her a slasher icon.

3. Sigourney Weaver

Sigourney Weaver’s Ellen Ripley in ‘Alien’ (1979) changed horror forever. Her tough, resourceful fight against a xenomorph earned her an Oscar nomination for ‘Aliens’ (1986), blending horror with sci-fi heroism. She became an icon of strength.

Weaver also appeared in ‘Ghostbusters’ (1984) and ‘The Village’ (2004), proving her versatility. Her commanding presence and ability to convey fear and resilience set her apart.

2. Neve Campbell

Neve Campbell redefined horror heroines as Sidney Prescott in ‘Scream’ (1996). Her smart, resilient fight against Ghostface set a new standard, and she reprised the role in four sequels, including ‘Scream’ (2022). Her emotional depth anchored the franchise.

Campbell also shone in ‘The Craft’ (1996) as a teen witch with grit. Her ability to balance strength and vulnerability made her a cornerstone of the 1990s slasher revival.

1. Jamie Lee Curtis

Jamie Lee Curtis reigns as the ultimate scream queen. Her role as Laurie Strode in ‘Halloween’ (1978) created the final girl archetype, outsmarting Michael Myers with wit and grit. She returned for six sequels, including ‘Halloween Ends’ (2022).

Curtis also starred in ‘The Fog’ (1980), ‘Prom Night’ (1980), and ‘Scream Queens’ (2015-2016) as Dean Munsch. Her iconic screams and enduring strength make her horror’s gold standard.

Who’s your top scream queen, or is there a chilling performance we overlooked? Drop your thoughts in the comments!