Every ‘Scream’ Movie Ranked from Worst to Best

Six films, one Ghostface—this franchise has spanned decades, cities, and generations of survivors. Below, you’ll find every theatrical ‘Scream’ entry arranged as a clean countdown from the lowest-rated installment up to the top-rated classic. Each section gives you fast, practical details: who made it, who’s in it, where it’s set, and other quick facts fans tend to look up.

‘Scream 3’ (2000)

Directed by Wes Craven and written by Ehren Kruger, this entry shifts the action to Hollywood as the in-universe ‘Stab 3’ is filming. Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, David Arquette, and Parker Posey lead the cast. It runs about 116 minutes and carries an R rating for strong horror violence and language. The story centers on a new Ghostface targeting cast and crew connected to the movie-within-the-movie.

‘Scream 4’ (2011)

Wes Craven returned to direct from a screenplay by Kevin Williamson, bringing the series back to Woodsboro with legacy stars alongside newcomers like Emma Roberts and Hayden Panettiere. The film runs roughly 111 minutes and is rated R. It follows a fresh wave of murders that mirror earlier patterns while a new generation of teens collides with returning survivors. The production credits and technical details list Craven as director and Williamson as writer.

‘Scream’ (2022)

Directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, this soft-relaunch blends legacy characters with a new ensemble including Melissa Barrera and Jenna Ortega. It’s rated R and runs about 114 minutes. The plot returns to Woodsboro as a new Ghostface targets people linked to the town’s past. Credits confirm the directing duo and the expanded cast list.

‘Scream 2’ (1997)

Wes Craven directs from Kevin Williamson’s script as the survivors head to Windsor College, where Ghostface resurfaces. The cast features Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, David Arquette, and Liev Schreiber, with notable appearances by Jada Pinkett Smith and Sarah Michelle Gellar. It’s rated R and runs about 120 minutes. The premise follows copycat killings erupting around a campus and a new ‘Stab’ film release within the story.

‘Scream VI’ (2023)

Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett shift the setting to New York City as the latest survivors—Melissa Barrera, Jenna Ortega, Jasmin Savoy Brown, and Mason Gooding—try to start over; Courteney Cox and Hayden Panettiere join the ensemble. The film is rated R and runs about 122 minutes. It relocates Ghostface to a big-city backdrop with set pieces across apartments, subways, and public spaces. Credits confirm the returning directors and expanded cast.

‘Scream’ (1996)

The original film, directed by Wes Craven and written by Kevin Williamson, introduces Sidney Prescott, reporter Gale Weathers, deputy Dewey Riley, and the Ghostface identity. Principal cast includes Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, David Arquette, Drew Barrymore, Skeet Ulrich, and Matthew Lillard. It’s rated R and runs about 111 minutes. Set in Woodsboro, the story follows a masked killer stalking teens while riffing on slasher-movie rules.

What’s your personal order—drop your picks for the ‘Scream’ films in the comments!