Scream Movies in Order: How to Watch the Complete Franchise
- Saloni Gupta
- August 11, 2026
- Entertainment
- Scream Movies
- 0 Comments
No other slasher series has managed to juggle extreme gore, intricate mystery, black comedy, and metatextual humor as well as Scream, and Ghostface has been a household name of modern horror ever since Wes Craven’s first installment hit the big screens in 1996. As this has always been somewhat convoluted due to having multiple Ghostface killers, returning characters, fake-out endings, and taking place over nearly three decades, understanding the order of each Scream film will greatly enhance your marathon experience.
Fortunately, when compared to other horror franchises, the Scream movies have relatively straightforward continuity; they all follow a connected sequence and revolve around Sidney Prescott, Gale Weathers, and Dewey Riley in the earlier Scream installments. As of 2026, there are currently seven Scream movies that have been released, with the eighth set for release in February 2026.
Scream Movies in Order by Release
| S.no. | Movie | Year |
| 1 | Scream | 1996 |
| 2 | Scream 2 | 1997 |
| 3 | Scream 3 | 2000 |
| 4 | Scream 4 | 2011 |
| 5 | Scream | 2022 |
| 6 | Scream VI | 2023 |
| 7 | Scream 7 | 2026 |
Unlike franchises with multiple reboots and alternate universes, the Scream movies are essentially one connected continuity.
That means release order and chronological order are almost identical.
Every Scream Movie Explained
1. Scream (1996)
This is where it all started. A teenage girl named Sidney Prescott is struggling with the anniversary of her mother’s murder and the town’s ongoing shock when a masked killer dubbed “Ghostface” begins preying on Woodsboro teens. What made Scream so different was its intelligence-the characters know the rules of horror, discuss famous slasher films, and still manage to make idiotic decisions. It was a fresh twist on the murder-mystery slasher genre and is the perfect place for newcomers to start. Scream 1 is hands down one of the best slasher/horror movies of all time. Want more? Here are the 25 horror movies ranked.
2. Scream 2 (1997)
Sidney tries to move past her past at college but, of course, Ghostface is back, targeting a new set of students. This installment further expands on the self-awareness of the horror genre by critiquing the rules that govern sequels. Original characters Gale Weathers and Dewey Riley also return to help Sidney combat the new wave of killings. Given the immediate continuation of the story, it’s best viewed right after the original Scream.
3. Scream 3 (2000)
This film shifts to Hollywood, where a movie based on the Woodsboro murders becomes the center of a new Ghostface spree. Sidney takes a more withdrawn role, while Gale and Dewey get pulled into the chaotic production. Scream 3 leans more into the dark humor than its predecessors and explores Hollywood’s relentless obsession with turning real-life trauma into entertainment. The film brings Sidney closer to a startling revelation about her own family.
4. Scream 4 (2011)
The franchise returns to Woodsboro after a long hiatus. Sidney is back in town to promote her new book and finds herself face-to-face with a new Ghostface killer terrorizing teenagers once again. The film introduces a new set of characters, while also bringing back Sidney, Gale, and Dewey.
It’s another sharp commentary on the horror genre, this time focusing on remakes, reboots, and the desire to become a celebrity.
The mystery here also has an interesting twist.
5. Scream (2022)
Often referred to as Scream 5, the newest installment chose to share the original title as it acts as a legacy sequel. Sam Carpenter returns to Woodsboro after a series of Ghostface murders. Her connection to the original killings makes her a key target. This film reintroduces Sidney, Gale, and Dewey to a new set of characters, passing the mantle of Ghostface investigation to the next generation without a complete reboot.
6. Scream VI (2023)
The surviving group decides to leave Woodsboro, but that doesn’t mean they’re safe. The deadly Ghostface follows them to New York City and hunts them through subways, apartments, and the bustling city streets. Scream VI pushes the franchise beyond its typical setting and places a greater emphasis on the newer characters, particularly the Core Four.
New rules are introduced about Ghostface’s motivations, and Sam Carpenter’s complicated relationship with her family legacy continues to grow.
This film is a must-watch right after Scream (2022).
7. Scream 7 (2026)
The seventh installment picks up the story where Scream VI left off, with Neve Campbell reprising her iconic role as Sidney Prescott. Sidney is once again at the center of a Ghostface killing spree, a new set of characters are introduced, and another deadly threat emerges. Scream 7 continues the franchise’s established storyline, making the prior six films essential viewing for a complete experience.
More Horror Franchise Guides
If you’re enjoying complicated horror franchises, continue your watchlist with Saw Movies in Order, another series famous for mystery, twists, and elaborate kills.
You can also explore Final Destination Movies in Order if you prefer supernatural horror and creative death sequences.
For supernatural scares rather than slashers, check out Insidious Movies in Order or our guide to The Conjuring Movies in Order.
The Bottom Line!
The Scream Movies are enjoyable in a way that few long-running horror series are. Just begin with 1996’s Scream and watch in order: Scream 2, Scream 3, Scream 4, 2022’s Scream, Scream VI, and eventually the recently announced Scream 7.
Since the series counts heavily on reappearing individuals, old kills, and elusive secrets, premiere order is probably the way to go in order to understand the story.
And a key rule: when Ghostface calls, and you know the rules to horror movies, they won’t always protect you.
