Wes Craven, known for his mastery of horror, already had many successful horror films under his belt when Scream hit theaters in 1996. Craven had previously shocked audiences with The Last House on the Left and The Hills Have Eyes, while A Nightmare on Elm Street and Vampire in Brooklyn showcased his lighter, campier side.
But with Scream, he unknowingly launched a unique franchise that developed a loyal following, lasting even after his death. Right now, fans of the series can watch the first four movies—Scream, Scream 2, Scream 3, and Scream 4—as they are now available for streaming on Max.
This is exciting news for horror fans, whether you’re already a follower of the Scream series or have never heard of Sidney Prescott. It’s even a treat for those who don’t typically enjoy horror, as Scream blends thrilling moments with a self-aware, campy tone that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
The core plot of the first four movies revolves around Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell), a high school student in the original film, who is dealing with her mother’s murder. She soon becomes the target of a masked killer named Ghostface.
In the sequel, Sidney and the survivors from the first movie head to college. The third movie takes them to Hollywood, while the fourth brings them back to the original setting, Woodsboro. Each film presents a new mystery with both returning and new characters, all of whom seem suspicious in one way or another.
The cast across all four movies is packed with stars, including Courteney Cox, David Arquette, Patrick Dempsey, Rose McGowan, Jada Pinkett Smith, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Matthew Lillard, Timothy Olyphant, Parker Posey, Emma Roberts, and more. Unfortunately, Craven passed away in 2015, leaving fans wondering if the franchise would continue.
For a few years, it seemed like Scream ended with Craven, but in 2022, directors Tyler Gillett and Matt Bettinelli-Olpin revived the series. They introduced new faces like Melissa Barrera and Jenna Ortega while bringing back some of the original characters, proving that the franchise had more to offer.
In 2023, they released Scream VI, but shortly after, they stepped away from directing Scream VII. The seventh film has faced challenges, but it has been announced that it will hit theaters on February 27, 2026, directed by franchise creator Kevin Williamson, and will star Neve Campbell once again.
