Scream (1996)
A year after the murder of her mother, a teenage girl is terrorized by a masked killer who targets her and her friends by using scary movies as part of a deadly game.
Details
Budget
$14,000,000
Rating
7/10 (7203 votes)
Status
Released
Production Companies
Dimension Films, Woods Entertainment
About Scream
The 1996 film "Scream" revitalized the slasher genre by blending traditional horror elements with a self-aware, meta-commentary on the genre's established tropes. Set in a small town, the story centers on a high school student, Sidney Prescott, who becomes the target of a masked killer known as Ghostface, a year after her mother's murder. The killer uses horror movie clichés as part of a deadly game, challenging Sidney and her friends to navigate the rules of survival in a real-life horror scenario.
"Scream" is notable for its intricate whodunit plot, which keeps the audience guessing about the killer's identity throughout. The film weaves together elements of crime, horror, and mystery, maintaining suspense with a series of killings during a Halloween house party. Its approach to storytelling, where characters are aware of horror movie conventions, allows it to both participate in and subvert audience expectations.
Upon its release, "Scream" garnered positive reception, reflected in its "78%" Rotten Tomatoes score and "66/100" on Metacritic. The film's critical and commercial success helped launch a franchise that continued to explore and redefine modern horror. Its influence can be seen in subsequent horror films that adopted similar self-referential styles, making it a significant entry in the horror canon.
Why you might be searching for Scream
People often search for "Scream" because of its distinctive meta-commentary on horror films, the iconic Ghostface killer and costume, and its clever blend of humor and suspense. The mystery surrounding the killer's identity and the memorable phone call scenes are also common points of interest, as is its status as a definitive 90s horror film.
What reviewers are saying
One reviewer noted that "Scream" redefined horror by introducing new rules and a meta-narrative, using existing tropes to both set up and then subvert audience expectations, creating a new sub-genre that honored past horror films while innovating.
Read the full reviewAnother review highlighted how the film provides a fresh perspective within the slasher genre, consciously employing common horror movie structures and tropes to offer commentary and subtle dark humor, rather than overt comedy.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about finding and identifying movies
You can stream the 1996 movie "Scream" on Hulu, fuboTV, Paramount Plus, Peacock Premium, and Starz. It is also available to rent or buy on platforms like Amazon Video, Apple TV, and Fandango At Home. Additionally, you can stream it for free with ads on YouTube Free or on Kanopy, or find tickets to see it in select theaters like Harkins Theatres and Marcus Theatres.
No, the 1996 film "Scream" is not based on a true story. It is a fictional slasher film that redefines the horror genre with its meta-plot and self-aware use of horror movie tropes.
At the end of "Scream," it is revealed that there are two killers: Sidney's boyfriend, Billy Loomis, and his friend, Stu Macher. They explain that they murdered Sidney's mother a year prior because she had an affair with Billy's father, and their current spree is part of a plan to frame Sidney's father. Sidney manages to fight back, killing Stu by dropping a television on him, and with an assist from Gale Weathers, she ultimately kills Billy after he tries to attack her again.
"Scream" is considered a film that redefined the horror genre by blending classic slasher elements with a self-aware, meta-narrative. It is known for its dark humor, unexpected twists, and ability to both follow and subvert horror movie tropes.