How to watch
Scream Movie Watch Order in the correct order
How to watch the Scream movies in order
Last updated: April 14 2026
Written by: ChronoChris
The Scream franchise redefined the slasher genre with self-aware horror, sharp writing, and the ever-terrifying Ghostface. With six films across nearly three decades, here's exactly how to watch them.
Wes Craven's Scream arrived in 1996 and instantly changed horror cinema. By making its characters aware of horror movie tropes, the series managed to be genuinely scary and brilliantly funny at the same time. Ghostface — a masked killer whose identity changes with each film — became one of pop culture's most iconic villains, and Sidney Prescott became one of horror's greatest final girls. The franchise has survived cast changes, long hiatuses, and the transition from original creators to new directors while remaining one of the most consistently entertaining horror series ever made.
🕐 Release Order
Every Scream film picks up where the previous one left off, making release order the only sensible way to watch. Each film builds on the mystery of the last, and watching out of order would spoil major reveals.
- Scream (1996)
- Scream 2 (1997)
- Scream 3 (2000)
- Scream 4 (2011)
- Scream (2022)
- Scream VI (2023)
Note: The 2022 film is titled Scream — the same as the 1996 original — and is sometimes called Scream 5 to avoid confusion. It acts as a direct sequel to the original while introducing a new generation of characters alongside returning favourites.
📖 Story Chronology
Story chronology is identical to release order for the entire Scream franchise. The films are set in continuous present-day timelines with no flashbacks, prequels, or time jumps that would require reordering.
- Scream (1996)
- Scream 2 (1997)
- Scream 3 (2000)
- Scream 4 (2011)
- Scream (2022)
- Scream VI (2023)
Which Order Should You Choose?
Start from the beginning with the 1996 original — it's a genuine masterpiece of the genre and sets up everything that follows. The first four films form a self-contained story around Sidney Prescott and should be watched in order. The 2022 requel and Scream VI are designed to be slightly more accessible to newcomers, but they're far more rewarding if you've seen what came before. Skip Scream 3 only if you must — it's the weakest entry, but it ties up story threads you'll want closed before moving on.
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