The Rules Have Changed: A Look Back at the Scream Franchise
The phone is ringing, the knife is sharpened, and Ghostface is back for one final, terrifying bow. This month marks the highly anticipated release of Scream 7, and before we brace ourselves for the ultimate showdown, we're taking a nostalgic walk through the history of one of horror’s most iconic franchises.
From the first terrifying phone call to the latest chase, Scream has redefined the slasher genre with its clever meta-commentary, unforgettable scares, and a killer twist around every corner. So, grab your popcorn (and maybe a blanket to hide under) as we revisit each chapter in the saga.
Warning! Spoilers Ahead! Although if you're reading this we're sure you've already seen the first 6 films...
Scream (1996)
It All Started Here
The film that started it all. Wes Craven’s Scream burst onto the scene, deconstructing horror tropes while delivering genuine scares. It taught us the rules of surviving a horror movie… only to break them.
- Main Character: Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell)
- First Victim: Casey Becker (Drew Barrymore)
Scream 2 (1997)
The Sequel's Stinger
Just a year later, Ghostface returned to prove that sequels always up the ante. Scream 2 played with the rules of horror sequels, bringing the terror to Windsor College and deepening the mystery around Sidney's past.
Main Character: Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell)
- First Victim: Maureen Evans (Jada Pinkett Smith)
- Recurring Character: Gale Weathers (Courteney Cox)
Scream 3 (2000)
Trilogy's End? Not Quite.
Initially presented as the final chapter, Scream 3 took the terror to Hollywood, revealing shocking truths about Sidney’s family history. It delved into the behind-the-scenes of filmmaking, making us question who we could trust.
Main Character: Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell)
- First Victim: Cotton Weary (Liev Schreiber)
- Recurring Character: Randy Meeks (Jamie Kennedy)
Scream 4 (2011)
The Requel Revolution
Eleven years later, Scream 4 brought the franchise roaring back, perfectly timed for the rise of social media and the "requel" trend. It explored a new generation of victims and killers obsessed with fame, proving that history always repeats itself, with a twist.
Main Character: Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell)
- First Victim: Jenny Randall (Aimee Teegarden)
- Recurring Character: Kirby Reed (Hayden Panettiere) – Initially thought dead, Kirby makes a triumphant return in later films, making her a fan-favourite recurring character.
Scream (2022)
The Legacy Lives On
A new generation, a new Woodsboro massacre. The 2022 Scream (often referred to as Scream 5) introduced us to new protagonists while honoring the legacy of Sidney, Gale, and Dewey. It was a love letter to the original, wrapped in a fresh, bloody package.
Main Character: Sam Carpenter (Melissa Barrera)
- First Victim: Vince Schneider (Kyle Gallner)
- Recurring Character: Mindy Meeks-Martin (Jasmin Savoy Brown) – Carrying on Randy’s legacy as the new "rules expert."
Scream VI (2023)
The City That Never Sleeps… or Screams
Ghostface took a bite out of the Big Apple! Scream VI moved the action to New York City, delivering some of the franchise's most brutal and intense chases. It proved that no matter how far you run, the past always catches up.
Main Character: Sam Carpenter (Melissa Barrera)
- First Victim: Laura Crane (Samara Weaving)
- Recurring Character: Chad Meeks-Martin (Mason Gooding) – Constantly defying death, he's a true survivor.
Scream 7 - Out 26 Feb 2026
The Final Cut - or is it?
And now, it’s time for the ultimate conclusion. Scream 7 promises to deliver the biggest, most shocking finale yet. The rules have changed, the stakes are higher, and no one is safe. Are you ready for Ghostface’s final act?
Book to win a countryside getaway for four!
Would you and three friends brave a secluded British countryside getaway? We've team up with Paramount to bring you the chance to win this incredible prize when you watch Scream 7 at The Light.
Prize includes:
2 night's cottage or cabin stay in the UK for four people
Horror night-in hamper
A choice of takeaway for one night
A local ghost hunt or walking tour
- £100 travel allowance
Simply book your tickets for Scream 7 between now and 5 March 2026 and you'll be entered into our prize draw.
Fun Facts About Ghostface!
- Not Always a Man: While often portrayed by men, the voice of Ghostface (Roger L. Jackson) has menaced both male and female killers over the years.
- Multiple Killers: A hallmark of the Scream franchise is that there are almost always two Ghostface killers, providing misdirection and unexpected reveals.
- The Mask: The iconic Ghostface mask wasn't custom-made for the film; it was a mass-produced Halloween costume called "Father Death" that Wes Craven's team discovered.
- The Voice: Roger L. Jackson, the voice of Ghostface, was kept separate from the actors during filming so his voice would be genuinely chilling and unfamiliar to them, enhancing their fear.
- A Different Name: The film was originally titled Scary Movie but was changed to Scream late in production. The original title was later used for the parody film series. And there's another one of them coming this year too!
Experience the Launch: We Went to the Scream 7 House Party!
To celebrate this monumental film, we were invited to the exclusive Scream 7 House Party in central London for the film launch! We got a sneak peek at all the terrifying fun.
Want to see what went down? Head over to our TikTok page and check out our exclusive reel from the event!
Written by Chanel Buttigieg - Social Media Marketing Manager
17 February 2026