First of all, you’re amongst friends. Second of all, we have some killer news for you. The first three Scream films - yes, Scream 1, 2 and 3 are now available to watch on BBC iPlayer. That’s right, Drew Barrymore, Courtney Cox, Matthew Lillard and Skeet Ulrich in their full nineties glory, in the iconic franchise that launched a thousand Halloween costumes.
Here’s why Scream is the most iconic franchise that has stood the test of time - and why you should cancel your plans to get the popcorn in, immediately.
It’s peak 90s nostalgia
When you sit down to watch Scream, you’re not just putting a movie on, you’re stepping into a nineties time machine. The fashion, the hair, the landlines (yes Gen-Z, phones with cables!) It is nineties heaven, or hell - depending on how you feel about low rise jeans. Especially on that grainy, slightly sepia toned screen. Something about watching a group of friends with aggressively plucked eyebrows and frosted tips get violently murdered is oddly comforting, ya know?
It’s a self-aware horror
Scream made fun of the horror genre before it was cool. If you’re someone who can predict the jumpscares before they happen (I mean come on, why else would the bathroom cabinet be open at that angle if it wasn’t for an axe-murderer to jump out from behind it?) then you’ll love Scream. Instead of ignoring the cliches of the genre, Scream calls them out, mocks them, and still manages to make you jump.
The plot actually goes hard
Unlike (a lot of) horror movies today that get churned out by big production houses that seem to rely on a few flimsy jumpscares and a lot of fake blood, Scream is actually clever. Even your best armchair detective mate would probably struggle to guess the plot, even if they insist “the plots are always the same!” Trust me mate, this one isn’t. The Scream movies are a mix of sharp plotwriting, a classic cast, satire and genuinely scary bits.
The cast is legendary
Drew Barrymore. Courteney Cox. Neve Campbell. Matthew Lillard. Skeet Ulrich. I’ve tried to imagine a better 90s cast in my dreams and have failed (OK fine, Julia Roberts is my only addition, meet me halfway here!) When I tell you, not a single actor in this line-up is dead weight. From Courteney’s ruthless journalism to Matthew Lillard unhinged bestie energy - it’s the perfect cast.
It set the gold standard for slashers
If you watch Scream and think “Hmm, there are some themes in here that I recognise” that’s because it literally created them. Scream reshaped the slasher genre - it turned the Final Girl trope on its head. It created unexpected villains. It made room for horror films to be funny. There’s a reason it’s grossed over $911M worldwide!
It’s having a massive comeback on TikTok
Thanks to Gen Z, Scream has had a massive cultural renaissance. These days it’s almost impossible to scroll your timeline in October without being hit with a Ghostface edit or swiping past the iconic “What’s your favourite scary movie?” line. (Yeah, alright, I do watch them in full. It’s Halloween month, so sue me.)
It’s the ultimate group watch
Sure, if you prefer to watch horror films alone, be our guest (you’re stronger than us!). But, if the only way you can get through the fear is with a silly running commentary with your friends - this is the film to do it to. Although, you might have to be prepared to listen to trivia interjections every five minutes (I know, I know, infuriating! I don’t know why we do it either.)
It’s a cult classic
Scream has stood the test of time for good reason. It’s a genuinely scary horror franchise which will make you laugh as much as scream (sorry, couldn’t resist) and keep you guessing as much as it’ll keep you gripped.
And film buff or not, let’s be honest. You can’t really say you’ve lived if you haven’t seen the Scream trilogy. It’s like saying you haven’t seen Lord of The Rings. (What’s that? You haven’t seen Lord of The Rings either?! Alright mate, in front of the telly you get!)
So send the text to that horror film buff mate of yours who keeps begging you to watch a film with them, and get a night with BBC iPlayer in the diary. (Trust me, it’ll be better than the avant-garde French cinema they keep suggesting.) Just maybe remember to lock the doors and windows before hitting play. And for those of you with a creepy basement….well, that’s on you.
Thomas Thorn