Scream: Every Film’s Opening Kill Ranked

Wes Craven is known as the master of horror and rightfully so. Creating a multitude of movies such as A Nightmare on Elm Street, The Hills Have Eyes and The People Under the Stairs that are still adored and have earned the title ‘Cult Classics’ years after their initial release. But one franchise in particular stole the hearts of many horror fans in the late 90s and still does to this day: SCREAM.

SCREAM holds a special place in the hearts of fans of the genre everywhere, its influence and cultural impact cannot be challenged. Being known for its gore, brutality, self-awareness, comedic edge and that cleverly misleading story which still distorts expectations. Moreover, the movie's introductory sequence and opening kills are the most crucial components. Ever since the first, where we witnessed the butchering and untimely demise of Casey Becker, the franchise's legendary title was born. Perfecting the iconic and ominous phone calls, the sinister voice of Ghostface and the frightening and intense cat and mouse chase scenes. Arguably, Scream is responsible for creating the most celebrated opening kill in all of horror history. 

Here is my own ranking of the Scream Opening Kills from “least favourite” to “most favourite”: 

#6: Scream 4 (2011)

Scream 4 is one of two opening sequences that tries something new and different, we’re given a fake-out opening, the “movie within a movie” cliché and features some of the most popular actresses of that time; Anna Paquin, Kristin Bell, Lucy Hale, Britt Robertson, Shenae Grimes and Aimee Teegarden.
Two teenagers are killed by Ghostface; one is violently stabbed whilst the other has their throat slit, this turns out to be the opening for ‘Stab 6’. In another sequence, two teen girls are watching those opening minutes of ‘Stab 6’ and after a much-heated rant about how “sequels don’t know how to stop” one of them viciously stabs the other telling them to “shut the fuck up and watch the movie” only for that scene to be revealed as a part of ‘Stab 7’. After the two misleading intro’s the film eventually reveals its real opening scene, even though it’s equally brutal and visceral like the others it doesn’t quite land as you’re left wondering if it’s another “gotcha moment”. You appreciate the efforts to be unique, but taking away the suspense and overall chilling essence of Ghostface it really doesn’t match up to what Scream is known for.

#5: Scream 2 (1997)

Scream 2 is the other opening sequence that tries something different. This time, there’s no phone call and we’re in a different location; a location which proves Ghostface can and will get you anywhere. The introductory scene shows Maureen Evans (Jada Pinkett-Smith) visiting the cinema with her boyfriend Phil Stevens (Omar Epps) to watch the opening previews of “STAB”, inspired by the murders committed by Billy Loomis and Stu Macher. During a bathroom break Phil is distracted by a voice in the next stall, putting his ear up to the side he is fatally stabbed through his ear, making him the first death we see on screen. Ghostface then mimics Phil by wearing his coat and taking the seat next to Maureen. Maureen is unaware of what has transpired, giving Ghostface long enough to fool her until she feels blood covering Phils jacket then Ghostface stabs her in the stomach. She is continuously stabbed as she tries to escape. The horrifying realisation in this moment is that no-one appears to be aware of the murder taking place right in front of them. It isn’t until Maureen stands in front of the screen, helplessly drowning in her own blood do they finally realise what is happening.
Hearing the scream Maureen lets out is bone-chilling, a horrific way to die – which brings me to a piece of news I found stating Jada asked Wes to be killed off in the most gnarly way possible and I think they both absolutely nailed it.

#4: Scream 3 (2000)

Liev Schreiber who played Cotton Weary is the only returning character to meet his demise at the hands of Ghostface in the opening minutes. The killer calls Cotton as he drives through LA traffic demanding to know the whereabouts of Sidney, but Cotton has no idea, therefore with no answer, Ghostface taunts Cotton about killing his girlfriend (Christine) who he’s stalking during their phone call. Cotton races home to find Ghostface was waiting for him all along. Christine is stabbed in the back and a fight between Ghostface and Cotton ensues, with Cotton ultimately losing and unfortunately becoming another victim. Scream 3 has a whole different atmosphere; no suspenseful phone call with the usual “are the alone in the house?”, “what’s your favourite scary movie?”, instead we’re given a point of view from Ghostface, all we hear is his desperation to seek out Sidney, putting an end to her once and for all. In addition, the use of a voice modifier was fantastic, the perception of Ghostface made it even more menacing. Knowing he could imitate anyone, lure anyone into a false trap just by using their voices was highly disturbing but extremely effective.

#3: Scream VI (2023)

Scream 6 starts off with a bang, a refreshing twist on the formula and completely throws all we know out the window. It’s a new era, time for new rules. We’re first introduced to Laura (Samara Weaving) who is sitting at a bar inside of a busy restaurant waiting for her date. Laura receives a call from her date claiming to be lost, which has her leave the restaurant hoping to be of some help. However, this is a clever ruse from Ghostface who lures her out into the middle of the alleyway only to savagely stab her to death. Then, what’s supposed to be our transition into the title card and the start of the movie is instead Ghostface’s reveal. A completely unnatural and jaw dropping switch up, nothing like that had ever been done before and it felt invigorating. Jason left Laura’s body in the alley way, disposed of his costume and carried on walking back into the busy streets of New York. Tony Revolori played a dehumanising, heartless killer perfectly well. The way he spoke about stabbing the human body, how her lifeless body began to feel less human and more animal was monstrous. The atmosphere here is more likely to make your blood run cold simply because a person was easy enough to lure another into a dark alley, murder them and then walk away as if nothing happened. A fake scene in a movie but a possibility in real life.
The quick disposal of Samara Weaving had a lot of us rolling our eyes for sure, but our 21st century scream queen performed far better than we could ever have hoped, warning us that more ferocity awaited.

#2: Scream V (2022)

Scream V opens with a similar aesthetic to 1996. A girl, all alone, receives a creepy phone call where she is asked trivia questions surrounding horror movies and ultimately brutally attacked by Ghostface. There are even moments that give us a play by play of Casey Becker; playing with the knife, walking around the kitchen, making food. This time the victim survives and becomes an integral part of the story. Matt and Tyler really amp up the brutality in this instalment, not even daylight or automatic locks on your doors can save you from Ghostface’s knife. Real safety is questioned, relationships are put to the test and rules are thrown out the window. Scream V has its own mind, personality and laws.
Introducing a new, rejuvenating personality with fresh faces is exactly what Scream needed, also being able to keep it connected to the beginning felt respectful.

#1: Scream (1996)

Wes Craven created something truly beautiful here. When we think of a historical horror moment, it’s this. This scene delivered everything that made us fall in love with the franchise, genius genre defying tropes, film within film, a hot-blooded cat and mouse chase, a beloved character and a merciless death. Casey Becker (Drew Barrymore) is seen on the face of the poster, presumably the main girl of the story, or so they would have you think. Her death is incredibly unexpected, therefore throwing all predictions in the air, who knows what else is in store?
Scream created its own style, using movies to emulate foreplay and then killing people when they got the questions wrong. Nothing feels quite like Scream. Lasting 11 minutes, Scream 96 is responsible for the most masterful opening to a horror film in cinematic history.

Scream has evolved whilst also staying close to its roots, never being afraid to test limits, whether that be just one Ghostface or attacking on public transport. There have been so many memorable moments during its run and I can’t wait for what’s to come. 

So, what’s your favourite scary movie?