Scream Movies in Order: The Complete Watch List
Key takeaways
- Watch the *Scream* movies in release order, which also follows the story’s chronology.
- The list covers the seven theatrical films, from *Scream* (1996) through *Scream 7* (2026).
- The 2022 movie’s official title is simply *Scream*, but it’s the fifth film, not a remake or standalone reboot.
- The *Scream* television series isn’t part of the seven-film watch order.
Table of contents
Scream movies in release and chronological order
The best way to watch the Scream movies is in release order, which also follows the story’s chronology. Start with the 1996 original and continue through Scream 7; there’s no need to rearrange the films or watch the TV series between them. Entertainment Weekly and TheWrap both list the films in this sequence.
| Order | Movie | Year |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Scream | 1996 |
| 2 | Scream 2 | 1997 |
| 3 | Scream 3 | 2000 |
| 4 | Scream 4 | 2011 |
| 5 | Scream | 2022 |
| 6 | Scream VI | 2023 |
| 7 | Scream 7 | 2026 |
This list covers the seven theatrical films, in the order they were released and in the order their story unfolds. People’s franchise guide also identifies the 2022 film as the fifth entry, followed by Scream VI and Scream 7.
Why you should watch the Scream films in this order
The films make most sense in release order because they continue a shared story and carry forward characters and consequences from earlier entries. Watching from the beginning also preserves the sequence in which the movies reveal information about their characters and mysteries.
There’s a notable gap between Scream 4 and the 2022 film, but that doesn’t mean the 2022 entry starts a separate timeline. It follows the earlier movies, so skipping straight from the original trilogy to it can leave you without context. For a first watch, follow the complete list above.
Is Scream (2022) a remake or Scream 5?
The 2022 movie’s official title is simply Scream, which can make the order confusing. It’s the fifth film, not a remake of the 1996 original or a standalone reboot. It continues the franchise after Scream 4. Some viewers informally call it Scream 5 to distinguish it from the first film, but the released title doesn’t include a number. Entertainment Weekly and TheWrap explain the title distinction.
The later titles don’t always make the numbering obvious, either. Scream VI is the sixth movie, while Scream 7 is the seventh. Scream 4 has also been stylized as Scre4m, but it remains the fourth entry in the series.
Do you need to watch every Scream movie?
For the clearest first-time experience, yes: watch all the films in order. The series develops over several installments, and returning characters and references can matter even when a movie has a new central cast. If you’re revisiting the franchise, you can choose the entries you’re most interested in, but that’s a shortcut rather than a different recommended order.
The simplest viewing plan is:
- Watch Scream (1996) through Scream 4.
- Continue with Scream (2022), the fifth film.
- Finish with Scream VI and Scream 7.
Should you watch the Scream TV series between the movies?
No. The Scream television series isn’t part of the seven-film watch order, so you don’t need to place it between any of the movies. If you want to explore the show as well, treat it as a separate watch rather than a missing chapter in the film sequence. Pocket-lint’s guide likewise separates the TV series from the movie order.
Frequently asked questions
Is the order of the Scream movies the same as the chronological order?
Yes. For the theatrical films, release order and story order match. Watch the films in the sequence listed above.
Can I start with Scream (2022)?
You can, but it’s the fifth film, not an unrelated remake. Watching the earlier entries first gives you the franchise’s context and makes the continuation easier to follow.
Is Scream VI the sixth movie?
Yes. Despite the Roman numeral in its title, Scream VI is the sixth theatrical Scream film. It follows Scream (2022).
Does Scream 7 go before or after Scream VI?
Scream 7 is the seventh installment, so watch it after Scream VI. The complete film sequence remains the same: Scream, Scream 2, Scream 3, Scream 4, Scream (2022), Scream VI, then Scream 7.
Takeaway: Start with the 1996 Scream and watch the seven films in release order. That’s also the chronological order—and it clears up the confusing numbering of the 2022 movie.
