Scream (1996)

Kernel Score: 82% · 7,749 ratings · Rated R

Genres: Crime, Horror, Mystery

Released: 1996-12-20

Runtime: 112 minutes

Is Scream worth watching?

Worth watching. A clever slasher that jokes about horror rules while also working as a proper scary film. The opening is famous for a reason, and the whodunit keeps you guessing.

Watch it if you

  • like slashers with a sense of humour
  • enjoy guessing who the killer is
  • want horror that knows the genre

Skip it if you

  • dislike knife violence
  • want something supernatural

Best for: Friday-night scares

Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.

Where to watch Scream

  • Stream: Hulu, Fubo, Paramount+, Peacock
  • Free with ads: Kanopy, YouTube Free
  • Rent: JustWatch TV Free, Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play
  • Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube

US availability, updated 2026-10-23.

Overview

A year after the murder of her mother, a teenage girl is terrorized by a masked killer who targets her and her friends by using scary movies as part of a deadly game.

Scream parents' guide: ages 14+

Parents need to know that Scream is an R-rated slasher with bloody serial-killer violence, teen partying, and some sexual content.

  • Violence & scariness: Strong — A masked killer's slasher spree targets teens with frequent, bloody stabbings and murders.
  • Sex, romance & nudity: Some — The teen-centered story includes sexual situations typical of the slasher genre.
  • Language: Moderate — Strong profanity runs throughout this R-rated horror film.
  • Drinking, drugs & smoking: Some — A teen house party involves underage drinking.

Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.

Movies like Scream

If you liked Scream, these are the movies we'd watch next.

  • Halloween (1978) — 84%: The slasher that set the template.
  • A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) — 84%: Another stylish slasher with a famous villain.
  • Scream VI (2023) — 76%: Later entry in the same series.
  • Saw (2004) — 83%: Nastier mystery horror with a big twist.
  • Psycho (1960) — 91%: The thriller that shaped every slasher.
  • Weapons (2025) — 83%: Modern horror that mixes mystery and menace.

Director

Wes Craven

Cast

  • David Arquette as Dewey Riley
  • Neve Campbell as Sidney Prescott
  • Courteney Cox as Gale Weathers
  • Matthew Lillard as Stu Macher
  • Rose McGowan as Tatum Riley
  • Skeet Ulrich as Billy Loomis
  • Jamie Kennedy as Randy Meeks
  • W. Earl Brown as Kenny Brown
  • Joseph Whipp as Sheriff Burke
  • Liev Schreiber as Cotton Weary

Scream FAQ

Is Scream worth watching?

Worth watching. A clever slasher that jokes about horror rules while also working as a proper scary film. The opening is famous for a reason, and the whodunit keeps you guessing.

Where can I watch Scream?

In the US you can stream Scream on Hulu, Fubo, Paramount+ and Peacock, watch it free with ads on Kanopy and YouTube Free and rent it from JustWatch TV Free, Prime Video, Apple TV and Google Play.

Is Scream OK for kids?

Scream is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 14+. Parents need to know that Scream is an R-rated slasher with bloody serial-killer violence, teen partying, and some sexual content.

What movies are like Scream?

If you liked Scream, try Halloween, A Nightmare on Elm Street, Scream VI and Saw.