Scream (1996) — The beginning of the franchise

A serial killer wearing a Ghostface mask terrorizes the small town of Woodsboro, targeting teenagers. High school student Sidney Prescott becomes the main target, one year after her mother’s murder. Reporter Gale Weathers and Deputy Dewey Riley arrive to investigate the case. In the end, the killers are revealed to be Sidney’s boyfriend Billy Loomis and his friend Stu Macher, who act out of revenge, jealousy, and a violent obsession with horror movies.

Scream 2 (1997) — Direct sequel set in college

After the Woodsboro murders, Sidney attends college. A new Ghostface killer appears on campus, copying the original killing style. Gale and Dewey return to help protect Sidney and solve the case. The killers are Mickey Altieri, who wants fame from the murders, and Debbie Loomis, Billy’s mother, who seeks revenge for her son’s death.

Scream 3 (2000) — Hollywood setting, conclusion of the original trilogy

The story moves to Hollywood, where a movie called Stab — based on the Woodsboro murders — is being filmed. Members of the cast and crew are killed one by one by Ghostface. Sidney is forced to come out of hiding and uncovers dark secrets about her mother’s past. The killer is revealed to be Roman Bridger, the film’s director and Sidney’s half-brother, who wants revenge for being abandoned by their mother years ago.

Scream 4 (2011) — Return to Woodsboro years later

Ten years later, Ghostface returns to Woodsboro. Sidney returns to her hometown to promote her new book, only to be caught in a new killing spree. The killers are Sidney’s cousin Jill Roberts and her friend Charlie Walker, who want to become famous “survivors” by recreating the original murders and becoming internet celebrities.

Scream (2022) — New generation of protagonists

A new wave of murders hits Woodsboro, targeting a new group of young people. The main protagonist is Sam Carpenter, the illegitimate daughter of Billy Loomis from the first film. Ghostface copies the original killings to frame Sam. The killers are Sam’s boyfriend Richie Kirsch and her friend Amber Freeman, toxic horror fans who want to “reboot” the original murders in their own violent way.

Scream VI (2023) — New York setting, direct sequel to the 2022 film

Sam, Tara, and their friends leave Woodsboro to start a new life in New York City, but they are hunted by a new Ghostface. This time, there are three killers: Detective Wayne Bailey and his two children, Ethan Landry and Quinn Bailey, who want revenge for Richie’s death in the previous film.

Scream 7 (2026) — The latest installment, nostalgic return

Sidney Prescott has retired and lives a quiet life with her family in the town of Pinewood. However, a new Ghostface returns and pulls her back into danger. The killer targets Sidney’s daughter, uncovering a 30-year-old family grudge and long-buried secrets. Original heroes Sidney and Gale officially return to face the ultimate Ghostface alongside the new generation of survivors.