Scream

Scream

Year: 1996

Runtime: 111 min

Language: English

Director: Wes Craven

Budget: $14M

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Following the murder of her mother, a young woman finds herself targeted by a mysterious killer who terrorizes her and her friends. The masked predator uses horror films as a twisted guide, tormenting them with frightening calls and deadly encounters. As the body count rises, they must try to unmask the killer before becoming his next victims.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Scream yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Scream (1996)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Scream (1996). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The events of 'Scream' take place in the modern day, reflecting a contemporary high school setting. The film encapsulates the themes of teenage life and horror cinema, juxtaposing the mundane with a rising tide of terror. The characters navigate both personal trauma and the external threat of a serial killer, mirroring the complexities of youth in the 1990s.

Location

Woodsboro, California

Woodsboro is a quaint, small town known for its close-knit community and serene life, but it becomes the center of horror and chaos in 'Scream.' The town's peaceful façade is shattered by a series of brutal murders that draw media attention and police investigations. As events unfold, Woodsboro transforms from a safe haven to a battleground against the masked killer, Ghostface.

🏡 Town 🎬 Cinema

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:17

Main Characters – Scream (1996)

Meet the key characters of Scream (1996), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Casey Becker

Casey Becker is a high school student caught in a terrifying encounter with the sinister Ghostface. She begins as an innocent character enjoying an evening alone, but the horror quickly escalates when her life is threatened. Casey embodies the archetype of a horror film victim, and her tragic fate sets the tone for the ensuing chaos in Woodsboro.

💔 Victim 🎬 Horror Icon

Sidney Prescott

Sidney Prescott is a resilient teenager grappling with the emotional fallout from her mother's murder. As the story progresses, she transforms from a victim into a fighter, determined to survive the onslaught of Ghostface. Her character arc reflects strength in vulnerability, showcasing her capacity to confront both personal trauma and external terror.

💪 Survivor 🎉 Protagonist

Billy Loomis

Billy Loomis is portrayed as the charming boyfriend of Sidney, but his character harbors a dark and murderous secret. Initially appearing supportive, his true nature is eventually revealed as a key antagonist. Through his manipulative demeanor, Billy embodies the theme of betrayal, as he exploits Sidney's trust while executing his sinister plan.

😈 Villain 💔 Betrayer

Gale Weathers

Gale Weathers is a determined investigative journalist seeking to uncover the truth amidst the chaos in Woodsboro. Her ambition often puts her in dangerous situations, yet she remains resilient and resourceful. Gale's character is driven by a desire for fame and justice, intertwining her professional pursuits with the personal stakes of the murder investigation.

📰 Reporter 🕵️‍♀️ Investigator

Tatum Riley

Tatum Riley is Sidney's best friend and the epitome of the fun-loving and loyal companion. Her character adds a blend of humor and heart to the narrative, but her journey takes a tragic turn as the events escalate. Tatum's interactions reflect teenage camaraderie, which ultimately collide with the horror that befalls the group.

😄 Best Friend 🌟 Casualty

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:17

Major Themes – Scream (1996)

Explore the central themes of Scream (1996), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🎭 Horror

'Scream' revitalizes the horror genre, playing with tropes and expectations while delivering a highly meta commentary on slasher films. The characters are acutely aware of horror movie conventions, which becomes a haunting edge in their survival. As they navigate the chilling events, the line between fiction and reality blurs, leading to profound consequences.

💔 Trauma

The theme of trauma weaves throughout 'Scream,' particularly through Sidney Prescott, whose past is marred by her mother's murder. This trauma not only affects her relationships but also drives her actions as she confronts the present danger. The film explores how past experiences shape responses to current threats, highlighting the long-lasting effects of violence.

👥 Betrayal

Betrayal is a key theme in 'Scream,' particularly illustrated through character dynamics and the shocking revelations of true identities. Friends turn against one another, trust is shattered, and the façade of safety crumbles as Sidney encounters betrayals from those closest to her. This theme amplifies the horror, showcasing how intimate relationships can be weaponized.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:17

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Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Slasher Whodunit Mysteries like Scream

Fast-paced slasher mysteries where survival hinges on uncovering the killer.If you liked the suspenseful mystery and high-stakes survival in Scream, explore more movies like it. This selection features similar whodunit horror stories with masked killers, red herrings, and final girls fighting to uncover the truth before they become the next victim.

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Narrative Summary

These narratives typically begin with a traumatic inciting incident, like a murder, that sets a masked or unknown killer on a path of vengeance or chaos. A protagonist, often dealing with personal grief or trauma, becomes the target and must use their wits to survive while suspecting everyone around them. The plot is structured around shocking reveals, false suspects, and a final confrontation where the killer's identity and motive are exposed.

Why These Movies?

Movies in this thread are grouped by their shared core mechanics: a fast-paced, high-intensity slasher format combined with a genuine mystery. They create a specific viewing experience centered on suspense, paranoia, and the intellectual puzzle of a whodunit, all wrapped in the visceral thrills of horror.

Self-Aware and Satirical Horror Movies like Scream

Horror films that knowingly play with and comment on their own tropes.For viewers who enjoyed the clever, meta-commentary in Scream, this list highlights similar horror films that are in on the joke. Discover movies that satirize genre conventions while still delivering genuine suspense and terror, perfect for fans of intelligent, self-referential scares.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves characters who are often aware of horror movie clichés, using that knowledge to try and survive—or having it used against them by the antagonist. The story unfolds with a layer of irony, where classic tropes like the final girl, the isolated setting, and the killer's motives are openly discussed, challenged, or subverted, adding a cerebral layer to the visceral horror.

Why These Movies?

This thread groups films that share a unique blend of tone: they deliver authentic horror and tension while simultaneously offering a witty critique of the genre itself. This creates a specific, elevated experience that rewards viewers for their familiarity with horror history.

Unlock the Full Story of Scream

Don't stop at just watching — explore Scream in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Scream is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Scream Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Scream, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Scream Summary

Scream Timeline

Track the full timeline of Scream with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Scream Timeline

Scream Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Scream that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Scream Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Scream

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Scream: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Scream

Similar Movies to Scream

Discover movies like Scream that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.