If you’re yearning for that intense thrill from a slasher horror movie, choose any horror from our handpicked selection of 25 movies like Scream.
Wes Craven’s 1996 masterpiece “Scream” breathed new life into the slasher genre, blending razor sharp wit with chilling fear to create a cinematic experience that leave us wanting more just like it.
Although it’s near impossible to come up with movies that equal the brilliance of Scream, some movies have come close!
We’ve created a list of 25 horror slasher movies like Scream that we feel capture the essence of “Scream.”
We offer a free checklist you can download for later reference.
This movie capitalizes on the fear of, you guessed it, urban legends. It’s set on a college campus where a series of brutal murders start resembling popular urban legends. The suspense is brilliantly built as the characters try to uncover the truth while you sit on the edge of your seat wondering what’s real and what’s legend.
2. Valentine (2001)
Director: Jamie Blanks
Cast: Denise Richards, David Boreanaz, Marley Shelton
The horror slasher movie “Valentine” revolves around a group of women who start receiving eerie Valentine’s Day cards from an unknown sender. What makes it reminiscent of “Scream” is the blending of slasher horror with a bit of mystery and a killer in a creepy mask. Expect some creative and suspenseful death scenes that will keep you guessing.
3. Hatchet (2006)
Director: Adam Green
Cast: Kane Hodder, Joel David Moore, Deon Richmond
“Hatchet” takes a more traditional approach to the slasher genre, much like “Scream.” The story follows a group of tourists stranded in a Louisiana swamp, where they encounter Victor Crowley, a deformed and relentless killer. This film leans heavily on gore and dark humor, making it a must see for fans of the over the top horror that the ’90s were known for.
This movie centers on a group of high school students who discover their teachers are being possessed by alien parasites. The tension builds as they struggle to survive and uncover the truth, much like the suspense in “Scream.” It’s a fun and thrilling mix of sci-fi and horror.
“Disturbing Behavior” offers a blend of teen angst and horror that’s sure to evoke memories of “Scream.” This film follows a newcomer to a small town who quickly discovers that the local high school students are undergoing some disturbing behavioral changes. The mystery and tension make it a great watch for those who enjoy the psychological aspect of horror.
In “Halloween H20,” Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis) returns to face her brother, Michael Myers, 20 years after the events of the original “Halloween” film. This movie brings back the iconic character and offers a thrilling blend of suspense, nostalgia, and a strong female lead, which are all the elements that make it a compelling choice for fans of “Scream.”
7. I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997)
Director: Jim Gillespie
Cast: Jennifer Love Hewitt, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Ryan Phillippe
“I Know What You Did Last Summer” is a ’90s classic that you can’t miss if you’re into the slasher genre. It follows a group of friends who try to cover up a hit and run accident, only to be haunted by a mysterious figure the following summer. The suspense, secrets, and intense chase scenes make it a perfect fit for “Scream” aficionados.
8. Wrong Turn (2003)
Director: Rob Schmidt
Cast: Eliza Dushku, Jeremy Sisto, Emmanuelle Chriqui
“Wrong Turn” takes the horror into the backwoods of West Virginia. A group of friends finds themselves in a nightmarish situation when they encounter a family of cannibalistic mountain men. If you appreciate the idea of being trapped and hunted by relentless killers, this one’s right up your alley.
9. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003)
Director: Marcus Nispel
Cast: Jessica Biel, Jonathan Tucker, Andrew Bryniarski
A remake of the classic horror film, “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” (2003) will give you that same sense of dread as “Scream.” A group of friends on a road trip encounters a family of deranged killers, led by Leatherface. This movie doesn’t hold back on the gruesome and terrifying moments, making it a standout in the slasher genre.
10. House of Wax (2005)
Director: Jaume Collet-Serra
Cast: Chad Michael Murray, Paris Hilton, Elisha Cuthbert
“House of Wax” (2005) offers a unique twist on horror. A group of friends becomes trapped in a seemingly abandoned wax museum, only to discover that the wax figures are eerily lifelike and not quite what they seem. With its mix of suspense and gruesome surprises, it’s a movie that aligns with the style of “Scream.”
The 2009 remake of “My Bloody Valentine” brings a modern twist to the classic slasher. The story centers on a small mining town plagued by a masked killer who goes on a bloody rampage. With creative death scenes, suspense, and a touch of nostalgia for the original, it’s a great choice for fans of “Scream.”
12. Black Christmas (2006)
Director: Glen Morgan
Cast: Katie Cassidy, Michelle Trachtenberg, Mary Elizabeth Winstead
The 2006 version of “Black Christmas” is a reimagining of the classic horror film. It follows a sorority house terrorized by a mysterious killer during the Christmas season. The suspense and holiday themed horror are sure to resonate with fans of “Scream.”
13. When a Stranger Calls (2006)
Director: Simon West
Cast: Camilla Belle, Tommy Flanagan, Katie Cassidy
The 2006 remake of “When a Stranger Calls” offers a modern take on the classic babysitter in peril story. When a babysitter receives unnerving phone calls from a stalker, she must confront the terror in a high tech, updated setting. The tension and suspense are palpable, making it a suitable choice for fans of “Scream.”
14. Cursed (2005)
Director: Wes Craven
Cast: Christina Ricci, Jesse Eisenberg, Portia de Rossi
“Cursed,” released in 2005, is a werewolf themed horror film that combines elements of the supernatural with the slasher genre. After a car accident, two siblings, played by Christina Ricci and Jesse Eisenberg, find themselves dealing with a curse that transforms them into werewolves. The film offers a unique blend of humor and horror, much like the tone of “Scream.”
15. Happy Death Day (2017)
Director: Christopher Landon
Cast: Jessica Rothe, Israel Broussard, Ruby Modine
“Happy Death Day” offers a fresh take on the slasher genre with a time loop twist. A college student finds herself reliving the day of her murder and must uncover the identity of her killer to break the loop. It combines horror with a touch of humor and mystery, making it a fun and engaging watch for fans of “Scream.”
From Kevin Williamson, the writer of scream, comes this no holds barred horror “Sick”.
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic in April 2020, college student Parker Mason makes a decision to bring her closest companion to her family’s serene lake house for a quarantine getaway. They start receiving unsettling cryptic messages. In an instant, the tranquil setting they had sought becomes a battleground for their very survival.
“Cherry Falls” is a unique take on the slasher genre, set in a small town where a serial killer targets virgins, leading the local teens to consider an unconventional solution. It adds a fresh twist to the typical horror formula and provides a dose of suspense and mystery, much like “Scream.”
“All the Boys Love Mandy Lane” is horror film that centers around a group of high school friends who invite the mysterious and alluring Mandy Lane to a weekend getaway. However, as the weekend progresses, secrets and violence begin to unfold, creating a suspenseful and intriguing narrative.
“You’re Next” is a home invasion horror film that took the genre by storm in 2011. When a family reunion is interrupted by masked killers, one of the guests unexpectedly fights back. The film blends suspense, survival tactics, and dark humor, making it a captivating choice for horror enthusiasts who appreciate a mix of tension and wit, similar to “Scream.”
“Identity” is a psychological horror thriller that follows a group of strangers who become trapped in a remote motel during a storm, only to discover that a killer is among them. The film is known for its intricate plot and unexpected twists, which will keep you on the edge of your seat, much like the suspense in “Scream.”
“Detention” is a unique blend of horror, comedy, and science fiction. The story is set in a high school where students find themselves being hunted by a time traveling killer. It’s a fast paced, genre bending film that offers a fresh and offbeat take on the slasher concept.
“Sorority Row” is a slasher film that combines elements of horror and dark comedy. A group of sorority sisters finds themselves being hunted by a mysterious killer after a prank goes horribly wrong. It’s a mix of suspense, humor, and creative death scenes that will surely appeal to fans of “Scream.”
“Triangle” is a mind tripping horror film that combines elements of psychological horror and time loops. A group of friends on a boating trip becomes stranded in a storm and boards an abandoned ocean liner. They soon realize they’re not alone, and the story takes an eerie and puzzling turn that will leave you thinking long after the credits roll.
“Trick” is a modern slasher film that focuses on a serial killer who returns each Halloween to continue his murderous spree. The film keeps you guessing about the identity of the killer and offers intense chase sequences, making it a suitable choice for “Scream” enthusiasts.
25. The Cabin in the Woods (2012)
Director: Drew Goddard
Cast: Kristen Connolly, Chris Hemsworth, Anna Hutchison
“The Cabin in the Woods” is a horror film that masterfully deconstructs and parodies the horror genre while delivering genuine scares. A group of friends heads to a remote cabin for a getaway, only to find themselves in a sinister experiment orchestrated by unseen forces. This film cleverly plays with horror conventions, delivering both horror and humor in equal measure.
We hope you found a horror slasher film inspired by Scream to add to your must watch list.
Thanks for reading this article for horror movie inspiration!
If you love horror, than checkout our other articles on horror movies!
We hope to see you again soon.
Free Movie Checklist
Click on the button below to get your FREE “Movies Like Scream” checklist that you can print or check off directly on your device!
Tiffany is a female entrepreneur who has been in the movie business since 2005.
She loves all things horror! Movies, Books, Magazines, Podcasts and Film Festivals. *****
Fav Author: Richard Laymon — Fav Director: Dario Argento — Fav Magazine: Cemetery Dance — Fav Podcast: Final Girls Horrorcast *****
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.