Watch Scream 1, 2, 3 and 4: how to stream the iconic franchise in order on Amazon Prime and Netflix
Neve Campbell is returning for Scream 5. (YouTube)
The much-anticipated Scream 5 is finally being released in cinemas this week.
It’s been 10 years since the last instalment in Wes Craven’s iconic film franchise and fans are getting ready to return to Woodsboro.
Ahead of its release on 14 January, you might want to re-visit the first four films to refresh your memory.
The slasher films have become a cult classic since the release of the original in 1996, which launched with a fatal but iconic opening scene for Drew Barrymore.
Two more films followed for what was originally expected to be a trilogy, until a fourth film arrived in 2011 and brought the franchise into the digital age.
They all star Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox and David Arquette, who are all returning for the latest film – also known as Scream 5 – but who knows how long they’ll last?
Before the release of the film this week, you can find out how to stream the first four in the franchise below.
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Scream
The original Scream is brilliant, incredible, amazing, showstopping, spectacular, or so some fans would say. Released in 1996 it changed the game and helped revive the horror genre at the time.
It was notable for combining black comedy and “whodunit” mystery with the violence of the slasher genre, but at the same time being self-referential and satirizing classics like Friday the 13th and Craven’s own A Nightmare on Elm Street.
The genre would also typically cast unknown actors in roles, but Scream secured Drew Barrymore, Courteney Cox, David Arquette and Neve Campbell in its ensemble cast despite actors being wary of horror due to negative critical responses and low-budgets.
The premise of the first film follows high schooler Sidney Prescott, who comes under attack from a mysterious character dubbed “Ghostface”, while dealing with the anniversary of her mother’s murder.
The film is available to rent or buy from £2.49 from Amazon Prime Video.
Scream 2
Scream 2 follows Sidney Prescott, who heads off to college as a series of copycat crimes begin, with the killers using the disguise of Ghostface.
Similar to the original, the film features characters who are aware of the horror genre and the conventions of the horror sequel, while mocking them but also falling victim to them.
The successful formula from the first film was once again a hit, becoming a box office and critical hit, with some favouring this film to its predecessor.
The film is available to rent or buy from £3.49 via Amazon Prime Video.
Scream 3
The final film in the originally planned trilogy is Scream 3. It’s set three years after the events of the second film and focuses once again on Sidney Prescott.
The character faces a new Ghostface killer and the truth about her mother that led to the start of the masked killings. It received mixed reviews compared to the first two films, with some saying the film relied too much on humour instead of horror.
But you can decide for yourself, as this film is available to rent or buy from Amazon Prime Video.
Scream 4
Scream 4 takes place 10 years after the previous film and follows Sidney Prescott as she returns to Woodsboro on the last stop of her book tour, only to encounter another set of murders and a killer, who is using the guise of Ghostface.
It sees the original cast return alongside new characters played by Emma Roberts, Hayden Panettiere, Rory Culkin and Nico Tortorella.
Despite mixed reviews upon its release in 2011, the film has since been noted for its commentary on social media and the obsession with Internet fame, with people going to extreme lengths for a viral video moment.
This is the only film from the franchise that’s available to stream as part of a Netflix subscription. To watch it head to netflix.com.
