Wes Craven’s Scream is widely known for its meta writing and self-awareness, essentially acknowledging within itself that it’s a horror film. Throughout the movie, it announces its similarities and shared plotlines with classic horror films that came before it, almost creating an encyclopedia for its viewers to dive into after watching. Even Craven’s own films are referenced throughout Scream, placing it in a universe where Wes Craven somehow already exists.
Scream references some of the most popular horror films of all time, and also some lesser-known genre favorites. Going through the film and taking note of every horror film referenced (and there are a lot of non-horror movies, too!) is a fun way to make a list and watch the classics that inspired and led to Scream’s creation, and helped it transition to one of the horror genre’s most popular franchises, on its way to its seventh film.
Friday the 13th (1980) & Friday the 13th Part 2 (1981)
Although they weren’t the first two slasher movies ever made, the first two Friday the 13th films are arguably the most well-known and led to Jason Voorhees probably becoming the most popular horror movie killer ever. At this point, the franchise has 12 films (including Freddy vs. Jason), and A24 and Peacock are releasing a prequel TV series in 2026 titled Crystal Lake, starring Linda Cardellini and Callum Vinson as Pamela and a young Jason Voorhees.
When They are Referenced in Scream
Both Friday the 13th films are mentioned in Scream’s legendary opening. When Ghostface calls Casey Becker and forces her to play a game, he poses a trick question, asking who the killer is in Friday the 13th. When Casey answers that it was Jason, Ghostface explains to her that Pamela was the killer in the original, and Jason showed up as the killer in the sequel.
Halloween (1978)
John Carpenter’s Halloween is one of the most influential horror movies of all time. Its POV slasher shots (admittedly inspired by Black Christmas), soulless masked killer, and legendary final girl in Laurie Strode would go on to guide the slasher genre in the 1980s in the best ways possible. There have been 13 Halloween films, and even after David Gordon Green’s sequel trilogy to the original movie, more are expected to be released in the oncoming years.
When it Is Referenced in Scream
Halloween is first mentioned in Scream’s opening. For Casey Becker’s “warm-up” question, Ghostface asks her who the killer is in the franchise, which she correctly guesses as Michael Myers. The film is also shown and referenced later in the film during the party scene, while Randy discusses the rules of horror movies.
A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
Before Scream, Wes Craven created the iconic character of Freddy Krueger in A Nightmare on Elm Street in 1984. A killer who could slay you in your dreams, the NOES franchise was a much more supernatural take on slashers than Friday the 13th or Halloween had been at that point. The franchise has nine films, including Freddy vs. Jason and a remake, and seems dead for the time being, but Freddy always seems to find his way back to the big screen.
When it Is Referenced in Scream
Aside from a quick mention of A Nightmare on Elm Street in the opening phone call from Ghostface to Casey Becker, the biggest reference comes in the form of a cameo from Wes Craven as Fred the high school janitor, who wore Freddy Krueger’s iconic red and green sweater.
Are You in the House Alone? (1978)
You wouldn’t think a made-for-TV movie from 1978 would be referenced, but Walter Grauman’s Are You in the House Alone? shares many similarities with Scream, including the general story of a killer stalking and terrorizing a high school girl with creepy phone calls. This is one of the lesser-known films on the list, and while a lot of made-for-TV movies can be hard to find, Are You in the House Alone? is available to watch for free on Tubi.
When it Is Referenced in Scream
It’s a bit of a stretch, and without the obvious connection in the plot and threatening phone calls, it wouldn’t be super clear. The film is referenced in a simple line from Ghostface during a call: “Are you alone in the house?”
The Exorcist (1973)
Many consider William Friedkin’s The Exorcist as the best horror movie of all time, so it’s no surprise that a direct mention pops up in Scream. The horrific tale of the demonic possession of a little girl, and two priests’ attempts to exorcise the demons within, is one that has been scaring audiences since its release. The franchise has six films, with the most recent being David Gordon Green’s The Exorcist: Believer in 2023. After a disappointing showing both critically and financially, horror guru Mike Flanagan will be trying his hand at the next installment.
When it Is Referenced in Scream
Early in Scream, the film is referenced by Billy Loomis after he sneaks into Sidney’s bedroom for a make-out session. Billy says, “I was at home watching television and The Exorcist was on, it got me thinking of you.”
Candyman (1992)
One of the greatest horror movies of the ‘90s and sporting a masterful performance by the late Tony Todd, Candyman is one of the more unique slashers of the subgenre. The film is an important message about racism and gentrification, wrapped in a gory and intense mystery that uses the “Bloody Mary” folklore to its advantage. Candyman has two direct sequels, and a successful “re-quel” from director Nia DaCosta and writer Jordan Peele.
When it Is Referenced in Scream
Another quick reference: when mentioning the fact that Sidney allowed Billy to be locked up after thinking he attacked her the night before, Stu Macher says that Sidney “branded Billy the Candyman.”
Related: Review: Nia DaCosta’s ‘Candyman’ Brings New Depth to the Franchise
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)
On the opposite end of the horror spectrum as The Exorcist, Tobe Hooper’s 1974 slasher The Texas Chain Saw Massacre is also considered by many to be the greatest horror film ever made. The raw, grainy, and terrifying introduction of the chainsaw-wielding, skin-wearing Leatherface cemented the slasher as an all-time horror icon. The franchise has nine films (and a spinoff of Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2), with the most recent being released by Netflix in 2022.
When it Is Referenced in Scream
At Stu Macher’s house party later in the film, Randy sees Billy Loomis arrive to make up with Sidney, and says, “What’s Leatherface doin’ here?”
The Howling (1981)
Joe Dante’s 1981 werewolf movie The Howling still holds up today as one of the best in the subgenre. With great werewolf effects from Rob Bottin, a strong performance from Dee Wallace, and some extremely intense attack scenes, The Howling was popular enough to spawn seven more movies and become the biggest werewolf movie franchise.
When it Is Referenced in Scream
In the video store scene, when Stu and Randy are discussing Billy potentially being the killer, a woman walks up to Randy asking him, “What’s that werewolf movie with E.T.’s mom in it?” Of course, she’s referring to Dee Wallace, who played Elliott’s mother in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. Randy directs her to The Howling.
Prom Night (1980)
Prom Night is another early high school slasher that stars Jamie Lee Curtis, and its plot hinges on secrets and motives of revenge, much like Scream. Even though it’s filled with cheesy kills and disco, it’s perfect for a group watch with your friends. Prom Night would get three more sequels, diving into more supernatural themes, and was remade in 2008.
When it Is Referenced in Scream
This reference also takes place in the video store, when Randy is explaining that if people had just watched Prom Night, they would be much more prepared for the Woodsboro murders.
The Town That Dreaded Sundown (1976)
Based on the true story of the 1946 moonlight murders in Texarkana, The Town That Dreaded Sundown is one of the earlier films in the subgenre. The burlap sack-wearing killer is creepy, but the film has some incredibly silly scenes, including the killer fastening a knife to the slide of a trombone, and using it to stab his victim. The film was also remade in 2014 by American Horror Story director Alfonso Gomez-Rejon.
When it Is Referenced in Scream
When Dewey, Tatum, and Sidney are walking through a deserted Woodsboro, Sidney says, “God, look at this place. It’s The Town That Dreaded Sundown.” To which Dewey replies, “I saw that movie. It’s about a killer in Texas.”
I Spit on Your Grave (1978)
Meir Zarchi’s 1978 revenge thriller I Spit on Your Grave is widely known as one of the most difficult horror films to watch. Some of the scenes are disturbingly graphic and even take the unsettling feel of Wes Craven’s The Last House on the Left to a new level. In 2010, I Spit on Your Grave received a remake, which spawned three sequels, the most recent being released in 2019.
When it Is Referenced in Scream
During the party scene, when Tatum leaves the group to get beer from the garage, Ghostface is waiting for her when she turns around. She sees him and says, “Cute. What movie is this from? I Spit on Your Garage?”
Terror Train (1980)
Yet another 1980 slasher starring Jamie Lee Curtis, Terror Train is a rare New Year’s Eve horror film about a Groucho Marx mask-wearing killer making his way through drunken victims during an NYE party on a train. This slasher has never received enough love and belongs right with other underappreciated slasher gems of the ‘80s, like The Prowler and My Bloody Valentine.
When it Is Referenced in Scream
During the party, Sidney questions the quality of Terror Train when Randy is referring to Jamie Lee Curtis as a “Scream Queen” and trying to decide on a horror movie for the group to watch.
Related: ‘Terror Train’ Turns 40: Still a Hell of a Ride
The Evil Dead (1981)
Sam Raimi’s The Evil Dead is considered one of the most successful low-budget films of all time. Raimi and his crew took a $350,000 movie about summoning demons and reanimated corpses in a secluded cabin, and turned it into a $300 million film franchise. It’s been turned into comics, video games, a successful TV show, and even has its own musical. The franchise is still going strong, too. Evil Dead Rise made $147 million on a $15 million budget, and the next installment, titled Evil Dead Burn, has started production for a 2026 release.
When it Is Referenced in Scream
The Evil Dead has an extremely quick reference, as it’s being discussed and voted on whether Randy and his friends should watch it during Stu Macher’s party.
Hellraiser (1987)
1987’s Hellraiser was not only directed by Clive Barker, but it is also based on a 1986 novella written by him. The film was known for its intense amounts of gore and special effects, as well as Doug Bradley creating a horror icon with his performance as Pinhead. Bradley was actually only in the movie for 12 minutes, but he’d go on to play Pinhead in seven more sequels. The franchise continued without him as the character and was most recently rebooted on Hulu in a surprisingly good take from David Bruckner (The Ritual).
When it Is Referenced in Scream
Like The Evil Dead, Hellraiser is another film that is discussed and voted on by Randy and his friends during Stu’s party, though it’s ultimately passed on.
The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
There will always be a debate about whether Josh Demme’s The Silence of the Lambs counts as a horror film (it does), but there is certainly no debate that it has many horrifying scenes. The film is one of the absolute best serial killer films of all time, and won five Academy Awards, including a Best Actor award for Anthony Hopkins for his legendary portrayal of Dr. Hannibal Lecter.
When it Is Referenced in Scream
When Billy and Sidney are discussing the grief and trauma that she’s experienced since her mother was murdered, Billy tells her that her trauma reminds him of Jodie Foster’s character Clarice Starling in The Silence of the Lambs.
Carrie (1976)
In 1976, Brian De Palma adapted Stephen King’s first novel, Carrie. The film is about a bullied teenage girl with telekinetic powers who gets revenge on her tormentors. Carrie is revered for De Palma’s unique directing style and amazing performances from Sissy Spacek and Piper Laurie as Carrie and Margaret White, who were both nominated for Oscars. Carrie has received a sequel, two remakes, and is soon to be rebooted in a TV series by Mike Flanagan.
When it Is Referenced in Scream
After Billy is thought to be killed by Ghostface in Scream, he slowly tumbles down the stairs, showing Sidney that he’s still alive. After getting to his feet, and then shooting Randy, it becomes apparent that Billy is in on the killings. He licks the fake blood off his fingers and says, “Mmm. Corn syrup. Same stuff they used for pig’s blood in Carrie.”
Related: 6 Horror Books to Check Out if You Love Scream
Psycho (1960)
Many people consider Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho to be the first slasher movie (although Peeping Tom was released a few months before it). Anthony Perkins’ disturbing performance as Norman Bates has transcended the decades, and his adaptation of his dead mother’s personality to murder innocent people at his motel is unsettling to the core. Psycho is probably Hitchcock’s most famous film, and one that has had three sequels, a remake, and an unexpectedly good TV series prequel, titled Bates Motel.
When it Is Referenced in Scream
In the most memorable reference in Scream, when Billy reveals himself as one of the Ghostface murderers, he quotes Norman Bates from Psycho. Billy lets Randy in the house, and after Randy tells him that Stu has gone mad, Billy responds with, “We all go a little mad sometimes,” right before shooting Randy.
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It’s crazy seeing it all laid out like this. Time for another SCREAM rewatch (and probably everything else on this list)! Great deep dive!
Thanks for the compliment, glad you liked the list! It’s ALWAYS time for another Scream rewatch. Enjoy!