One of the interesting parts of the Scream franchise is its ability to give meta-commentary on the horror genre as a whole. Scream is also filled with references to other horror films, and other media properties as well.
Today we are going to look at some of the best movie references made in Scream 1 (1996). If we missed any of your favorites, let us know on social media. Enjoy!
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Movies Referenced In Scream (1996)
Friday The 13th (1980)
Friday The 13th was directed and produced by Sean S. Cunningham. It stars Betsy Plamer, Adrienne King, and Harry Crosby. The plot surrounds the murders of teenage counselors at a summer camp.
This is probably the most well-known horror movie reference in Scream. During the opening of the movie, Ghostface is stalking Casey while asking her horror movie trivia questions. One of the questions was about the identity of the killer in the original Friday the 13th. While Casey answers ‘Jason Voorhees’, Ghostface reminds her that the killer in the first film was in fact Jason’s mother.
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Psycho (1960)
Psycho is a classic horror film starring Anthony Perkins, Janet Leigh, and Vera Miles. It was written by Joseph Stephano and directed by Alfred Hitchcock. Psycho tells the story of Marion Crane and her run-in with motel manager Norman Bates.
During the climax of Scream, antagonist Billy Loomis (Skeet Ulrich) channels Anthony Perkins when he tells Sidney Prescott (Neve Campell) ‘We all go a little mad sometimes’.
The Shining (1980)
The Shining is another classic film starring Jack Nicholson and directed by Stanley Kubrick. It is based on the Stephen King novel of the same name. The Shining surrounds the Torrance family as they move to the Overlook Hotel.
Similar to the Torrance family, Scream character Tatum Riley (Rose McGowan) also drives a red Volkswagen Beetle.
Serpico (1973)
Serpico is a movie starring Al Pacino and directed by Sidney Lumet. It is a biographical retelling of the life of Frank Serpico during his time with the New York City Police.
Towards the end of Scream, Stu Macher (Matthew Lillard) quotes Al Pachino when he says ‘I always had a thing for you, Sid’.
Carrie (1976)
Another Stephen King pick! Carrie was directed by Brian De Palma and stars Sissy Spacek, John Travolta, and Piper Laurie. It tells the story of a bullied high school student named Carrie White.
In Scream, Billy Loomis is seen covered in what should be his own blood. However, we find out that Billy made his own fake blood out of corn syrup. He tells Sidney Prescott that corn syrup was also used for the pigs’ blood in the film adaption of Stephen King’s Carrie.
The Exorcist (1973)
The Exorcist stars Linda Blair, Jason Miller, and Ellen Burstyn. It was directed by William Friedkin. The film is about a priest who attempts to help a twelve-year-old girl who is possessed by a demon.
When Billy Loomis visits Sidney Prescott in her bedroom, he mentions watching the ‘edited for television’ version of The Exorcist.
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Reservoir Dogs (1992)
Reservoir Dogs is a crime film starring Quentin Tarantino, Harvey Keitel, Tim Roth, Michael Madsen, Steve Buscemi, and Chris Penn. It tells the story of the aftermath of a robbery gone wrong.
While Stu Macher is bleeding out after letting Billy Stab him, he says ‘I think I’m dying here, man’. This is a reference to when Mr. Orange gets shot in Quentin Tarantino’s Reservoir Dogs.
Halloween (1978)
Halloween stars Jaime Lee Curtis and was directed by John Carpenter. The film follows a woman named Laurie Strode as she is stalked by an infamous killer on Halloween night.
At the beginning of the first Scream film, we see Casey Becker’s (Drew Barrymore) parents coming home to find their house broken into. Casey’s father tells his wife to go to the McKenzie’s house. This is a callback to the first Halloween film where Laurie Strode (Jaime Lee Curtis) has the kids go to the McKenzie’s house.
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What Are Your Favorite Movies Referenced In Scream?
We hope you enjoyed the list of our favorite movie references in Scream 1. Did we miss any of your favorites? Let us know on social media!
