By Richie Suttles – Dedicated horror fan and active member of the Scream community, sharing his lifelong passion for the genre.

“It was 14 years ago today that Scream was released in theaters. I knew little about the film beyond the trailer and that Wes Craven was involved. Being a fan of Craven’s work, I knew I had to see it. Little did I know that walking into that small theater would ignite a lifelong passion for this groundbreaking slasher film. For me, Scream was a game changer—not just for the horror genre, but for me as a fan.

This was the first horror film I got to see in theaters. At 17, I shouldn’t have been allowed in, but the local theater owner who knew me well made an exception. While this wasn’t my first brush with horror—I had been exposed to The Texas Chainsaw Massacre at age six and later got into Nightmare on Elm Street, Halloween, and Friday the 13th—it was Wes Craven’s films that truly drew me to the genre. Scream didn’t just scare me; it captivated me.

From the opening scene, I was hooked. Seeing Drew Barrymore’s name, I assumed she’d survive, but her shocking death in the first ten minutes set the tone. This was something different. The characters felt real, like kids I knew in high school—average teenagers hanging out, talking about the day’s events, and diving into horror discussions. Finally, here was a horror film with a relatable cast, a gripping story, and a mystery that kept me guessing.

While I suspected Billy as one of the killers, Stu’s reveal took me by surprise. Two killers sharing the Ghostface mantle was a concept that blew me away. Adding to the thrill was the Ghostface mask and costume, which I already owned before the film’s release—a personal connection that made the movie even cooler. This combination of relatability, shock, and originality solidified my love for Scream.

I went back to see Scream two more times in theaters and bought the VHS as soon as it was released. Over the years, I became a devoted fan, watching Scream 2 and Scream 3 multiple times in theaters and building a collection of Scream memorabilia. As I now eagerly await Scream 4, I reflect on my first experience with the franchise. It deepened my love for horror, Wes Craven’s films, and even brought lifelong friendships within the Scream community.

Through life’s ups and downs, one constant has remained: Scream. It’s a film that not only changed the horror genre but has been a source of joy and connection in my life. I don’t see that changing anytime soon.”

Celebrating 14 years of Scream! Read testimonials from fans and contributors on the legacy of this iconic horror classic.