By John Valeri – Webmaster of Scream Franchise Examiner, chronicling the cultural impact of the legendary horror series.

Scream was the first scary movie I can remember watching—at least by choice. I had asked for it as a Christmas gift and decided to watch it alone on New Year’s Eve. My brother was sleeping over at a friend’s house, and my mom had already gone to bed. Big mistake.

From the moment Drew Barrymore’s Casey Becker was terrorized by a masked killer, I was immobilized by fear. Sitting in the dark, I regretted not leaving a light on. Yet, despite the terror, I was completely drawn into the story.

As a fan of whodunits, I appreciated how Scream offered more than just scares. The intricately developed plot went beyond mere excuses for violence. The mystery surrounding Maureen Prescott’s murder and the questions about Cotton Weary’s innocence brought depth to the story, making me both suspect and empathize with the characters navigating these events.

When the final credits rolled, I found myself in awe of the film’s surprising conclusion. Still, I turned on every light as I made the short walk to my bedroom, which felt like miles in the dark. That night, Scream became the first movie to leave me speechless—and I loved it.

It ignited my passion for horror and my search for films that could recreate that same sense of thrill and awe. While few have managed to capture the magic of Scream, its influence remains unmatched in my personal journey with the genre.

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