By Ashley Rose – Webmistress of The Drewseum, a passionate curator of all things Drew Barrymore.

I am probably different from most Scream fans in that I can’t handle horror movies. I don’t like them, don’t watch them, and initially had no plans to see Scream when it was released. The brief glimpses of Ghostface in TV commercials were terrifying enough for me. I even let a friend spoil the entire movie for me when she recounted every horrifying detail after a sleepless night at a sleepover.

However, when the movie was re-released in theaters in April 1997, something changed. For reasons I still can’t fully explain, I decided to give in and see it. I’ll never forget the visceral fear I felt during the opening scene—my legs were literally shaking. Even though I knew the plot and Casey’s fate had already been spoiled for me, I was convinced she would escape right up until the heartbreaking end.

I wasn’t an immediate fan, but my appreciation grew over time. That summer, I met David Arquette and Matthew Lillard at a convention and even dressed up as Casey Becker for Halloween. Around that same time, I became a huge Drew Barrymore fan, further cementing my connection to the film.

The more I watched Scream, the more I found to love. The actors’ stellar performances, the captivating cinematography, the eerie settings, the perfect blend of comedy and terror, the sharp dialogue, the spine-chilling scares, and the unforgettable score—all of it became more meaningful with each viewing.

Somehow, this non-horror-movie-watcher now proudly calls Scream her all-time favorite movie. It’s a testament to the brilliance of the film that it can transcend genres and appeal to even the most unlikely fans.

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