How meta can you get? Scream—a movie inspired by the real-life Gainesville Murders—has itself been linked to real-life crimes, earning it a spot on FEARnet’s “Bad Inspiration” top five.

Kevin Williamson’s script drew from reality to craft its terrifying and satirical story, but it’s doubtful he imagined his work would inspire others to blur the lines between fiction and reality, transforming their actions into Stab-style atrocities.

FEARnet’s “Bad Inspiration” List

Here’s what FEARnet had to say about Scream’s inclusion:

“Wes Craven‘s slasher satire has been blamed in a number of murders, if for no other reason than the killers wore the mask or the DVDs were found in the possessions of the criminal.”

• Los Angeles: A woman was killed by her son and nephew, who claimed to be inspired by Scream and Scream 2. They reportedly wanted to buy Ghostface costumes but couldn’t afford them.
• England: Two teenagers stabbed a younger friend and left him to die. He survived and testified that he believed Scream inspired the attack.
• France: A boy dressed as Ghostface killed his parents.
• Florida: A man wearing a Ghostface mask shot a woman to death.

“Movies Don’t Create Psychos…”

While the Scream franchise has been implicated in these horrifying cases, it’s important to separate fiction from reality. As Billy Loomis famously said, “Movies don’t create psychos. Movies make psychos more creative.”

The root of such actions lies in the disturbed minds of the perpetrators, not the entertainment they consume. Blaming films like Scream serves as a scapegoat for deeper societal issues and psychological disorders.

A Chilling Legacy

The debate over violence in media and its influence on real-life actions continues to be a contentious issue. This topic is explored in detail in the documentary Scream: The Inside Story, which examines the cultural impact and controversies surrounding the Scream franchise.

Scream may be a satirical critique of horror tropes, but its legacy has been tainted by these tragic cases. As fans, it’s essential to acknowledge the broader societal factors at play and resist the urge to lay blame solely on entertainment.