As one of the most popular slasher franchises of all time, the Scream films have given horror fans shocking death scenes since 1996. Throughout the first four installments, audience members followed the unhealthy obsession Ghostface always seems to have with Sidney Prescott. With this comes a series of brutal murders that have left a mark on cinematic history.
What sets Ghostface apart from other slash movie killers is that the person behind the mask isn't some maimed monster. It is actually someone the main character knows very well, which makes the entire plot even more ominous. With Scream 5 set to hit theaters oin January 2022, the total number of kills—39 so far—will certainly go up. In the meantime, here's a recap of the most memorable deaths from the first four films.
10 Maureen Evans
Portrayed by Jada Pinkett Smith in Scream 2, Maureen Evans' death serves as a commentary on horror films in general. While on a date, Maureen does nothing but complain about how unrealistic the horror film is, and how dumb the characters are. However, when she is brutally stabbed to death in front of the entire theater audience, her passing isn't much different. The moviegoers sit in shock as she dies. Most probably assume that it is an act at first. However, once they realize that she has truly died, panic ensues. Not a single person goes to check on her either.
9 Steve Orth
As the first official death in the Scream franchise, Steve Orth (Kevin Patrick Walls) is a short-lived character, albeit an important one. Woodsboro High's star football player and boyfriend to Casey Becker (Drew Barrymore), his gruesome murder is quite symbolic. Physical strength and social status won't be very helpful in this slasher film. Tied to a chair outside with his intestines spilled, his death also signifies just how horrific and merciless the Ghostface killer truly is.
8 Jill Roberts
Played by Emma Roberts, Jill Roberts (Scream 4) is an interesting character who dies in a hideous, yet deserving, way. As Sidney's cousin, it comes as a great shock when it is revealed that she is the latest Ghostface killer's accomplice. Out of jealousy, she tries to murder Sidney, but she fails. When she discovers that Sid has survived, she tries again inside the hospital. It is here that fans get to witness her demise via defibrillator to the temples. This is also where the iconic line "Don't mess with the original," comes into play.
7 Principal Himbry
Added to the script later by screenwriter Kevin Williamson, Principal Himbry (Henry Winkler), wasn't originally supposed to die in the first Scream film. However, the producers thought that there was too much space between the deaths of Casey Becker and Tatum Riley. While Principal Himbry's murder wasn't very graphics, the scene was visually striking. The reflection of the masked killer was shown in the eye of Himbry as he was murdered - making it a very memorable scene.
6 Derek Feldman
Played by Jerry O'Connell, Derek Feldman's death in Scream 2 was a mind-bender. As Sidney's boyfriend, audiences were led to believe he may be the masked killer. Given her history with the last Ghostface, it was very hard for Sidney to trust Derek throughout the film. Even when she discovers him crucified on the theatre stage, she still has her doubts. Although he was simply shot to death, Derek's heartwarming goodbye to Sidney makes this an iconic Scream moment that fans will never forget.
5 Billy Loomis
As the original Ghostface, Billy Loomis (Skeet Ulrich) had to make the list. After his final failed attempt to kill Sidney, he was presumed dead after being stabbed with an umbrella. Arguably, he could've survived and gone on to play Ghostface again in later installments if he had just played along. Instead, he tries to get back up and is shot in the head by Sidney. It's not a very creative way to leave the world, but it works.
4 Stu Macher
As one of the best wingmen in any horror film, Stu Macher (Mathew Lillard) is granted a death that is funny and a bit sad at the same time. After being stabbed several times by his buddy Billy, Stu is already slowly bleeding to death before he is actually killed. As he realizes that he is dying, he gives several humorous lines about peer pressure and his parents being mad at him. Ultimately, this dash of comedy doesn't help his case, and Sidney crushes his head with a television.
3 Cici Cooper
As the third death in Scream 2, Cici Cooper (Sarah Michelle Gellar) is treated in a brutal - yet memorable - way. In a nod to the Casey Becker phone call/death scene from the original movie, Cici is taunted by a distorted voice over the phone. After being chased through her home, Ghostface throws her off the second-floor balcony - killing her instantly. It is a shocking scene, and it also gives fans the impression that this film will have more deaths in it than the first.
2 Casey Becker
With Drew Barrymore playing Casey Becker, fans were stunned when she was brutally murdered and strung up in a tree. After a long, ominous phone call with who is later revealed to be Ghostface, Casey watches her boyfriend—the aforementioned Steve Orth—get murdered outside her home. Chased through the house, Casey attempts to call her parents. They listen as she is dragged off to her death, and they find her moment later. The interesting thing about this is that Drew was originally offered the role of the main character - Sidney. However, she felt that Casey was better suited to her, and she wanted to shock everyone.
1 Tatum Riley
Portrayed by Rose McGowan, Tatum Riley's death is both horrifying and iconic. After going to the garage in the middle of a party to get drinks, Tatum is confronted by Ghostface. Thinking it's a joke, she delivers the famous line "Please don't kill me, Mr. Ghostface. I wanna be in the sequel." She quickly realizes that it isn't a joke when he cuts her arm. While she puts up a great fight, her fatal error was trying to crawl through the doggy slot on the garage door. Ghostface flips the garage door switch, and she is carried to the top - crushing her head in the process.