On February 4, 2000, Scream 3 slashed its way into theaters, bringing Ghostface, Sidney Prescott, and the franchise’s signature meta-horror style back to the big screen. Now, 25 years later, it remains a fascinating chapter in the Scream saga—one that was darker, wilder, and eerily relevant to Hollywood itself.
Directed by Wes Craven and written by Ehren Kruger, Scream 3 took the series to Hollywood, where a new Ghostface killer terrorized the set of Stab 3, the in-universe movie based on Sidney’s real-life experiences. As the body count rose, Sidney (Neve Campbell), Gale Weathers (Courteney Cox), and Dewey Riley (David Arquette) once again found themselves in a deadly game, this time with secrets about Sidney’s mother’s past at the heart of the mystery.
Unlike its predecessors, Scream 3 leaned heavier into comedy and Hollywood satire, reflecting the industry’s obsession with sequels and reboots. The film also had to navigate post-Columbine restrictions on violence in media, leading to a toned-down script compared to the bloodier Scream films before and after. Despite mixed reviews upon release, Scream 3 has since gained appreciation for its self-awareness, over-the-top kills, and iconic cameos, including a hilarious scene featuring Carrie Fisher.
It also served as a temporary conclusion to Sidney’s story before the franchise was revived in 2011 with Scream 4. Now, with Ghostface more popular than ever, Scream 3 stands as an essential piece of the franchise’s evolution.
As we celebrate 25 years of Scream 3, it’s the perfect time to revisit this Hollywood horror satire—just don’t answer any mysterious phone calls while watching.