It was December 20th, 1996, and a couple of friends and I carpooled to our local movie theater. You know, the kind of theater you don’t see anymore these days with the brick wall lining on the interior and movie titles proudly displayed on a marquee. Excitement was abound in our group as we were headed for a double feature of two highly anticipated movies of the holiday season: Beavis and Butthead Do America, and Wes Craven’s SCREAM, as they were simultaneously released on the same day. So we figured a little brainless comedy paired with a new horror movie was the best way to kick off our Christmas break.

As a matter of fact, this is the exact theater, thanks to cinematreasures.org for posting these pics that are making me ooze nostalgia from every orifice in my body.

After almost puking from laughing with Beavis and Butthead, it was horror’s turn as we shuffled into the theater room next door for SCREAM; and it was an experience much different than the aforementioned. One that only a horror fan would understand. It was goddamn glorious.

Spanning over 25 years, Wes Craven’s Scream has slashed its way into the hearts of horror fans becoming a beloved franchise entry into the Kingdom of Horror Legends. Spawning now four sequels, with SCREAM 5 being released this week, I figured what better time to go back to the original that was heavily influenced by the prior 20 years of phenomenal horror films; of which many are referenced in Scream themselves.

Obviously, I had to go back and rewatch the original so as not to miss any references here, but it’s possible I did anyway- and if so, make sure to comment down below what my dumb-ass didn’t catch the first few 100 times.

HALLOWEEN

It goes without saying John Carpenter’s Halloween is pretty much the gold standard for slasher films, and here is no exception as not only is the movie used as a set-up for one of horror hero Randy’s rants but mentioned several times throughout the film as well.

A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET

Is that the one where the guy had knives for fingers? I liked that movie. It was scary– Ghostface
Yeah, the first one was but the rest sucked. – Casey

I would have felt bad for Casey had she not made that statement. Did she not ever see Dream Warriors or The Dream Master? Pfft…

CARRIE

“Corn syrup. Same thing they used for pig’s blood in Carrie.”- Billy

I appreciate that kind of attention to detail when planning the crime scene.

PSYCHO

“We all go a little crazy sometimes–Anthony Perkins, Psycho.” – Billy

And umm, yeah he certainly did.

WHEN A STRANGER CALLS

1996’s SCREAM did a fantastic recreation of the 1979 horror where the movie’s babysitter is tormented by a mysterious caller until she discovers the calls are coming from inside the house. In all fairness, it’s also an old urban legend, but one that never loses its edge.

FRIDAY THE 13TH

“Name the killer in Friday the 13th?” -Ghostface

I’d say that was a dirty trick, but for anyone that knows better, it really isn’t. Sorry Casey.

THE EXORCIST

“I was home watching television. The Exorcist was on. It got me thinking of you.” – Billy

Now if that ain’t a red flag that your boyfriend ain’t right in the head, I don’t know what is.

THE HOWLING

“What’s that werewolf movie with E.T.’s mom in it?”– Random Video Store Customer

Even though Randy gave the wrong title, it’s still a fun little Easter egg.

PROM NIGHT

“If they’d watch ‘Prom Night,’ they’d save time!” – Randy

Seriously, always listen to the horror movie nerd in a real-life murder scenario, OK?

Added Jamie Lee Splendor; THE FOG/ TERROR TRAIN

“‘The Fog,’ ‘Terror Train,’ ‘Prom Night’… How come Jamie Lee Curtis is in all of these movies?”– Sydney

Because like Randy answers, “She’s the Scream Queen.” The end.

THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE

“What’s Leatherface doing here?” – Randy

Once again, Randy wasn’t too far off on this one.

I SPIT ON YOUR GRAVE

“Cute. What movie is this from, ‘I Spit on Your Garage’?” – Tatum

You wish, Tatum. Unfortunately, you won’t get revenge like in the referenced film.

THE TOWN THAT DREADED SUNDOWN

“Look at this place. It’s the town that dreaded sundown.” -Sydney

I really love that reference more than almost anything on this list. Perfect placement.

THE BAD SEED

I’m afraid I’ll turn out just like her—the Bad Seed or something.” – Sydney

A fear we all have as teenagers Syd.

THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS

It’s like Jodie Foster in ‘Silence of the Lambs’ when she keeps having flashbacks of her dead father.”– Billy

Ironically, a sociopath manipulating his female counterpart is something Billy and Hannibal have in common.

CANDYMAN

Oh, you mean after you branded him the Candyman? No, his heart’s broken.” -Stu

Good. Fuck you, Billy.

FRANKENSTEIN

One of the oldest horror films in the genre, and respectively, the one that paved the way for so many on this list, Frankenstein can be seen playing at Randy’s video rental workplace in the background.

Welp, I think that about covers it. And in case you need a refresher on how to survive a horror movie, listen to wise Randy here. No one else did and all this bullshit could have been avoided had they done so. We salute you, Randy.