In the darkest period of slasher history, when franchise fatigue was at its peak and the subgenre had become little more than a parody of its former self, the late Wes Craven‘s Scream came to save it from the brink. What could have been another generic, run-of-the-mill, forgettable slasher flick instead became a horror phenomenon that not only revitalized people’s interest in slashers but also became a massive hit that defined cinema in the ’90s. Now considered a classic, it’s earned its place in horror history as one of the most influential slashers ever.
There’s no denying Scream‘s impact in the nearly thirty years since its release. From its famous lines being endlessly quoted throughout the years, to the massively successful franchise it spawned, to the countless imitators that came after it, needless to say, it is beautifully significant. With the release of its long-awaited seventh installment due to make a killing in 2026, let’s talk about Scream‘s legacy in the form of the slasher films that came after it. The following are ten of the best slashers released post-Scream. Some took inspiration from Craven’s masterpiece; most are completely their own thing. However, they all prove that the subgenre got better after Scream‘s success.
10
‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’ (1997)
Starting off is truly the first Scream clone to ride off of that film’s momentum. Directed by Jim Gillespie and written by Scream‘s own screenwriter Kevin Williamson, I Know What You Did Last Summer is an endlessly enjoyable whodunnit slasher that only gets more fun with age. It follows four young friends as their lives are changed by a tragic accident that they covered up. Now, on the anniversary of their horrible deed, a mysterious hook-wielding madman threatens to make them pay for what they did.
It thankfully doesn’t take itself too seriously and provides constant thrills and chills that can always satisfy any slasher fan. While certainly not as good as Scream, it’s a worthy slasher that kept the ball rolling for slashers and is today considered a cult favorite. Even spawning a string of mostly mediocre sequels, and a reboot film also titled I Know What You Did Last Summer, which was a modest box office hit early in 2025.
9
‘The Texas Chainsaw Massacre’ (2003)
The early 2000s saw a trend that saw many classic horrors, including slashers, being updated for modern audiences. With bigger budgets and mostly better effects, the only problem, though, is that most didn’t recapture the magic that made the originals so special. All expect perhaps 2003’s remake of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Like Tobe Hooper‘s groundbreaking 1974 masterpiece, this story follows a group of friends as their trip through the Texas countryside turns brutal when they run into a ruthless, chainsaw-wielding cannibal.
It’s not as frighteningly realistic or timelessly inspirational as its predecessor, but the ’03 Texas Chainsaw Massacre is surprisingly solid and arguably just as intense and bloody. It visually captures the original’s tone, even calling back to some of its popular aspects, but it also tries to be its own thing and ramps up some of the blood and violence. Perhaps it’s Scream‘s impact at keeping slashers alive that helped spark a desire to remake certain classics, and while most seem unnecessary, as far as the ’03 Texas Chainsaw Massacre goes, it’s honestly one of the best.
8
‘Happy Death Day’ (2017)
2017’s Happy Death Day is a delightful dark comedy that adds something fun and different by proudly copying beats from Groundhog Day. It hilariously flips the script on slashers by instead of having an undead killer, it has a technically undead victim who constantly experiences bloodshed. It follows a popular sorority girl as her birthday turns into an endless nightmare, as she’s stuck in a time loop where she’s killed by the same mask-wearing serial killer every night.
It provides many unique and darkly funny ways one can die in a single day. Happy Death Day may not be the most original or compelling slasher flick, but it’s thrilling, doesn’t try to be anything serious, and just wants to have fun with its absurd premise. Much like the time loop the character experiences, you’ll just keep wanting to come back.
7
‘In a Violent Nature’ (2024)
The years since Scream have seen the slasher subgenre evolve with projects that dared to be different. Among the ideas was what would happen if a slasher were shot entirely from the killer’s perspective. That’s what happens in 2024’s In a Violent Nature, an experimental indie project that has the feel of a typical slasher with all its tropes and all, but elevated with something new. It follows a resurrected undead killer as he stalks the woods searching for and slaughtering those who unintentionally woke him from his slumber.
Its premise is nothing new, but not with such a unique approach as this. In a Violent Nature is dark, vicious, and spectacularly gory, but it’s such a well-shot and visually beautiful film with Oscar-worthy cinematography and sound that distinguishes itself from all the rest. Admittedly, it’s not for everyone, considering its slow pace and lack of atmosphere, but it’s a unique experience that’s unlike any slasher before it can be quite unsettling for those who give it a try.
6
‘Halloween’ (2018)
The post-Scream era saw a resurgence of more Halloween films. It was a franchise that dropped off heavily before Scream‘s help, but since then, it took off once again, to mostly no success as the franchise expereinces several more missteps and a semi-decent Rob Zombie remake attempt in the early 2000s. But truly, the series experienced a rebirth with 2018’s Halloween, a reboot/sequel which ignored the events of every other installment and is instead a straightforward continuation to John Carpenter‘s 1978 original, this time following an older Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis) as she once again faces Michael Myers, who’s escaped after 40 years of captivity.
Fans and critics point out how this is closest in style and tone to the original two Halloween films, complete with an epic and chilling score by John Carpenter, who collaborated with the score. The setting is perfect and certainly feels like the dark, isolating suburban feel of the first film, and suspense is certainly prevalent throughout the story. While it has its flaws, 2018’s Halloween is a tense and powerfully frightening experience that’s certainly for Halloween fans and can satisfy the average viewer.
5
‘Terrifier 2’ (2022)
The Terrifier franchise is arguably one of the most recognizable slasher series post-Scream. This pop-cultural horror sensation has been all the rage in the community thanks to unbelievably grotesque gore and intense violence. It’s shocking, brutal, and through all the blood, guts, and horrible acts of bodily harm, it is the dark and twisted sense of humor fans have come to love. The best of the trilogy so far is arguably Terrifier 2, the one that catapulted the franchise into the spotlight. It sees Art the Clown (David Howard Thornton), as it follows his continued bloody rampage, this time as he primarily targets a young teenager (Lauren LaVera) who may hold the secret power to stop him once and for all.
It goes bigger, bolder, and of course, bloodier, shocking audiences with so many horrendous acts of violence that it’s truly unforgettable. The comedy is also noticeably at its peak, and there are moments that’ll have you laughing despite all the horrible moments that were previously shown on screen. While it’s certainly not for the faint of heart, Terrifier 2 is a disgusting and memorable standout that’s become a modern slasher classic.
4
‘Pearl’ (2022)
American filmmaker Ti West has made a name for himself in horror recently, thanks to elevating slashers with his acclaimed and truly remarkable X trilogy. It’s a three-film slasher series that stands out for its unique style, wonderfully done homages to the horror genre, and stellar, Oscar-worthy acting, especially from its leading star, Mia Goth. The second installment, which was released the same year as the first one, Pearl, is a notable highlight of the series. A prequel to the previous film, it follows a young Pearl (Goth) as she slowly snaps into a murderous rage after being stuck on her oppressive family farm.
It’s an emotionally gripping tale with a great mix of drama and unsettling terror. Coupled with its perfectly paced suspense and atmosphere, Pearl is an unforgettable experience that greatly gets under your skin and keeps you hooked right until the very end. Mia Goth was criminally snubbed out of an Oscar nomination for this film, as she gave a raw intensity to this role, and its easily one of the best performances in a horror movie this century. Pearl is a modern benchmark for slashers, and its acclaim with only get better with age.
3
‘X’ (2022)
But Pearl isn’t the only one getting discussed here from West’s franchise. The one that started it all, X, is not only one of the best modern slashers, but also one of the most compelling horror films of the 2020s so far. Incredibly tense, beautifully shot, and memorably acted, it stars Goth in a dual performance, in a story that follows a small film crew as they shoot an amateur porno on a remote Texas farm, owned by an elderly couple who, through the night, reveal they aren’t as harmless as they originally seemed.
Much like Scream, it flips the slasher formula on its head, providing a unique and intriguing horror experience that’s unexpected and wildly enjoyable. Despite its familiar premise, it’s boosted by wonderful performances, incredible cinematography, gorgeous visuals, and a story that has the right balance of horror and dark comedy. Horror can’t be talked about in the 2020s without mentioning this remarkable slasher achievement.
2
‘You’re Next’ (2011)
If there was ever a better example of flipping the script on slasher tropes, it would be 2011’s You’re Next. This dark and tense survival flick is a bloody thrill ride that’s exceptionally horrific, suspenseful, and pulse-poundingly action-packed. It takes some of the many clichés associated with the subgenre and throws them right out the window, as it follows a capable young woman with survivalist training from her dark past, as she battles a trio of ruthless masked killers who’ve come to crash her boyfriend’s family mansion party.
It’s an intense feeling of excitement when watching You’re Next. It grips you right in with the idea that it’s going to be a bleak thriller where a poor family is at the mercy of the killers, then it kicks things up into high gear as it switches from horror to survival and action as a woman with unexpected skills turns the tables on the men. It’s an overall crowd-pleasing modern classic that became one of the 2010s’ most thrilling horror stand-outs.
1
‘American Psycho’ (2000)
In a post-Scream era, one that’s arguably the best since, has to be Mary Harron‘s 2000 film American Psycho. A strange and deeply thought-provoking psychological thriller, it’s a highly rewatchable film that sees Academy Award-winner Christian Bale in one of his most iconic roles as Patrick Bateman, a wealthy New Yorker who acts as a playboy businessman by day and moonlights as an uncontrollable serial killer by night.
It’s Bale’s brilliant performance and the film’s sharp writing and bizarre tone that led American Psycho to become one of the most significant horror films of the 21st century. It’s darkly hilarious, endlessly quotable, and an overall blast that any slasher can constantly come back to. While Scream will forever be remembered as the one that helped save slashers from extinction, movies like American Psycho prove the subgenre will still keep on striving.