‘Scream 7’ Breaks Franchise Record with Lowest Rotten Tomatoes Score

The latest installment in the beloved horror series, ‘Scream 7’, quickly made headlines for all the wrong reasons. With a Rotten Tomatoes score sitting at a dismal 39 percent, this film has earned the unfortunate distinction of being the lowest-rated entry in the entire franchise. Fans who have followed the Ghostface saga since the original in 1996 might feel a pang of disappointment, as previous movies generally hovered in the 60 to 80 percent range, with some even climbing higher. This drop highlights how challenging it can be to keep a long-running series fresh and engaging.

Behind the scenes, ‘Scream 7’ faced a whirlwind of changes that likely contributed to its rocky reception. After the success of ‘Scream VI’, directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett stepped away in 2023 to pursue other projects. Christopher Landon was initially brought on to helm the film, but he departed following the exits of key stars Melissa Barrera and Jenna Ortega. Neve Campbell, the iconic Sidney Prescott, announced her return in March 2024, which brought some excitement back to the production.

Kevin Williamson, who created the original ‘Scream’ and co-wrote this screenplay with Guy Busick based on a story by James Vanderbilt and Busick, took over directing duties. Filming kicked off in January 2025 and wrapped up by March, leading to a premiere at Paramount Pictures on February 25, 2026. This shift in leadership aimed to steer the franchise back to its roots, but critics argue it fell short in execution. The story centers on a new Ghostface killer stalking Sidney Prescott’s daughter, blending legacy elements with fresh threats.

Returning cast members include Neve Campbell as Sidney, David Arquette as Dewey Riley, Courteney Cox as Gale Weathers, Matthew Lillard as Stu Macher in a surprising twist, and Mason Gooding as Chad Meeks-Martin. New faces joining the fray are Isabel May, Anna Camp, Michelle Randolph, Jimmy Tatro, Mckenna Grace, and Joel McHale, each bringing their own energy to the ensemble. This mix of old and new was meant to honor the series’ history while introducing modern appeal. However, the absence of Barrera and Ortega, who played Sam and Tara Carpenter, left noticeable gaps that the script struggled to fill.

Critics have been vocal about what went wrong, pointing to a lack of cohesive planning and character depth. Kristen Lopez from The Film Maven noted that the film suffered from not pivoting effectively after losing Sam, leaving character motivations feeling underdeveloped. Caralynn Matassa of CBR called it sloppy and inconsistent, labeling it the worst in the franchise due to its tired tropes. Many reviewers echoed this sentiment, highlighting how the movie relied too heavily on nostalgia without innovating.

Alonso Duralde from The Film Verdict emphasized the blow from losing Ortega and Barrera, saying the studio’s attempt to echo past glories came across as weak. Matt Donato of Daily Dead pointed out the missing strong characterizations that balanced gore and emotional investment in earlier films. Anthony Morris from It’s Better in the Dark criticized the messy story, uneven pacing, and loss of the series’ signature wit and metatextual irony. Visual flair also took a hit, making the film feel less dynamic than its predecessors.

On the brighter side, not all feedback was negative, with some appreciating the straightforward approach. David Crow from Den of Geek praised it as simple and fun, reminiscent of the first two movies in the series. The gore factor remains intact, delivering the bloody kills fans expect from Ghostface. Legacy characters get their moments to shine, which could appeal to longtime followers seeking familiarity.

Despite these positives, the consensus leans toward ‘Scream 7’ being the weakest link in the chain. Over-reliance on callbacks to previous entries overshadowed new ideas, resulting in a plot that felt convoluted at times. Pacing issues dragged in spots, while attempts at humor and irony didn’t land as sharply as in classics like the original ‘Scream’. This entry serves as a reminder that even iconic franchises can stumble when navigating cast changes and creative shifts.

Production hurdles undoubtedly played a role in the final product, from director swaps to star departures. Williamson’s vision aimed to recapture the essence of the series he started, but execution faltered in key areas like script polish and character arcs. For a franchise built on clever self-awareness, this installment lost some of that edge, leading to the record-low score. Fans might still find enjoyment in the kills and cameos, but it doesn’t reach the heights of earlier films.

What do you think about ‘Scream 7’ and its place in the franchise—share your thoughts in the comments.