Thank you Netgalley for the advanced copy!

This was such a fun read! It was the perfect love letter to an incredible franchise. My only constructive feedback was I felt like many more pages were given to 5 + 6 and I would've loved the same amount to be about the first one. Also, with Scream 7 about to come out and how everything is being pulled together with Neve coming back and Williamson finally directing I would've loved to have waited to read this and get more of the behind the scenes of 7. At this time since it hasn't come out yet all that is on lockdown.

Loved my time reading this!

This book is the deep dive into the Scream films that every fan wants:

1. Interesting history tidbits about the making of the films
2. Heartfelt homage to Wes Craven
3. The thought processes behind who was the killer and why
4. Dissection of the impact of the Scream franchise and what sets its apart from other slasher franchises
5. Looks toward the future of the franchise

I had such a great time reading this book, and I’m only sad it’s not longer.

Disclosure: I received a gifted ARC and eARC from the publisher

What's your favorite scary movie? Because mine has always been Scream. I loved the first movie as a kid and love them all more and more with every watch. The fact that Ghostface could be anyone made this franchise more exciting than any other scary movie/franchise.

When I saw this book was coming out, I was immediately excited about it. I really loved the in depth look at each movie and I think any fan would. I especially liked learning more about the cast and crew of each movie and how they felt about everything. A lot of this book was a love letter to Wes Craven and I found myself tearing up through a lot of it.

I don't know where the franchise will go or how many more movies will be made but I'll watch them til the day I die. And I also can't wait to buy this book.

Thanks so much NetGalley and Penguin Group Dutton for the ARC of this book! :)

"Your Favorite Scary Movie" is exactly what it says on the dripping-blood cover: a love letter to the "Scream" franchise written with the kind of reverence usually reserved for religion or Taylor Swift. Ashley Cullins doesn’t just walk us through the Ghostface cinematic universe — she lays out the guts, cleans up the mess, and then invites us all to gather around the crime scene and cry about it. If you’ve ever whispered “I want to be Neve Campbell when I grow up” or wanted to physically threaten someone for ranking "Scream 3" too low, this is your sacred text.

This isn’t some dry production recap. This is behind-the-scenes with heart, blood, and an emotional autopsy of a genre that refuses to die. Cullins covers "Scream" 1 through 6 with the kind of care that shouts “final girl energy,” giving us deep dives into the creators, actors, and the behind-the-camera chaos that made this franchise not just iconic but personal. And yes, Harvey Weinstein is mentioned — briefly, honestly, appropriately. He’s treated like the human biohazard he is and then immediately shoved back into the dark closet where he belongs. This story isn’t about him. It’s about the people who survived his shadow and made art anyway.

And that is what makes this book feel like you’re being handed a bloody knife by someone who says, “Here. Now you tell the story.” You get Craven’s quiet genius, Williamson’s whip-smart dialogue, the meta-magic that made horror self-aware without being self-obsessed. You see how this franchise kept evolving — even when the rules changed, even when it shouldn't have worked. Even when they had to make "Scream 6" without their queen. And somehow, it still worked.

If you’ve been on this ride since Sid was leaning out her bedroom window channeling "Dawson’s Creek" — a little wink from Kevin Williamson to the Joey Potter who was just around the corner — you might already know most of the facts. But Cullins still makes them feel new. This isn’t an info dump. It’s a dinner party with the horror kids, and everyone’s passing around stories like wine and trauma. Even if you've heard the anecdotes before, the way they're told here? You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll text your horror group chat at midnight just to say “Remember when Tatum got garage-doored?”

And here’s the thing: this book doesn’t just celebrate horror, it understands why people need it. My 13th birthday was 9/11. I don’t even remember the cake. What I remember is that Friday night, when my friends stayed over in the basement and we watched "Scream" and "Scream 2" on rented VHS tapes from Blockbuster with “Be Kind Rewind” stickers on it. The neighborhood boys banged on the windows trying to scare us, and it worked — but it also released something. That night, we let go of the fear we couldn’t name and grabbed onto the fear we could. Ghostface was terrifying, but at least he made sense. That was the moment horror stopped being just entertainment. It became therapy. It became ours.

It doesn’t try to sell you on "Scream" with stats or box office numbers. It just reminds you why you already loved it. It makes you excited for "Scream 7" in that heart-racing, pre-trailer, please-don’t-screw-this-up kind of way. It honors Wes, lifts up the creatives still building on his bones, and celebrates the weird, unkillable magic of horror fandom at its best.

Four and a half stars. It’s smart, stylish, and just messy enough to feel personal — like a slasher written by someone who knows exactly what fear tastes like and still goes back for seconds. The only thing notably missing? Any mention of the "Scream" MTV/VH1 series, which is treated here like the franchise's moody exchange student — interesting, atmospheric, and quietly left off the group text. Season 1 especially earned its place — not canon, sure, but still part of the legacy. A sharp little detour that understood the assignment and bled for it. Because scream queens come in many forms — and sometimes they show up on basic cable and still leave a mark.

The culmination of research and interviews makes this feel like the book version of those Friday the 13th and Nightmare on Elm Street retrospective docuseries. It's very well done. It honors the cast, crew and Wes Craven in a very respectful way that is the perfect vibe for horror fans. It also made me want to rewatch all the movies, and now I'm extra excited for Scream 7, which gets a few neat look-ahead chapters as well.

Title: Your Favorite Scary Movie
Author: Ashley Cullins
Publisher: Penguin Group Dutton / Plume
Release Date: August 19, 2025
Genre: Nonfiction / Film History / Pop Culture
Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)

Your Favorite Scary Movie is a nostalgic, fan-forward tribute to the Scream franchise—a book that, at its best, reads like an extended bonus feature on a Blu-ray box set. Ashley Cullins assembles a sprawling oral history of the series, anchored by interviews with cast, crew, and creatives from all six films (plus early notes on Scream 7), offering a heartfelt look at how a self-aware slasher reshaped modern horror.

Thank you to NetGalley, Plume, and Penguin Group Dutton for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Cullins’ love for Scream and especially Wes Craven is palpable. The book shines brightest when reflecting on Craven’s legacy as both a director and mentor. Anecdotes from stars like Neve Campbell and Courteney Cox bring warmth to the page, and the reverence with which collaborators speak about Craven gives this project real emotional weight. Horror nerds will find plenty of joy in these passages—especially if you’ve memorized the rules of surviving a scary movie.

That said, once you get past the fan-service veneer, cracks begin to show.

The book leans so hard into its celebratory tone that it often forgets to offer critical insight or structure. Despite collecting a massive number of interviews (over 80), Your Favorite Scary Movie sometimes reads more like a PR packet than a cohesive narrative. Cullins rarely steps in to frame or interrogate the material, resulting in long stretches of uncontextualized quotes that lose momentum. It’s an oral history in theory, but not always in practice—there’s little connective tissue to elevate the commentary into deeper analysis.

As it moves into the later sequels (Scream 5 and 6), the tone shifts into full-on self-congratulation. There’s not much scrutiny, no exploration of fan backlash, and a surprising lack of commentary from recent key players like Jenna Ortega and Melissa Barrera—whose absence in both the franchise and this book is glaring, even if addressed indirectly.

While the early chapters do a solid job of exploring the franchise's cultural impact and box office significance, the book starts to feel lopsided as it progresses. Scream 1–3 get the depth they deserve. Scream 4–6 feel rushed and promotional, less like history and more like a warm-up for a press junket.

Final Verdict:
Your Favorite Scary Movie is a heartfelt tribute to a beloved horror franchise, packed with behind-the-scenes nostalgia and insider love. For diehard Scream fans, there’s enough here to satisfy a craving. But as a serious nonfiction work, it falls short of being definitive. The emotional beats hit, the reverence is real—but this one could’ve used a sharper edit, more critical distance, and a deeper cut.

Recommended for readers who enjoy:

Oral histories of major film franchises

Tributes to Wes Craven and 90s horror

Behind-the-scenes tidbits and production gossip

Collectible fan books with heavy nostalgia appeal

A look into the movie that restarted the slasher genre.

This is truly a love letter to the Scream franchise, but even moreso a love letter to Wes Craven.

The true love and delight in these pages as people who worked with talk about how wonderful a director and human he was in palpable.

A must read for any Scream or Craven fan.

Loved everything about Craven's movies, but it all got a bit press kit when it reached the new era. Still, for fans of the franchise this is essential: passionate, fast-paced, entertaining, just like the best of the films it covers.

Your Favorite Scary Movie is an absolute treat for Scream fans, and it’s hard to imagine anyone who’s a die-hard follower of the franchise not getting completely sucked in. The level of detail here is incredible, and Ashley Cullins does a masterful job of blending the history of the films with insightful commentary and behind-the-scenes stories.

The interviews with the cast and creators, especially from the iconic Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, and David Arquette, offer personal perspectives that give this book real heart. It’s not just a timeline of events—it’s a look at how these films transformed the horror genre, combining brutal violence with self-aware humor that reinvigorated an entire industry. Cullins also dives deep into the impact of Scream on the genre, making it clear why this series became a cultural touchstone.

As a horror lover, cinephile, and longtime fan of Scream, I found myself devouring every chapter, even more so for the new interviews and fresh behind-the-scenes revelations that you won’t find elsewhere. The nostalgia is there, but there’s also a genuine appreciation for what the series did for horror storytelling.

Highly recommend this one if you’re obsessed with Scream or just love reading about how movies are made—especially those that leave an undeniable mark on pop culture.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group for the ARC!

I think the best compliment I could give this book is that I wanted more. Just more of everything - the oral histories, the conversations with crew and cast, and the behind the scenes crafting of some of the most iconic modern horror movies. I'm a horror nerd in so many forms, and a former makeup effects artist, so I loved all the info about what was going on with the day-to-day on set and the choices that were made. But gosh, I could have read twice the amount of everything from the cast and crew of all the films. It felt like we got a lot of the breakdown of controversy from the later films (4-6), but not a lot of the same sort of interesting information like we had on the writing from the first three films. The book also assumes that the reader is extremely familiar with all the films while reading. A plot breakdown / summary would have been nice for each.

I would definitely recommend it for a horror nerd, a film nerd, or someone just interested in how a beloved movie and franchise was made.

If you're a diehard Scream fan, this one's a fun ride. It’s packed with interviews from cast members and creatives across the whole franchise. As someone who lives for collecting random behind-the-scenes facts (mainly so I can drop them at exactly the right moment during a rewatch), I was hoping for even more quirky production tidbits. I definitely picked up a few new ones for my arsenal, but I wouldn’t have complained if the book leaned even harder into that side of things. Still, it gave me a deeper appreciation for the series—and honestly, now I really want to queue up a full Scream marathon.

I grew up in the 90s and with the Scream movies. When I saw this, I knew I had to read it. I love all the tidbits about the industry, the background of what really happened on set and as the movies were coming together. I can't wait to wait all the movies again to see what I pick up on that I didn't before after reading this. It's packed with so many highlights that all movie fans will appreciate!

As a lifelong Scream fan—someone who quotes Randy Meeks like scripture and can rank every Ghostface reveal without blinking—I picked up Your Favorite Scary Movie with both excitement and a little fear. Not the slasher kind, but the worry that someone outside the Scream universe might not get it. Five pages in, I knew: Ashley Cullins gets it.

This book is a love letter to the Scream franchise, and more than that, it understands what made Wes Craven’s world so iconic. It's not just about the kills or the masks—it’s about the rules, the meta-commentary, the blurred line between fandom and obsession. Cullins captures all of that while delivering a fresh, smart, and surprisingly emotional story that stands on its own.

The main character is one of us: a horror nerd who grew up memorizing final girls, debating sequels, and using scary movies to make sense of real life. I saw myself in her—and maybe that’s what made the story cut a little deeper. As the plot unfolds and the slasher elements creep in, you start to wonder: how much of horror is entertainment, and how much of it becomes who we are?

The best part? Cullins doesn’t just name-drop horror references to earn cred (though there are plenty, and they’re perfect). She uses those references to build tension, to raise questions, to mirror the characters’ choices. Just like Scream, the book plays with your expectations and still manages to surprise you—even when you think you know all the rules.

Your Favorite Scary Movie is clever, creepy, and unexpectedly moving. It’s the kind of book that feels like it was written for people like me—for the fans who know every Scream opening scene, who still flinch when someone asks, “What’s your favorite scary movie?”, and who understand that loving horror isn’t about blood—it’s about survival, identity, and being seen.

Ashley Cullins just earned a spot on my automatic-read list. If you love Scream, you need this book.

This was even better than I thought it was going to be!
Scream is one of those comfort movies like Harry Potter or twilight that you just have in the back ground running and you’ve watched it 1000 times. The films were so iconic and I think Cullins did such a good job giving details about the franchise. Very insightful and gives lots of info for the die hard scream fans. From its iconic quotes and jump scares to the casting process this book spills all the tea and I was vibing for it all. And of course as soon as you get done reading you want to pop the movies back on! Definitely recommend! Especially for the 90s kids!

Your Favorite Scary Movie is an in-depth history of the Scream movies, told through interviews with the actors and crew who helped make them such a success. Ashley Cullins conducted so many interviews to cover each of the films and how they impacted people's professional and personal lives, or just their initial perceptions as fans of horror movies. I got into the Scream movies after the release of Scream 4, so it was very cool to see how many people discuss the impact the movies had on them when they came out or when they saw it years down the line. The book does an adequate job of placing the Scream movies in their cultural context, though it is more focused on looking at the people involved in the movies.

The book is full of great anecdotes about the creative choices that did or did not make it onto the scene and it will be very rewarding for any fan of the series. There is a great chapter about Wes Craven that is an incredibly touching tribute to him which shows just how much of an impact he had on cinema at the time and his continued impact through the people he collaborated with. The book ends as Scream 7 is about to start production, giving a few pieces of insight into the creative overhaul that occurred and the direction the story is intended to take.

Thank you to Plume and NetGalley for a copy of Your Favorite Scary Movie in exchange for an honest review.

As someone who grew up with the Scream franchise, this was a very insightful look at my favorite horror series. It was nice to see a deep dive into the entire franchise with so many profound interviews from several of those involved throughout the almost 30 year tenure. The only obvious part that was missing was Wes. However, reading the words from those closest to him and all the glowing opinions about him were amazing as well. Kevin Williamson and Wes Craven were a dynamic duo, and reading all of the stellar opinions of them lets me know, I chose the right series to stick with.

Yes, I was too young at the time to have been introduced to the titans of the horror world before Scream, but having since grown up and having taken a liking to the genre, (more specifically the classic franchises) I still consider Scream my be all and end all. It is clever and exciting and deliciously scary in all the best ways, and I am so glad it continues to this day, despite the numerous hard times and setbacks. I loved to read that that is still how the majority of those who worked on those films feel as well. It makes me feel like they care just as much (obviously more) than those fans like me who grew up with the series and will continue to love it until the wheels fall off.

This was a great love story to fans from a good majority of those who helped revive a dying genre with one single script/movie.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Dutton for allowing me to read this eARC for my honest opinion.

I see Scream in the theaters when it first came out. I was 12 and it was my first rated R movie. I fell in love and I have seen every movie min the franchise since. When I saw this book I knew I needed to read it. Despite being a little too long and rambling, I really enjoyed it. It was so cool to learn the back story to all the films and gave me a better understanding of how the films were made. If you’re a Scream fan, this book is for you.

This was one of my most anticipated ARCs so far this year, and it did not disappoint. The title itself caught my eye because Scream is, in fact, my favorite horror movie. Readers will not only get the chance to relive the iconic film and it's subsequent installments, but they will have the opportunity to hear first hand how the movies affected the cast and crew involved while gaining fun trivia facts about the franchise. Hearing how much those involved in the making of Scream enjoyed their work made me look at the films in a new light.

This book is not only a collection of facts and interviews, but it is a tribute to the Scream franchise and those that made it possible. Both horror and cinema fans will race through this story.

Thank you NETGALLEY and Penguin Group Dutton for the ARC!

Your Favorite Scary Movie is written by longtime journalist/debut author Ashley Cullins, and it is not merely a retrospective of a beloved horror series, Scream. It is actually chock full of behind the scenes information about the making of each film (including the newest installment, yet to be released), and features quotes from nearly everyone involved ever - from Kevin Williamson to Parker Posey. Cullins mentioned interviewing a whopping eighty people for this project!

Her tenacity paid off big time, as this book is a remarkable achievement. I have loved these films since only one of them existed, and I have seen lots of making-of material over the years. Still, this book taught me so much, entertained me, and kept me flipping pages for hours. I read this in just a few sittings. Five enthusiastic stars!

***This review will go live on Goodreads in August, per the request of the Publisher to wait until closer to the book’s release.***

I remember when the first “Scream” hit the theaters and changed my life. I was OBSESSED. My locker at school was decorated with photos of the cast. Throughout the years, some of my closest and most beloved friends have ended up in my life due to a shared affinity for Sidney and the gang, and an undeniable enthusiasm for all things Ghostface. I have the costume as well, (the robe is SUPER comfortable) and various decor around the house because it just makes me happy. These movies have been a part of our lives for so long at this point!

First of all, amazing cover. Second, I might mention a couple of things in this review that are spoilery for the sequels. I’m assuming, though, that if you’re planning to read this book then you’re probably caught up on the franchise. (And the book is not shy about going into detail about the plots of all of the films, btw.)

It’s really cool that this author got to talk to almost EVERYONE involved in making “Scream” 1-6! Kevin Williamson, all of the original cast members and many people from behind the scenes are interviewed at length and quoted directly. It’s not strictly just interviews, though, as Ashley Cullins did SO MUCH research into each installment and found out lots of fun stories and interesting facts about what went into the production and development. (There’s some drama, too.) Cullins’ own love for the franchise is clear, and she writes with respect and appreciation.

Wes Craven sounds like an absolute sweetheart and a complete professional. There’s a whole chapter dedicated just to him, but you’ll get lots of quotes and info about his process and how he ran a set throughout the whole book. It was no surprise at all that the Weinsteins were a nightmare to work with, and actively made the production more difficult for everyone. (Consistently, throughout multiple films.)

I enjoyed every minute of reading this and tried not to fly through it. It felt like revisiting something that’s been a comfort to me for a long time, while also peering behind the curtain to get a closer look at the magic. I learned a LOT of things I wasn’t aware of, and I feel like I know so much more about the franchise.

(One of many examples: Apparently, the original plan for part 5 was to have Jill survive and go to college. She is my least favorite character and she honestly kind of ruined 4 for me. It’s the only installment I don’t love watching. No offense to Kevin Williamson, but I’m relieved that didn’t happen! And I want to note that my disdain for 4 has absolutely NOTHING to do with the direction. It’s the dialogue, the new characters (with the exception of Kirby), and the killers.

I fully stand by my 5 stars and I recommend this HIGHLY, but there were a couple of things that irked me on a personal level. (*Not the author’s fault, really. Mostly just stuff related to the content.)

- I like 5 and 6 quite a bit, but I felt like the filmmakers were patting themselves on the back a little too hard in those interviews. Everyone who made the first four movies was proud of what they did, of course, but there was also a sense of community and respect for the craft and everything that I really liked. Once the book got to parts 5 and 6 the tone shifted and it felt like they were just bragging about how awesome their own ideas were.

- Cullins addressed the situation with Neve not being offered enough money to do part 6, and not only do the filmmakers make it sound like the movie ended up better off without her, they say things like: “The luckiest thing to happen to them on 6 was to not have the baggage of Sidney Prescott.” Look, the movie was good but get your head out of your ass.

- The book tries to claim that Jenna Ortega backing out of 7 wasn’t related to Melissa Barrera being fired, but I think we all know the truth.

- A note for all books, TV shows and whatever else going forward: I think it’s okay for people to stop asking Eli Roth for his opinion on everything horror related.

In case you’re wondering, yes: Cullins does talk to both Neve and Kevin Williamson about the upcoming installment, part 7! They can’t go into a lot of detail, but they do provide some interesting insight into what they’re planning. It feels like Cullins was working on this right up until the very last possible minute.

I think that anyone who loves “Scream” would really enjoy this book and get a lot out of it! I feel even closer to Ghostface now than I did before. I will be buying a physical copy for at least one friend.

Thank you so much to Netgalley and to the Publisher for this early copy in exchange for an honest review! All opinions are my own.