I really loved the first 1/4 of the book with the original scream and stories and interviews. Then it got a little slow, more just production details getting the movies made. I enjoyed it overall.

The ultimate franchise bible for fans of the Scream franchise. I ate this up within a day, forsaking all other things because of how wholly the love so vibrantly displayed in the narrative and by the people who worked on the movies. A great and clear look into the behind=the-scenes nebulous nature of the film and tv industry that any layperson can enjoy. Coming freshly off of watching Never Sleep Again: The Elm Street Legacy, Your Favorite Scary Movie was the perfect companion, honoring both Kevin Williamson for his creation and Wes Craven for his direction.

Sure to be my favorite release of the year. I've been talking it up nonstop!

“What makes Scream so relatable is that the killer, though initially masked and anonymous, is not some monster. It is someone you know who is deeply betraying you in a very traumatic and violent way.”

This book is a love letter to the Scream franchise and its impact on the horror genre. Ashley Cullins provides behind-the-scenes insight from the cast, creators, and crew on all of the films, and analyzes how these movies impacted the audience and the genre.

As a fan of this franchise, I was very excited to get my hands on this book and hear all about the making of these movies. This goes through each movie, including the upcoming movie, and talks about the production, the struggles they experienced, the camaraderie of the cast, fun facts, and much more. Cullins really did her homework with this and I really love how she was able to interview so many people for this book.

While I am a fan of the franchise, I didn’t know much about the production aspect of these movies. It was fascinating getting these behind-the-scenes stories about the filming. It was also interesting about how the production studios influenced the movies and made changes that the director and screenwriter didn’t always agree with. It really helped explain why some of the films were not as successful as others. It also helped me realize how much I love this franchise and how successful it has been compared to other horror franchises.

I have two complaints with this book. One is that it expects you to know who everyone is. The main cast would probably be recognized by most fans, but who really knows the names of the directors, screenwriters, and other background people. Cullins provides quotes for all these different people but doesn’t do a great job at explaining who they are to the franchise. I had to google quite a few names because I just didn’t know who they were or had forgotten who they were because they hadn’t been quoted since the first chapter.

My other issue was that while it was great that there were so many quotes in this, at times it felt like all I was reading was quotes for a chapter. For some people this might not be a big deal, but for me it felt a bit jarring after a white, especially if the quotes were all saying very similar things. For example, the Wes Craven chapter had so many quotes from people raving about his career and how great of a person he was, but they were all so similar that it just felt like I was rereading the same paragraph. I just wanted a bit more of a mixture of text and quotes, not 90% quotes.

Overall, this was a fascinating and wonderful look at a franchise that has changed the genre. I think Cullins did a great job researching these films and giving us a glimpse of what it was like to work on these films. Also, now I feel the need to rewatch the franchise and see if all this information changed my perspective on them.

TW: Weinstein brothers are discussed


Fun Facts:

“They [MPAA] hated ‘Movies don’t create psychos, movies make psychos more creative…It was saying a truth that they did not want out there voiced so clearly.”

“Ghostface never gets dressed in their trailer…They travel to set in their black outfit, or whatever, and we send the robe and the mask to set in an unmarked garment bag.”

“Some of the Scream rules are obvious: You need Ghostface, but Ghostface can’t win. You need a creative opening sequence and an equally clever reveal. It’s a slasher, so people have to die. It needs to be funny enough to defuse some of the tension , but not to the point of lowering the stakes. There needs to be a reason why this particular movie is happening now and some kind of commentary on the culture at that moment. And while Scream wouldn’t be Scream without the killers, at the end of the day they’re survivor stories.”

Entertainment journalist Ashley Cullins delivers a wonderful tribute to the Scream franchise with Your Favorite Scary Movie: How the Scream Films Rewrote the Rules of Horror—a true and genuine love letter to the fans of the classic films. Nostalgic, yet entertaining, Your Favorite Scary Movie captures the essence of what makes these films so iconic and beloved even after nearly three decades.

Cullins examines the making and impact of the Scream films with behind-the-scenes insight from cast, creators, and crew, as well as sharp analysis on how the movies’ special blend of gruesome violence and humorous self-awareness rewrote the horror playbook. This intimate and thorough history includes brand-new interviews from Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, David Arquette, Kevin Williamson, Skeet Ulrich, Matthew Lillard, Jack Quaid, Parker Posey, Hayden Panettiere, Jasmin Savoy Brown, Mason Gooding, Radio Silence, Roger L. Jackson, and so many more.

While I was only 10 when the film hit theaters, Scream has still be one of my all-time favorite films–not just amongst horror movies, but across all movies. Strangely, despite my deep love for the film, I've never really explored much about its origins, production, or behind-the-scenes stories. Usually, when I am passionate about something, I tend to deep dive into its creation, on-set stories, and the legacy it has built. However, with Scream, it's always been solely about the pure love for the film itself and the enjoyment of watching it. Ashley Cullins has changed that, and I am better for it.

Your Favorite Scary Movie brings us back to the film's early days, when it was originally titled Scary Movie before being rebranded with the more iconic Scream. Cullins weaves in insights and commentary from our favorite characters and creators, adding such rich depth to the franchise's storied history. What surprised and impressed me a ton was how thoroughly the book explores the entire Scream series—not just the original flick, but every installment released so far.

Told in chronological order, Your Favorite Scary Movie takes us on a ride from the inception of Scream all the way to present day, offering behind-the-scenes glimpses that span nearly 30 years. Cullins gives us discussion from the actors about why they auditioned in the first place, what drew them back for future installments, and gain a deeper understanding of the sure brilliance franchise creator Kevin Williamson and original director Wes Craven. These snippets gave me a whole new perspective on the films.

Your Favorite Scary Movie deepens my appreciation for this incredible series–films that are far more than just average horror films, but movies that redefined and reimagined the horror genre. The franchise has become a defining part of the horror legacy, with each installment cleverly building on the last in ways few could have anticipated. Thanks to Ashley Cullins, who dives deep into the world of Scream with such outstanding insight and passion that gives me even more reason to revisit each film over and over again.

Publishing on capesandtights.com on July 15, 2025.

If you're a fan of behind-the-scenes stories and pop culture deep dives, this book is a must-read—especially if the Scream franchise holds a special place in your heart like it does in mine. I’ve been hooked on Scream since I first watched it as a kid, and getting my hands on this early copy felt like a dream come true. It’s packed with fascinating insights into the casting process, on-set relationships, creative choices, and the deep respect the cast and crew had for Wes Craven. This book hit all the right notes for me—engaging, nostalgic, and the perfect nonfiction fix for any movie lover.

If you don’t already know this about me, I am OBSESSED with the Scream franchise. I watched it when it came out (I was 9), and I’ve loved it ever since. It’s truly a movie I can put on in the background as a “comfort” movie.

So, I was ecstatic to receive an ARC of this look at the franchise! And let me tell you, it was worth the read. If you, like me, enjoy reading books about shows/movies, you’ll enjoy this. It’s my favorite form of nonfiction.

I loved reading about how characters were cast, how the cast got along/spent their time, the drama, the props, how they came up with the storylines, and how everyone involved adored Wes Craven.

Truly an enjoyable read!

This is a wonderful deep-dive into the horror franchise that took the rules and really made it their own! An absolute love letter to the Scream franchise, written only as a true fan could! This book includes blurbs from cast and crew, which really adds to the lore.
For a fan of horror, this is a must read.

Your Favorite Scary Movie: How the Scream Films Rewrote the Rules of Horror by Ashley Cullins

“Put your soul in there. Put what you love about it in there and it’ll show.”

That is this book in a quote 100%. Not only the author putting their love for the series into this book but the stories of how everyone brings what they love is what makes the Scream series magical.

This is a love letter to a film series I have loved since the beginning. The book was filled with behind the scenes information and interviews that enthralled me. It was paced so that before moving into the chapters about the next movie I took a break to watch the Kill Count on YouTube with the new lens of what I just read.

A wonderful read for anyone who is a fan of the series or horror in general.

Peek inside the inspiration and making of the Scream film. I loved the origin and the actor’s POV. they facts and tidbits were interesting and I can’t wait to watch the movie and see things in my new educated way.

"𝑰 𝒔𝒆𝒕 𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒘𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒆 𝒎𝒚 𝑯𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑰 𝒇𝒆𝒆𝒍 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝑰 𝒅𝒊𝒅 𝒊𝒕." - Kevin Williamson

As a kid I was always obsessed with horror movies. My Dad would take me and my brothers to Blockbuster every weekend, and I always went straight to the Horror Section. When I got older, I started attending horror conventions. I was able to meet a few celebrities from Scream. Skeet was one of my first major celebrity crushes... (Scream & The Craft? 🫠) So when I met him, I kind of froze up. He was so sweet.

When I saw this book being published, I knew I had to read it. I love knowing what all happens behind the scenes of my favorite movies. I loved reading more about Wes Craven, and how laid back he was. You could tell the cast and crew were so passionate about this film. Although I don't think anything will ever compare to watching the first movie, I am glad the films continue to bring in new fans. This movie had such a huge impact on horror, and it will always be a go to film when Halloween time comes around.

If you are a fan of the Scream franchise, I highly recommend picking this up once it is released!

Thank you to Penguin Random House for the ARC! 🔪

No, please don't kill me, Mr. Ghostface. I wanna be in the sequel!!

Scream fans, put your seatbelt on because we are diving deep. This book explores the entire Scream franchise in-depth, beginning with a brief history on writer Kevin Williamson and a brief history on the slasher genre, specifically how it flourished in the 70’s and 80’s before coming to a halt as we moved in to the 90’s. It analyzes how the franchise revived a genre that people were growing weary of and how the films were able to subvert the public opinion. Included inside are in-depth interviews with writers, creators, and cast members of the show; behind-the-scenes “footage”; insights into what went in to each film and how they were made, the messy and the glamorous.

It goes without saying that if you love the Scream movies, then this book is for you but it’s also for fans of the slasher film genre; aspiring screenwriters; admirers of the iconic Kevin Williamson and Wes Craven; or anyone who is interested in learning more about how film and/or horror actually work.

I really admired Your Favorite Scary Movie for the way it memorialized Wes and his brilliant mind. So a big round of applause to Cullins for pulling off this wonderful, well-researched book. It does nothing but affirm my love for Scream. And though it should go without saying, there are spoilers for the whole franchise in here so maybe watch the movies first :)

“Whether the franchise ends with Scream 7, Scream 17, or Scream 75, as long as it continues to play by its own rules, lightning will continue to strike. Some of the Scream rules are obvious: You need Ghostface, but Ghostface can’t win. You need a creative opening sequence and an equally clever reveal. It’s a slasher, so people have to die. It needs to be funny enough to defuse some of the tension, but not to the point of lowering the stakes. There needs to be a reason why this particular movie is happening now and some kind of commentary on the culture at that moment. And while Scream wouldn’t be Scream without the killers, at the end of the day they’re survivor stories.”

P.S. if Lillard’s character gets revived in Scream 7, I will NEVER shut up about it #LillardForever

My personal favorite films of the franchise in order: 1, 6, 5, 2, 3, 4 (though depending on the day you ask me, I may rank 5 above 6). Who else will be brave enough to post theirs? Let’s chat 🔪🩸

Thank you Dutton Books for the early copy in exchange for an honest review. Available Aug 19 2025. *Quotes are pulled from an advanced reader copy and are subject to change prior to publication*

Scream is the love of my life - at least when it comes to entertainment. Reading the introduction to this book felt like the author was me, that she understood what it was like to love these movies so fiercely. That continues throughout the book with interviews and facts and it’s a love letter to this franchise at its core.

I’ve always had a soft spot for Wes Craven - obviously - but this book made me love him even more. Knowing that he would have loved all that has come since and that every single person working on these movies wants to make him proud makes this even better.

I know after reading this I’ll look at the movies with a sharper eye to find all those Easter eggs I may have missed previously.

So, yeah. This book is my everything. If you’re a Scream fan, a horror fan, it’s a must read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House/Plume for the opportunity to read this early.

This one is for the Scream fans.

Highly recommended: great cast quotes, funny anecdotes, cool behind-the-scenes facts. I knew most of this stuff already (and had an absolute blast reading about it all again) but there were a couple of facts that did surprise me, particularly a few tidbits revealed about behind-the-scenes details for Scream 6 and beyond.

The nostalgia is real, you don't want to miss this one!

If the Scream franchise is a love letter to the horror genre, this book follows suit. Cullins has created a comprehensive look into the "little movie that could" that has inspired so many people to follow in its footsteps. Each chapter provides humor, first hand accounts, and most importantly a clear love and respect for the franchise.

I've always loved halloween but have really embraces and explored the horror genre in the last few years, Scream, like so many others was an early and instant favorite. (I fear I am the TikTok trend of "girls put on their comfort movie and its a slasher film, sue me) I have sort of considered myself a casual fan so when I saw this book I was FOAMING AT THE MOUTH trying to get my hands on it, I learned so much and going back and rewatching the movies as they are dissected throughout the chapters made them feel brand new again.

if you love Scream, or horror in general this is absolutely a must read.

Thanks so much to NetGalley and the publishers for the free E-ARC

This book was marketed as a love letter to the Scream franchise, and it truly delivered! It does a great job of adding context to the films, without getting lost in technicalities of film making that may lose some readers. Throughout the book, Cullins highlights how important it is for the life of the franchise to be continued by those who are fans from the bottom to the top; the same is true with this book. I don't think this book would have felt the same or resonated the way that it did if Cullins wasn't a fan of the franchise itself. This book made me go back and marathon the old movies with a new appreciation, while still allowing me to sit with the nostalgia that I love from them! Overall, it was a phenomenal read.

To those who may be wondering, the book does address the firing of one of the leads of 5 and 6 for making anti-Semitic remarks.

Thank you so much to @netgalley and the publisher for my eARC!

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Publication Date: August 19th, 2025


Synopsis:

In Your Favorite Scary Movie, entertainment journalist Ashley Cullins examines the making and impact of the Scream films with behind-the-scenes insight from cast, creators, and crew, as well as sharp analysis on how the movies’ special blend of gruesome violence and humorous self-awareness rewrote the horror playbook. This intimate and thorough history includes brand-new interviews from Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, David Arquette, Kevin Williamson, Skeet Ulrich, Matthew Lillard, Jack Quaid, Parker Posey, Hayden Panettiere, Jasmin Savoy Brown, Mason Gooding, Radio Silence, Roger L. Jackson, and so many more.

Perfect for fans of Scream, horror lovers, and cinephiles, this is the story of how a little movie about a ghost-faced killer terrorizing high schoolers overcame countless obstacles to become an historic success that still has audiences screaming to this day.

Review:

No, please don't kill me, Mr. Ghostface. I wanna be in the sequel!

Being able to get a copy of this arc was a game changer for me! The Scream franchise is my FAVORITE horror franchise of all time so I absolutely ate this book up (no seriously, I read it in one sitting). I absolutely loved this book. You can feel the passion and care Ashley Cullins poured into every page—it’s not just a collection of facts, it’s a love letter to the franchise and the legacy of Wes Craven. Reading it also made me reflect on the direction of the franchise. I can’t help but wonder how different—and possibly stronger—movies 3 and 4 might’ve been if Kevin Williamson had been the main writer behind them. When I tell you I loved every second of this book—I mean it. It dives deep into the making of every film in the franchise, from the original classic all the way to the upcoming Scream 7 (out in 2026!), and gives the kind of behind-the-scenes insight that fans like me dream about.

This book reignited my appreciation for everything Scream stands for, and honestly, made me want to rewatch the entire series all over again.

Ashley Cullins is right! Scream is my favorite scary movie and I’d say it’s hers as well. In her first book, Cullins details each movie in the franchise. You can tell from the start that she’s a fan. Her narrative doesn’t focus on petty dramas or gossip. There’s certainly no bombshells uncovered but there is an in depth look at how a movie gets made or scrapped. She takes the time to highlight the people behind the scenes, focusing on them more than I’d say the actors. I appreciated that the focus was on these unseen individuals because it’s really due to them that movies get made. It was great to see so many people come out from each film to be interviewed.

Kevin Williamson is present throughout each chapter discussing the creation of the first script, the collaboration with Wes Craven and how eventually he sold his rights to the films to get out from under a toxic relationship with Dimension films. It’s an intriguing look at the movie business and how easily replaceable people are and how toxic Bob Weinstein was. But even outside of Dimension, the replaceability of people in order to make another buck is still alive and well.

Despite people’s personal preferences, Cullins never bashes or pans any of the movies. They’re all written about with a deep appreciation for who and what they brought to the series. She tells us what could have been from the series as well. Williamson details his pitch for a sequel trilogy built from Scream 4. We’re given a look at what could have been for Scream 6 with Sidney and Scream 7 with the core 4. While I know the point of the book was the movies, I’d have loved a chapter devoted to the tv series.

Overall, the book is a love letter to Wes Craven. The care and kindness he put into each movie and how that extended to the people he worked with. Everyone sings his praises throughout and it’s reflected in the tributes to him in movies 5 & 6. This book also gets us excited for what’s to come with Scream 7 and Kevin Williamson directing. It’s a must read for any Scream fan!

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

Book Review 📚
Title: Your Favorite Scary Movie
Author: Ashley Cullins

The scream movies are favorite! It was so cool to get to read about the behind the scenes insight from the cast, creators and crew! There were some things I read that I had no idea about. If you love the scream movies, I’d definitely recommend this book!


Thank you NetGalley, Ashely and Penguin Group Dutton for the eARC!

Publication Date: Aug 19 2025
Rating: ✨✨✨✨

Your Favorite Scary Movie by Ashley Cullins is that rare book about a single movie, or franchise in this case, that has something for everyone from a fan of the Scream franchise to those studying film.

First and foremost this is a tribute to a beloved film franchise that has spoken to moviegoers from the very beginning. Admittedly, if you like a lot of dirt in your popular culture reads you may be disappointed. There is a lot of love and mutual respect here, and even those who sometimes impeded the making of the films aren't treated horribly, there actions are stated and what everyone else did to overcome them are emphasized.

Fans who aren't overly interested in film history or filmmaking will be very happy, even where some technical aspects are discussed they aren't the center of the discussion. It always comes back around to the people, the human beings, involved in making these films. Behind the scenes stories of how the actors developed their characters along with the directors and writers are fascinating.

It is the casual telling of all of this that disguises just how much someone studying film can gain. Cullins doesn't belabor the processes beyond emphasizing the teamwork, but for someone looking into the art and the, for lack of a better term, nuts and bolts of filmmaking, the information is there. The way actors get into being their characters, how directors try to get the best from the actors, the value of understanding what to shoot to allow creative editing, and so much more. And the intersection of film and larger societal issues is touched on, from personal trauma to toxic fandom, from inclusive casts to social commentary, you see how even small choices in making the films can make a huge impact on those who watch them.

One of the chapters in particular touched me, one dedicated to the memory and contributions of Wes Craven. The book, because of the heavy use of quotes from many of those involved in the franchise, seems like a tribute to Craven, but the chapter devoted to him, placed in the chronology of the franchise at the point where he passed away, was poignant and helped to highlight a lot of what runs through the book, the importance of valuing and respecting those you work with.

Highly recommended for fans of Scream, old and new, this will make you appreciate the movies even more. Also recommended for those curious, or studying, filmmaking itself or even film history, with an emphasis on the history of horror films.

Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.

Summerween anyone?

The working title of Scream was Scary Movie -- as someone who is not a big film person, seeing those two used interchangeably was very confusing!

This was a really fun and entertaining read, though probably more for someone who is actually a fan of the franchise (I now know ALL the spoilers). & I did watch the first Scream right after finishing, so that's saying something!