THE Scream The franchise features one of the most iconic horror movie villains of all time and the best Ghostface quotes help cement that reputation. Over the years of the franchise’s popularity, audiences have come to love the iconic horror villain’s witty one-liners. Ghostface simultaneously balances hilarity with genuine menace in each Scream Prohibited. No matter who the killer is behind the mask, they manage to combine pop culture knowledge with real fear.
Ghostface in Scream VI added a new element to the franchise, but also honors what fans have come to expect from the masked killer. This includes his famous taunts of his victims over the phone as he questioned them about their favorite horror films and displayed relentless dark humor as he killed his latest victim. Although each film featured a different killer/murderer behind the mask, the off-kilter sense of humor and almost encyclopedic knowledge of horror remained intact.
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“Do you think I managed to get into your house before you could rearm?”
Talking to Tara – Scream 5 (2022)
Scream 5 introduced a whole new generation of people to Woodsboro who would be hunted by a new generation of Ghostface killers. This specific quote from Ghostface comes from the beginning of the film, when Tara receives her first phone call from the killer and becomes a target.
While the call begins with Tara and Ghostface talking about horror movies (Tara prefers heightened horror to slasher films), Tara finally realizes it’s not a prank. The audience may think that she will stop being one of Ghostface’s victims because of how drawn out the conversation is, but Ghostface surprises Tara and the audience by revealing that they managed to get into Tara’s house. It’s a classic jump-scare moment in the franchise, right before Tara is stabbed multiple times – but she still survives her injuries to become one of the franchise’s new heroes.
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“Maybe you’re too weak for this franchise.”
Talking to Sam – Scream 5 (2022)
The other new heroine of the franchise in Scream 5 is Sam, the previously unknown daughter of Billy Loomis. Ghostface knows Sam’s secret, although she has worked hard to keep it since finding out as a teenager. The secret is one that she believes destroyed her family, and Sam has been running from it – until she discovers that her little sister was attacked by Ghostface.
This Ghostface teases Sam with his family history rather than just horror movies. Although Sam is singled out as the heroine by the duo who take on the persona of Ghostface in Scream 5they think they can “take over the franchise” from her and Sidney, not realizing that the more Sam is insulted and the more her sister is put in danger, the more likely she is to become violent and fight back. This is one of the Ghostface quotes used to tease her, only turning her into the heroine of the story.
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“Welcome home, Sidney. Preview of events to come.”
Talking to Sidney – Scream 4 (2011)
Scream 4 sees the Ghostface killer stalking a new group of young victims, but that doesn’t mean they’re the ultimate target. Olivia Morris marks the third death in the film with Sidney discovering her body. When Olivia’s phone rings after she is killed, Sidney answers it. On the other side is the familiar, Ghostface’s distorted voice in a tribute to the iconic “Hi Sidney“while making a promise of more carnage to come.
Scream 4 was a clever commentary on reboots with the action seemingly revolving around the next generation of characters. However, this chilling line was a reminder that Sidney was still the star of the show. It also ties into the theme of the movie that all movies follow with the mention of a preview or trailer, just like in a real movie. It delves into the meta the series loves to play with.
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“I only listen to you too, Sidney.”
Talking to Sidney – Scream 3 (2000)
Scream 6 without Sidney Prescott was a bold move, as she was linked to each Ghostface as a figure of obsession. In Scream 3This ominous quote comes in an indirect and somewhat mocking way. When Sidney answers the phone, the voice on the other end repeats what she said twice. Thinking it’s Gale or Dewey, she tells the person on the line to call back because she can only hear herself talking. That’s when the voice becomes clear.
The killer’s use of a voice modulator that allows them to perfectly imitate the voices of the film’s other characters is a silly inclusion in the third film, but this is the best use of the concept. What makes the quote more memorable is that the setting is somewhat confusing. Normally in Scream In movies, as soon as the phone rings, the audience knows who is on the other end of the line, even if the characters don’t. In this case, the audience is as confused as Sidney, leading to the actual reveal.
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“When you’re Sid’s friend, you die.”
Talking to Sidney – Scream 3 (2000)
This hair-raising quote from Scream 3 comes in a more mocking tone. Talking to Sidney on the phone, Ghostface’s monologue begins with him taunting her about the people she is closest to in life. Needless to say, the killer is also twisting the metaphorical knife. Telling her that it’s up to her to save their lives, Sidney begins to question whether the events that are happening are real. In the end, the whole thing is heartbreaking for the last girl. It’s a difficult time for a beloved character who has been through so much pain.
THE Scream The films are unique in terms of the slasher genre, as there is always a new Ghostface killer in each new film, rather than an ongoing villain like HalloweenMichael Myers or Friday the 13thIt’s Jason Voorhees. However, with Roger Jackson providing the voice throughout the entire series, the iconic mask and quotes like this give the feeling that Ghostface and Sidney share a long history.
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“It’s an honor.”
For Dewey – Scream 5 (2022)
Most of the best Ghostface quotes are the ones repeated across multiple films in the franchise, the ones that taunt the victims. This is not one of those lines. Instead, it is something said to Dewey in Scream 5 just as he becomes Ghostface’s latest victim. Dewey survived attacks on several Scream films and was there to protect Sidney and Gale for over 20 years, even when her relationship with Gale ended. Back in his hometown, as a new generation takes on the Ghostface mask, Dewey meets his end. Even the new Ghostface knows that Dewey is a legend.
Seeing such a fan-favorite character killed is an emotional moment and the line Ghostface uses in this moment could have made or broken the scene. While many fans expected a final tease, this quote is even scarier as Ghostface takes a moment to pay respect to Dewey without ever hesitating to brutally kill him. It ties in brilliantly with the sequel’s theme of the killers being fans of mythology.
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“If you want to be in the hospital, I’ll be happy to put you there.”
Talking to Rebecca – Scream 4 (2011)
As one of the few scary quotes from Ghostface that isn’t directed at Sidney, this line is said to Rebecca Walters in Scream 4 after the vehicle alarm is activated in a parking lot. As Sidney’s publicist and personal assistant, she was fired moments before the call. Fearing that this killer will come after her, Rebecca claims to be inside the hospital, but the voice on the phone doesn’t believe her. This builds and builds until she ends up dying a horrible death.
The whole scene builds up surprisingly well to that death, and that quote is one of the reasons it works so well. One of the things that the Scream What movies do so well is constructing these phone call scenes for maximum tension. The call starts with Rebecca’s confusion, but then turns to fear when she realizes this is the killer threatening her. However, this quote solidifies the immediate danger with Rebecca’s realization that the killer is close enough to watch her.
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“Don’t forget to set the alarm.”
Talking to Cici – Scream 2 (1997)
If the Scream the franchise is known for anything, it’s just that there are always several cameos from big stars. In Scream 2Sarah Michelle Gellar as Cici Cooper is insulted by Ghostface in a truly over-the-top scene. This phrase was meant to mock her attempts to stay safe by making her even scarier. After all, audiences know that when Ghostface says these things, the killer is probably at home waiting to strike. Using this knowledge, the scene takes the scare to even greater levels.
What makes Ghostface a memorable horror movie villain in all of these films is that they are ultimately vulnerable. It’s not often that these horror movie killers are seen tripping and getting kicked like Ghostface, and this adds to the feeling that the victims can escape. However, quotes like these also cement the mind games the killer effectively plays with his victims, staying one step ahead of them in their escape.
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“Never say ‘Who’s there?’ Don’t you watch horror movies?”
Talking to Casey – Scream (1996)
From the first iconic Scream movie, the first character Ghostface taunts on the phone is Casey Becker. Not knowing what to make of the strange phone call, Casey misses a trick question about the first Friday the 13th film. After all, it’s always Mrs. Vorhees who’s the killer, not Jason. With the wrong question, Ghostface seals Casey’s future death. Although her boyfriend has died, it is she who suffers the most brutal and heartbreaking death in the first film.
The line also shows Ghostface’s own propensity to look down on others who don’t know the horror film genre as well as the killer does. Casey’s frightened reaction to the doorbell ringing is only met with mockery by the horror-loving killer. This is a defining line of the series, as the the first scene introduces the clever idea of horror movie characters who understand the clichés, tropes, and rules of horror movies.
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“If you hang up on me again, I’ll gut you like a fish.”
Talking to Casey – Scream (1996)
This quote from Ghostface on the phone call with Casey turns everything from a little fun and flirty to downright terrifying. After being shut down and cursed, Ghostface was no longer able to keep the conversation lighthearted. This is the key moment when Casey realizes he is in danger.. The line also becomes somewhat prophetic, as Ghostface does, in fact, gut Casey like a fish in his murder.
The entire scene and conversation are absolutely iconic, making it one of the best openings in horror film history, while also setting up the plot for the film. Scream franchise as a whole. The 180 in Ghostface’s behavior shows that the killer can go from funny to scary in the blink of an eye. The scene is wonderfully constructed with the audience understanding the underlying danger Casey is in, but this line is still shocking and chilling enough to take the scene in a new direction.
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“I never said it was in your closet.”
Talking to Kirby – Scream 4 (2011)
The Ghostface killer loves toying with his victims and Scream 4 has one of the most memorable reveals in these scenes. Featured character Kirby Reed has his first interaction with the killer in this opening scene. She doesn’t seem afraid even after the voice suggests he is hiding in the closet. She bravely opens the closet doors after learning he is hiding inside. However, no one was found. The phrase is delivered mockingly to the horror film fan. At that momentfriends realize that the killer is killing the neighbor.
The line not only meets the audience’s expectations, but also with the right character, who acts more as an audience surrogate. Kirby looks like a badass hero who will fight Ghostface, but is left helpless when she realizes the killer’s taunts were meant to show her that she won’t be able to save her friend.
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“Strange that you and I have never spoken on the phone. This should have happened a long time ago.”
For Gale – Scream 6 (2023)
Throughout the first five films, Gale Weathers is a Scream franchise basics. She’s there to be blunt, say things people don’t want to hear, and act as Sidney’s foil. Put Scream 6Sidney isn’t on screen playing with Ghostface, but Gale is.
This is a big step for the franchise. Even though Gale was present at the carnage and her career was built on the Woodsboro murders, she never spoke to Ghostface.. Gale only ended up being targeted by Ghostface in the past because she was there, alongside Sidney or Dewey, and in the way. In Scream 6Alone in her New York apartment, Gale is targeted for her connection to the franchise’s history for the first time, and the new Ghostface is more than ready to confront her.
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“Hello, Sidney.”
Talking to Sidney – Scream (1996)
As the most iconic phrase in Scream story, this quote is impactful every time a fan hears it. Used on trailers, including Scream (2022), offers a chilling sensation associated with cult classic horror films. Since Sidney has been the obsession of all the Ghostface serial killers, this means to the audience that his situation is not over yet. The moment those words come out of the killer’s mouth, things in the film are about to get very, very real.
Even though it’s a new killer that Sidney is dealing with, these phone calls and this line in particular always welcome the Final Girl back into the nightmare. Ghostface and the many copycat killers have become a reality that Sidney cannot escape and this is solidified with the news that Never Campbell will return as Ghostface in Scream 7. While it remains to be seen what this return will entail, fans will eagerly await this iconic phrase to be said again.
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“What’s your favorite horror movie?”
Talking to Casey – Scream (1996)
This famous quote from Ghostface establishes the entire premise of Scream franchise, which really likes to tell metatextual stories. In the first tie-in with Casey Becker, Ghostface’s iconic line simultaneously nods to previous horror films while also making it clear that the characters are now in a horror film. It’s an interesting kind of dichotomy that the franchise loves to play with. This is also related to many of the parodies – such as horror movie – which follow the success of Scream.
Ultimately, this is Ghostface’s most timeless quote, appearing in the sequels and being referenced throughout pop culture as a whole. It’s also interesting to see how each film addresses the issue. Most memorably, when the franchise returned with Scream (2022), the question opened up a conversation about the trend of heightened horror, which shows how much horror has changed since the first Scream film.
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“Who cares about the movies?!”
Talking to Jason – Scream 6 (2023)
The opening scene of Scream 6 it sets itself apart perfectly from those that followed and delivers something unexpected. The scene shows the typical opening murder of a big name (Samara Weaving), but instead of going straight to the title card, Ghostface removes his mask and the scene follows him as he goes through the rest of the day only to be targeted by another Ghostface. . and dead.
The scene goes further, turning the usual formula on its head. As horror movie obsessive Jason Carver bleeds at Ghostface’s feet, he regrets not being able to finish the film. Ghostface’s surprising line before killing Jason proves this is a new killer with new motivations. It was another surprise that the sequence threw at the opening, suggesting that the rules Scream what he did to himself were now irrelevant and anything could happen. Scream 6 managed to reinvigorate the franchise and provide even more iconic Ghostface quotes.