A horror movie is successful only if it creeps the audience out with terror and fear. Apparently, the scream queens play a crucial role to send the shiver down people’s spines. Let’s flip through the list of 8 iconic scream queens in the 1990s to see how they’ve paved the way for the best horror flicks today!
#1 Sarah Michelle Gellar – I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997)
The actress portrays the beauty pageant queen Helen Shivers in I Know What You Did Last Summer. She is passionate to move to New York City and become an actress. Sadly, her dream is shattered after she and her friends accidentally kill a man and dispose of his body in the ocean.
Source: Hulu
Though Helen can’t survive the first film, her life is an enthralling story that every viewer has to discuss even after her death. Her strong desire to live until the last minute also stands out throughout the film.
#2 Drew Barrymore – Scream (1996)
Casey Becker, played by Drew Barrymore, is the first character in the Scream franchise. This unfortunate naive high school student sets the tone for the rest of the film.
Source: Starz
Though Casey gives the audience the impression that she will make it to the end, her demise comes quite soon. Every fan can feel the panic and disbelief on her face when she faces the killer.
#3 Reese Witherspoon – Fear (1996)
Fear revolves around Nicole Walker, played by Reese Witherspoon, who is in love with David McCall. Even Nicole’s parents are satisfied with David, but he actually has a sinister nature with a dark secret. She then has to manage to escape from David to save her life.
Source: Apple TV
Reese Witherspoon has made one of the most successful Scream Queens when portraying Nicole in Fear. Her character has incredibly transformed from a naive 16-year-old girl into someone who will do anything for her life and her family.
#4 Jennifer Love Hewitt – I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997)
In I Know What You Did Last Summer, Jennifer Love Hewitt takes the role of Julie James, a carefree teen excited to enter her college life. Nevertheless, she could never enjoy her life as expected after an accident. Julie and her friends hit a man while driving and throw his body into the ocean, which haunts her forever.
Source: Hulu
One of the most iconic scenes of Hewitt in the movie is when she shouts at the sky, “What do you want from me!” This stunning Scream Queen is also on the list of the best final girls who return on the screen in a sequel.
#5 Katie Holmes – Teaching Mrs. Tingle (1999)
Katie Holmes plays Leigh Ann Watson, a clever student holding a grudge against her teacher, Mrs. Tingle, since she gets poor grades. Later, Leigh Ann and her friends decide to hold their teacher hostage.
Source: Pluto TV
Teaching Mrs. Tingle is considered a comedy horror film, but horror fans are still satisfied as Katie Holmes has accomplished her role as a Scream Queen. One of the most creepy scenes is when she is followed by Mrs. Tingle, which definitely leaves fans on the edge of their chairs.
#6 Virginia Madsen – Candyman (1992)
Virginia Madsen featured Helen Lyle, a graduate student trying to figure out the truth about the serial killer Candyman. She says his name five times to prove the myth is wrong, but her life changes for the worst later.
Source: Apple TV
Fans go through many emotions with different personalities of Helen. She is a brilliant Scream Queen as she acts as both a hero and a detective in the flick. She tries her best to reveal the truth about the killer before becoming the victim of Candyman.
#7 Rose McGowan – Scream (1996)
In the first Scream film, Rose McGowan appeared as Tatum Riley, the younger sister of Dewey Riley and the girlfriend of Stu Miller. Her murder in the garage makes one of the most terrifying death scenes in the franchise.
Source: Starz
The scene starts with a glimpse into the open door of the garage. At the time, Tatum is not even scared when standing in front of the killer since she thinks it’s a prank.
#8 Neve Campbell – Scream (1996)
Neve Campell stares as Sydney Prescott in Scream, a happy girl with a perfect family and friends. Her beautiful life, however, is turned upside down when Ghostface shows up.
Source: Starz
The actress features in every Scream film and proves her competence. Besides screaming, the character Sidney Prescott is well-known for many nail-biting scenes, especially in her close escape when Ghostface breaks into her home.
Which one is the most impressive Scream Queen in your view? Do you want to add any other names to the list? Share with us in the comment below, and click subscribe button to get updated with more interesting news and ideas!
