Scary Movie Franchise Overview
The Scary Movie franchise is a series of horror comedy films produced primarily by Dimension Films and distributed by Miramax and later The Weinstein Company. The series began in 2000 and became known for parodying popular horror and thriller films of the time. As of the newest public data, the franchise includes five main theatrical releases, with a sixth installment in development at Paramount Pictures. The films collectively earned over $896 million worldwide at the box office. The series is one of the highest-grossing horror parody franchises in cinema history.
The original Scary Movie was released in 2000 and was written by Shawn Wayans, Marlon Wayans, Buddy Johnson, and Phil Beauman. The film grossed $278 million globally against a $15 million budget, making it a major commercial hit. The success led to a rapid expansion of the series. The franchise is currently owned by Paramount Global, which acquired the rights through its purchase of the original production assets. The first film was directed by Keenen Ivory Wayans and introduced a young ensemble cast that became central to the series.
Main Films and Cast
Scary Movie (2000)
The first film starred Anna Faris, Shannon Elizabeth, Carmen Electra, and the Wayans brothers. It parodied films such as Scream, I Know What You Did Last Summer, and The Blair Witch Project.
Box Office
The film earned $278 million worldwide, according to data from Box Office Mojo.
Critical Reception
The film received mixed reviews but was praised for its crude humor and timely parodies.
Scary Movie 2 (2001)
The second installment shifted its parodies to films like The Exorcist, Hannibal, and Mission: Impossible 2. Anna Faris returned as the lead, and the film was directed by Keenen Ivory Wayans.
Box Office
It grossed $141 million globally, as reported by The Numbers.
Cast Changes
The Wayans brothers did not return for the third film, leading to a significant shift in the main cast.
Later Installments and Future
Scary Movie 3 (2003)
This film parodied The Ring, Signs, and 8 Mile. It starred Anna Faris and introduced new leads like Simon Rex and Anthony Anderson.
Box Office
Scary Movie 3 earned $220 million worldwide, according to Box Office Mojo.
Production
The film was directed by David Zucker and marked a tonal shift toward broader comedy.
Scary Movie 4 (2006)
The fourth entry parodied War of the Worlds, Saw, and The Village. Anna Faris and Craig Bierko starred, and the film was directed by David Zucker.
Box Office
It grossed $178 million globally, as noted by The Numbers.
Future
A sixth Scary Movie film is currently in development at Paramount Pictures, with Marlon and Shawn Wayans involved as producers.