Thank you to the publisher for inviting me to read an early copy of this book.

<i>Scream</i> was the first horror movie that I was finally able to watch by myself (while living alone) and understand why horror was such a great genre. Being able to read an early copy of this book was such a fun experience, and it turns out I really did know quite a few of the tales told in the pages.

This book is a history of the <i>Scream<i/> franchise starting from its inception to present (as current as possible) day. The author used written interviews as well as their own for the book itself.

The chapters have a set purpose instead of trying to do too many things at once. There are dedicated chapters to each <i>Scream<i/> movie as well as one dedicated to Wes Craven.

The pay dispute with Neve Campbell was mentioned, and the author was able to interview her for the making of this book.

What struck me as odd was the lack of Melissa Barrera and Jenna Ortega. I wondered if there was going to be any mention of their collective leaving of the franchise (firing and voluntary quitting, respectively) and it was talked about. The lack of interviews from either of them was very telling and it left a big hole in the storytelling for me. It would have been nice if there had been a mention of the author trying to at least reach out to either Barrera or Ortega because it felt like they were deliberately left out.

Overall, I thought it was a fun ride to read through the history of <i>Scream</i>. I don't think the die-hard fans would find anything new in its pages, but maybe the newer ones or the ones who couldn't see the original in theaters.

"There are certain rules someone must abide by to survive a scary movie," warns Randy Meeks in the first Scream film, and certain rules that also need to be abided by to survive the production of the Scream film. Your Favorite Scary Movie is a love letter to the iconic horror franchise penned by debut author Cullins who is no doubt having the time of her life writing what is no doubt the definitive account of the Kevin Williamson and Wes Craven's meta classic. With no stone left unturned and no Ghostface left unmasked, both franchise die-hards and casual horror fans will delight in interviews with almost every cast member from each of six completed installments and sneak peeks into production on the seventh. Working best as a retrospect, Cullins' writing is at its best when it's able to dig into older films, but her detail and clear love for these films will satisfy readers' bloodlust…for now.

I’m a longtime fan of Scream and was excited to read this book and gain some insight into the development of the franchise. Unfortunately, I felt like this book was just okay. There is a lot of information, but I kept waiting for some analysis or deeper insight from the author. Cullins has gathered a lot of interviews with people involved in the franchise, which is where the book really shines. I think it would have worked a lot better as an oral history, since some chapters were just quotes strung together without a lot of commentary from Cullins. It also rehashed a lot of things fans might already know.

If you’re a diehard Scream fan, you will enjoy this book. It was a fun, quick read but left me hoping for a little more.

Thanks to the publisher and to NetGalley for an early copy of this book.

I have been a fan of Scream since I was in high school, and I’ve loved seeing it evolve into what it is now. Reading the history of Scream in this book was wild. I knew some of it, but now I know a lot more. I appreciated all of the interviews and the homage to Wes Craven. I also enjoyed that there is a chapter talking about the upcoming Scream 7, which has caused a lot of heated debates. All in all, after reading this I’m excited for the upcoming movie. This author did a great job talking about all of the reasons that Scream remains a beloved part of the horror genre, and she did it with so much heart. You can tell that she really cares about this franchise. If you have been a fan of Scream in your life, don’t miss this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dutton for the copy of this ARC. This will be out in August of 2025. Make sure to add it to your TBR!

Ashley Cullins’ Your Favorite Scary Movie is a nostalgic deep dive into the iconic Scream franchise!—It is truly everything a horror lover could hope for. More than just a look behind-the-scenes, this book is a tribute to the films, the fans, and the late, great Wes Craven. Cullins masterfully blends production info, cast and crew interviews, and reflective commentary, painting a vivid picture of how this genre defining series evolved over the years. For longtime fans, it feels like revisiting an old friend!

Several chapters explore Wes Craven’s legacy not just as a filmmaker but as a the man who forever changed the landscape of horror. Cullins captures his impact with real reverence. The book also relays how each film came together, all the way to the upcoming Scream 7. It’s filled with fun behind-the-scenes facts, insider commentary, and easter eggs that make you want to marathon the entire franchise immediately.

Your Favorite Scary Movie is a must-read for Scream fans and horror lovers alike. It’s entertaining, emotional, and packed with insider magic that reminds us why we fell in love with the original movie in the first place. Whether you’re a trivia-loving superfan or just discovering the franchise, this book will absolutely slash its way into your heart. #penguin #dutton #ashleycullins #yourfavoritescarymovie

This was such a fun read and very insightful with lots of behind-the-scenes info for fans of the franchise. A lot of the
history told was new to me and it was great to be able to hear all the wonderful memories of the kind soul that Wes Craven was and how much he impacted everyone that he worked with on the long-running series. I wish more movie and tv series had biographies this well done.

Thank you to NetGalley, Ashley Cullins, Penguin Group Dutton and Plume for the advanced copy.

3.5/5 stars.
This book offers great insight into a storied franchise, though has some drawbacks in its execution. The interviews provide a great first-hand account of the making of each film along with the possible future of the franchise. The author’s writing style was not always my favorite, but the fast-paced nature of the writing did offer entertainment at every point. The relatively short periods of time spent discussing each movie allows for this fast pace, but I would have loved to have gotten more information. Overall, this was a fun read for those like myself who are huge fans of the Scream franchise.
Thank you to NetGalley for an eARC of this book.

Perfect for diehard fans of the Scream franchise! Lots of interviews with the actors and other creatives who worked on all of the films.
As a collector of random facts, I wish there was more insight into the production and just more general fun little tidbits that I can annoy people with as I watch the Scream movies with them (I got a few more facts in my arsenal from this book, just would have loved some more!) But overall, a cool insight into the entire franchise and definitely reignited my desire to have a Scream marathon.

Thank you to NetGalley/Penguin Group Dutton/Plume for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Your Favorite Scary Movie by Ashley Cullins is a love letter to Scream fans everywhere, and for anyone who holds that iconic franchise close to their heart, this book is an absolute must read. For me, it brought back vivid memories of my very first date with my high school boyfriend. Sitting in a dark theater, white knuckled and wide eyed, watching the original Scream. That film didn't just scare me, it sparked a lifelong obsession with horror.

Cullins captures that feeling perfectly. She dives deep into the Scream universe, offering not only detailed analysis of each film but also behind the scenes insights from those who helped bring Ghostface to life. The storytelling is rich and layered, with a clear reverence for Wes Craven and the legacy he created. The sections that explore his vision and influence were especially moving. Full of respect, heart, and fascinating detail.

This book doesn’t just recount facts, but it reignites the magic. After finishing it, I immediately binged the entire franchise with fresh eyes, noticing details and themes I’d never picked up on before. If Scream is part of your horror DNA, this book will feel like coming home. A beautifully written, nostalgic, and deeply satisfying tribute.

My most grateful thanks to NetGalley, Ashley Cullins, and Penguin Group for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinions. Publication date: August 19, 2025- PICK IT UP!!

Thank you to Penguin Group and NetGalley for an advanced ARC for a honest review. Although I'm not a fan of honor movies or non-fiction I enjoyed reading about the Scream fans, cinephiles. and anyone who's ever gotten scared by or laughed by a slasher flick. Whether your a die hard fan or just curious this book promises a compelling read.

As a huge fan of the Scream franchise, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Ashley Cullins delves into the immense impact of the franchise on horror and cinema, presenting a captivating exploration of its brilliance. This book is a must-read for fans of the Scream franchise and the horror film genre in general. The behind-the-scenes insights, interviews, and conversational writing style make it an enthralling and fascinating read. I highly recommend it.

As a HUGE Scream fan, I was super excited to receive this one as an eARC! This wasn't your typical run of the mill documentary style book. No, this one had love for the franchise behind it, it had the respect for the incredible Wes Craven that helped bring these films to life (with a little coaxing from his assistant at the time), it gave an inside look into the man behind the written script and the iconic voice of Ghostface. It let you see inside the minds of those that were part of the whole franchise, as well as the people that gave us the characters we came to love and hate. I am looking forward to placing this one on my trophy shelf when it is published.

What’s your favorite scary movie?
Mine has always been Scream—hands down, no competition. The first four films are my comfort movies, and I genuinely couldn’t tell you how many times I’ve rewatched them. So when I found out Your Favorite Scary Movie was coming out, I knew I had to read it. And imagine my surprise when I got the chance to experience it four months early—thank you, Dutton Books!!

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. It reminded me a bit of The Offer (the show about how The Godfather was made)—just so fascinating to see the full story from a completely different angle.

One of the most powerful parts for me was learning more about Wes Craven—not just as a director, but as a human being. Ashley went deep into his legacy, and let me just say... I did not expect to cry reading this, but I definitely did.

If you love Scream, or even just love hearing the behind-the-scenes chaos, heart, and hustle that goes into making iconic films, you need this book on your radar. From the actors to the producers to the fans who helped keep the franchise alive—it’s all in here.

One thing that really surprised me? Everyone behind the scenes seems to view Scream 4 as a bit of a flop?! I personally loved it. Great plot, great cast, so underrated. For fun, here’s how I’d rank the films:
1, 3, 4, 2, 6, 5

Bottom line: be on the lookout for Your Favorite Scary Movie. It’s a must-read for horror lovers and die-hard Scream fans alike. You don’t want to miss this one!

This book gave me such anxiety given the current state of the world, and thus I didn't enjoy it as much as I wish. I mean, I suppose I could have tried to suspend belief, but when so much of this book's premise and plot centers around companies mining data from all our devices, social media and, in this case, dreams, and allow the government to profile us it felt 'too soon. Basically, it all boils down to combating crime before it's even occurred, and legally detaining those considered 'high risk' by the algorithm- which we are dealing with in the here and now. Sara was a good protagonist, but the book seemed to go on a bit too long and some of the other characters could have been better developed.

OMG THIS BOOK!! I love the Scream franchise, so I figured I would love this book…but I loved it even more than I thought I would! You can tell how much research and interviews the author did to really set the tone from the making of the first movie all the way to the meaning of the seventh that’s still in progress and WOW! I learned so much about the franchise and actors and I just couldn’t put this book down! Now I’m even more excited to rewatch all the movies (and check out the next one when it comes out!) with all of this previously insider knowledge to increase my love of Scream even more. This book is FANTASTIC and I can’t recommend it highly enough!

ARC releasing 8/19. A novel exploring the making of and the legacy left by the Scream films. If you’re a die hard fan, nothing in this book will be anything new, but if you’re a casual fan, this will be an interesting read for you. I will say that the author has information incorrect regarding Jenna Ortega in light of her recent statement about Scream 7 and I hope that’s corrected prior to release.

"Your Favorite Scary Movie" by Mallory Arnold is a thought-provoking exploration of horror cinema, delving into its history, cultural impact, and the diverse ways it elicits fear. The book offers sharp commentary on representation in the genre, providing readers with a deeper understanding of the films that have shaped our collective nightmares. Arnold's extensive knowledge is evident, though at times the depth of analysis leans towards an academic tone, reminiscent of a thesis. Despite this, the author's wit and humor shine through, making complex discussions both engaging and accessible. For horror enthusiasts seeking a comprehensive and insightful read, this book is a valuable addition to your collection.

Thank you, PENGUIN GROUP Dutton, Plume, for providing the copy of Your Favorite Scary Movie by Ashley Cullins. I loved this book! I’m not a huge fan of the Scream Franchise but love reading insider tips about movies and TV. I can’t wait to watch all of the movies now. If you love them already, this book will give you insight you can’t find anywhere else. If you haven’t watched them you will want to after reading this book! 4 stars.

Although I'm not a big fan of non-fiction, I did love Scream so powered through this one as it was both informative and entertaining! Who knew so much goes into making a horror movie? This book is a series of interviews and it's nostalgic in all the right places. I might have to keep a more open mind when looking for scary movies in the future!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!

Your Favorite Scary Movie, is a must read for horror fans, cinephiles, and anyone who’s ever gotten scared by (or laughed at) a slasher flick. The book dives deep into the legacy of the Scream franchise, unpacking how a masked killer and a script full of self aware jabs completely transformed the horror landscape.

Cullins, a journalist, has combined a treasure trove of insight from over 80 interviews with the franchise’s key players, including Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, David Arquette, and screenwriter Kevin Williamson. This isn’t just a behind-the-scenes peek; it’s a cultural autopsy of a genre. Through these conversations, Cullins reveals how Scream redefined what horror could be, smart, scary, funny, and unashamedly meta.

What sets this book apart is its layered storytelling. It doesn’t just retell the making of the movies, it explores why they mattered. Cullins traces the evolution of horror pre- and post-Scream, showing how Wes Craven’s sharp direction and Williamson’s whip smart writing opened the door for a new kind of horror film: one that understood its audience, winked at the clichés, and still delivered the thrills.

Whether you're a die hard fan or just curious, this book promises a compelling read. It’s not just a love letter to a franchise, it’s a thoughtful, well researched chronicle of how Scream carved out a new set of rules in a genre once thought to be out of ideas.