Marlon Wayans' Scary Movie is climbing the streaming charts. Over two decades after its release, the beloved parody film and its sequel are seeing a resurgence, having found new popularity on streaming, reminding audiences of Wayans' comedic legacy and why the Scary Movie franchise remains one of the most iconic parody franchises.
The renewed success of Scary Movie and Scary Movie 2 also coincides with Marlon Wayans' latest theatrical release, HIM. The new film just hit theatres, and while the film debuted at 30% on Rotten Tomatoes, Wayans' performance in HIM has been widely praised.
According to FlixPatrol's latest data, Scary Movie has risen to the top 10 streaming movies in the U.S., taking the third spot in the top 10 on Paramount+. Notably, Scary Movie 2 also cracked the list, ranking at number nine.
Other movies currently on the Paramount+ Top 10 list include Blade, Top Gun: Maverick, Stans, The Mechanic, Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters, and Smurfs.
What This Means For Scary Movie
Released in 2000, Scary Movie was a cultural phenomenon, parodying horror films like Scream and I Know What You Did Last Summer while blending slapstick humor with sharp satire about the genre. Directed by Keenen Ivory Wayans, the film launched a successful franchise that spawned five sequels and cemented the Wayans family's influence in comedy.
While HIM demonstrates Wayans' ability to branch into new material, the resurgence of Scary Movie on streaming is a reminder of the foundation he built with genre-bending comedy. This also demonstrates that the appetite for parody and horror-comedy remains alive and well. While many parody films from the 2000s faded into obscurity, the Wayans' comedy continues to resonate with audiences.
It also suggests that modern audiences are eager for more projects like the Scary Movie franchise. The Wayans' ability to successfully spoof horror while delivering an entertaining story has set a standard for what parody films can accomplish. Their continued relevance could even inspire new parody projects in today's evolving landscape or horror and comedy.
Scary Movie 6 is currently in development at Paramount & Miramax, with Marlon and Shawn Wayans returning. The film is slated to arrive on June 12, 2026.
For streaming services, the enduring popularity of these films reinforces the importance of keeping cult classics accessible, especially around the Halloween season when audience interest in horror films peaks.
Our Take On Scary Movie Being A Streaming Hit
The Scary Movie franchise continues to prove that well-executed comedies never truly fade away. Its resurgence on streaming is both a testament to the enduring quality of the original films and a reflection of audiences' desire for films that don't take themselves too seriously.
In a streaming landscape dominated by intense dramas and big-budget blockbusters, a clever horror parody provides a refreshing balance. With Wayans' career blossoming as a result of new ventures like HIM, it's the perfect time for a reappraisal of his early work. With Scary Movie 6 in development, the franchise will be back in the spotlight, introducing the iconic parody franchise to a new generation.
Scary Movie, Scary Movie 2, and Scary Movie 3 are available for streaming on Paramount+.
8.7/10 7/10 Scary Movie 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Like Follow Followed R Horror Comedy Release Date July 7, 2000 Runtime 88 minutes Director Keenen Ivory Wayans Writers Jason Friedberg, Shawn Wayans, Phil Beauman, Buddy Johnson, Aaron Seltzer, Marlon Wayans Sequel(s) Scary Movie 3, Scary Movie 5, Scary Movie 4 Cast See All Regina Hall Marlon Wayans
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