Scream

1996 Wes Craven Scream Slasher "Scream" is not only my favorite horror film of all time, "Scream" is also one of my favorite films in general. It has already been said at least 1 million times, but I will still say that the film is one of the most influential horror films in film history that has not only revived but also revolutionized a genre that was believed to be dead, and has inspired various other films that never reached its class, like "Urban Legend" and "I Know What You did Last Summer". The film always is playing with the genre tropes and clichés in an totally unique and always to the point way. Every single direct or only implied meta gag sits and never feels forced. When the characters are talking about films or referencing them, it always feels very natural and they are extremely fun to watch. In general, the dialogues are very clever, charming and always sensationally hilarious. The characters also always behave comprehensibly and don't feel like characters who were only written to to be slaughtered as brutally as possible, even if the film offers some really great and technically beautifully implemented kills. They all have deep and a real character and are all introduced really well. The acting is always on point and especially towards the end when certain characters feel a little woozy, it's simply terrific. Neve Campbell as Sidney Prescott is my favorite final girl and I think she fits the role perfectly and always plays perfectly. Skeet Ulrich and Matthew Lillard’s performances are also simply fantastic from the first to the last second. I especially like Jamie Kennedy as Randy because he is responsible for some of the best scenes and quotes from the film, oh what am I talking about, from the entire history of film. But all the other actors from David Arquette to Courteney Cox to Rose McGowan are just the perfect casting and always play the characters and their personalities in fantastic ways. The cinematography is also really great and I really like the look and the atmosphere of the film as well as the great score. The killer reveal is of course always important for a slasher, that of "Scream" is undoubtedly one of the best there is, probably even the best, at least I can hardly think of a better one. Both the opening, which is one of the best of all times, and the end are both fantastically staged and well acted and simply brilliant. Kevin Williamson's very clever, innovative and creative script combined with Wes Craven's talent for directing and his sense of staging and suspense result in one of the best films of all time.