Ranking Every Ghostface: Scream’s Most Unforgettable Killers
From cunning masterminds to chaotic wildcards, Scream’s Ghostface killers have kept fans guessing for decades. Dive into our definitive ranking of every masked murderer in the franchise.
Since 1996, the Scream franchise has kept punters on their toes with its iconic mask and ever-changing faces behind it. While the mask stays the same, the identity of the person wielding the knife is always a surprise, and that’s half the fun. Each film brings a fresh twist, with motives ranging from the clever to the downright unhinged, and the big reveal is always a highlight for fans.
Some Ghostfaces are cold and calculated, others are unpredictable and messy, but all bring something unique to the table. Whether you’re watching the original or the latest sequel, guessing who’s behind the mask is part of the thrill. Not every killer leaves a lasting impression, though—some are unforgettable, while others barely register once the credits roll. Here’s how every Ghostface stacks up, from the least memorable to the most chilling.
Forgettable Faces and Missed Opportunities
Jason Carvey from Scream 6 barely gets a look-in, with his short stint and single kill failing to make much of a mark. He had plans for a bigger spree, but was quickly overshadowed by the real villain. Charlie Walker in Scream 4 doesn’t fare much better. His role is more sidekick than mastermind, and his motives never really land. He’s dispatched by his own partner before he can do much damage, and his kills are more clumsy than clever.
Ethan Bailey, another addition from Scream 6, is hard to remember at all. With no clear kill to his name and a muddled multi-killer plot, he fades into the background. Debbie Loomis from Scream 2, driven by revenge for her son, brings plenty of anger but lacks the charisma or unpredictability that makes a Ghostface stand out. Her plan is memorable, but she doesn’t leave a lasting impression.
Middle of the Pack: Twists, Chaos, and Cold Calculations
Quinn Bailey, also from Scream 6, fakes her own death and keeps her cool in the final act, but her motivation is a bit tired by this point in the series. Detective Bailey, the brains behind the Scream 6 killings, brings a darker edge as a killer from within the system. His obsession and the Ghostface shrine he builds are genuinely unsettling, but his motives don’t feel as personal as some of the top contenders.
Mickey Altieri from Scream 2 is all ego and self-awareness, embracing the chaos and racking up a decent body count. His detachment from his victims is chilling, but his over-the-top motivation lands him in the middle of the list. Richie Kirsch in Scream 5 hides behind a friendly exterior, making his betrayal all the more shocking. His plan to ‘fix’ the Stab franchise is both funny and disturbing, but he’s missing that extra spark to make him truly great.
Top-Tier Terrors: The Most Memorable Ghostfaces
Amber Freeman in Scream 5 stands out for her sheer violence and unpredictability. She’s not afraid to go after legacy characters and keeps viewers guessing with her explosive temperament. Stu Macher from the original film is pure chaos, killing for the thrill rather than revenge. His mix of humour and cruelty makes him a standout, and his anarchic energy is still talked about today.
Jill Roberts in Scream 4 is ambitious and ruthless, aiming for fame at any cost. She even turns on her own partner to become the ‘new’ Sidney Prescott, delivering one of the franchise’s biggest shocks. With one of the highest kill counts, her blend of narcissism and cunning makes her a dangerous adversary. Roman Bridger from Scream 3 is the only solo Ghostface, manipulating events from behind the scenes and reshaping the series’ mythology. His intelligence and emotional drive make him one of the most psychologically complex killers.
The Original and the Best
Billy Loomis, the original Ghostface, set the standard for all who followed. His motives—jealousy and revenge—are deeply personal, and his cold, calculating nature established the tone for the entire franchise. Even with Stu as his partner, Billy’s psychological manipulation and emotional weight make him the definitive face of the series. He’s not just a killer; he’s the catalyst for everything that comes after.
Who’s your pick for the most memorable Ghostface? All the Scream films are streaming now on HBO Max and Paramount+.