“Scream 7,” the latest installment in Paramount and Spyglass Media’s iconic slasher series, has made a remarkable debut at the global box office, generating an impressive $97.2 million in its first weekend. This record-breaking performance includes $64.1 million domestically and $33.1 million from international markets, setting new global, international, and North American records for the franchise, which began with the original 1996 film. Directed by Kevin Williamson, who also penned the inaugural “Scream,” this seventh chapter introduces a new Ghostface killer targeting the daughter of Neve Campbell’s resilient heroine, Sidney Prescott.

A significant factor contributing to the film’s unprecedented success was the highly anticipated return of Neve Campbell to the franchise, after her absence from the sixth entry due to a salary dispute. This comeback, alongside the participation of other beloved legacy cast members such as Courteney Cox, David Arquette, and Matthew Lillard, fueled a wave of nostalgia that significantly boosted opening weekend attendance. Furthermore, premium screen formats played a crucial role, with Imax, ScreenX, and other pricier options accounting for 40% of the total gross. Notably, “Scream 7” marks the first film in the franchise to be offered in Imax, enhancing the viewing experience for many.

Gary Barber, chairman and CEO of Spyglass Media, lauded the film’s success, stating, “This historic, franchise record-breaking box office performance is a testament to the enduring legacy created by our director Kevin Williamson 30 years ago, led by the incomparable Neve Campbell, breakout star Isabel May, legacy stalwart Courteney Cox and the entire cast.” He also expressed gratitude to the global audience for their enthusiastic reception. Paramount’s marketing strategy for “Scream 7” skillfully leveraged the film’s 30th anniversary and Neve Campbell’s return, focusing on a sense of destiny and a culmination of the franchise’s narrative. Josh Goldstine, Paramount’s president of global marketing and distribution, noted that the studio aimed to excite both long-time fans and younger horror enthusiasts, with a campaign that included a prime Super Bowl spot and Ghostface appearances at events like UFC 324.

Internationally, “Scream 7” outperformed its predecessor, “Scream VI,” by 35% for the same group of markets. While “Scream VI” opened to $22.6 million from 53 territories and concluded its theatrical run with $58 million overseas and $166 million globally, the seventh installment demonstrated stronger international appeal from the outset. Key international markets saw robust debuts, with the United Kingdom leading at $5.3 million, followed by France ($4.2 million), Mexico ($3 million), Australia ($2.5 million), and Germany ($2.4 million). The film is yet to open in Singapore, Malaysia, and Hong Kong, indicating further potential for international growth.

For Paramount, “Scream 7” represents a crucial win, marking the studio’s first No. 1 release since “Novocaine” in March of the previous year, following a challenging 2025. This success comes amidst significant corporate developments for Paramount, including its recent move to outbid Netflix for control of Warner Bros. Discovery. However, this major media merger has sparked concerns among theater owners, who fear it could lead to fewer new movie releases on the big screen during an already difficult period for the box office.

Beyond “Scream 7,” other films are also making their mark globally. Director Emerald Fennell’s literary adaptation, “Wuthering Heights,” is nearing the $200 million milestone after just three weekends in release. The film has accumulated $119.7 million overseas from 78 territories and $72.3 million in North America. Produced with an $80 million budget, “Wuthering Heights” continues a successful box office streak for Warner Bros., following previous hits like “Sinners,” “A Minecraft Movie,” and “Weapons.”

Similarly, Sony’s original animated adventure, “GOAT,” has legged out to a worldwide total of $130.5 million. This includes $56.6 million from 53 international markets and $73.9 million domestically. With an $80 million production cost, “GOAT” has demonstrated solid performance, though it anticipates strong competition in the coming weekend with the release of Disney and Pixar’s “Hoppers.” The diverse success of these films underscores various segments of the global cinematic landscape.