The 12 most iconic 'Scream Queens'

The horror genre has historically been characterized by its iconic "Scream Queens"—actresses whose unforgettable performances have made a lasting impact on the annals of cinematic history. From the inception of film to the modern era of cinema, these women have enthralled audiences through their depictions of fear and fortitude. Presented here are twelve of the most iconic Scream Queens:

1. Fay Wray

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Fay Wray's role as Ann Darrow in King Kong (1933) established her as cinema's original Scream Queen. Her portrayal of the damsel in distress, famously screaming in the giant ape's grasp, set a precedent for horror heroines.

2. Janet Leigh

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In Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho (1960), Janet Leigh's portrayal of Marion Crane, especially during the infamous shower scene, became one of horror's most iconic moments. Her performance earned her a Golden Globe and an Academy Award nomination.

3. Jamie Lee Curtis

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The daughter of Janet Leigh, Jamie Lee Curtis became synonymous with the horror genre thanks to her role as Laurie Strode in Halloween (1978). Her portrayal of a resilient babysitter who manages to evade a relentless killer cemented her Scream Queen status.

4. Heather Langenkamp

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Heather Langenkamp's role as Nancy Thompson in A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) showcased her as a formidable adversary to the terrifying Freddy Krueger, earning her a place among horror's elite heroines.

5. Neve Campbell

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As Sidney Prescott in the Scream series, starting in 1996, Neve Campbell's character became a symbol of strength and survival, navigating the dangers posed by the Ghostface killer across multiple sequels.

6. Sarah Michelle Gellar

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Famous for playing Buffy in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Sarah Michelle Gellar also starred in big horror movies like I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997) and Scream 2 (1997), further solidifying her status as a Scream Queen.

7. Sigourney Weaver

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Sigourney Weaver's portrayal of Ellen Ripley in the Alien franchise redefined the role of women in horror and science fiction, presenting a strong, resourceful protagonist battling extraterrestrial terror.

8. Linda Blair

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Linda Blair's chilling performance as Regan MacNeil in The Exorcist (1973) remains one of the most haunting in horror history, earning her critical acclaim and a lasting legacy in the genre.

9. Jennifer Love Hewitt

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Starring as Julie James in I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997) and its sequel, Jennifer Love Hewitt became a 1990s horror icon, portraying a teenager pursued by a vengeful killer.

10. Drew Barrymore

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Although her role in Scream (1996) was brief, Drew Barrymore's performance as Casey Becker in the film's opening scene became instantly iconic, subverting audience expectations and leaving a lasting impact.

11. Mia Goth

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Mia Goth has made a name for herself as a contemporary Scream Queen with her stunning performances in X (2022) and its prequel Pearl (2022), proving to be a versatile and committed horror movie actress.

12. Jenna Ortega

Harald Krichel, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Jenna Ortega's recent roles in Scream (2022) and the Netflix series Wednesday have positioned her as a new talent in the field of horror, bringing a fresh perspective to the legacy of the Scream Queen.

Each of these actresses has contributed something to the evolution of the Scream Queen archetype, reflecting changing societal attitudes and the enduring appeal of horror cinema.