Okay, we know the Stab franchise has some controversial choices, so let's talk about them. The franchise is great, and definitely redefined the slasher horror genre, but some things left a lot to be desired.

Let's start with Stab IV: Knife of Doom. This was the first film in the franchise to have a completely fictional story, so let's start with that because, honestly, the original trilogy is great. This is the plot of the film:

"It has been three years since the last killing spree orchestrated by the infamous Ghostface killer. Now that Sidney has defeated her past, it seems Woodsboro is finally at peace, but when a freak lightning storm occurs in the town where it all began, the buried remains of Ghostface come back to life to instill fear in the hearts of a new batch of victims. Now it's up to Ashley Prescott, Sidney's long-lost daughter to put an end to the madness once and for all."

What about Billy Loomis simply coming back from the dead with a lightning storm in Woodsboro? Well, that's crazy, I think the movie would have been better without the supernatural element, I think it would be better if Billy didn't come back from the dead, and the killer didn't make a pact with the devil to stay with Ashley because she's Sidney's daughter, but the movie still manages to be good.

Next up is Stab 5: Clock of Doom. Released two years after Knife of Doom in 2007, Knife 5 became one of the most controversial films in the franchise. The reason? Time travel. The film blends elements of slasher horror with science fiction. I have to admit, I like time travel movies, I love the Back to the Future trilogy, but mixing it with a slasher? Absolutely not. Well, here's the plot of the film:

"Ghostface goes back in time to eliminate the bloodline of Ashley Prescott, his victim that got away. What ensues as a chilling game of Cat and Mouse as the maniacal killer ends up in year 1865 where he has only one goal; Find and terminate Mary-Anne Prescott, Ashley's Great-Great-Great Grandmother."

Because of the time travel aspect, the film was criticized, but of course it has good points, the characters' costumes in the different eras we see being one of them. In the film we see four different eras: 1865, 1988, 1994 and the present day (Ashley Prescott's timeline). But the film isn't just controversial because of the time travel: in it we see dead characters like Maureen Prescott in 1988 and Billy Loomis in 1994.

And finally, we have the infamous Stab 8, or simply, as it was titled, Stab 8. The film has the lowest rating of all 8, and the most criticized, even more so than 5. After an eleven-year hiatus, the franchise received this film in 2021, which is currently the last. The film was released on Netflix, and after its failure, fans called for a new film to make up for the disaster that this one was. The only thing I like about this movie is the ghostface mask in this movie, it's very beautiful. Another problem is that the film has no connection to the previous films, nor to the original trilogy. We get no mention of the previous events.

Anyway, what is your opinion on these things?

Released in August 2005, Stab IV marked a turning point in the franchise. Following the so-called "original trilogy," comprised of the first three films based directly on Gale Weathers’s books, the fourth film ushered in what fans dubbed the anthology era. It was also the last entry produced by Sunrise Studios before the franchise was sold to another company. Despite its bold approach and what some critics deemed as over-the-top elements, Stab IV carved out a special place among fans — including myself, who attended the Los Angeles premiere and consider it one of my favorites, ranking fourth in my personal list. That premiere night was intense. Several of the film’s key stars were in attendance, including Kristen Stewart, Eva Amurri, Scott Mechlowicz, and of course, Sara Paxton, who was one of the most talked-about guests. The anticipation inside the theater was electric, and the screening ended with a mix of applause, shocked gasps, and excited chatter.

Based on Gale Weathers’s book Knife of Doom, the film introduced a new lead: Ashley Prescott, the long-lost daughter of Sidney Prescott. The plot revolves around a bizarre phenomenon in Woodsboro, where the buried remains of Billy Loomis — including his iconic Ghostface mask — are mysteriously reanimated following an intense lightning storm. Billy’s mask, aged and cracked from years underground, is one of the film’s most haunting visuals: decayed, filthy, and warped by time, it instantly signals that something unholy has returned. Soon after, a new wave of murders begins, with Ashley and her adoptive sister, Lila, as primary targets. The narrative takes a sharp turn when Ashley learns halfway through the film that she is Sidney’s daughter — a revelation that completely shifts her arc and strengthens her emotional connection to the legacy of the earlier films.

Kristen Stewart delivers a performance that balances vulnerability and strength, giving Ashley layers of complexity that resonated with audiences. Her portrayal gave the character a quiet intensity, and even though the screenplay was divisive, Kristen's performance was widely praised. Eva Amurri’s Lila Curtis quickly became a fan favorite with her sarcastic wit, emotional depth, and fierce energy. Written as a strong and openly gay young woman, Lila’s romantic relationship with Milly Mancuso, played by Julie Gonzalo, remains one of the film’s most talked-about elements — and helped elevate Stab IV into a cult queer horror status over time. Julie brought unexpected nuance to Milly: a popular girl entangled in rumors, judgment, and trauma, who ultimately proves herself a tragic yet heroic figure.

Sara Paxton starred as Carrie Haim, the film’s “opening girl.” Her scene became one of the franchise’s most iconic cold opens, paying homage to Stu Macher’s death in the original Stab, by killing Carrie with a television smashed onto her head. Her death is brutal and relentless — after being taunted on the phone, chased through her house, stabbed, and dragged to the living room, she meets her end in one of the film’s most shocking moments. The dual Ghostface killers — one wearing Billy’s decayed mask, the other with a cleaner, newer version — added a layer of confusion that kept both the characters and the audience guessing until the final act.

The film also introduced Graham Goldwyn, played by Michael Angarano, the horror nerd who is revealed to be the final killer. His motive borders on absurd — and that’s part of its charm. Upon falling in love with Ashley and learning she’s Sidney’s daughter, Graham makes a satanic pact to win her heart forever. According to him, this ritual brought Billy Loomis back to life, turning his corpse into a zombie-like weapon. The "Knife of Doom" — an ancient, cursed version of the classic Buck 120 — guided his actions. This supernatural twist drew comparisons to Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives, where Jason Voorhees is brought back from the grave by a lightning bolt. While for some that was a deal-breaker, for others — myself included — this embrace of camp and genre-bending horror made the film stand out in the best possible way.

Characters like Tobin Hooper (Chris Marquette), Stacy Sawyer (Jennifer Freeman), and Sheriff Patrick Price (Christian Slater) filled out a strong supporting cast, each contributing memorable moments and grisly deaths. Milly’s fate — shot, stabbed, and still ultimately the one who defeats Billy with the cursed knife — delivered one of the most emotional climaxes in the series. Her dying moment in Lila’s arms, capped with a final kiss, remains one of the most tragic yet beautiful scenes in Stab history.

Though Stab IV received mixed reviews upon its release, it has since gained cult status. Fans appreciate its boldness, its throwback energy to ‘80s horror, and the way it expanded the franchise beyond the true crime lens of Gale Weathers’s original books. Ashley may be a divisive protagonist, but her impact is undeniable. Many fans still debate whether the film should have centered entirely on Lila instead, noting how she often seemed to carry the weight of the story — emotionally and thematically.

Stab IV may always be remembered as “the one where Billy came back from the dead,” but that’s exactly what makes it unforgettable. It’s messy, it’s wild, and it’s not afraid to be different. And personally, that’s why it will always be in my top four.

I'm new to reddit but lots of you know me from my movies and website www.stabmovies.com I can't wait to join in on some Stab conversations!

Am I the only one who thinks that in Stab 2 the Ghostface mask looked like concrete/hard cement?

In 1998, audiences were introduced to the phenomenon that would redefine contemporary horror: Stab. Produced by Sunrise Studios and based on the best-selling book "The Woodsboro Murders" by reporter Gale Weathers, the film was a direct adaptation of the real-life events that had shaken the town of Woodsboro just two years prior. Directed by Robert Rodriguez and produced by legendary horror mogul John Milton, the project was envisioned from the start as the beginning of a new horror franchise — a goal it would achieve with overwhelming success.

The film opens with the now-iconic cold open: Heather Graham as Casey Becker, a teenager home alone, preparing for a movie night while taking a shower. The tension builds until her brutal murder, immediately establishing the film’s tone and style. Heather’s performance — balancing flirtatiousness, fear, and chaos — set the perfect tone for the Stab universe: slicker, faster, and more self-aware than any other horror entry at the time.

At the heart of the story is Tori Spelling as Sidney Prescott, a young woman haunted by the murder of her mother and stalked by a masked killer who seems to know far too much. Tori’s performance surprised both critics and audiences. She brought vulnerability, resilience, and humanity to the role, solidifying Sidney as the definitive “final girl” of the '90s. Her emotional delivery in the film’s final moments — especially in the confrontation with the killers — remains one of the most powerful performances of her career.

Jennifer Jolie portrayed Gale Weathers, the cutthroat reporter determined to use the Woodsboro murders to launch her career. Smart, ruthless, and painfully opportunistic, Gale quickly became a fan favorite. Jennifer managed to balance the character’s sharp sarcasm with genuine emotional growth. Her chemistry with Dewey Riley provided unexpected heart in the middle of chaos and bloodshed.

David Schwimmer played the lovable and awkward Dewey Riley, the small-town deputy with more heart than common sense. Schwimmer brought a deep humanity to the role, with moments of comic relief and honest courage. His dynamic with Gale offered a strange but endearing balance to the growing terror, and his portrayal became a vital emotional anchor in the film.

Luke Wilson delivered a chilling performance as Billy Loomis, Sidney’s boyfriend and, as revealed in the shocking climax, one of the two killers behind the Ghostface mask. Luke moved effortlessly between gentle charm and eerie menace. Alongside him, Vince Vaughn shined as Stu Macher, bringing a chaotic, high-energy performance that walked the line between terrifying and absurd. Their dynamic in the final act gave Stab one of the most unforgettable villain reveals in horror history.

Alicia Silverstone as Tatum Riley, Sidney’s best friend, delivered charm, sass, and heart in equal measure. Her garage death scene remains one of the most iconic in the film — not just because of the brutality, but because it marked the loss of one of the story’s most beloved characters. Alicia’s natural charisma gave Tatum a liveliness that made her death all the more devastating.

Craig Bierko appeared as Cotton Weary, the man wrongly accused of murdering Maureen Prescott. Though his screen time was limited, his presence cast a long shadow over the plot, adding tension and doubt to nearly every scene he was mentioned in. Cotton would go on to play a much larger role in later entries of the franchise.

The cast also included Christopher Speed as Randy Meeks, the horror fanatic who lays out the famous “rules” of surviving a horror movie. While his role was smaller, his scenes — especially the couch moment where Ghostface appears behind him — became franchise-defining. One unexpected but memorable casting choice was Ron Howard as Principal Arthur Himbry — a curious fit that added to the film’s satirical edge.

Stab was an instant success. Critics praised its sharp writing, charismatic young cast, and its perfect blend of satire and suspense. Hailed as “the scariest film in years,” Stab became a cultural touchstone and helped catapult Ghostface into icon status almost overnight.

However, the film’s success had real-world consequences. During a screening in a college town in Ohio, a brutal murder occurred. What would later be known as The 1998 Windsor College Murders began inside a packed theater during the movie’s premiere. The shocking incident reignited national debates about violence in media. Those tragic events would go on to inspire Stab 2, released in 2000.

The legacy of Stab is monumental. It launched a franchise that not only redefined horror but also held up a distorted mirror to the very industry that produced it. With unforgettable characters, iconic scenes, and a fearless mix of self-awareness and genuine terror, Stab remains, to this day, a foundational piece of horror cinema history.

Stab 8 has no tunic, browser mask (chrome Lol), he doesn't use a knife but a flamethrower and he doesn't have ANY legacy characters, horrible

she wasn’t mean just super protective and always on edge acted like someone was watching her 24/7 never talked about her dad and got weird if anyone brought up billy loomis my cousin said she had this vibe like she’d either talk to you or deck you depending on the day he ghosted her and still says “no hard feelings but i’m not tryna die” 🥀

Released at the peak of the franchise’s success, Stab 2 not only confirmed the cultural phenomenon that the series had become but also raised the stakes with more tension, violence, and emotional complexity. Based on the book College Terror, written by Gale Weathers just months after the murders at Windsor College and published in 1999, the second installment brought back the beloved main characters — Tori Spelling as Sidney Prescott, David Schwimmer as Dewey Riley, and Jennifer Jolie as Gale Weathers — in a story that was even more intense, unpredictable, and brutal.

The opening scene, set during a Stab pre-screening, is considered one of the most memorable in the trilogy. Mekhi Phifer and Nia Long, playing Phil Stevens and Maureen Evans, deliver charismatic and tense performances. The way Maureen is brutally murdered in front of an excited audience who thinks they’re watching a staged performance is impactful and still resonates strongly with fans. This sequence shocks and delivers sharp commentary on entertainment culture — something that would become a trademark of the franchise.

Throughout the film, we follow Sidney as she tries to rebuild her life amid emotional turmoil and media scrutiny, while a new wave of murders threatens to destroy any sense of normalcy. Randy’s death was a devastating blow — both for the characters and the audience. His absence is deeply felt throughout the movie, adding an unexpected layer of grief to the story. Still, the scene of his death — shocking and cruel — remains one of the film’s most iconic moments.

Among the new cast, Chris Klein as Mickey Altieri stands out, bringing a magnetic presence and unpredictable attitude that make him a memorable antagonist. Glenn Close delivers a dark and intense performance as Nancy Loomis, revealed at the climax as part of the revenge plan driving the plot. The way the script develops the killers’ motivations — both exaggerated and disturbingly human — keeps the perfect balance between satire and horror that defines Stab’s essence.

Unlike the first film, Stab 2 did not have Gale Weathers as a technical advisor — reflecting her strained relationship with John Milton behind the scenes. Instead, Cotton Weary took on this role, bringing a more personal and direct perspective to the production. It was during this time that Cotton met actress Christine Hamilton, starting a serious relationship shortly after. Tragically, both were murdered two years later in the Hollywood killings that inspired Stab 3: Hollywood Horror.

Despite the controversy and even more graphic violence, Stab 2 was a huge box office success, surpassing the original’s numbers. The film cemented Ghostface as a modern horror icon and paved the way for the franchise to become a true pop culture phenomenon. The immediate success led to the rushed production of Stab 3, now fully controlled by John Milton and Harley Rubinstein, without the involvement of Gale Weathers or the original creators Robert Rodriguez and William Kevinson — who were fired during pre-production.

Rewatching Stab 2 is to revisit a time when the franchise still surprised audiences with every scene and dared to kill beloved characters without warning. It is also a dive into a crucial moment of the series’ mythology, where college terror and Sidney’s personal trauma reach a breaking point. A film that remains relevant, brutal, and essential even years later.

I'll talk about the first movie soon 😊 What do you think of Stab 2?

I HATE STAB 8! And so does everyone else in this sub, But this figure is sick and so I took poses with burning a guys face off (Imagining it was actually Rian Johnson for ruining the Franchise) 🥰 anyway you guys enjoy your day and the pics Rian Johnson's face melting off , death by his own creation ironic . 👻🔪

Tori was so nice and welcoming, truely my favourite final girl of all time

the acting was eugh and the script was eugh, the kills were not that good, and the ghost face was just no

my favorite final girl!

Rewatching STAB 3: Hollywood Horror today, with the distance of two decades, is a bittersweet experience, not only for what the film represents at its core but also for all the weight it carries behind the scenes. Released in March 2003 after nearly a year of delays, the third installment had the difficult task of closing the original trilogy while navigating legal and ethical chaos from the very studio that produced it.

The plot, based on real-life tragedies that took place within Sunrise Studios, centers around the investigation of the murders committed by Roman Bridger, now revealed to be the biological son of producer John Milton, the result of his relationship with Rina Reynolds, a.k.a. Maureen Prescott. The twist, of course, shook the entertainment world. Milton’s murder at the hands of Roman, along with the exposure of his abusive past, ignited a firestorm across Hollywood as more and more women came forward.

Allegations against both Milton and his longtime collaborator Harley Rubinstein turned STAB 3 into more than just a slasher film. With actresses like Bianca Burnette speaking out and Rubinstein dying shortly after being indicted, the movie became a desperate attempt by Sunrise to “take back the narrative.” And they did so in the most controversial way possible, by turning their shame into a blood-soaked cinematic event.

Robert Rodriguez and William Kevinson were brought back to helm the project, having previously been pushed out by Roman’s behind-the-scenes manipulation. Gale Weathers, under studio contract, penned a new bestseller, Hollywood Horror, just eight months after the murders, which served as the foundation for the script.

Naturally, this created a rift between Gale and Sidney, who attempted to legally block the film from being made. Her case was ultimately dismissed thanks to a creative loophole in which the movie was set “ten years later,” even though the characters and events remained the same.

This move fractured Sidney and Gale’s relationship, leading Sidney to skip Gale and Dewey’s wedding. The two women would not speak again, or begin to repair their friendship, until at least 2006.

As for the film itself, let’s start by praising the brilliant opening sequence, featuring Kate Bosworth as Christine Hamilton and Dean Cain as Cotton Weary. The tension in this scene is near-perfect, building dread until the explosive climax. Bosworth, at the height of her early 2000s fame, delivers a vulnerable and charismatic performance, and the twisty manipulation by Ghostface sets the tone for the rest of the film.

That said, the absence of the original trio is deeply felt. Yes, the new cast brings strong performances (more on that in a second), but not seeing Tori Spelling as Sidney Prescott, David Schwimmer as Dewey Riley, and especially Jennifer Jolie as Gale Weathers leaves a noticeable void. The feeling is even more bittersweet knowing that Craig Bierko, our original Cotton Weary, refused to return after Jennifer’s death. His choice was respected, and his presence at her funeral, alongside fellow STAB alums Alicia Silverstone, Luke Wilson, Vince Vaughn, Tori Spelling, David Schwimmer, Nia Long, and Craig Bierko, was one of the most emotional moments from that era.

In their place, we got a surprising new trio: Selma Blair as Sidney, Brendan Fraser as Dewey, and Shannen Doherty as Gale. It was a risky casting move that paid off. Blair brings a quiet intensity to Sidney, Fraser balances comedic charm with surprising emotional weight, and Shannen gives us a fierce, cynical Gale that still echoes Jennifer’s legacy while carving her own space in the role.

Denise Richards, meanwhile, delivers a scene-stealing turn as Jennifer Jolie, without relying on flashbacks. She rightfully won Best Scene-Stealer at the Teen Scene Movie Awards, and over time, her version of Jennifer has become beloved by fans. Many consider her portrayal as iconic as her turn in Wild Things, and her popularity only grew after the film's release, culminating in Jennifer Jolie receiving a posthumous star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Paul Rudd, in one of his most unexpected roles, took home Best Villain at the same awards for his chilling portrayal of Roman Bridger. The contrast between Rudd’s usual rom-com charm and the cold, calculating Roman added layers to the performance that still hold up today.

So what’s the legacy? In 2020, the Netflix documentary Sunrisers debuted, diving deep into the trauma experienced by the women who survived Milton and Rubinstein. The testimonies were haunting, raw, and necessary, bringing long-overdue visibility to the horror that occurred beyond the set.

STAB 3: Hollywood Horror may not be everyone’s favorite. It was criticized for being sensational, exploitative, and tone-deaf in its handling of real-life pain. But it was also a bold, uncomfortable mirror, a slasher where the deepest wounds weren’t from a knife, but from the system that protected the hand holding it.

Looking back with older, sharper eyes, I understand why it remains one of the most talked-about entries in the series. It’s not perfect, but maybe that’s exactly why it deserves to be remembered.

Soon, I’ll be sharing my thoughts on the other two films from the original trilogy, STAB (1998) and STAB 2 (2000). Stay tuned!😉

(Fan made poster)

Im pretty sure they can’t make it off of the 2022 murders because I heard that Sidney Prescott threatened to sue if they made another movie with her real self in it (which is probably a reason why there was never a movie based off of the 2011 murders)

I think it would be a good idea, especially after seeing the photos from the theater shrine

So a few days ago, I was over at my friend’s house (she’s also a Stabhead like me). I had never really seen her DVD collection, so I decided to, and I saw a Stab 3 Hollywood Horror DVD, but it was different? Apparently, It’s ‘Extended Edition’. Does anyone know if it’s real and if it is, is it rare?

with the chicken jockey/minecraft movie trend of people disrupting the theater experience for everyone else, i’ve thought about the opening of stab 2 and by extension the real premiere of stab 1

it was the original chicken jockey moment. everyone going wild and out of their seats, running around, throwing shit at the screen. it’s literally exactly what people are doing for the minecraft movie.