Hack or Slash

Scream Queens Episodes

From Jamie Lee Curtis to modern women-led horror, scream queens remain at the heart of the genre. This category celebrates iconic performances, final girls, and central female roles that define horror films. Curated for our 31 Days of Horror challenge.
June 5, 2025

394: Bride of Frankenstein (1935)

This week we're celebrating the 90th anniversary of Bride of Frankenstein (1935). We discuss the film's innovative sequel elements, dissect the movie's iconic character reveals, and debate the emotional depth of the monster's...

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May 29, 2025

393: Fear Street: Prom Queen (2025)

This week we’re diving into the blood-soaked corridors of Fear Street: Prom Queen (2025). We critique the film's ability to reinvent slasher tropes, assess the depth of its character backstories, and discuss the effectiveness...

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May 22, 2025

392: Clown in a Cornfield (2025)

This week we’re heading into the heartland to check out Clown in a Cornfield (2025). We discuss how the film stacks up to its source material, examine the effectiveness of its comedy, and question whether Frendo has what it t...

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March 6, 2025

380: Companion (2025)

This week we’re unpacking the layers of Companion (2025). We explore the dynamic between humans and AI, parse through the film's exploration of abusive relationships, and discuss the impact of its marketing on the viewing experience. This episode...

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Feb. 7, 2025

376: Happy Death Day 2U (2019)

This week we’re stuck in a time loop with Happy Death Day 2U (2019). We analyze the film's shift towards sci-fi elements, assess Jessica Roth's performance, and consider the movie’s balance of humor and emotional depth. This episode contains...

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Dec. 6, 2024

366: The Substance (2024)

This week we're diving into the grotesque and satirical world of The Substance (2024). We examine the film's commentary on beauty standards, analyze its intense body horror effects, and question the impact of its narrative structure. This episode...

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July 12, 2024

339: Longlegs (2024)

This week we’re back in theaters to check out Longlegs (2024). We dissect its depiction of serial killers, unpack the nuance of its cinematography, and assess the quality of its leading actors. This episode contains spoilers, beginning at 28:21. ...

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July 5, 2024

338: MaXXXine (2024)

This week we’re diving into the gritty neon world of MaXXXine (2024). We analyze its portrayal of 1980s Hollywood, assess the intensity of its violence, and evaluate the evolution of Maxine Minx. This episode contains spoilers, beginning at 45:19. ...

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Feb. 16, 2024

318: Lisa Frankenstein (2024)

This week we’re checking out Lisa Frankenstein (2024). We unravel the film’s amalgamation of 30’s and 80’s horror, dissect its whimsical atmosphere, and unpack its nods to classic films. This episode contains spoilers, beginning at 27:18. ...

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Oct. 31, 2023

301: Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers (1989)

This week we're getting into the Halloween spirit by dissecting Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers (1989). We scrutinize the growth of its iconic franchise characters, question the merit of its updated mask, and consider its setup for the next...

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July 28, 2023

282: Talk to Me (2023)

This week we’re journeying back to the cinema to break down the freshly premiered Talk to Me (2023). We announce our annual Spooky Preseason challenge, explore the inventiveness in its storytelling, gauge the caliber of its chills, and debate the...

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May 19, 2023

272: Fresh (2022)

This week we’re unpacking Fresh (2022). We assess Sebastian Stan’s performance, debate the quality of the film’s ending, and appreciate the film’s real heroes. This episode contains spoilers, beginning at 26:05. Mentioned in the Episode Watch...

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March 10, 2023

262: Scream VI (2023)

This week we head to the theater to check out Scream VI (2023). We unpack the franchise’s relocation to New York, examine its parallels with its predecessors, and assess the quality of its tension. This episode contains spoilers, beginning at 32:40....

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Oct. 21, 2022

240: The Craft (1996)

This week the patrons have chosen for us to host a Ladies Night with The Craft (1996). While recognizing its cultural impact, we unpack our own experiences dabbling in the supernatural, the nostalgia of the 90s, and dismantle high school...

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Oct. 14, 2022

238: Halloween Ends (2022)

This week we celebrate our 5th anniversary by watching Halloween Ends (2022). We break down the treatment of its characters, reflect on the Laurie Strode and Michael Myers saga, and consider the impacts of nature versus nurture. In this episode's...

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Sept. 23, 2022

232: Pearl (2022)

This week we head to the theater to check out Pearl (2022). We unpack the quality of its origin story, assess the power of Mia Goth’s performance, and explore how the film differentiates its intensity from X (2022). This episode contains spoilers,...

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Aug. 19, 2022

227: Bodies Bodies Bodies (2022)

This week we head back to the theater to check out Bodies Bodies Bodies (2022). We assess the film’s use of comedy, critique its depiction of cellphone flashlights, and lament the struggle of toxic friend groups. This episode contains spoilers,...

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April 29, 2022

211: The Descent (2005)

This week the Hack or Slash patrons have voted for us to review The Descent (2005). We assess the film’s atmosphere, unpack the chemistry between its characters, and ponder the quality of its plot. This episode contains spoilers, beginning at 28:21....

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March 25, 2022

206: X (2022)

This week we head back to the theater to check out Ti West’s X (2022). We discuss the inspiration it took from iconic horror films, rejoice in the craftsmanship of its gore, and unpack the impact of its ending. This episode contains spoilers,...

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Jan. 14, 2022

195: Scream (2022)

This week we return to the cinema to check out Ghostface's return in the newly released Scream (2022). We discuss the longevity of the original cast, debate the quality of its red herrings, and reflect on a Scream film without Wes Craven. This episode...

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Jan. 7, 2022

194: The Lodge (2019)

This week we kick off 2022 by checking out The Lodge (2019). We unpack the emotion woven into its plot, assess the quality of its pacing, and discuss the power of its cinematography. This episode contains spoilers, beginning at 27:03. Mentioned in...

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Dec. 31, 2021

192: Scream 4 (2011)

This week we’re joined by a special guest as we prepare for Ghostface’s return to the big screen by reviewing Scream 4 (2011). We unpack the film’s approach to Sydney’s healing, explore how the franchise returns to its roots, and dissect how...

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Nov. 19, 2021

186: The Final Girls (2015)

This week we're checking out The Final Girls (2015), as chosen by our patrons. We get vulnerable about the terrors of mortality, discuss the writer's inspiration and personal connection to the story, and assess how the film balances its emotional...

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Oct. 15, 2021

179: Halloween Kills (2021)

This week we reunite and head to the theaters to see Halloween Kills (2021).

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