2. Scary Movie (2000)
The original Scary Movie remainsone of the franchise’s best. The 2000 film holds up reasonably well over two decades after its initial release, partially due to the lasting legacy of the movies it spoofs. It boasts significant comedy alongside its carefully considered satire, and as a result, works well.
The film’s story is largely based on that of Scream, with elements of I Know What You Did Last Summer thrown in. The simplicity of its satire works well, as it allows Scary Movie to more directly focus on its comedic set pieces. There are multiple scenes that have endured as particularly hilarious observations about the horror genre.
There are many jokes that have aged poorly, as with many of the comedies of the time. However, considering the relative originality of the premise and the wave of spoofs its success prompted, it’s clear that Scary Movie did something right. It’s not quite the franchise’s best, but it’s a close second.