After a lengthy 13-year absence, the beloved Scary Movie franchise has made its comeback with the release of Scary Movie 6, but early reviews indicate that the wait may not have been worth it. With a dismal 32% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the horror parody, which premieres on June 5, has already garnered a wave of critical disapproval, raising questions about whether the series has lost its comedic edge.
A Long-Awaited Return
Marlon Wayans, Shawn Wayans, Anna Faris, and Regina Hall have reunited for this latest iteration, which aims to poke fun at the significant horror films released since the last Scary Movie hit theatres in 2013. The reboot promises to spoof a variety of contemporary thrillers, from 2019’s Ma to the 2022 sensation M3GAN, along with the recent blockbusters Weapons and Sinners from 2025.
Despite this impressive roster of references, the film appears to have fallen flat, with early viewers describing the plot as predictable and the humour as outdated. The franchise, which once thrived on its meta-commentary and absurdist antics, now seems to struggle to find its footing in a landscape where comedy continually evolves.
Disappointing Early Reception
As of now, Scary Movie 6 holds a lowly score of 37 on Metacritic, indicating generally unfavourable reviews, while Letterboxd users have given it an average score of just 3.0. Critics have yet to contribute their scores to the Rotten Tomatoes aggregate, but early screenings suggest a grim outlook.
One viewer lamented, “The joke success rate is unfortunately on the low side, feeling like maybe 3 or 4 out of every 10 jokes hit the mark.” Another review described the film as “a dreadful reboot that stumbles through tired, miserable ideas for comedy with no invention and little enthusiasm.” A third critic noted that the film “is really just an excuse to string together a bunch of cinematic in-jokes, meaning it lives or dies on the strength of its sketches. The result is a slow death that drags even at 96 minutes.”
Hopes and Warnings from the Creators
Before the film’s release, Marlon Wayans, who co-created the franchise, expressed concerns about the potential for the new material to offend audiences. He indicated that the writing team was committed to pushing boundaries, stating, “We just want to make everybody laugh, and we don’t care if you’re sensitive. Even sensitive people need to laugh at themselves.” This unapologetic stance, however, may have contributed to the film’s unfavourable reception.
Wayans further encouraged audiences to embrace the humour, asserting, “Just know that we’re not just laughing at you; you get the chance to laugh at others.” This philosophy has long been at the heart of the Scary Movie series, but whether it resonates in today’s cultural climate remains to be seen.
Why it Matters
The return of Scary Movie 6 serves as a litmus test for nostalgia-driven comedies in an era when audiences crave fresh perspectives and innovative storytelling. The franchise’s failure to connect with both critics and viewers raises important questions about the longevity of popular series and their ability to adapt to changing tastes. In a landscape rife with social sensitivity and evolving comedic norms, the challenge for filmmakers remains: how to balance the legacy of beloved franchises with the need for relevance and originality.
