Scary Movie 6 finally hit theaters, marking the return of the long-dormant parody franchise that made audiences laugh (and cringe) at horror’s biggest tropes. With the Wayans brothers reclaiming the helm, the film promised to bring back the outrageous humor and clever satire that defined the early entries in the series. So, does Scary Movie 6 revive the franchise, or is it another stale attempt at forced nostalgia? Let’s dive in.

Plot and Parody Targets

At its core, Scary Movie 6 follows the same tried-and-true formula: an absurd, convoluted plot that exists solely to poke fun at the biggest horror (and pop culture) hits of the last few years. The film opens with a spoof of It, featuring Pennywise as a bumbling clown struggling to scare modern-day kids who are too desensitized by social media. From there, the story shifts to a haunted house scenario reminiscent of The Conjuring and Insidious, with a clueless family moving into an obviously cursed mansion.

The film takes jabs at A Quiet Place, with characters struggling to stay silent only to fail in the most ridiculous ways (including a scene where a character’s TikTok notifications blow their cover). Get Out gets its share of mockery, as a white family awkwardly overcompensates when trying to welcome their Black guest. Even M3GAN isn’t safe, as a malfunctioning AI doll runs rampant, only to be distracted by her own social media presence.

While the overarching plot is flimsy, that’s never been the point of the Scary Movie franchise. Instead, the film’s strength comes from its rapid-fire gags, slapstick humor, and relentless takedown of modern horror clichés.

Comedy: Hit or Miss?

The humor in Scary Movie 6 is a mixed bag, much like previous entries in the series. The best moments come when the film directly lampoons the absurdity of today’s horror landscape. One standout scene involves an extended parody of Hereditary, where the family’s grief is interrupted by a ghost who just wants to “vibe” with them. Another hilarious sequence features a battle royale between every major horror villain of the last decade, with Michael Myers, Pennywise, The Nun, and Art the Clown fighting to prove who’s the scariest (spoiler: none of them are).

However, not all jokes land. Some gags overstay their welcome, and a few fall into the tired trap of bathroom humor that feels more lazy than clever. At times, the film leans too heavily on pop culture references that already feel outdated (do we really need another joke about influencers and cancel culture?).

Still, when Scary Movie 6 is at its best, it delivers the kind of absurdist humor that made the franchise famous in the first place. The Wayans brothers bring back their signature comedic timing, and their self-awareness helps elevate the material beyond just another tired sequel.

Cast and Performances

One of the biggest wins for Scary Movie 6 is its cast. Marlon Wayans returns in multiple roles, fully embracing the over-the-top nature of the film. His portrayal of a paranormal investigator trying (and failing) to exorcise a TikTok-famous ghost is one of the film’s best performances.

The supporting cast includes several surprise cameos, with former horror stars making hilarious guest appearances. Neve Campbell’s self-referential cameo as a “final girl consultant” is an absolute highlight, while Jamie Lee Curtis shows up in a send-up of Halloween Ends, poking fun at her own recent horror comeback.

The newcomers also hold their own. A breakout performance comes from up-and-coming comedian Tiffany Daniels, who plays the skeptical best friend calling out every horror trope in real time. Her deadpan delivery is a perfect counterbalance to the film’s exaggerated chaos.

Visuals and Direction

While Scary Movie 6 doesn’t have the polish of the big-budget horror films it parodies, it does a surprisingly good job mimicking their aesthetics. The cinematography mimics the eerie style of films like The Conjuring, only to undercut the tension with a ridiculous punchline. The use of practical effects and exaggerated gore adds to the film’s cartoonish energy, giving it a more old-school feel compared to the CGI-heavy horror films of today.

Directors Keenen Ivory Wayans and Shawn Wayans know exactly what they’re doing, leaning into the absurdity while making sure the comedy remains the central focus. The pacing is relentless, rarely letting up on the jokes, though sometimes at the expense of letting scenes breathe.

Nostalgia vs. Freshness

One of the biggest challenges for any long-running franchise is balancing nostalgia with fresh material. Scary Movie 6 succeeds in bringing back the elements that fans loved—raunchy humor, horror spoofs, and over-the-top performances—but it also struggles with staying fully relevant. Some jokes rely too much on references to early 2000s culture, which might feel dated to younger audiences.

That said, the film does a good job of targeting modern horror trends, making fun of A24’s slow-burn horror style, Blumhouse’s obsession with cheap jump scares, and the recent boom in AI horror films. It’s clear that the Wayans wanted to bring Scary Movie back to its roots while also acknowledging how horror has evolved since the early 2000s.

Final Verdict: Is It Worth Watching?

Scary Movie 6 isn’t perfect, but it’s a fun return to form for the franchise. If you were a fan of the original two films, you’ll likely enjoy the Wayans brothers’ take on modern horror. The movie delivers plenty of laughs, ridiculous parodies, and some genuinely clever moments, even if a few jokes fall flat.

Is it groundbreaking? No. But that’s not the point. Scary Movie 6 is exactly what it sets out to be—a dumb, fun, and unapologetically ridiculous spoof that gives horror fans something to laugh at. If you’re in the mood for mindless entertainment and a nostalgia trip with a modern twist, this is one to check out.

Final Rating: 7/10

Pros:

• The Wayans brothers bring back their signature humor
• Hilarious horror parodies (especially Hereditary and A Quiet Place)
• Great performances, with fun cameos from horror icons
• Fast-paced and visually entertaining

Cons:

• Some jokes overstay their welcome
• Reliance on outdated pop culture references
• Occasional overuse of lowbrow humor

Scary Movie 6 may not be a masterpiece, but it’s a welcome return to a franchise that knows exactly what it is: a goofy, self-aware, and sometimes messy love letter to horror and comedy.