What is Rio’s favorite scary movie?

Students and staff picked the best horror film. See their picks.

October 29, 2025

The chilling blend of horror and humor of “Scream” help make the classic 1996 slasher movie Rio Americano’s favority scary movie among teachers and students.

But Ghostface had a lot of competition as the approximately 140 students and 45 staff members who participated in the Mirda’s informal scary movie survey picked over 50 films as their favorites.

“Scream” was picked as the best scary movie by 21 students and five teachers. Getting at least five votes from students were: “Coraline,” “The Conjuring,” “It,” “The Black Phone ” and “Smile.” Teacher votes were more spread out.

“Scream” fans pointed to the mix of wit, gore and suspense that make it a great movie.

The original “Scream” is my favorite horror movie because it’s classic and the perfect level of scary to make me feel scared at home alone,” said Naya Winn (12).

Lauren Peterson (11) added, “Scream” is a good enough combo of goofy and horror, that everyone can watch it! Its universality makes it the best horror movie.”

English teacher Joseph Applebaum praised the movie.

“‘Scream’ is a defining horror movie from when I was growing up, a perfect slasher film that is also an incredibly witty deconstruction of the genre.”