When I think about my first job working at a movie theater, one of the most unforgettable times was when the Scream movies hit the big screen. It was the biggest horror franchise during my coming-of-age years, and I’ll never forget the excitement it created. People would line up at 4 o’clock in the afternoon, waiting for their 8-9-10 PM showing, just to secure the perfect seat. It was madness, but also some of the best times. That’s why creating this Scream Dinner and a Movie date night felt like the perfect way to relive that excitement.
As a huge fan of scary movies, I wanted to do justice to this slasher film with a menu that captures its suspense and nostalgia. From a bloody cocktail to the iconic Jiffy Pop scene, every dish brings you right back into the world of Scream. I had an absolute blast curating this menu - and all the food came out so good! All recipes and printable menu can be found in the Spooky Dinner and a Movie Cookbook! Whether you’re a long-time fan or watching it for the first time, this themed dinner will make your movie night a killer experience.
Bloody Revenge Martini: The Perfect Start to a Scream Dinner and a Movie
To kick off our Scream Dinner and a Movie, I channeled my inner slasher and made the Bloody Revenge Martini. This drink was inspired by the bloody theme in the movie and it adds just the right amount of gore with its blood-red rim and "blood splatter" garnish. The eerie red dripping against the white base of the drink mirrors the intensity of the movie, making it the perfect companion for a night of suspense.
I made both an alcoholic and non-alcoholic version, so there’s something for everyone. The blood effect was important for me to get right, and it stood out beautifully against the creamy white drink. This cocktail isn’t just about the visual—it’s delicious, with a smooth combination of vanilla, almond, and pineapple, adding a sweet contrast to the night’s thrills. Whether you’re drinking it to relax or to get in the slasher mood, this Bloody Revenge Martini is the perfect way to start off your spooky evening.
Jiffy Pop Blood Splattered Popcorn: A Nostalgic Start to Your Scream Dinner and a Movie
No Scream Dinner and a Movie would be complete without a nod to the iconic Jiffy Pop scene from the very first film. Who could forget Drew Barrymore’s character, popcorn in hand, right before all the terror begins? It was such a pivotal moment in horror movie history, and I had to include it as a fun, nostalgic appetizer for the night.
To add my own spooky twist, I made a homemade caramel syrup with a deep red “blood” color and drizzled it over the freshly popped Jiffy Pop. It’s the perfect combination of sweet and scary, just like Scream itself. This popcorn is simple, but it instantly transports you back to that classic opening scene and gets you ready for the suspense that follows. Plus, it’s a great snack to munch on while you watch the first few thrilling minutes of the movie!
Slasher Burgers with Tatum’s Tots: The Star of Our Scream Dinner and a Movie
When it comes to dinner around here, we LOVE a good burger. But for our Scream Dinner and a Movie night, I knew I had to give it the gourmet treatment. So I got to work crafting the perfect Slasher burger—a juicy patty, topped with melted sharp cheddar, homemade candied bacon, and served on a toasted brioche buns. (the absolute cheat code for a perfect burger) To tie it all together, I added a spicy pepper jelly to give it a little kick and a burst of flavor. For a special added touch - I served the burgers with a knife stabbed right through the top. These burgers were to die for - no pun intended.
Of course, no burger is complete without a side of fries. For this meal, I whipped up some homemade Tatum’s Tots. Everyone loves a good tater - and these Air Fryer french fries were a slam dunk here. Together, this main course delivered in every way possible. Trust me, this burger is killer!
Killer Drip Cake: The Sweet Yet Sinister Ending to Your Scream Dinner and a Movie
To wrap up our Scream Dinner and a Movie - since the appetizer and the main course were easy in comparison to most of my meals, I decided to go all out for dessert with this Killer Drip Cake! This dessert is as dramatic as the movie itself, featuring a bold red velvet cake with a blood-red drip effect cascading down the sides. And, of course, I stabbed it with a kitchen knife for an extra gory effect — because what’s a Scream-themed night without a little shock factor?
The cake was a bit of a challenge for me. As I have mentioned before - cake decorating has never been my thing - but I have recently really thrown myself into learning about cake decorating. Those amazing cake bakers are my major guilty pleasure on social media, and I have learned a thing or two from them.
I had never really worked with drip frosting before, so I didn't really know what to expect. I heated up the frosting, and froze the cake layers to make sure it didn't drip too much since it was a very short cake -- but that combination made the drip solidify faster than expected. It took some quick maneuvering to get the perfect drip layer, but in the end, it turned out exactly how I had envisioned it! - It was also so good. Is there a better cake than red velvet with cream cheese frosting?
This Show Stopping Killer Drip Cake was the perfect sweet ending to our nostalgic Scream Dinner and a Movie night.
A Killer End to Our Scream Dinner and a Movie
Our Scream Dinner and a Movie night was so much fun!! I had so much fun munching on all the spooky themed food and snuggling with my hubs as we rewatched this classic from our childhood. We had so much fun reminiscing about the movie and reliving the memories together in our new house.
If you're looking for a way to elevate your next movie night, I highly recommend trying out a themed dinner like this. Scream is such an iconic movie, and pairing it with these dishes made for an unforgettable evening. All recipes and printable menus can be found in the Spooky Dinner and a Movie Cookbook which features 10 planned for you 3 course Dinner and a Movie Nights plus a cocktail and a mocktail for each. We are having so much fun counting down with these menus - and I just know your family will too!!
If you enjoyed this post, be sure to check out my other Spooky Dinner and a Movie blogs — The Addams Family, Ghostbusters, Beetlejuice, Hocus Pocus, and Coraline.
