The first Scary Movie mostly parodied Scream and I Know What You Did Last Summer. There were a few side jokes referencing The Matrix and The Blair Witch Project, but the film was about 80% Scream.
Sequels always have to go bigger. So Scary Movie 2 went big. Really big. Instead of focusing on just a couple of films, it parodies 47 different movies across multiple genres. That includes horror staples like House on Haunted Hill and The Exorcist, plus unexpected picks like Charlie’s Angels.
With so many targets, the film is less focused but still packed with parody gold.
Why Scary Movie 2 Feels So Different
While the first film leaned heavily into slashers, Scary Movie 2 shifts toward the supernatural. That makes sense; ghost stories were having a resurgence at the time.
Despite the fact that most characters died in the first movie, everyone returns like nothing happened. No ghosts, no explanation, just business as usual.
That likely comes down to production: the Wayans brothers wrote, filmed, and completed post-production in just nine months. They were even shooting new parody scenes (like the Nike freestyle spoof) just two weeks before release.
The result? A film that prioritizes rapid-fire jokes over tight storytelling.
Opening Parody: The Exorcist
The movie kicks off with a parody of The Exorcist, which had just re-entered pop culture thanks to its 2000 re-release (The Version You’ve Never Seen). Instead of recreating the iconic opening, the film spoofs a lesser scene, Regan’s party incident, with an over-the-top comedic twist.
- Megan Voorhees (yes, really) is a parody of Regan
- Father McFeely riffs on Father Karras
- The makeup mimics the possessed look, sort of like a low-budget Halloween version
Even the effects lean into comedy, using simple tricks instead of big-budget visuals.
Originally, Marlon Brando was cast in this sequence but dropped out due to illness. An all-time “what could have been.”
The College Setup (A Nod to Scream 2)
When we meet the main cast again, the film briefly channels Scream 2:
- A year later
- Characters in college
- Similar dynamics between Cindy and Shorty vs. Sidney and Randy
From there, the story shifts to a haunted house setup, Hell House, combining elements from:
- The Haunting
- House on Haunted Hill
- The Legend of Hell House
Major Horror Parodies Explained
Final Destination
A scene involving a couple getting hit by a car mimics Final Destination. Even if you don’t catch the reference, it still works as a standalone gag.
Poltergeist
Multiple nods to Poltergeist appear:
- The creepy clown attack
- A character getting dragged and manipulated by unseen forces
Thirteen Ghosts
Special glasses that reveal spirits parody Thirteen Ghosts.
Hollow Man
A bizarre scene involving invisibility and sexual humor references Hollow Man.
What Lies Beneath
One of the more obscure references is What Lies Beneath, starring Michelle Pfeiffer and Harrison Ford.
Even the iconic red dress appears, but this is a deep cut many viewers missed.
Non-Horror Parodies
The film doesn’t stick to horror:
- Charlie’s Angels gets a full action parody
- The tone echoes The Matrix parody from the first film
Interestingly, Tori Spelling plays a character named Alex Munday, but doesn’t even participate in the Charlie’s Angels spoof.
The Supporting Cast Chaos
The side characters are a mix of references and randomness:
- Professor Oldman: inspired by Dr. Markway from The Haunting
- Buddy: loosely based on Luke Sanderson from The Haunting
- Hanson (Chris Elliott): chaotic, possibly inspired by The Rocky Horror Picture Show
Chris Elliott completely steals the show, with absurd, scene-stealing moments that ignore plot entirely.
Why the Movie Feels So Unfocused
By the end:
- Characters survive impossible injuries
- The plot barely holds together
- The parody count outweighs the story
Only a few deaths stick, including one involving Tim Curry.
Final Thoughts
While Scary Movie 2 delivers a ton of laughs, the first film is still the stronger entry. It had clearer stakes and more focused parody.
This movie also marked the end of the Wayans brothers’ involvement with the franchise. The rushed production and creative differences led them to step away, and they haven’t returned since.
Still, there’s something special about watching classic horror scenes turned into comedy.
Closing Question
What do you think of Scary Movie 2? Which parody was your favorite, and was there one I missed?
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