Netflix will remove cult classic from its streaming library, despite fans calling it the “perfect horror film” and a “masterpiece”.

Scream 1996
Many Scream fans agree that the first film is the best of the franchise (Image: Dimension Films)

Netflix will shortly be pulling a cult classic film from its vast movie collection, despite devotees hailing it as a “perfect” viewing experience.

The 1996 picture was helmed by Wes Craven and launched a cherished franchise that continues to thrive today. The film in question is Scream, which Netflix subscribers have only until April 5 to watch.

The narrative revolves around the town of Woodsboro which is terrorised by a mysterious masked serial killer known as Ghostface. Its star-studded ensemble features Hollywood heavyweights such as Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, David Arquette, Skeet Ulrich, Drew Barrymore and Matthew Lillard.

Whilst it is a slasher film at its core, it satirises common horror tropes and blends humour with a gripping murder mystery. Fans bestowed upon it an impressive 80 per cent Rotten Tomatoes rating, whilst critics offered a slightly more modest 78 per cent, reports the Mirror.

The franchise has been going strong for 30 years
The franchise has been going strong for 30 years (Image: Dimension Films)

One enthusiastic fan remarked: “Scream 1 is the perfect horror film. Written by the Scream king himself Kevin Williamson and directed by the great Wes Craven. The cast for this film was absolutely fantastic.”

A second contributed: “All around an amazing classic movie, with a great plot, great actors and a great twist. But don’t think the movie becomes boring to watch again after knowing the twists. It is very entertaining to watch nonetheless.”

One viewer branded it as “one of the greatest horror movies ever made,” whilst another labelled it “Wes Craven’s masterpiece.”

The original Scream movie released in 1996
The original Scream movie released in 1996 (Image: Dimension Films)

Meanwhile many concurred it was the “best Scream movie” of the lot. The most recent addition to the Scream franchise, Scream 7, was released just this year. It became the franchise’s highest-grossing film to date, breaking the record previously held by Wes Craven’s first film.

The most recent instalment – directed by Kevin Williamson – sees the return of Neve Campbell’s Sidney Prescott who must protect her daughter from a new killer. Despite its box office success, the release left audiences and critics greatly divided.

Fans awarded it a Rotten Tomatoes score of 76 per cent compared to a critics’ average of just 31 per cent. One critic, writing for the Daily Telegraph demanded a “hiatus of 100 years before Scream 8”, whilst revered film reviewer Mark Kermode penned: “None of it’s fun. None of it’s gleeful.”

Scream is available to stream on Netflix until April 5. After this date it will be removed from the streaming service.