Courteney Cox Is an Iconic Scream Queen Horror Fans Are Sleeping On
Courteney Cox's horror legacy is an underrated and often overlooked part of her career. This is why Cox is so much more than Monica from Friends.
When you think of Courteney Cox, you most likely see her iconic role as Monica Geller in Friends. But I've also always thought of her as an iconic scream queen and the ultimate final girl. For nearly three decades, Cox has been a part of an iconic horror franchise Scream and in between filming even managed to play a role on The Tripper, a campy slasher.
Gale Weathers Is One of Horror’s Most Iconic Final Girl
The Scream franchise introduced us to Gale Weathers (played by Cox), an ambitious and borderline ruthless reporter who evolved over the course of the series. Cox has portrayed Gale in all six films in the series, with a seventh scheduled for release on February 27, 2026.
Despite Sidney Prescott getting most of the “final girl” credit, Gale's story is equally impressive. Starting as someone willing to step on anyone for a story, Gale transforms into someone willing to risk everything to save others. And though her hairstyle changed with each installment, Cox's commitment to breathing life into this character never did.
Beyond Ghostface: Courteney Cox's Other Horror Projects
While Scream remains Cox's most notable horror work, her filmography includes other horror projects as well. In 2006, she appeared in the slasher film The Tripper, playing Cynthia. Though the role was smaller than her character in Scream, it's another horror gem in Cox's collection.
She is also the producer and star of the horror series Shining Vale. The show is dark, funny and clever, and it shows just how versatile Cox can be when dealing with the genre.
Fans on Courteney Cox as a Scream Queen
But don't just take my word for it, the fans have something to say as well.
“She is the true lead of the Scream franchise. She will equal Jamie Lee Curtis when she appears on 7 as the female character in most horror films ever,” Redditor mylenesfarmer said.
“Courtney is currently always going to be Monica. While she deserves recognition for Gale, Monica is always going to be her mainstream association,” another fan, crmovies13 on Reddit noticed.
