The "I Know What You Did Last Summer" franchise is a series of American horror slasher films based on the 1973 novel by Lois Duncan. It centers around groups of teenagers who are stalked and killed by a hook-wielding killer after covering up a deadly accident.
Movies in the Franchise
- I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997)
Directed by Jim Gillespie and written by Kevin Williamson, this film follows four teenage friends who accidentally hit a pedestrian with their car and cover it up. One year later, they are stalked by a mysterious killer. The film stars Jennifer Love Hewitt, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Ryan Phillippe, and Freddie Prinze Jr.
- I Still Know What You Did Last Summer (1998)
A direct sequel where the killer returns to stalk the surviving teens, Julie and Ray, this time at a resort in the Bahamas. Jennifer Love Hewitt and Freddie Prinze Jr. reprise their roles.
- I'll Always Know What You Did Last Summer (2006)
A standalone sequel featuring a new group of teenagers in Colorado who are stalked by a hook-wielding killer one year after covering up a friend's accidental death.
- I Know What You Did Last Summer (2025)
A legacy sequel set for release on July 18, 2025, featuring a new group of friends terrorized by a stalker who knows about a past incident. Jennifer Love Hewitt and Freddie Prinze Jr. are confirmed to reprise their original roles, helping the new characters. The plot involves five friends involved in a hit- and-run accident and the consequences one year later.
Viewing Order Recommendation
The recommended viewing order according to the timeline and release dates is:
- I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997)
- I Still Know What You Did Last Summer (1998)
- I'll Always Know What You Did Last Summer (2006)
- I Know What You Did Last Summer (2025)
This franchise blends mystery, horror, and slasher elements, with the original film being the most iconic and spawning sequels and a reboot/sequel in 2025 that ties back to the original story and characters.
If you want to explore the franchise, starting with the 1997 film is essential, as it sets the foundation for the story and characters.
