Tom scream

A sound from the 🗣️ Voices & Quotes category

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Also as: Discord-ready (≤5 s) · iPhone ringtone (.m4r) · Android ringtone (MP3) · how to add it to Discord · how to set it as a ringtone

📖 What is the “Tom scream” sound?

The Tom Scream is a short, high-pitched vocal yelp originally recorded by animator and voice artist William Hanna for the Tom and Jerry cartoons produced by MGM starting in 1941. It is a cat's shriek of pain, fright, or alarm, instantly recognizable by its cartoonish pitch and quick, sliding delivery that lasts only a few seconds. Within the original cartoons, the sound played whenever Tom the cat got smashed, burned, chased, or otherwise humiliated by Jerry. Ownership of the recordings moved from MGM to Turner Entertainment and eventually to Warner Bros., and newer versions of the scream were recorded for later Tom and Jerry productions by different voice artists, though the classic 1941 version remains the most referenced. Outside the cartoon itself, the scream became a widely circulated reaction sound online, appearing in YouTube Poops, meme compilations, and short-form video edits as a stand-in for shock, embarrassment, or comedic pain. Its exaggerated, almost musical screech makes it easy to drop into unrelated footage for instant comic effect, since viewers already associate the sound with slapstick failure. The clip continues to be reposted on platforms like TikTok and YouTube, often labeled simply as the 'Tom scream' or 'Tom and Jerry scream sound effect.' Despite its long media history, specific details about which exact cartoon frame or session produced the most-used meme clip are not always documented beyond general franchise sourcing.

🧭 Where it comes from

Origin: Tom and Jerry franchise (MGM cartoons) (1941) — well documented

Vocal recording created by William Hanna, first heard in the 1941 MGM short 'The Alley Cat.' Rights later passed through Turner Entertainment to Warner Bros., which still owns the Tom and Jerry franchise.

🎬 How to use it in your edits

It works well layered over a sudden jump-scare reveal or a visual punchline where someone on screen reacts to pain, embarrassment, or shock. Editors also drop it in right after a fail clip or blooper to mimic the cartoon's slapstick-suffering tone for comedic timing.

Download the file above, then import it into CapCut, Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve — or straight into TikTok / Instagram. The sound is free for your videos.

💬 Questions about this sound

Where does the Tom scream sound come from?

It originates from the Tom and Jerry cartoon franchise, first recorded by animator William Hanna in 1941 for MGM's 'The Alley Cat.'

Is the scream always the same recording?

No. The original 1941 Hanna recording is the most iconic, but later Tom and Jerry productions created new versions of the scream with different voice artists.

Why is it used in memes?

Its exaggerated, high-pitched tone matches comedic pain or shock, so editors use it as a quick reaction sound for fails, jump scares, or slapstick edits.