There are currently thirteen films in the Halloween franchise, spanning from the original 1978 classic to the 2022 conclusion, Halloween Ends. This iconic series, centered around the relentless Michael Myers, has evolved through various timelines, sequels, reboots, and even a semi-anthology, making its filmography both sprawling and occasionally confusing.
A Deep Dive into the Halloween Universe
The Halloween franchise is notorious for its retcons, alternate timelines, and diverging storylines. Understanding the overall structure requires a close look at each film and its place within the established, or sometimes not-so-established, canon. Let’s break down the core components of this cinematic behemoth.
The Original Timeline (1978-1995)
This timeline begins with John Carpenter’s groundbreaking 1978 film, Halloween, and continues through five sequels. The core narrative focuses on Laurie Strode’s (Jamie Lee Curtis) relationship with Michael Myers and his relentless pursuit. The key entries include:
- Halloween (1978)
- Halloween II (1981)
- Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers (1988)
- Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers (1989)
- Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers (1995)
This initial timeline, while foundational, suffers from inconsistencies and shifting narrative directions, particularly in the later installments. The introduction of the Thorn cult in Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers remains a controversial point among fans.
The Anthology Attempt: Halloween III: Season of the Witch (1982)
Halloween III: Season of the Witch represents a significant departure. Intended as the first in a series of unrelated horror films under the Halloween banner, it lacks Michael Myers entirely. While considered a cult classic in its own right, its divergence from the core mythos led to its eventual abandonment as an anthology series. This film exists in its own isolated continuity.
The H20 Timeline (1998-2002)
Halloween H20: 20 Years Later opted for a soft reboot, ignoring the events of Halloween 4, Halloween 5, and Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers. This timeline sees Laurie Strode, now living under an assumed name, facing Michael Myers once again.
- Halloween H20: 20 Years Later (1998)
- Halloween: Resurrection (2002)
While H20 initially offered a promising return to the franchise’s roots, Halloween: Resurrection‘s widely criticized storyline and questionable creative choices ultimately derailed this timeline.
The Rob Zombie Remakes (2007-2009)
Director Rob Zombie reimagined the Halloween story with a gritty and brutal approach. These films offer a different perspective on Michael Myers’ origins and his relationship with Laurie Strode.
- Halloween (2007)
- Halloween II (2009)
Zombie’s remakes, while visually striking, are considered divisive due to their reinterpretation of established characters and their increased emphasis on violence and psychological horror.
The Blumhouse Trilogy (2018-2022)
The most recent timeline is a direct sequel to the original 1978 film, disregarding all previous sequels and reboots. This trilogy, produced by Blumhouse Productions, aimed to provide a definitive conclusion to the Laurie Strode vs. Michael Myers saga.
- Halloween (2018)
- Halloween Kills (2021)
- Halloween Ends (2022)
This trilogy is perhaps the most commercially successful of the franchise and represents the latest chapter in the enduring Halloween legacy. Despite strong box office returns, Halloween Ends divided fans with its narrative choices.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some of the most common questions regarding the Halloween movie franchise:
1. Which Halloween movie is considered the best?
The original 1978 Halloween is almost universally considered the best by critics and fans alike. Its suspenseful atmosphere, iconic score, and effective use of practical effects make it a horror classic.
2. Is Michael Myers in every Halloween movie?
No. Michael Myers is notably absent from ** Halloween III: Season of the Witch**. This film was intended to be the start of an anthology series, but the poor reception to its lack of Michael Myers led to the concept being abandoned.
3. In what order should I watch the Halloween movies?
There are several ways to watch them. If you want a linear narrative, stick to one specific timeline (Original, H20, Zombie, or Blumhouse). For a chronological viewing experience, watch them in release order, but be aware of the continuity inconsistencies.
4. Who is Laurie Strode’s brother in the Halloween movies?
In the original timeline (Halloween II), it’s revealed that Michael Myers is Laurie Strode’s brother. However, the 2018 reboot disregards this, making them unrelated.
5. Why are there so many different timelines in the Halloween franchise?
The multiple timelines are a result of different creative teams wanting to tell their own version of the story. Sequels often retconned previous films, leading to the fragmented continuity. Reboots aim to restart the narrative completely, establishing new storylines.
6. Does Donald Pleasence appear in every Halloween movie?
No, Donald Pleasence, who played Dr. Sam Loomis, does not appear in every Halloween film. He appeared in Halloween, Halloween II, Halloween 4, Halloween 5, and Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers.
7. What is the Thorn cult in Halloween?
The Thorn cult is introduced in Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers. They are a group of druids who supposedly influence Michael Myers’ murderous actions. This storyline is largely considered a low point in the franchise by many fans.
8. Which Halloween movie is the scariest?
While subjective, many consider the original ** Halloween (1978)** to be the scariest due to its suspenseful pacing, minimalist score, and the unsettling portrayal of Michael Myers.
9. Are there any Halloween movies that are not considered canon?
While “canon” is a subjective term, Halloween III: Season of the Witch is generally considered outside of the main Michael Myers storyline. The Rob Zombie remakes also exist in their own separate continuity.
10. What is the significance of Michael Myers’ mask?
Michael Myers’ mask is a crucial element of his mystique and terror. It represents his blank, emotionless, and inhuman nature. It allows him to become a symbol of pure evil, devoid of personality or motive beyond killing.
11. Will there be any more Halloween movies after Halloween Ends?
While Halloween Ends was marketed as the final chapter, the enduring popularity of the franchise and the financial success of the Blumhouse trilogy make a future reboot or sequel highly probable. The intellectual property is valuable, and horror franchises rarely stay dormant forever.
12. Where can I watch all the Halloween movies?
The availability of Halloween movies on streaming services varies depending on your location and the platform. Many are available for purchase or rent on services like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Physical media (Blu-ray and DVD) is also widely available. Check your local listings for television airings around Halloween season.