The Halloween franchise, featuring the relentless Michael Myers, is a sprawling saga with multiple timelines and retcons. Understanding the order to watch these films can be daunting, but the most straightforward approach for a cohesive narrative experience is to follow the original timeline established from 1978 to 1995, or the recent timeline established in 2018.
Choosing Your Path: Navigating the Halloween Timelines
The Halloween series is notorious for its tangled web of continuities. There isn’t one single “correct” order, but rather several potential pathways to experience the story of Michael Myers’ terror. Here’s a breakdown of the most common approaches:
The Original Timeline (The “Curse of Thorn” Era)
This timeline begins with the foundational classic and continues through a winding narrative that delves into the controversial “Curse of Thorn.” Be warned, this path introduces elements some fans find less appealing.
- Halloween (1978): The film that started it all. John Carpenter’s masterpiece introduces Michael Myers and Laurie Strode.
- Halloween II (1981): Picking up immediately after the first film, this sequel reveals a crucial familial connection.
- Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers (1988): Michael returns after a supposed death to terrorize Laurie’s daughter, Jamie Lloyd.
- Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers (1989): Picking up immediately after Halloween 4, Jamie’s psychic link to Michael intensifies.
- Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers (1995): A significant departure, introducing the cult of Thorn and its influence on Michael.
The H20/Resurrection Timeline
This timeline retcons Halloween 4-6, offering a direct sequel to Halloween II and exploring Laurie Strode’s PTSD.
- Halloween (1978)
- Halloween II (1981)
- Halloween H20: 20 Years Later (1998): Laurie Strode, now living under a new name, confronts Michael again two decades later.
- Halloween: Resurrection (2002): Continuing immediately after H20, this entry is generally considered the weakest of the series.
The Rob Zombie Timeline
A complete reboot of the franchise, this timeline offers a grittier and more psychological take on Michael Myers’ origins.
- Halloween (2007): Rob Zombie’s reimagining of the original, focusing on Michael’s troubled childhood.
- Halloween II (2009): Zombie’s sequel delves further into Michael’s psyche and Laurie’s trauma, diverging significantly from the original timeline.
The Blumhouse/David Gordon Green Trilogy
This timeline is a direct sequel to the original 1978 film, disregarding all subsequent sequels until 2018. It’s currently considered the most popular and cohesive modern interpretation.
- Halloween (1978)
- Halloween (2018): Forty years after the original, Michael escapes and Laurie is ready.
- Halloween Kills (2021): Picking up immediately after Halloween (2018), the community of Haddonfield fights back.
- Halloween Ends (2022): Set four years after Halloween Kills, this film concludes the current storyline and explores the nature of evil.
The Anthology Film
- Halloween III: Season of the Witch (1982): This film is entirely unrelated to the Michael Myers storyline and is a standalone horror film. It’s optional viewing, even for dedicated Halloween fans.
Navigating Conflicting Information and Making the Right Choice
Ultimately, the “best” order depends on your preferences. Do you prefer the original storyline, even with its eccentricities? Are you interested in the Rob Zombie interpretations? Or do you prefer the streamlined narrative of the Blumhouse trilogy? Consider what aspects of the Halloween franchise appeal to you most.
Understanding the Retcons
The retcons in the Halloween franchise are a significant source of confusion. A retcon, or retroactive continuity, is when a previously established fact or event is changed or ignored in a later work. Halloween is rife with them, making a truly definitive “canon” difficult to establish. The Blumhouse trilogy is a prime example, completely ignoring everything after the original 1978 film except the existence of Laurie Strode.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Watching Halloween Movies in Order
Here are some common questions that arise when tackling the Halloween movie marathon:
1. Which Halloween timeline is considered the “official” one?
There is no single “official” timeline. The most widely accepted and currently relevant timeline is the Blumhouse trilogy which serves as a direct sequel to the original 1978 film. However, many fans still appreciate the original timeline despite its inconsistencies.
2. Is Halloween III: Season of the Witch worth watching?
Even though it’s not part of the Michael Myers story, Halloween III is a decent standalone horror film with a creepy atmosphere and unique plot. If you’re a fan of 80s horror, it’s worth a watch, but don’t expect any Michael Myers appearances.
3. Should I watch the Rob Zombie Halloween films?
The Rob Zombie Halloween films offer a very different perspective on Michael Myers. They are grittier, more violent, and delve into Michael’s troubled psyche. If you’re looking for a fresh take on the character and don’t mind a more brutal style, they may be worth your time.
4. Which Halloween movie is the scariest?
Subjectivity reigns here, but many consider the original Halloween (1978) to be the scariest due to its suspenseful atmosphere, John Carpenter’s iconic score, and the slow-burn terror of Michael Myers.
5. Are all the Halloween movies connected?
No. As discussed above, the franchise has multiple timelines and retcons. Some films directly follow others, while others completely disregard previous installments.
6. What’s the significance of the “Curse of Thorn” storyline?
The Curse of Thorn storyline, introduced in Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers, attempts to explain Michael’s seemingly supernatural evil by attributing it to a Druid cult ritual. This storyline is divisive among fans, with some finding it convoluted and unnecessary.
7. Is there a definitive end to the Halloween franchise?
Halloween Ends is currently marketed as the conclusion to the Michael Myers saga, particularly within the Blumhouse timeline. However, given the history of the franchise, it’s always possible that Michael Myers could return in future films.
8. What order should I watch the movies if I want the full Laurie Strode story?
Focus on the original timeline (1978 – 1995) up to Halloween II, then transition to the H20/Resurrection timeline, or simply focus on the original 1978 film and the recent Blumhouse trilogy for a more definitive and streamlined story arc for Laurie.
9. Do I need to watch the sequels to understand Halloween (2018)?
No. You only need to watch the original Halloween (1978) to understand Halloween (2018), as it directly ignores all sequels in between.
10. Where can I stream the Halloween movies?
Streaming availability varies by region and platform. Check services like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Shudder, and Peacock for current availability.
11. Why are there so many different versions of Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers?
Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers had a troubled production, resulting in a Theatrical Cut and a Producer’s Cut (also known as the “Halloween 666” cut). The Producer’s Cut is generally preferred by fans as it offers a slightly more coherent and less campy narrative.
12. Is there a specific order that is best for new viewers?
For newcomers, the Blumhouse trilogy (after the original 1978 film) offers the most accessible and currently relevant entry point into the Halloween franchise. It provides a modern continuation of the original story without being bogged down by the complexities of other timelines.