As of today, there are 13 Halloween movies in the franchise. From John Carpenter’s groundbreaking original to the recent David Gordon Green trilogy, the Halloween series has haunted audiences for over four decades, evolving and reinventing itself with each installment.
A Deep Dive into the Michael Myers Mythology
The Halloween franchise is a complex and often contradictory tapestry woven with various timelines, retcons, and creative choices. What began as a simple slasher film has become a sprawling cinematic universe, leaving many fans scratching their heads regarding the definitive count and the connections between individual entries. This exploration aims to clarify the franchise’s scope and answer common questions.
Breaking Down the Numbers
The initial answer – 13 movies – provides a foundation. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge the diverging paths the franchise has taken. There are distinct continuity branches that affect how these films are grouped and understood:
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The Original Timeline: 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), Halloween H20: 20 Years Later (1998), and Halloween: Resurrection (2002). This timeline follows directly from Carpenter’s original and builds on the Myers family lineage and the “Curse of Thorn.”
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The Rob Zombie Timeline: Halloween (2007) and Halloween II (2009). This timeline is a complete reboot, reimagining the characters and their motivations.
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The Blumhouse Timeline: Halloween (2018), Halloween Kills (2021), and Halloween Ends (2022). This timeline ignores all sequels and serves as a direct continuation of the 1978 original.
Therefore, while there are 13 distinct Halloween movies released, understanding the different timelines is key to appreciating the full breadth and variety of the franchise.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Halloween Movie Series
To further demystify the Halloween universe, let’s address some of the most frequently asked questions.
FAQ 1: Which Halloween movies are considered canon?
The concept of “canon” is fluid in the Halloween franchise due to the multiple timelines. However, it depends on which timeline you are referring to. If you are referring to the Halloween (2018) sequel/reboot, then that is considered canon along with Halloween Kills and Halloween Ends. In general, there is no one answer to the question of canon; it depends on your perspective as a viewer.
FAQ 2: What is the order to watch the Halloween movies?
The safest recommendation is to start with the original Halloween (1978). After that, you have several options depending on which timeline you prefer: follow the original sequels (as outlined above), dive into Rob Zombie’s reimagining, or stick with the Blumhouse trilogy.
FAQ 3: Are the Halloween movies connected?
Not all of them. As described earlier, there are distinct timelines that overwrite previous entries. Some films directly follow each other, while others exist in completely separate continuities.
FAQ 4: What is the plot of the original Halloween movie?
The original Halloween tells the story of Michael Myers, who, as a child, murdered his sister on Halloween night. Fifteen years later, he escapes from a mental institution and returns to his hometown of Haddonfield, Illinois, to terrorize and kill more teenagers, primarily Laurie Strode.
FAQ 5: Who plays Michael Myers in the Halloween movies?
Numerous actors have portrayed Michael Myers over the years. Nick Castle famously played him in much of the original 1978 film, with Tony Moran appearing briefly unmasked. Other actors who have donned the mask include Dick Warlock, George P. Wilbur, Don Shanks, Chris Durand, Tyler Mane (in the Rob Zombie films), James Jude Courtney (in the Blumhouse trilogy), and Airon Armstrong (as young Michael).
FAQ 6: Is Laurie Strode Michael Myers’ sister in all the Halloween movies?
No. The sibling connection between Laurie Strode and Michael Myers was introduced in Halloween II (1981). The Blumhouse trilogy ignores this plot point, as Laurie is not Michael’s sister in that continuity.
FAQ 7: Why does Michael Myers wear a mask?
The mask adds to the unsettling anonymity and inhuman nature of Michael Myers. In the original film, the mask was a modified William Shatner mask purchased for a very low price. It serves to dehumanize him and transform him into a symbol of pure evil.
FAQ 8: Who is Dr. Loomis?
Dr. Sam Loomis is Michael Myers’ psychiatrist. He is a recurring character who serves as a voice of warning and desperately tries to stop Michael’s killing sprees. He’s played by Donald Pleasence in the original films.
FAQ 9: Are there any Halloween movies without Michael Myers?
Yes. Halloween III: Season of the Witch (1982) is the only film in the series that doesn’t feature Michael Myers. It tells a completely unrelated story about a sinister mask-making company and a pagan plot. This film is often considered an outlier and is generally not favored by most fans.
FAQ 10: What is the “Curse of Thorn” in the Halloween movies?
The “Curse of Thorn” is a controversial plot element introduced in Halloween 5 and explored further in Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers. It attempts to explain Michael Myers’ seemingly supernatural evil and his compulsion to kill. The curse essentially dictates that a member of a family with the Thorn symbol must sacrifice their family on Halloween night to ensure the survival of their tribe. This storyline is largely ignored or retconned in later installments.
FAQ 11: How successful has the Halloween franchise been financially?
The Halloween franchise is one of the most successful horror franchises of all time, grossing hundreds of millions of dollars worldwide. Its low-budget origins have made it particularly profitable, and the resurgence of the franchise with the Blumhouse trilogy proved its enduring popularity.
FAQ 12: Will there be more Halloween movies?
Given the franchise’s enduring popularity and financial success, it’s highly probable that more Halloween movies will be made in the future. While the Blumhouse trilogy was intended to be a definitive conclusion, the ever-evolving nature of the series means that it’s always open to reinterpretation, sequels, or even complete reboots. The future of Halloween is uncertain, but its legacy is assured.
The Enduring Legacy of Halloween
The Halloween series’ longevity speaks to its enduring appeal. From its groundbreaking suspense and atmosphere to its iconic villain, Michael Myers, the franchise has left an indelible mark on the horror genre. Whether you prefer the classic continuity, the gritty realism of Rob Zombie’s films, or the contemporary take of the Blumhouse trilogy, there’s a Halloween movie for every horror fan. The number of films might seem daunting, but understanding the different timelines allows for a more manageable and enjoyable exploration of this iconic series. Its ability to reinvent itself while retaining its core elements of fear and suspense ensures that the Halloween franchise will continue to haunt our screens for years to come.