There are currently 13 Halloween movies in the franchise, a cinematic saga spanning over four decades and encompassing multiple timelines and reinterpretations of the iconic Michael Myers and his reign of terror. This comprehensive guide breaks down the franchise, offering insights into each film and answering frequently asked questions to satisfy both casual viewers and die-hard fans.
A Chronological Look at the Halloween Films
This section details the release order of all 13 films, offering a brief overview of each installment. Understanding the chronological order helps appreciate the evolving narrative – or, perhaps, the diverging narratives!
- Halloween (1978): The original and still considered by many to be the best. John Carpenter’s masterpiece introduced Michael Myers, the embodiment of pure evil, and Laurie Strode, the babysitter who would become his nemesis.
- Halloween II (1981): Picking up immediately after the first film, Halloween II reveals the shocking connection between Michael and Laurie.
- Halloween III: Season of the Witch (1982): An anthology film entirely unrelated to Michael Myers. This entry is controversial among fans but has gained a cult following over time.
- Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers (1988): Michael Myers returns after being absent in the third film. Laurie Strode is presumed dead, and the focus shifts to her daughter, Jamie Lloyd.
- Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers (1989): Continuing Jamie Lloyd’s story, this film explores her psychic connection to Michael Myers.
- Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers (1995): Often referred to as “Halloween 6,” this film delves into the origins of Michael Myers’ evil, introducing the “Curse of Thorn.”
- Halloween H20: 20 Years Later (1998): Laurie Strode is back, now living under an assumed name and working as a headmistress at a private boarding school. Michael Myers tracks her down after two decades.
- Halloween: Resurrection (2002): Picking up directly after H20, this film is infamous for killing off Laurie Strode early on and introducing a reality TV show element.
- Halloween (2007): Rob Zombie’s remake offers a grittier and more psychological origin story for Michael Myers.
- Halloween II (2009): Rob Zombie’s sequel continues the story of his remake, exploring Michael and Laurie’s twisted connection.
- Halloween (2018): A direct sequel to the 1978 original, ignoring all other sequels. Jamie Lee Curtis returns as Laurie Strode, battling a returning Michael Myers.
- Halloween Kills (2021): Continuing the story from the 2018 film, this entry sees the entire town of Haddonfield rising up to fight Michael Myers.
- Halloween Ends (2022): The conclusion to the David Gordon Green trilogy, promising a final showdown between Laurie Strode and Michael Myers.
Understanding the Different Timelines
Navigating the Halloween franchise can be confusing due to the various timelines created by retcons and reboots. Here’s a brief overview:
- Timeline 1: The Original (1978-1995): This includes Halloween, Halloween II, Halloween 4, Halloween 5, and Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers. It is the original continuity established by John Carpenter.
- Timeline 2: H20/Resurrection (1978, 1981, 1998, 2002): This timeline picks up with Halloween and Halloween II, then jumps to Halloween H20: 20 Years Later, followed by Halloween: Resurrection, effectively erasing Halloween 4, 5, and 6.
- Timeline 3: Rob Zombie’s Remakes (2007-2009): This timeline consists solely of Rob Zombie’s Halloween and Halloween II, offering a complete reimagining of the story.
- Timeline 4: The Blumhouse Trilogy (2018-2022): This timeline, often called the “H40” trilogy, includes Halloween (2018), Halloween Kills, and Halloween Ends. It disregards all previous sequels, acting as a direct continuation of the 1978 original.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
These FAQs address common inquiries about the Halloween franchise, clarifying confusion and providing additional insights.
H3: What is the best way to watch the Halloween movies in order?
The “best” way depends on your preference. For the most straightforward chronological experience, follow the release order, as listed above. However, many fans recommend focusing on specific timelines based on their favorite continuities. Starting with the original 1978 film is always recommended.
H3: Is Halloween III: Season of the Witch part of the Michael Myers story?
No. Halloween III: Season of the Witch is an anthology film and completely unrelated to Michael Myers. It was intended to be the start of a series of Halloween-themed films with different stories each year, but its poor reception led to the return of Michael Myers in Halloween 4.
H3: Why are there so many different timelines in the Halloween franchise?
The different timelines are the result of creative decisions to reboot or retcon aspects of the story. This allows filmmakers to tell new stories with Michael Myers without being constrained by previous installments. Some felt the original storyline had become convoluted and wanted to return to the roots of the original film.
H3: Which Halloween movie is considered the scariest?
While subjective, most fans and critics agree that the original 1978 Halloween is the scariest due to its suspenseful atmosphere, John Carpenter’s iconic score, and the portrayal of Michael Myers as a relentless and unknowable force of evil.
H3: Who is Laurie Strode, and why is she so important to the Halloween franchise?
Laurie Strode, played by Jamie Lee Curtis, is the protagonist of the original Halloween and several sequels. She is important because she represents the embodiment of the “final girl” trope and Michael Myers’ primary target in many timelines. Her resilience and determination to survive have made her a beloved and iconic character.
H3: What is the Curse of Thorn, and which movies feature it?
The Curse of Thorn is introduced in Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers (Halloween 6). It posits that Michael Myers’ evil is fueled by a Druid cult and a mystical curse. It’s a controversial element among fans, as it attempts to explain Michael’s seemingly supernatural abilities. This element is largely ignored in subsequent timelines.
H3: Which Halloween movie has the highest body count?
Halloween Kills (2021) features the highest body count in the franchise, with numerous kills attributed to Michael Myers and the enraged mob of Haddonfield residents.
H3: Is Donald Pleasence’s Dr. Loomis in every Halloween movie?
No, Dr. Sam Loomis, played by Donald Pleasence, appears in Halloween, Halloween II, Halloween 4, Halloween 5, and Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers. He is a crucial character, acting as Michael Myers’ psychiatrist and main pursuer.
H3: What is the connection between Michael Myers and Laurie Strode?
In the original Halloween II, it’s revealed that Laurie Strode is Michael Myers’ sister, adding a personal motivation to his attacks. However, this sibling connection is disregarded in the Blumhouse trilogy.
H3: Are the Rob Zombie Halloween remakes connected to the original timeline?
No, the Rob Zombie Halloween (2007) and Halloween II (2009) are complete remakes and exist in their own separate timeline. They offer a reimagining of Michael Myers’ origin story and relationship with Laurie Strode.
H3: 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 Michael Myers makes it highly likely that there will be future installments at some point, though perhaps not with the same creative team. The slasher genre is known for its resilience.
H3: Where can I watch the Halloween movies online?
The availability of Halloween movies on streaming platforms varies by region and time. Check services like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Peacock, and Shudder. You can also often rent or purchase them digitally through platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu. Always ensure you are using legitimate streaming sources to support the filmmakers.