There are, to date, thirteen distinct Halloween movies that comprise the franchise, spanning multiple timelines and continuities. Understanding the nuances of each film and its place within the sprawling Halloween universe requires a detailed exploration, which we provide here.
A Deep Dive into the Halloween Cinematic Universe
The Halloween franchise is notorious for its retcons, reboots, and diverging timelines. This complexity often leaves fans wondering which films “count” and how they all connect (or don’t). This guide will offer clarity on each entry, helping you navigate the intricacies of Michael Myers’ reign of terror.
The Original Timeline (H1, H2)
The original timeline begins with John Carpenter’s seminal 1978 classic, Halloween. This established the foundation for the entire franchise, introducing Michael Myers, Laurie Strode, and Dr. Sam Loomis.
The Thorn Trilogy (H2)
This branch of the timeline diverges from the original after Halloween II (1981). It introduces the Cult of Thorn, a storyline embraced by some and rejected by others.
The H20 Timeline (H2)
This timeline ignores the events of Halloween 4, 5, and 6, picking up directly after Halloween II and featuring Laurie Strode living under an assumed name.
The Rob Zombie Remake Timeline (H2)
This timeline consists of Rob Zombie’s reimagining of the original story and its subsequent sequel.
The Blumhouse Trilogy (H2)
A direct sequel to the 1978 original, effectively erasing all previous sequels from continuity. This is the most recent and arguably most definitive timeline.
The Complete List of Halloween Movies
Here is a chronological listing of every Halloween film, according to release date:
- Halloween (1978)
- Halloween II (1981)
- Halloween III: Season of the Witch (1982) – Note: This film is an anthology and does not feature Michael Myers.
- 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)
- Halloween: Resurrection (2002)
- Halloween (2007) – Rob Zombie Remake
- Halloween II (2009) – Rob Zombie Remake
- Halloween (2018) – Blumhouse Reboot
- Halloween Kills (2021)
- Halloween Ends (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Halloween Movies
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the Halloween movie franchise, providing clarity and insightful answers for devoted fans and newcomers alike.
H3: Why isn’t Michael Myers in Halloween III: Season of the Witch?
Halloween III: Season of the Witch was originally intended to be the start of an anthology series, where each film would tell a different horror story connected only by the theme of Halloween. The producers wanted to move away from Michael Myers’ story and explore other terrifying tales. However, its poor reception led the series back to Michael Myers in Halloween 4.
H3: Which Halloween movie is considered the scariest?
While subjective, most fans agree that the original Halloween (1978) is the scariest. Its use of suspense, John Carpenter’s iconic score, and the terrifyingly ambiguous nature of Michael Myers create a truly chilling experience. Many also cite Rob Zombie’s Halloween (2007) for its brutal and disturbing portrayal of Michael’s upbringing.
H3: What is the Cult of Thorn?
The Cult of Thorn storyline, introduced in Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers, attempts to explain Michael Myers’ seemingly supernatural evil by attributing it to a druidic cult that sacrifices a child in each generation to ensure a good harvest. This explanation has been widely criticized by fans who prefer the simpler, more ambiguous explanation of Michael’s evil presented in the original film.
H3: How many times has Michael Myers died in the Halloween movies?
Michael Myers has seemingly died multiple times throughout the franchise, only to return in subsequent films. He’s been shot, stabbed, burned, blown up, and even decapitated. However, due to the franchise’s multiple timelines, his “death” in one timeline doesn’t necessarily affect his existence in another. His invincibility is a key element of his character’s enduring horror.
H3: What’s the best order to watch the Halloween movies?
This depends on your preference. You can watch them in release order, but that can be confusing due to the timeline shifts. Alternatively, you can watch each timeline separately:
- Original Timeline: Halloween, Halloween II
- Thorn Trilogy: Halloween 4, Halloween 5, Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers
- H20 Timeline: Halloween, Halloween II, Halloween H20, Halloween: Resurrection
- Rob Zombie Remakes: Halloween (2007), Halloween II (2009)
- Blumhouse Trilogy: Halloween (2018), Halloween Kills, Halloween Ends
H3: Why are some Halloween movies ignored by later sequels?
The Halloween franchise is notorious for its retcons. Producers and writers have frequently chosen to ignore previous entries to create new storylines or directions for the series. This is often driven by creative differences or a desire to appeal to a wider audience. The shifting timelines reflect the changing approaches to the series over the years.
H3: Is Halloween Ends really the end of the franchise?
While Halloween Ends is marketed as the conclusion of the current Blumhouse trilogy and the saga of Laurie Strode and Michael Myers, given the history of the franchise, it’s unlikely to be the definitive end. The Halloween franchise has been resurrected multiple times, and Michael Myers’ enduring popularity makes another reboot or sequel almost inevitable.
H3: What is the significance of Michael Myers’ mask?
Michael Myers’ mask is a crucial element of his terrifying persona. It’s a blank, emotionless facade that hides his humanity and transforms him into a symbol of pure, unadulterated evil. The original mask was a modified William Shatner mask painted white.
H3: Who is Laurie Strode and why is she so important?
Laurie Strode, played by Jamie Lee Curtis, is one of the most iconic final girls in horror history. Her resilience, resourcefulness, and determination to survive against Michael Myers have made her a beloved character. The dynamic between Laurie and Michael, whether as siblings or simply as hunter and prey, forms the emotional core of many Halloween films.
H3: What makes the Halloween soundtrack so effective?
John Carpenter’s minimalist yet haunting score for the original Halloween is incredibly effective at creating suspense and dread. The simple piano melody, repeated throughout the film, becomes synonymous with Michael Myers’ presence and impending danger. It’s become one of the most recognizable and influential horror soundtracks ever created.
H3: Are there any plans for a Halloween TV series?
While there have been discussions and rumors about a Halloween TV series over the years, as of now, there are no confirmed plans for a Halloween television adaptation. However, given the success of other horror franchises on television, it remains a possibility in the future.
H3: Which Halloween movie made the most money at the box office?
The 2018 Halloween, the first film in the Blumhouse trilogy, holds the record for the highest box office gross in the Halloween franchise. Its success demonstrates the enduring appeal of the series and the effectiveness of the “back-to-basics” approach that ignored all previous sequels. The return of Jamie Lee Curtis as Laurie Strode was also a major draw.