The Halloween franchise, a cornerstone of the slasher film genre, boasts a remarkably prolific and occasionally convoluted history. Currently, there are thirteen films officially considered part of the Halloween movie series, charting the terrifying saga of Michael Myers and his unrelenting pursuit of his victims, most notably Laurie Strode.
A Deep Dive into the Haddonfield Horror
The Halloween franchise has undergone numerous retcons, reboots, and reimagining, making a straightforward count surprisingly complex. This article provides a clear and definitive overview, addressing the numerous questions fans often have about this iconic series. We will delve into the different timelines, the evolution of Michael Myers, and the impact these films have had on the horror genre.
The Original Halloween Timeline: The Beginning of the Terror
The first timeline established by John Carpenter’s original 1978 masterpiece, Halloween, serves as the foundation for all subsequent films. This timeline follows the direct sequels that built upon the lore established in the initial film.
- Halloween (1978): The film that started it all, introducing Michael Myers, his childhood murder of his sister, and his escape from Smith’s Grove Sanitarium.
- Halloween II (1981): Picking up immediately after the events of the first film, Halloween II reveals that Laurie Strode is Michael’s sister.
- Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers (1988): After being absent in Halloween III: Season of the Witch, Michael returns, this time targeting Laurie’s daughter, Jamie Lloyd.
- Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers (1989): Continuing Jamie’s story, Michael continues his pursuit of her and introduces a mysterious “Man in Black.”
- Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers (1995): Delving deeper into the origins of Michael’s evil, this film introduces the “Curse of Thorn” and further develops the “Man in Black” storyline.
- Halloween H20: 20 Years Later (1998): This film retconned the events of Halloween 4, 5, and 6, showcasing Laurie Strode living under a new identity, still haunted by her past.
- Halloween: Resurrection (2002): Continuing the H20 timeline, this film notoriously kills off Laurie Strode early on and focuses on a group of college students filming a reality show in the Myers house.
The Rob Zombie Reboot Timeline: A Brutal Reimagining
Director Rob Zombie offered a darker, more violent reimagining of the Halloween story with two films. These films serve as a complete reboot, existing independently of the original timeline.
- Halloween (2007): A remake of the original film, delving deeper into Michael Myers’ troubled childhood and offering a more brutal portrayal of his violence.
- Halloween II (2009): Zombie’s continuation of his remake, exploring Michael’s psychological state and incorporating surreal, dreamlike imagery.
The Blumhouse Trilogy: A Legacy Concluded (For Now)
In 2018, a new Halloween timeline emerged, directly ignoring all sequels except for the original 1978 film. This trilogy aimed to provide a definitive conclusion to the Michael Myers and Laurie Strode saga.
- Halloween (2018): A direct sequel to the original, ignoring all other films, depicting Laurie Strode as a hardened survivor, preparing for Michael’s inevitable return.
- Halloween Kills (2021): Picking up immediately after the 2018 film, Halloween Kills shows the Haddonfield community rising up to fight Michael Myers.
- Halloween Ends (2022): The supposed conclusion to the franchise, focusing on Corey Cunningham, a young man influenced by Michael Myers’ evil.
One Standalone: A Halloween Story Unlike Any Other
- Halloween III: Season of the Witch (1982): The outlier of the franchise, Halloween III has no connection to Michael Myers or Laurie Strode. It’s an anthology film focusing on a sinister mask-making company planning to kill children with Halloween masks activated by a television commercial.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the Halloween movie franchise:
1. Why is Halloween III not considered part of the main timeline?
Halloween III: Season of the Witch was intended to be the first in a series of Halloween-themed anthology films, each telling a different horror story unrelated to Michael Myers. However, its lack of connection to the iconic villain was met with disapproval from fans, and the anthology concept was abandoned.
2. Which Halloween movie is considered the worst?
While opinions vary, Halloween: Resurrection is often cited as the worst film in the series due to its storyline, the early death of Laurie Strode, and its overall lack of scares.
3. Which Halloween movie is considered the best sequel?
Many fans consider Halloween H20: 20 Years Later to be the best sequel, praising its suspense, Jamie Lee Curtis’ performance, and its attempts to provide a satisfying conclusion to Laurie Strode’s story at the time.
4. Are there any plans for more Halloween movies after Halloween Ends?
While Halloween Ends was marketed as the definitive conclusion, the horror genre is rarely truly “ended.” Given the franchise’s popularity and profitability, it’s highly likely that more Halloween films will be made in the future, though the specific direction is currently unknown.
5. What is the significance of the “Curse of Thorn” storyline?
Introduced in Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers, the “Curse of Thorn” attempts to explain Michael’s seemingly supernatural evil and his unwavering need to kill. However, this storyline is generally considered controversial and is often ignored or retconned in subsequent films.
6. How many times has Laurie Strode “died” in the Halloween franchise?
Laurie Strode has “died” twice in the franchise. Once in Halloween: Resurrection (which is now considered an alternate timeline) and technically, the Jamie Lee Curtis character in Halloween Ends arguably “dies” symbolically, passing the torch to a new generation.
7. Who is “The Shape” in the Halloween movies?
“The Shape” is the term used to describe Michael Myers, particularly in the original Halloween and its sequels. It refers to his seemingly emotionless, inhuman presence.
8. Which actors have played Michael Myers?
Several actors have portrayed Michael Myers throughout the franchise, including Nick Castle (primarily in the original), Tony Moran, George P. Wilbur, Don Shanks, Chris Durand, Tyler Mane, James Jude Courtney, and others.
9. What is the significance of Haddonfield in the Halloween movies?
Haddonfield, Illinois, serves as the primary setting for most of the Halloween films. It represents a seemingly idyllic suburban town shattered by the presence of pure evil.
10. Are there any Halloween TV shows or spin-offs?
While there have been talks of a Halloween TV series, none have materialized to date. The franchise remains primarily focused on its feature film releases.
11. How did John Carpenter influence the Halloween franchise beyond the original film?
While John Carpenter directed only the original Halloween and Halloween II, he co-wrote and produced Halloween III: Season of the Witch. His original score and creative vision continue to influence the franchise and the horror genre as a whole. He also served as an executive producer on the 2018, 2021, and 2022 films, providing creative input and composing the score.
12. What makes Michael Myers such an iconic horror villain?
Michael Myers’ enduring appeal lies in his simplicity and relentless nature. He is a seemingly unstoppable force of pure evil, devoid of clear motivation beyond his primal urge to kill. This blank slate allows audiences to project their own fears and anxieties onto him, making him a truly terrifying figure. His iconic mask further enhances his anonymity and makes him a symbol of the unknown horrors that can lurk beneath the surface of everyday life.
The Enduring Legacy of Halloween
The Halloween franchise has undeniably left an indelible mark on the horror genre. With its complex and evolving timeline, memorable characters, and chilling atmosphere, it continues to captivate audiences and inspire new generations of horror filmmakers. While the future of the franchise remains uncertain, the legacy of Michael Myers is sure to endure for years to come.