The Halloween franchise, a cornerstone of the slasher film genre, boasts a sprawling and often convoluted timeline. As of today, there are 13 Halloween movies in the franchise, spanning from the original 1978 classic to the most recent 2022 installment.
A Deep Dive into the Halloween Universe
The Halloween film series has undergone several reboots and retcons, resulting in multiple distinct timelines. This makes definitively counting the films and understanding their relationships a bit of a horror story in itself. We’ll break it down, explain the timelines, and answer all your burning questions.
The Original Timeline (1978-1995)
This timeline began with John Carpenter’s masterpiece, Halloween (1978), and continued through the following sequels:
- 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)
This timeline initially established Laurie Strode as Michael Myers’ sister, a plot point later abandoned in other continuities.
The H20 Timeline (1978, 1998-2002)
This timeline, sometimes referred to as the “Dimension” timeline, retconned the events of Halloween 4, 5, and 6. It directly followed the original Halloween (1978) and Halloween II (1981), then jumped ahead with:
- Halloween H20: 20 Years Later (1998)
- Halloween: Resurrection (2002)
This timeline focused heavily on Laurie Strode dealing with the trauma of her past.
The Rob Zombie Timeline (2007-2009)
This timeline offered a complete reboot of the franchise, starting with Rob Zombie’s reimagining:
- Halloween (2007)
- Halloween II (2009)
These films provided a grittier, more psychological take on Michael Myers’ origins.
The Blumhouse Timeline (1978, 2018-2022)
The most recent timeline ignores all previous sequels and acts as a direct sequel to the original Halloween (1978):
- Halloween (2018)
- Halloween Kills (2021)
- Halloween Ends (2022)
This trilogy aimed to return to the suspenseful horror of the original film and explore the lingering effects of Michael Myers on Haddonfield.
Halloween III: Season of the Witch (1982) – The Standalone
This film is a unique entry in the franchise as it does not feature Michael Myers or any characters from the other Halloween movies. It was intended to be the start of an anthology series of Halloween-themed horror films, but the poor reception led the franchise back to Michael Myers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
This section answers common questions about the Halloween film franchise, clarifying confusion and providing a comprehensive understanding.
FAQ 1: Why are there so many different timelines?
The Halloween franchise has a history of inconsistent storytelling. Subsequent films often ignore or overwrite previous sequels in an attempt to revitalize the series and explore new directions for the characters and narrative. This has unfortunately led to the various timelines we see today. Creative differences and studio decisions played a large role in these choices.
FAQ 2: Is Halloween III: Season of the Witch considered canon?
While Halloween III: Season of the Witch is officially part of the Halloween film series, it is considered a standalone film and not canon to any of the timelines featuring Michael Myers.
FAQ 3: Which Halloween movie is the scariest?
This is subjective, but many fans consider the original Halloween (1978) to be the scariest due to its suspenseful atmosphere, minimalist score, and effective use of tension. Its simplicity and focus on the unknown create a truly terrifying experience.
FAQ 4: Which Halloween movie is considered the worst?
Again, subjective, but Halloween: Resurrection (2002) is often cited as the worst due to its convoluted plot, questionable character decisions, and departure from the franchise’s core themes.
FAQ 5: Is Jamie Lee Curtis in all the Halloween movies?
No, Jamie Lee Curtis does not appear in all the Halloween movies. She portrayed Laurie Strode in Halloween (1978), Halloween II (1981), Halloween H20: 20 Years Later (1998), Halloween: Resurrection (2002), Halloween (2018), Halloween Kills (2021), and Halloween Ends (2022).
FAQ 6: What is the order of the Blumhouse Halloween trilogy?
The Blumhouse trilogy consists of:
- Halloween (2018)
- Halloween Kills (2021)
- Halloween Ends (2022)
This trilogy is a direct sequel to the original 1978 film, ignoring all previous sequels.
FAQ 7: What happened to Michael Myers in Halloween Ends?
Halloween Ends depicted a final confrontation between Laurie Strode and Michael Myers. Without spoiling the ending entirely, Michael Myers is definitively killed, brought to the town dump, and destroyed in an industrial shredder. This represents the (seemingly) final end of his reign of terror.
FAQ 8: Will there be more Halloween movies?
Despite the ending of Halloween Ends, the Halloween franchise is a valuable intellectual property. While there are no immediate plans for new films, it is highly likely that the franchise will be rebooted or revived in some form in the future. The ending of Halloween Ends leaves a sliver of ambiguity open to interpretation regarding the absolute end of evil.
FAQ 9: Which Halloween movie has the highest body count?
Halloween Kills (2021) has the highest body count of all the Halloween movies, with Michael Myers going on a brutal rampage through Haddonfield.
FAQ 10: What is the significance of the “Curse of Michael Myers”?
The “Curse of Michael Myers” storyline in Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers (1995) introduced a convoluted plot involving a cult and the Thorn symbol. This storyline is widely criticized for being confusing and deviating from the core elements of the Halloween franchise. The Thorn cult essentially ‘cursed’ Michael, driving his need to kill his entire family.
FAQ 11: Where can I watch all the Halloween movies?
The Halloween movies are available on various streaming services, for rent or purchase on digital platforms, and on physical media (DVD and Blu-ray). Availability may vary depending on your region and the specific streaming service. It is best to check local listings and streaming provider catalogues.
FAQ 12: What makes the original Halloween so iconic?
The original Halloween (1978) is iconic due to its groundbreaking use of suspense, its effective score composed by John Carpenter, its relatable characters, and its exploration of universal fears. It set the standard for slasher films and continues to influence the horror genre today. Its simplicity and realism are key to its enduring appeal. It established many tropes now synonymous with the slasher genre, such as the final girl, the masked killer, and the use of point-of-view shots to build tension.