For over four decades, Michael Myers has stalked the streets of Haddonfield, terrifying generations of horror fans. The Halloween series has been a rollercoaster ride of thrills and chills, with each sequel, prequel, and reboot offering its own unique spin on the Michael Myers legend. In this article, we take a deep dive into the darkness and rank all the Halloween movies, determining which entries delivered the most spine-tingling scares and which ones left us wanting more.
13. Halloween: Resurrection (2002)
Following the events of H20. Resurrection begins with the capture and institutionalization of Laurie Strode, who has been living in fear of her brother, Michael Myers, for over two decades. Laurie believes her nightmare is finally over, and she prepares to move on with her life. However, the story takes a turn when a reality television show called “Dangertainment” decides to broadcast a live internet broadcast from the old Myers house on Halloween night. A group of young contestants enters the abandoned house, unaware of the true horror that awaits them. Unbeknownst to them, Michael Myers returns to the scene to continue his killing spree, and Laurie realizes that she must confront her brother once more to save the contestants.
12. Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers (1989)
Michael Myers survives a police shootout and is found in a coma by a hermit. He is nursed back to health and begins his quest to kill his niece, Jamie Lloyd, who shares a psychic connection with him. As Halloween approaches, Jamie is unable to speak due to the trauma she experienced in the previous film. She has a psychic link with her uncle, Michael, which leads her to draw pictures of the murders he is about to commit. Dr. Loomis returns to Haddonfield to stop Michael once and for all and to save Jamie. The film explores the origins of Michael’s rage and the mysterious tattoo on his wrist.
11. Halloween II (2009)
From the Rob Zombie timeline, Laurie Strode is deeply traumatized by her encounter with Michael Myers and struggles to come to terms with the events of the previous film. Meanwhile, Dr. Sam Loomis has turned the events of the first film into a best-selling book but is struggling with guilt and shame over his role in Michael’s upbringing. Michael Myers, presumed dead, continues to stalk Haddonfield while having visions of his deceased mother and a younger version of himself. As Halloween night approaches, Laurie’s connection with Michael deepens, leading to a climactic and bloody confrontation between brother and sister. The movie maintains a dark and unsettling atmosphere, with striking cinematography that adds to the intensity of the story.
10. Halloween (2007)
The film provides an updated origin story for Michael Myers, offering a more in-depth look at his troubled childhood and the events that led to his murderous rampage. It also explores the character of Laurie Strode and her friends in more depth. The film is divided into two parts: the first part focuses on Michael Myers as a child and the abuse and dysfunction in his family, while the second part takes place fifteen years later, following Michael’s escape from a mental institution and his return to Haddonfield to continue his killing spree on Halloween night. The film is praised for Rob Zombie’s unique take on the original story, offering a more in-depth exploration of the characters and their backgrounds.
9. Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers (1995)
The Curse of Michael Myers introduces a new and more mystical element to the story, delving into the origins of Michael Myers’ evil and the mysterious Thorn cult. It also continues the storyline of Jamie Lloyd, who was revealed to be Michael’s niece in the previous film. The movie begins with Jamie giving birth to a child, whom the Thorn cult plans to use to continue Michael’s bloodline. Dr. Sam Loomis is determined to stop Michael once and for all and protect Jamie and her child. Meanwhile, a radio shock jock named Barry Simms begins broadcasting from the old Myers house, unknowingly setting the stage for a deadly confrontation between Michael and the Thorn cult.
8. Halloween Ends (2022)
In the finale of David Gordon Green’s trilogy, this final installment gives us a unique perspective on Michael Myers and how his legacy affects those around him. When Corey Cunningham is arrested and treated as a murderer for an accidental death which occurred when he was babysitting a local boy named Jeremy Allen. As the town turns its backs on Corey and treats him as an outcast, he finds his way to the underground sewers of Haddonfield and finds a beaten and weak Michael Myers. Corey takes a fascination with Myers and attempts to resurrect the Shape with his own killing spree. Halloween Ends had some interesting ideas, but could not manage to stick the landing.
7. Halloween Kills (2021)
Part two of David Gordon Green’s trilogy. After an epic showdown between Laurie and Michael in the previous film, it appears the massacre of Michael Myers has finally come to an end. But we have learned over the years Michael is much more resilient than that. Sending Michael on another killing spree through Haddonfield. However, the people of Haddonfield have had enough of Michael’s treatment of their town and decide to take things into their own hands. Leading to a climactic conclusion where the people of Haddonfield have an epic beat down with Myers. Halloween Kills might have had some of the most creative kills in the series, but it falls short on substance and purpose between the trilogy.
6. Halloween III: Season of the Witch (1982)
A unique entry in the franchise, deviating from the Michael Myers storyline established in the previous films. In this film, the focus shifts to a different narrative. Dr. Dan Challis and Ellie Grimbridge become embroiled in a mysterious and sinister plot involving a novelty mask company run by Conal Cochran. Cochran’s company has produced a line of Halloween masks that, when worn during a special television broadcast, will unleash dark and deadly forces upon the wearers. The film explores the concept of ancient pagan rituals, consumerism, and the dangers of modern technology as Dan and Ellie race against time to stop the broadcast before Halloween night.
5. Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers (1988)
Set ten years after the events of Halloween II, the film brings Michael Myers back to Haddonfield. It introduces a new heroine, Jamie Lloyd, the young niece of Michael Myers and the daughter of Laurie Strode, who died in a car accident. Michael Myers awakens from a decade-long coma and escapes from a sanitarium to continue his murderous rampage, targeting Jamie. Dr. Sam Loomis, who has been relentlessly pursuing Michael, returns to Haddonfield to stop the impending bloodshed. As Halloween night descends on the town, a new terror unfolds. The fourth film successfully returns to the core elements of the original franchise by bringing back Michael Myers, rather than continuing the trend from Season of the Witch.
4. H20: 20 Years Later (1998)
A direct sequel to Halloween II (1981) and ignores the events of the other sequels, creating an alternate continuity. Laurie Strode now living under a new identity as the headmistress of a private boarding school, has spent the past two decades trying to escape her traumatic past and the relentless pursuit of her brother, Michael Myers. However, as the 20th anniversary of the original Halloween massacre approaches, Laurie’s past comes back to haunt her. When she learns that Michael Myers has survived and is still seeking her, she must confront her deepest fears to protect her son John and his friends, who are on a school trip. The film culminates in a deadly showdown between Laurie and her long-lost brother.
3. Halloween II (1981)
Picking up immediately after the events of the first movie, continuing on the same night. Laurie Strode is taken to Haddonfield Memorial Hospital after surviving her ordeal with Michael Myers. Unbeknownst to the hospital staff, Michael Myers follows Laurie to the hospital, and his murderous rampage continues. Dr. Sam Loomis is determined to track down and stop Michael. As the night unfolds, Laurie must confront her relentless pursuer, and a dark secret about her connection to Michael Myers is revealed. While it may not be as groundbreaking as the original, it’s a solid addition to the series and is appreciated for its direct narrative continuation.
2. Halloween (2018)
A soft reboot that picks up from the original 1978 film, effectively ignoring the events of all the other sequels and creating an alternative timeline. Laurie Strode returns, but she’s now a traumatized and prepared survivor. She has spent the past four decades living in fear of the day Michael Myers would return to Haddonfield. As the 40th anniversary of Michael’s original killing spree approaches, he manages to escape from a mental institution and heads back to Haddonfield. The town’s Halloween night is about to become a night of terror once again, as Laurie, her daughter Karen and her granddaughter Allyson must confront the relentless killer and end the nightmare once and for all.
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1. Halloween (1978)
In the small town of Haddonfield, Illinois, where a young boy, Michael Myers, murders his teenage sister on Halloween night. Michael is institutionalized but escapes 15 years later, returning to Haddonfield. Dr. Sam Loomis is determined to stop him and warns the authorities of the danger Michael poses. Meanwhile, a babysitter named Laurie Strode and her friends become the target of Michael’s relentless and inexplicable evil. The film unfolds as Michael stalks and kills his victims, leading to a suspenseful and iconic climax in Laurie’s home. The film masterfully builds an atmosphere of dread and suspense, using a sense of isolation and vulnerability to heighten the horror.
John Carpenter’s direction, particularly his use of suspense and the haunting musical score he composed, contributes to the film’s enduring impact. Additionally, Jamie Lee Curtis’s portrayal of Laurie Strode is a standout, creating an iconic and relatable horror heroine. Halloween is often considered the blueprint for the modern slasher genre, establishing many of the conventions that have become standard in horror films.
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