Spine-Tingling Scares: Watching The Entire Halloween Franchise In Sequence
The Halloween franchise, a horror classic that has been thrilling audiences since 1978, offers the perfect premise for a spooky season binge-watch. With a deranged killer, a dark past, and a terrifying mask, what more could you ask for in a horror series? However, with 13 films in the series, shifts in the storyline, subplots, and creative choices, deciding on the right order to watch the movies for continuity can be quite a challenge. To assist you, here is a breakdown of how to watch the Halloween franchise in order ahead of Halloween.
The Halloween franchise can be divided into five main viewing paths, each of which unintentionally emerged as the series zig-zagged between storylines and character arcs under different directors' guidance.
Path 1: The Original and Sequel
Halloween (1978)
This is where it all began, introducing Michael Myers , who, at the age of six, killed his 17-year-old sister. After escaping from prison in 1978, he returns to his hometown for more bloodshed, with a particular obsession with Laurie Strode .
Halloween II (1981)
A direct sequel to the original, Halloween II continues the pursuit of Laurie Strode by Michael Myers on the same night. As Laurie faces danger, the body count rises, and we learn that she is Michael's younger sister.
Halloween (2018)
The first of the David Gordon Green reboots, this film finds Myers escaping after 40 years of confinement and returning to Haddonfield to terrorize Laurie once more.
Halloween Kills (2021)
Directed by David Gordon Green, this installment continues the battle between Laurie and Myers. Laurie is back in the hospital, recovering from her injuries, and teams up with Tommy Doyle to confront Myers.
Halloween Ends (2022)
The final installment of the reboot trilogy, Halloween Ends, marks Jamie Lee Curtis's exit from the franchise as Laurie and Myers face off for one last time.
Path 2: Laurie Strode's Return
Halloween H20: 20 Years Later (1998)
In this film, Laurie, played by Jamie Lee Curtis, returns to the screen, revealing that she faked her death to escape Myers. However, Myers manages to track her down, even as she lives under a new identity as a headmistress.
Halloween: Resurrection (2002)
Set three years later, Myers again seeks to kill Laurie. She is now in a psychiatric facility, struggling with the consequences of her past actions. Meanwhile, Myers' childhood home becomes the backdrop for a reality TV show, leading to a fresh wave of terror.
Path 3: The Jamie Lloyd Saga
Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers (1988)
Myers returns to Haddonfield, targeting his niece Jamie Lloyd, who lives with a foster family. Dr. Samuel Loomis takes on a central role in this installment, and Laurie Strode is confirmed dead, requiring some suspension of disbelief in later films.
Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers (1989)
Myers continues his pursuit of his niece, who is now in a mental institution. Dr. Loomis makes connections between Jamie and Myers' psyche, and the film delves into the supernatural with hints of a Druid curse.
Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers (1995)
Myers returns to stalk Haddonfield, targeting the entire Strode family and those connected to them. Dr. Loomis is back, and Paul Rudd makes one of his early film appearances as Tommy Doyle.
Miscellaneous Path: Standalone Films
Halloween III: Season of the Witch (1982)
This film stands alone in the franchise and diverges from the Michael Myers storyline.
Halloween (2007) and Halloween II (2009)
Directed by Rob Zombie , these films also stand apart from the rest of the franchise, offering a different take on the Halloween mythos.
Path 4: The Recent Reboot Trilogy
Halloween (2018)
Halloween Kills (2021)
Halloween Ends (2022)
These films serve as direct sequels to the original 1978 and 1981 films, offering a fresh perspective on the ongoing battle between Laurie Strode and Michael Myers.
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