Top 10 Best Halloween Franchise Movies
The Halloween franchise has been scaring audiences for decades, with its iconic masked killer, Michael Myers, haunting our screens time and time again. Whether you're a fan of the original 1978 classic that started it all or prefer one of the many sequels and reboots that have tried to keep the terror alive, there's no denying that this series has a special place in the horror genre. Some movies stick closer to the roots of suspense and tension, while others ramp up the gore or explore new backstories.
This is your chance to weigh in on which ones stand out the most. Did a certain sequel make you jump out of your seat? Maybe a particular reboot did a better job of reimagining the legend of Michael Myers than you expected. With a franchise that has taken so many different approaches over the years, opinions on which ones are the best vary wildly.
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Halloween (1978)
Directed by John Carpenter, this film introduced Michael Myers, who escapes from a mental institution and returns to his hometown of Haddonfield, Illinois. The movie follows babysitter Laurie Strode as she becomes the target of his attacks on Halloween night. It established many conventions of the slasher genre and inspired numerous sequels.
The original will always be the greatest. Parts 2 and H20 are proper sequels thanks to Jamie Lee Curtis. However, the performances of Donald Pleasence and even Danielle Harris in parts 5 and 6 make these fun watches.
The 6th installment is underrated and has a much better cut that has never been released. Both versions add a darker tone to the series. Easily the scariest of the sequels. Halloween Resurrection is forgettable and easily the worst. I never counted that one.
Rob Zombie's additions mix up the formula for the better. Both of his Halloween films are gritty and dark, but neither surpasses the original or is quite on par with Halloween 6: The Producer's Cut in terms of darker themes and tones. Also, Halloween 3 is a likable movie for what it is.
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Halloween II (1981)
Picking up immediately after the events of the first film, Michael Myers continues his pursuit of Laurie Strode at a local hospital. Directed by Rick Rosenthal and written by John Carpenter and Debra Hill, it reveals more about Myers' connection to Laurie. The story maintains the original's setting and tone while expanding on the mythos.
This movie built upon the already amazing original, and while that movie is undoubtedly fantastic, Halloween 2 is, in my opinion, better. It's more entertaining, rewatchable, and it's just a great movie.
Halloween 2 is my favorite horror movie of all time, above all others.
One of the best sequels ever, and such an underrated movie.
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Halloween H20: 20 Years Later
This 1998 film follows Laurie Strode, now living under a new identity as a school headmistress, twenty years after surviving Myers' original attack. When Michael returns, she must confront her past and protect her teenage son. It ignores several previous sequels to serve as a direct continuation of the first two films.
The original was brilliant, and I honestly believe this is one of the best-written sequels of all time! This was such a great way to revive the series after 20 years. The story for this one was great. The character development was awesome. This completed the arc of the Laurie Strode character. Amazing movie.
Love this one. Love that Laurie Strode came back, and it's a bit more modern than the original.
I love this movie. It makes Michael look like a boss!
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Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers
Released in 1988, this installment marks Michael Myers' return after his absence from the previous film. The story centers on his attempt to kill his niece, Jamie Lloyd, while Dr. Loomis once again tries to stop him. It revitalized the franchise after a six-year hiatus.
I really loved the feel and look of this movie. The little girl did an excellent job and deserved more credit than to be dismissed in later sequels. The movie staff for part 5 ruined her chance to carry the franchise into the future.
I love Halloween 4. This movie is one of the better sequels in the franchise, and I love Jamie and Rachel.
This honestly is my favorite Michael Myers movie of all time. Sure, the mask is quite wow, but I like it.
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Halloween (2007)
Directed by Rob Zombie, this remake reimagines the original story with new details about Michael Myers' childhood and psychological background. It presents a more violent and gritty version of the narrative. The film was followed by a direct sequel in 2009.
Michael is back and stronger than ever. This version of Halloween is the best version and way better than any original sequels. I hate that the second one is so hated because people don't understand that this was an artistic interpretation of Michael. It should be #1.
I like this film. Turns out, I like the Theatrical Cut but hate the Director's Cut.
I like this way better than Halloween II (1981). Please put this at number 2!
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Halloween 5 - The Revenge of Michael Myers
Released in 1989, this sequel continues directly from the ending of Halloween 4. Michael Myers awakens from a coma and resumes his pursuit of his niece, Jamie Lloyd. The film introduces the mysterious Man in Black figure, adding new elements to the ongoing storyline.
So dark and disturbing. If 6 had followed the formula this one set, it easily would have been the greatest Halloween.
Halloween 5 has to be one of my favorites, and I don't care what anyone says. I love how around the end, Jamie and Michael had a little 'uncle and niece scene,' y'know?
Michael seemed more human than ever in this one.
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Halloween III - Season of the Witch
This 1982 entry departs from the Michael Myers storyline entirely. It focuses on a company producing deadly Halloween masks as part of a sinister plan involving ancient rituals. The film was intended to shift the series into an anthology format but was later abandoned after poor reception.
This is probably my fifth favorite in the Halloween series. This film overall gets very little credit. It has the Halloween name but no Michael Myers, which annoys most people.
On its own, I think this idea could have spun off a couple of sequels under the title Season of the Witch. It had the creepiness and an out-of-the-box feel to it. Every year, my wife asks me why I DVR it. I say it's because it has become a tradition for me, in the same way the original grips most everyone else.
The only one with originality (except for the original, which kind of created the slasher genre). I say this because all other Michael Myers Halloween films are the same old refurbished crap that always seems to get worse each time you see it. Stick to Halloween 1-3.
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Halloween 6: The Curse of Michael Myers
Released in 1995, this film explores the origins of Michael Myers' evil through a cult known as the Thorn. It features the return of Dr. Loomis and introduces Tommy Doyle as an adult character. The production underwent multiple edits, resulting in theatrical and Producer's Cut versions with differing storylines.
I love Halloween 6. This movie is very underrated. I love the atmosphere. This is a very underrated sequel. Halloween 6 is definitely better than Halloween 5.
I thought this film was awesome! Please bring back the thorn idea!
Watch the Producer's Cut because it explains everything better.
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Halloween (2018)
Directed by David Gordon Green, this film serves as a direct sequel to the 1978 original, ignoring all prior sequels. Laurie Strode prepares for Michael Myers' return after forty years of trauma and anticipation. It reestablishes the franchise for a new generation while maintaining ties to its roots.
Personally, I loved this movie because of the tension. When Laurie is searching room to room for Michael, you never know when he's going to appear. There were some bad parts, like the whole dance side story, but otherwise, this movie was amazing.
I would rank this film 4th, behind the original, The Return of Michael Myers, and H20. It's supposed to be an alternate following the original film. I thought the Strode house was very wicked.
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Halloween II (2009)
Rob Zombie's sequel continues his reinterpretation of the series. It follows Laurie Strode as she struggles with the psychological aftermath of Myers' attacks while he returns to find her again. The film emphasizes trauma and identity rather than traditional slasher elements.
In my opinion, way better than the 2007 film, 5, 6, Resurrection, and better than Halloween 3 and 4.
This was scary, intense, and the most disturbing Halloween movie so far.
One of the most disturbing remakes of a horror movie I have ever seen. Loved it!
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Halloween Ends
Released in 2022, it concludes the reboot trilogy directed by David Gordon Green. The film follows Laurie Strode years after the events of Halloween Kills as she tries to rebuild her life. It presents the final confrontation between Laurie and Michael Myers.
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Halloween Kills
This 2021 sequel follows directly after the 2018 film, depicting the town of Haddonfield uniting to fight back against Michael Myers. Laurie Strode remains central but is sidelined due to injuries from the previous events. The story continues the trilogy's focus on community trauma and collective resistance.
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Halloween - Resurrection
Released in 2002, this sequel takes place after Halloween H20. It features an internet reality show filmed in Michael Myers' childhood home, where participants are hunted by him. The movie attempts to modernize the series with early 2000s technology themes.
I like Halloween Resurrection more than Halloween 3. Halloween 3 is the worst.