Here's Exactly How You're Supposed to Watch the 'Halloween' Movies
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The days are beginning to feel shorter, and temperatures are cooling considerably. This can only mean one thing: fall is near! For some, this means it's time to bring on all things cozy and warm. And while that does reign true, some of us are interested in something a bit more sinister... Halloween! 🎃
The ominous holiday is known for its spooktacular desserts, creative Halloween costumes, and, more importantly, our favorite Halloween movies. We love a good Disney Halloween movie like Hocus Pocus or Halloweentown. But we occasionally find ourselves in the mood for something that will force us to hide behind our hands as we watch. And when it comes to scary Halloween movies, there's nothing quite like the Halloween movies (featuring the one and only Michael Myers).
Die-hard fans of the infamous serial killer might know that 13 (😉) movies make up the franchise (with another one soon to come). That number might seem overwhelming to those less familiar with the set of films. But not to worry—we've curated a guide on how exactly you should watch the Halloween movies. To your surprise, it isn't in order of when the films were released. (You didn't think it would be that easy, did you?)
The Halloween movies go back to 1978, following Michael Myers in his adolescent years (basically his murderous origin story). The first movie introduces us to his first victim: his sister, Laurie Strode. Though, he doesn't catch her in this movie. (Or during any of the movies that follow.) There are many twists, murders, and spinoffs in storylines. But the films always focus on him getting his sister once and for all.
Keep reading for directions on how to follow this storyline!
There aren't any Halloween movies that do it quite like the Halloween movie franchise! Michael Myers is the ultimate villain, and Jamie Lee Curtis has one of the most recognizable roles in the horror-genre. The story of the long, viscous history between the two has entertained movie-goers for decades, with over 13 films that tell the entire story. While that number might seem a bit much for someone who has never watched the films, and avid fan will tell you that it's simply not enough! If you're new to the scene, there's nothing to fret about. We created a list in the order of how you should watch the Halloween movies—because it isn't actually meant to be watched in the order of release date!
The Halloween movies go back to 1978, following Michael Myers in his adolescent years (basically his murderous origin story), where his first victims are introduced. The terror that follows has led to many twists, murders, and spinoffs in storylines—all featuring the masked slayer. If you’re new to the Halloween series, this can get a bit confusing. You'll just have to read on for it all to make a little more sense.
So, grab your popcorn, and Halloween treats, and keep reading for directions on how to make the most of this slasher favorite.
Halloween (1978)
This list starts off pretty easy. The first movie in the series is where you're meant to begin! This is where you'll be introduced to Michael Myers and exactly how his villain origin story began. It involves his six-year-old sister (who becomes his first victim), his 15-year-stay at a mental health facility (where he was meant to stay for life), and then his escape from said facility. From there, we meet his next victim: Laurie Strode (Jamie lee Curtis). We also witness first hand at just what lengths he will go through to finally get her.
Halloween II (1981)
If Laurie thought she was safe after avenging herself from Michael's first series of strikes, she was dead-wrong! Michael doesn't give up easy. In fact, he doesn't care that she is in the hospital... he'll make his way in there, too! The biggest secrets of all secrets are unveiled, which is that Michael and Laurie are related, which explains why he won't stop coming after her.
Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers (1988)
While the first two movies were an easy follow, things get a little mixed here. The third movie you should watch (in terms of following the story in order) is Halloween IIII. (The actual third movie that was released centers around a slightly different storyline.) Michael, who has left Laurie alone for over a decade now (not by choice, but because he was in a coma for that long), wakes up and gets right to business. During his time asleep, Laurie has gained a community of friends and chosen family who all have her back when Michael makes his return.
Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers (1989)
Yeah, the town brutally attacked Michael back in the last movie. But he is Michael Myers! So, it should go without saying that he survived and is back and stronger than before. Jamie finds out he's awake once again but seeks the help of his child psychologist, who might know how to defeat him for good.
Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers (1995)
Good news: Jamie gives birth to a precious baby! Bad news: this happens six years after she's kidnapped by a cult. She makes an effort to escape but unfortunately dies. Her baby survives and is rescued by a man named Tommy (someone Laurie used to babysit when he was a kid). Somehow Michael finds out about this and makes it his mission to seek revenge on the baby. Does Tommy have what it takes to keep the baby safe?
Halloween H20: 20 Years Later (1998)
It turns out that Laurie was playing dead this entire time! (Smart.) After faking her death to escape the wrath of Michael, she moved away and had a son. But Michael is too brilliant for anyone's game. He finds out about Laurie and continues his mission for revenge.
Halloween: Resurrection (2002)
So, it finally happened. Michael was able to catch Laurie, killing her off for good. You'd think he'd be satisfied, but when a group of college kids break into his abandoned house, he shows them why it's never okay to mess with him.
Halloween (2018)
Let's pretend that nothing happened after the first Halloween movie. Halloween (2018) is a sequel to Halloween (1978), reimagining the story of what happened after Michael's time in the mental hospital. Laurie is back, older, and prepared for Michael to break out of the ward that he's been in for so long.
Halloween Kills (2021)
Laurie is almost burned alive before being rushed to the hospital. She knows her survival will soon only mean more torment from her estranged brother (who somehow always survives himself). But Laurie and the rest of the Strode girls have decided enough is enough. They are going to battle, and they don't want to lose.
Halloween Ends (2022)
The journey that never seems to end has led us to the release of the most recent movie in the franchise. This time, it seems that things might finally have come to an end. 🤞 We see Laurie living a rather private life with her daughter as she completes the final pages of her memoir. Though, after tragedy strikes her town—we know who's to blame: Michael. He's back once again but the movie ends with Laurie and her granddaughter finally ending him once and for all! (We think!)
Halloween (2007)
You can technically watch this movie at any point, but it's good to note that it is essentially an entirely different film. The story centers around the history of Michael's wrath and all of his childhood murders.
Halloween II (2009)
View this movie as a sequel to Halloween (2007), and it'll make sense. In short, Michael has some "family matters" to take care of when he begins to have visions of his sister Laurie.
Halloween III: Season of the Witch (1982)
This film acts as a "breather" from the mayhem that Michael Myers causes. In fact, he's not even in this movie. The movie tells the story of a popular Halloween mask that children everywhere want to wear. When the masks turned out to have a microchip in it that makes kids do unspeakable things, a certain duo must stop it.
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