‘Halloween’ Franchise Ranked: The Ultimate Michael Myers Movie Guide
In the realm of horror cinema, one name reigns supreme—Michael Myers, the relentless harbinger of Halloween terror. With his iconic mask and a penchant for plunging cutlery where it doesn’t belong, Michael has become an epitome of evil, and the “Halloween” franchise is his haunting legacy. Buckle up as we traverse the murky depths of this spine-tingling series, uncovering its eerie secrets, peculiar trivia, and, yes, ranking the films from “scream-worthy” to “meh”.
The Countdown Begins…
1. Halloween (1978) ★★★★★
The original masterpiece, directed by John Carpenter, introduced us to the masked killer, Michael Myers, and the determined survivor, Laurie Strode. It set the standard for slasher films and remains a classic.
Synopsis: Michael Myers escapes a sanitarium to haunt babysitters in Haddonfield. Fun Fact: The famous mask? A Captain Kirk mask painted white and slightly altered. Simplicity can be terrifying.
Photo credit: Joseph Gordon-Levitt
2. Halloween (2018) ★★★★★
A worthy sequel that ignores the previous convoluted installments, 2018’s “Halloween” brings Laurie Strode back, older but still fierce, in a battle against her old nemesis. Synopsis: A direct sequel to the original, Laurie faces Michael again in a new timeline. Fun Fact: Jamie Lee Curtis‘s return in the role that made her famous breathes fresh life into the series.
3. Halloween Kills (2021) ★★★★★
While divisive, “Halloween Kills” serves as the middle chapter in the modern trilogy, with intense slasher moments and social commentary. Synopsis: Michael’s body count rises as Haddonfield fights back. More gore, less suspense. Fun Fact: This film is part of a trilogy that continues Laurie and Michael’s cat-and-mouse game.
4. Halloween Ends (2022) ★★★★★
The supposed conclusion to the modern trilogy introduces new characters and continues the battle against Michael Myers. Be forewarned, it faced mixed reviews, but here at Action Reloaded, it’s a winner. Synopsis: The final installment in the saga sees the town of Haddonfield reeling from the aftermath of Michael Myers’ latest killing spree while Laurie Strode must confront the evil lurking within her own family. Fun Fact: “Halloween Ends” marked the conclusion of a trilogy that started with the 2018 film, bringing the story full circle to its iconic 1978 roots.
5. Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers (1988) ★★★★☆
The return of Michael Myers revitalised the series, introducing his niece, Jamie Lloyd, and bringing back the slasher genre’s allure. Synopsis: Michael’s back, targeting Laurie’s daughter, Jamie. A return to slasher roots. Fun Fact: This film marks the return of Michael Myers after the “Season of the Witch” experiment.
6. Halloween III: Season of the Witch (1982) ★★★★☆
A departure from the Michael Myers storyline, this film tried something different, incorporating a sinister Halloween mask plot. Synopsis: Michael’s on vacation, but the series explores a sinister plot involving deadly Halloween masks. Not totally well-received but has a large cult following. Admittedly, here at Action Reloaded, we are big fans. Fun Fact: This film was an attempt to turn the series into an anthology, but audiences wanted more Michael.
7. Halloween II (1981) ★★★★☆
A direct sequel to the original, continuing the same terrifying night, it’s a solid follow-up with Carpenter contributing to the score. Synopsis: The nightmare continues as Michael hunts Laurie Strode in a hospital. Darker and more brutal. Fun Fact: It’s the only sequel to directly continue the same night as the original.
8. Halloween H20: 20 Years Later (1998) ★★★☆☆
Ignoring previous sequels, this entry brings back Jamie Lee Curtis as Laurie Strode and offers a more mature take on the character. Synopsis: Laurie Strode confronts Michael again, two decades later. A reunion long overdue. Fun Fact: Jamie Lee Curtis returned to the franchise after 20 years, adding nostalgia for fans.
9. Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers (1995) ★★★☆☆
This entry is often considered the black sheep of the franchise due to its convoluted plot involving druids, thorn curses, and more. Synopsis: The film delves into the supernatural curse afflicting Michael. Plot twists galore. Fun Fact: This film gave Michael Myers a new and complicated backstory.
10. Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers (1989) ★★★☆☆
The series struggled with this entry, but it continues the story of Jamie Lloyd and her uncle’s relentless pursuit. Synopsis: Michael Myers continues his murderous pursuit of his niece Jamie Lloyd, who struggles to escape her uncle’s grip. Fun Fact: “Halloween 5” introduced the mysterious “Man in Black,” a character whose identity remained shrouded in mystery, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the story.
11. Halloween: Resurrection (2002) ★★☆☆☆
This entry divided fans with its focus on reality TV, but it has its moments and features Michael’s confrontation with Laurie. Synopsis: Michael returns, this time to haunt a reality TV show. It’s…different. Fun Fact: This film marks the final appearance of Jamie Lee Curtis in the original continuity.
12. Halloween (2007) ★★☆☆☆
Rob Zombie‘s remake offers a fresh take on the original, diving into Michael’s background but not without controversy. Synopsis: Rob Zombie gives us an origin story for Michael Myers. Grittier but polarising. Fun Fact: Zombie’s vision delves deeper into Michael’s troubled upbringing.
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13. Halloween II (2009) ★☆☆☆☆
Rob Zombie’s take on the sequel delves deeper into Michael’s psyche, offering a unique, albeit polarising, perspective. Synopsis: Rob Zombie’s sequel ventures into supernatural territory, dividing fans further. Fun Fact: This film explores the psychological trauma Laurie endures after her first encounter with Michael.
Action Reloaded’s Thoughts
From the chilling night in 1978 when John Carpenter first introduced us to the boogeyman, to the gritty reboots and supernatural detours, the “Halloween” franchise has slashed its way through generations. Michael Myers remains a cinematic legend, and Haddonfield still echoes with screams.
Whether you’re a long-time horror aficionado or a curious first-time visitor to the Halloween saga, the thrills and chills are undeniable. So, turn out the lights, grab a pumpkin spice latte, and let the nightmares begin—a Halloween tradition that refuses to die.
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