Follow us on Google News
Get the latest updates directly in your Google News feed
TheHalloweenfranchise has been terrifying audiences since Michael Myers’ masked menace was brought to the big screen in John Carpenter’s 1978 classic. Four decades, 13 films, and a laundry list of rehashings, reboots, and remakes later, the franchise has become a slasher staple.
In the spirit of Spooktober – here’s a definitive ranking of all thirteenHalloweenmovies — from grisly goofs to the horrifying. Let’s slice through the clutter and get to the bloody best.
13Halloween: Resurrection (2002)
Yeah, this is the lowest point without contention.Halloween: Resurrectionsees Michael Myers in a reality TV setting, featuring Busta Rhymes’ kung-fu moves. This installment, directed by Rick Rosenthal (also responsible forHalloween II), attempts a“reality-TV-gone-wrong” trope that falls short on both scares and coherence. Even fans who appreciateso-bad-it’s-goodfilms will not find something worthy of their time.
While this setup had potential, Rosenthal’s film ended up feeling like an amateur Halloween fan film that was accidentally released in theaters. With a distracting cameo from Busta Rhymes andJamie Lee Curtis’ cameo feeling more obligatory than essential,Resurrectionis a missed opportunity that is best left buried in the past.
Check outHalloween: Resurrection(2002) onPrime
12Halloween V: The Revenge of Michael Myers (1989)
Dominique Othenin-Girard’sHalloween 5is yet another one of the franchise’s weaker entries. It is plagued by a confusing mashup of bizarre sound effects, a painfully long barn scene, and a nonsensical cliffhanger ending.Halloween Vfalters with a rather convoluted plot. While Michael returns to stalk Haddonfield, the“Man in Black”and Jamie’s visions detract from any chills.
Whatever the case may be,Halloween 5manages to completely trash the charms of its preceding chapter, making it hard to invest in what should be one of the series’ darkest turns.
11Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers (1995)
Paul Ruddmakes his debut here –The Curse of Michael Myersmoves toward the mystical, involving a Druid cult controlling Michael’s actions. With re-edits and reshoots drastically altering the tone,Curseremains one of the most confusing and lesser loved-chaptersHalloweenmovies.
An alternative producer’s cut released in 2014 provided some clarity, but the film still struggles to fully realize its vision.
Check outHalloween: The Curse of Michael Myers(1995) onPrime
10Halloween II (2009)
Rob Zombie’sHalloween IIleaves Carpenter’s influence behind for a wild, disturbing plunge into a nightmarish, surreal version of Haddonfield. Zombie makes no apologies for his grimy aesthetic here. And while doing so, he has made something that pushes the boundaries of what a slasher movie can achieve.
Though fans of Zombie’s work might find its aggression appealing, those expecting the subtlety of the original may find themselves put off by its explicit violence.
Check outHalloween II(2009) onPrime
9Rob Zombie’s Halloween (2007)
Rob Zombie’s reimagining ofHalloweenis perhaps the most divisive entry in the series, and for good reason. Zombie dives into Michael’s backstory, choosing to show a young Myers indulging in disturbing acts of cruelty – the first half is chillingly effective
Once the story moves to familiar territory, however, with teenage babysitters and bloody encounters, the grimy aesthetic begins to wear thin. While some fans appreciate this gritty take, others longed for Carpenter’s minimalist touch. Largely, it feels like the film is caught between two distinct visions.
8Halloween Ends (2022)
The final chapter in David Gordon Green’s reboot trilogy,Halloween Endstries to reimagine theHalloweenformula. Featuring a new character, Corey Cunningham, the film takes a risk by shifting the focus from Laurie Strode to a younger generation of Haddonfield residents.
Green’s gamble mostly pays off though, delivering a cathartic farewell for Jamie Lee Curtis as she faces her life-long nemesis one last time. Yet, despite its originality,Halloween Endsmay alienate traditional fans who long for a more straightforward Myers rampage.
Check outHalloween Ends(2022) onPrime
Halloween II (1981)
This immediate sequel to Carpenter’s masterpiece has all the elements that make a horror film memorable: a terrifying setting in an empty hospital, grisly kills, and a haunting, synthesizer-laden score that rivals the original.
Rick Rosenthal’sHalloween II, however, doesn’t quite match the suspense of the 1978 classic, but its intense showdown and sinister hospital corridors make it a well-loved chapter. Delivering on the promise of its tagline – ‘More of the night HE came home’ –Halloween IIis a satisfying continuation.
Check outHalloween 2(1981) onPrime
6Halloween Kills (2021)
For all the carnage fans could want,Halloween Killsdelivers a spectacle of slaughter. The high body count, however, doesn’t compensate for a subplot about a vigilante mob targeting the wrong person. The middle chapter of the reboot trilogy explores Haddonfield’s collective trauma and thirst for revenge.
Director David Gordon Green captures some powerful visuals with darkly atmospheric lighting and a killer score, but the plot is ultimately too disjointed. Jamie Lee Curtis’s Laurie Strode is sidelined for much of the film, leaving the story without the fierce final-girl energy that fans love.
Check outHalloween Kills(2021) onPrime
5Halloween (2018)
David Gordon Green’s 2018 reboot lovingly reintroduces Myers to a new generation, in a film that’s suspenseful, funny, and terrifying. Jamie Lee Curtis returns as Laurie Strode, now a survivalist mother, and her chemistry with Myers makes it a game of cat-and-mouse.
Dialing Laurie’s seasonal paranoia up a few dozen notches from where it was inH20,this film captures the eerie spirit of the original while sprinkling some more modern thrills.
The 2018Halloweenexperiments with the slasher formula – establishing an offshoot timeline in which Michael Myers has been institutionalized for 40 years. Jamie Lee Curtis’ portrayal of a hardened, battle-ready Laurie Strode is a standout, as the film explores her trauma and survival instinct with a sense of reverence for Carpenter’s vision.
10 Spine-Chilling Movies to Stream This Halloween
Check outHalloween(2018) onNetflix
4Halloween IV: The Return of Michael Myers (1988)
Michael Myers returns after a brief hiatus for Halloween 4, a back-to-basics slasher that only delivers nostalgia and some fresh scares. This fourth entry features Danielle Harris as Laurie’s young daughter, Jamie, in a role that quickly made her a fan favorite.
Although the mask is one of the series’ cheesiest, Dwight H. Little’s direction and focus on classic horror elements make it a memorable entry – the film’s dark ending hinted at new territory that was unfortunately abandoned in the follow-up.
3Halloween III: Season of the Witch (1982)
Halloween IIImay be the odd one out and not the obvious pick for many, but it’s developed a cult following for its quirky sci-fi horror story about a sinister toymaker and cursed masks. With no Michael Myers in sight, this standalone film takes creative risks that work surprisingly well.
Anchored by Tom Atkins’ charismatic performance,Halloween IIIhas won fans over with one of the catchiestHalloweenjingles ever.Originally intended to pivot the franchise into an anthology series, it struggled with initial reception but has since found an audience that appreciates its sci-fi horror elements.
Check outHalloween III: Season of the Witch (1982)onAppleTV+
2Halloween H20: 20 Years Later (1988)
Twenty years after the original,Halloween H20truly embraces the slasher resurgence of the late ‘90s. While doing so, it pays homage to Carpenter’s classic. Laurie, now a protective mother, confronts Michael one last time. With Kevin Williamson’s influence, the film has both thrills and heartfelt drama, resulting in a crowd-pleasing sequel that resonates with fans and critics alike.
Every Brooklyn Nine-Nine Halloween Heist Episode, Ranked from Worst to Best
With Steve Miner at the helm and a cast featuring Josh Hartnett and Michelle Williams, this installment has a polished feel and brings a satisfying climax that leaves fans cheering for Laurie’s face-off with Michael.
1Halloween (1978)
There’s no contest when it comes to the top spot – noHalloweenmovie will ever top the original. Carpenter’sHalloweenremains the blueprint for slasher cinema, thanks to its terrifying simplicity, relentless pace, and Donald Pleasence’s iconic performance as Dr. Loomis.
From the eerie score to the slow, suspenseful buildup, this is theHalloweenmovie that defined the genre. In a single film,John Carpentercreated a character as iconic as Dracula or Frankenstein, and fans continue to return to that quiet, suburban street onHalloweennight. Michael Myers’ silent, faceless terror, coupled with Carpenter’s unforgettable score, makes for a classic that’s equal parts menacing and haunting.
Jayant Chhabra
Articles Published :123
Jayant Chhabra is a long-form writer and Creative Producer, who has worked with several renowned publications and production houses. Yet, there’s more to Jayant than meets the word count. You’ll find him cheering for the Red Devils, trying to produce music, or yet again being enamoured by the countless films, essays, and books that he holds close to his heart.
More from Jayant Chhabra
FandomWire’s Top Picks: The 30 Most Underrated TV Shows of 2024
Smurfs (2025): Release Date, Cast, Plot, and All You Need to Know
Every Music Artist Signed Under Jay-Z’s Record Label Roc Nation
Recommended
Fallout Season 2 Release Date Confirmed: 5 Post-Apocalyptic Shows to Watch While You Wait For Peak Cinema
Kevin Hart Is Trading Dwayne Johnson for Another WWE Star in New Netflix Film
Perfect Match Season 3: How Did Ollie Propose to AD?
Severance Season 3: Why Isn’t Ben Stiller Directing? Details Inside
Timo Tjahjanto Shades Keanu Reeves Film: Why is Nobody 2 Not a Desperate John Wick Ripoff?
Why Is Sharon Stone Dissing Basic Instinct Reboot Despite Years of Clout? Details Inside
HalloweenHalloween franchise
