Halloween Movies in Order – How To Watch According to Timelines

Figuring out the correct order to watch Halloween movies can be tricky due to multiple timelines and reboots. Michael Myers first terrified audiences in 1978, and since then, there have been many sequels and remakes. For the best experience, it’s essential to watch them in either release order or by following a particular timeline.

If you want to enjoy the original storyline, begin with John Carpenter’s Halloween from 1978 and follow through the sequels. On the other hand, to dive into the newer adaptations, you might prefer starting with Rob Zombie’s 2007 reboot. Both approaches offer unique experiences that highlight different aspects of Michael Myers’ chilling saga.

Understanding the different timelines adds depth to the viewing. For example, the 2018 reboot ignores all sequels after the 1978 original, forming its own continuity. Whether you’re revisiting the series or watching for the first time, knowing the right order can enhance your holiday marathon.

Halloween Movies in Release Order

• Halloween (1978)
• Halloween II (1981)
• Halloween III: Season of the Witch (1982)
• Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers (1988)
• Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers (1989)
• Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers (1995)
• Halloween H20: 20 Years Later (1998)
• Halloween: Resurrection (2002)
• Halloween (2007)
• Halloween II (2009)
• Halloween (2018)
• Halloween Kills (2021)
• Halloween Ends (2022)

The Original Timeline

The original “Halloween” timeline begins with a story of terror in the quiet town of Haddonfield. It follows Michael Myers as he returns to hunt his victims. This timeline includes five key films that build on each other.

Halloween (1978)

In the original Halloween, Michael Myers escapes from a mental hospital 15 years after killing his sister. He returns to his hometown, Haddonfield, stalking teenager Laurie Strode and her friends. The film builds tension with its eerie music and Michael’s silent, emotionless mask. This movie set the stage for the slasher genre and introduced the iconic characters of Michael Myers and Laurie Strode.

Halloween 2 (1981)

Halloween 2 picks up right where the first film ends. Laurie is taken to the hospital, and Michael follows her there to finish what he started. The movie reveals that Laurie is Michael’s younger sister, making his obsession with her even more chilling. The hospital setting adds a new layer of horror, as dark corridors and empty rooms make for a terrifying chase.

Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers (1988)

After skipping Halloween III, the story continues in Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers. Michael wakes up from a coma 10 years after the events of the second film. He learns that Laurie has died but she left behind a young daughter named Jamie. Michael escapes and heads back to Haddonfield to find and kill Jamie.

Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers (1989)

In Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers, Michael survives the events of the previous film. He spends a year in a coma and awakens on Halloween once again. He resumes his hunt for Jamie, who has been affected by their psychic connection. As Jamie tries to uncover Michael’s past, she puts herself and her friends in grave danger.

Halloween 6: The Curse of Michael Myers (1995)

Halloween 6: The Curse of Michael Myers dives into the mysterious forces controlling Michael. The story reveals that he is under the influence of an ancient curse that drives him to kill his family. This film tries to explain Michael’s seemingly unstoppable nature and his connection to the town of Haddonfield. Efforts to stop him become even more complicated as secrets unfold.

The Anthology Timeline

The Anthology Timeline, unique within the “Halloween” series, focuses on a standalone story. It veers away from Michael Myers and introduces a new villain and concept.

Halloween 3: Season of the Witch (1982)

In “Halloween 3: Season of the Witch,” the plot changes direction. Unlike other movies, this film doesn’t feature Michael Myers. Instead, it centers on Dr. Daniel Challis, who investigates a strange mask-making company.

The company, Silver Shamrock, plans to kill children using their Halloween masks. These masks have a deadly microchip activated by a special TV commercial. When kids wear them and watch the commercial, they die gruesomely.

This movie, directed by Tommy Lee Wallace, was a bold attempt to turn “Halloween” into an anthology series. However, the shift from the familiar tale of Michael Meyers disappointed many fans. Despite this, the film has gained a cult following for its originality and eerie storyline.

The H20 Timeline

The H20 timeline consists of four movies that explore the story of Laurie Strode and her battle with Michael Myers. They include Halloween (1978) and Halloween 2 (1981), which are both essential, as well as Halloween H20: 20 Years Later (1998), and Halloween: Resurrection (2002).

Halloween H20: 20 Years Later (1998)

In Halloween H20: 20 Years Later, Laurie Strode is living under the name Keri Tate. Since surviving Michael’s attack, she faked her death to escape him. Laurie now works as the headmistress of a private school in California.

Laurie’s son, John, also attends the school. Michael finds out where Laurie is and goes after her and John. The movie builds tension by focusing on Laurie’s post-traumatic stress and her efforts to protect her son.

Michael and Laurie face off in a final showdown at the school, where Laurie eventually defeats him, beheading him in a dramatic climax. This film revitalizes the franchise with its emotional depth and strong performances.

Halloween: Resurrection (2002)

Halloween: Resurrection picks up after the events of Halloween H20. The opening reveals that Laurie did not actually kill Michael but a paramedic whom Michael had switched places with. Laurie is committed to a psychiatric hospital after accidentally killing the wrong person.

Michael eventually finds Laurie and kills her. The story then shifts focus to a reality TV show set in Michael’s childhood home. Contestants must spend a night in the house, unaware that Michael has returned.

The mix of reality TV and horror leads to unique and suspenseful situations, but the film received mixed reactions from audiences. The film ends with Michael seemingly dying after being electrocuted, but his fate remains uncertain.

Halloween (1978) and Halloween 2 (1981)

The H20 timeline begins with the original Halloween (1978), where Michael Myers escapes from a mental institution and returns to his hometown to go after Laurie Strode on Halloween night. Laurie’s bravery and survival skills are put to the test as she fends off Michael’s relentless attacks.

Halloween 2 (1981) picks up immediately after the first film. Laurie is taken to the hospital, and Michael continues his pursuit. The sequel adds new layers to the story by revealing that Laurie is Michael’s sister, explaining his obsession with her.

Both movies are crucial for setting up Laurie’s character and her traumatic experiences with Michael, providing the foundation for the later films in the H20 timeline.

Halloween’s influence extends far beyond these films, defining the slasher genre and inspiring numerous horror movies.

The Rob Zombie Timeline

Rob Zombie brought his unique style to the “Halloween” franchise by rebooting it with two films. These movies have a darker, grittier take on the story of Michael Myers and focus heavily on his disturbing past.

Halloween (2007)

Rob Zombie’s “Halloween” (2007) is a retelling of the original 1978 classic. The movie adds depth to Michael Myers’ backstory. It explores his troubled childhood and the events that led to his first killings.

The film starts with a young Michael living in an abusive household. This background sets the stage for his transformation into the masked killer. Zombie’s portrayal of Michael is more brutal and unrelenting. You get to see Michael’s time in the Smith’s Grove Sanitarium and how he grows into a silent, towering figure.

Dr. Loomis, played by Malcolm McDowell, tries to understand Michael but ultimately fails to stop him. The second half of the movie follows the more traditional plot, where Michael escapes and returns to Haddonfield to find his sister, Laurie Strode. Zombie’s version is known for its intense violence and graphic scenes, making it a stark contrast to the 1978 classic.

Halloween 2 (2009)

Rob Zombie’s “Halloween 2” (2009) continues from where the first movie left off. It delves deeper into the psychological aspects of Michael and Laurie. This film explores their connection and the trauma left by Michael’s attacks.

Laurie Strode, played by Scout Taylor-Compton, undergoes significant character changes. She struggles with PTSD and a sense of paranoia, making her more complex. Michael, on the other hand, continues his rampage but is now seen having visions of his deceased mother, guiding him.

The movie is more experimental in style compared to its predecessor. There is an emphasis on metaphors and dreamlike sequences. It also highlights the crushing impact of violence on those who survive it. The ending diverges significantly from earlier installments, emphasizing the tragic fate of Laurie and Dr. Loomis as they confront Michael one last time.

The H40 Timeline

The H40 Timeline is a reboot that ignores all the sequels that came after the original 1978 movie. It starts from the original “Halloween” and then jumps to the 2018 sequel, followed by “Halloween Kills” and “Halloween Ends.” This timeline focuses on Laurie Strode’s final confrontation with Michael Myers.

Halloween (1978) (Following By H40 Timeline)

In 1978, John Carpenter created “Halloween,” which introduced Michael Myers, a masked killer. After being locked up for 15 years for murdering his sister, Michael escapes and returns to Haddonfield. Laurie Strode, played by Jamie Lee Curtis, becomes his target. This movie set the stage for the H40 Timeline, where later movies continue the story from this point, skipping all other sequels.

Halloween (2018)

“Halloween” (2018) picks up 40 years after the original. Laurie Strode has been living in isolation, preparing for Michael’s return. She is now a mother and grandmother, and her survival skills are put to the test when Michael escapes during a prison transfer. This movie shows Laurie’s determination to protect her family and end Michael’s killing spree once and for all.

Halloween Kills (2021)

“Halloween Kills” continues immediately after the events of the 2018 film. The town of Haddonfield bands together to hunt Michael Myers. Laurie is in the hospital, recovering from her injuries, while her daughter and granddaughter fight to stop Michael. The movie explores themes of community and revenge, as the townspeople unite against the unstoppable killer.

Halloween Ends (2022)

“Halloween Ends” concludes the H40 Timeline with a final showdown between Laurie Strode and Michael Myers. Set four years after “Halloween Kills,” Laurie has tried to move on with her life, but Michael returns once more. This film brings closure to their long-lasting battle, promising an intense and final confrontation that aims to end Michael’s terror for good.

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