Halloween is a time of spooky fun and scares, and what better way to get into the spirit than by watching the iconic Halloween movie franchise? With its terrifying villain, Michael Myers, and thrilling storylines, the Halloween movies have become a staple of the horror genre. In this blog post, we’ll explore the best way to watch the Halloween movies, the different timelines within the franchise, the debate between release order and chronological order, and where you can stream these chilling films. So grab your popcorn and get ready for a frightfully good time!
Watching the Halloween Movies in Order: The Release Date Chronology
When it comes to watching the Halloween movies, it’s important to watch them in the correct order to fully appreciate the story and character development. The Halloween franchise has spanned decades, with multiple sequels, reboots, and spin-offs. Here is the release date chronology of the Halloween movies:
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)
With a total of 13 movies in the franchise, it’s safe to say that Michael Myers has had quite a busy career in the world of horror cinema!
The Different Timelines in the Halloween Franchise
One of the unique aspects of the Halloween franchise is the existence of multiple timelines. Over the years, the series has taken different directions, leading to different storylines and interpretations of the Halloween mythos. Let’s take a closer look at each timeline:
A. The Original Timeline
The original timeline consists of the first two Halloween movies:
Halloween (1978)
Halloween II (1981)
In this timeline, we follow the story of Michael Myers, a deranged killer who terrorizes the town of Haddonfield. These movies established the iconic slasher formula and set the stage for the future of the franchise. One of the recurring themes in this timeline is Michael Myers’ ability to survive seemingly fatal injuries, making him an even more formidable and terrifying antagonist.
B. The Anthology Timeline
Halloween III: Season of the Witch (1982) takes a departure from the Michael Myers storyline and instead presents an anthology format. This standalone film tells a completely different story, focusing on a mysterious plot involving Halloween masks. While it was initially met with mixed reviews, Halloween III has gained a cult following over the years and offers a unique and refreshing take on the Halloween franchise.
C. The H20 Timeline
Halloween H20: 20 Years Later (1998) marks a return to the original timeline, ignoring the events of Halloween 4, 5, and 6. In this timeline, we pick up 20 years after the events of the first two movies, with Laurie Strode (played by Jamie Lee Curtis) now living under a new identity. This timeline aimed to bring back the essence of the original movies and provide a satisfying conclusion to Laurie’s story.
D. The Rob Zombie Timeline
In 2007, director Rob Zombie gave his unique take on the Halloween franchise with a reboot of the series:
Halloween (2007)
Halloween II (2009)
Zombie’s films delved deeper into Michael Myers’ backstory, exploring his troubled childhood and the events that led to his murderous rampage. While these movies received mixed reviews from both fans and critics, they brought a fresh perspective to the franchise and showcased Zombie’s distinct visual style.
E. The H40 Timeline
The most recent timeline in the Halloween franchise is the H40 timeline, which serves as a direct sequel to the original movie:
Halloween (1978)
Halloween (2018)
Halloween (2018) ignores all the previous sequels and reboots, offering a new take on the story 40 years after the events of the original film. Jamie Lee Curtis reprises her role as Laurie Strode, now a grandmother who has spent years preparing for Michael Myers’ eventual return. This timeline provides a fresh and modern perspective on the Halloween franchise while maintaining the continuity with the original movie.
How to Watch the Halloween Franchise: Release Order vs. Chronological Order
Now that we’ve explored the different timelines in the Halloween franchise, the question arises: how should you watch these movies? There is an ongoing debate among fans about whether to watch the movies in release order or chronological order. Let’s weigh the pros and cons of each approach:
A. Release Order
Watching the Halloween movies in release order allows you to experience the franchise as it was originally intended. By following the release order, you can witness the evolution of the series over time and appreciate the changes in storytelling, filmmaking techniques, and special effects.
Each movie in the franchise was released in a specific historical context, and watching them in release order allows you to understand the impact and influence they had on the horror genre. It builds anticipation for the next installment and creates a sense of nostalgia as you journey through the decades of Halloween movies.
B. Chronological Order
On the other hand, watching the Halloween movies in chronological order can provide a more coherent narrative experience. By following the chronological order of the events in the different timelines, you can better understand the character arcs, storylines, and connections between the movies.
However, it’s important to note that watching the movies in chronological order can be a bit confusing due to the multiple timelines and reboots. The artistic choices made in each timeline may not always align perfectly, and there may be inconsistencies or contradictions between movies. Nevertheless, watching the movies in chronological order can offer a unique perspective on the Halloween franchise.
Where to Stream the Halloween Movies
If you’re ready to embark on a Halloween movie marathon, you’ll be pleased to know that the Halloween franchise is widely available for streaming on various platforms. Here are some popular streaming platforms where you can find the Halloween movies:
Netflix
Netflix offers a selection of Halloween movies, including some of the classic entries in the franchise. With a Netflix subscription, you can stream the movies on multiple devices and enjoy the convenience of their user-friendly interface.
Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video also has a wide range of Halloween movies available for streaming, including some of the newer entries in the franchise. With Prime Video, you can enjoy the benefits of free two-day shipping on Amazon and access to other exclusive content.
Hulu
Hulu offers a diverse selection of Halloween movies, including some of the lesser-known entries in the franchise. With Hulu, you can stream the movies on-demand and catch up on your favorite TV shows as well.
Disney+
If you’re looking for a family-friendly Halloween movie marathon, Disney+ has got you covered. While the Halloween franchise may be too intense for younger viewers, Disney+ offers a selection of spooky movies that are suitable for all ages.
With the convenience of streaming services, you can easily access the Halloween movies from the comfort of your own home. So grab your favorite snack, dim the lights, and get ready for a bone-chilling movie night!
Conclusion
In conclusion, watching the Halloween movies in the correct order is essential to fully appreciate the story and character development. The franchise offers multiple timelines, each with its own unique take on the Halloween mythos. Whether you choose to watch the movies in release order or chronological order, you’re in for a thrilling and memorable experience.
With the availability of streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and Disney+, you can easily access the Halloween movies and enjoy a spooktacular movie marathon. So gather your friends, turn off the lights, and prepare to be scared! Remember, Halloween only comes once a year, so make the most of it by immersing yourself in the terrifying world of Michael Myers. Happy Halloween!
