The HALLOWEEN Series RANKED!

Credit: Collider

Looking at the highest of highs and the lowest of lows.

 

*SPOILER WARNING for all HALLOWEEN films, including HALLOWEEN ENDS*

In 1978, writer and director John Carpenter terrified audiences with a horror/slasher that would go down in history as one of the most iconic horror movies of all time; HALLOWEEN.

In what is considered a cultural staple in cinema, Carpenter introduced the world to a new style of horror accompanied by the now infamous 'Scream Queen' Laurie Strode, played by Jamie Lee Curtis (EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE), as well as the frightening and imposing figure of Michael Myers, or as he's often credited in the films, The Shape.

The HALLOWEEN saga has since spawned thirteen films, along with numerous novels, comic books, and a video game to tie the franchise together. And earlier this month, in what is being dubbed the final instalment of the series, HALLOWEEN ENDS hit cinema screens.

So, with the series now presumably complete, let's join Michael Myers as we slash our way through these films, determining which belongs dead and buried, and which manages to remain alive and unscathed...

13. HALLOWEEN: RESURRECTION (2002)

Dir. Rick Rosenthal

Starring: Busta Rhymes, Bianca Kajlich, Jamie Lee Curtis

In this film, famed rap artist, Busta Rhymes (HBO's EUPHORIA), yells "Trick or Treat, motherfucker!" at Michael Myers, then electrocutes him in the balls, before doing his best Bruce Lee homage by karate-kicking Myers out of a window. From that note alone, an argument could be made for HALLOWEEN: RESURRECTION being crowned at the top of this list. Unfortunately, the rest of the film exists.

HALLOWEEN: RESURRECTION might as well have screamed from the heavens that it was not to be taken seriously and should only be viewed as a parody. It controversially undoes the ending of HALLOWEEN H20 and kills Curtis' Laurie Strode in the opening sequence, sullying Carpenter's original legacy in the process. It then shifts its focus to an expendable reality show crew looking to exploit the terrors of Haddonfield in the name of television.

Credit: Miramax Films/Dimension Films

The scares are non-existent. Its kills lack any semblance of creativity. Everyone's acting ranges from dire to embarrassingly hilarious. And to top it all off, it's littered with staggeringly poor direction choices. HALLOWEEN: RESURRECTION may have been better if it had been made by a crew that abjectly hated the HALLOWEEN franchise. Instead, they simply do not care, and that's the greatest sin of all.

12. HALLOWEEN II (2009)

Dir. Rob Zombie

Starring: Scout Taylor-Compton, Malcolm McDowell, Tyler Mane

Rob Zombie (THE MUNSTERS) and his second attempt to breathe new life into this series failed spectacularly. Not only did HALLOWEEN II receive some of the worst reviews of the entire franchise, but the series took another extended hiatus of nine years until it was relaunched again in 2018.

In Zombie's first attempt at a HALLOWEEN movie, it was an incredibly basic retelling of the 1978 original, but moving forward, Zombie was given free reign, despite revealing that he never wanted to do a sequel in the first place. And we all suffered because of it.

Zombie just about has the barebones structure of what could be considered a plot, as Michael is on the hunt for his sister, Laurie, but that is where it stops. It then descends into a hallucinogenic mess exploring Michael's backstory full of ghosts and angels, which serves as nothing more than a lazy excuse for Zombie to cast his wife, Sheri Moon Zombie (THE LORDS OF SALEM), in the film.

Credit: Dimension Films

This is a Rob Zombie movie first and a HALLOWEEN movie second. Many of the polarising filmmaker's stylistic tendencies are wormed in, many of which never hit the mark. There is plenty of gore, but quantity doesn't always indicate quality in this series, no matter how much blood is spilled. HALLOWEEN II is an overlong, rambling, vile, bludgeoning mess of a movie.

11. HALLOWEEN: THE CURSE OF MICHAEL MYERS (1995)

Dir. Joe Chappelle

Starring: Donald Pleasance, Paul Rudd, Marianne Hagan

It's going to be a while before we even start to get a glimpse of anything that could be considered good in this series, and HALLOWEEN: THE CURSE OF MICHAEL MYERS is as far removed from "good" as it can possibly be.

Set six years after the last trip to Haddonfield, the movie follows Michael in pursuit of his niece, this time played by J.C. Brandy (WHAT LIES BENEATH), taking over from Danielle Harris (ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD...), seeking to protect her newborn son.

Not even the seemingly ageless Paul Rudd (GHOSTBUSTERS: AFTERLIFE)-yes, THAT Paul Rudd-as Tommy Doyle, and the indomitable presence of Donald Pleasance (YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE) reprising his role as Dr. Loomis-in what would be one of his final performances-can redeem a hair-brained film that appears to willingly drive the entire series off a cliff into the waters of nonsense and stupidity.

Credit: Dimension Films/Miramax

Joe Chappelle's entry into the franchise was plagued with production issues, including a reported ten different drafts of the script being made whilst the film was in production. It's shockingly apparent when watching the film that it was made with no sense of necessity nor adoration for the series itself.

It pointlessly continues the mystic cult plot-thread established in the previous film, despite an overwhelming dislike emanating from the fans. Having received almost universal condemnation from its release up to the present day, HALLOWEEN: THE CURSE OF MICHAEL MYERS deserves its place festering at the bottom of this list.

10. HALLOWEEN 5: THE REVENGE OF MICHAEL MYERS (1989)

Dir. Dominique Othenin-Girard

Starring: Donald Pleasance, Danielle Harris, Ellie Cornell

With four entries in the series already released, the HALLOWEEN franchise was clearly on a steady decline. But when it passed into the hands of Dominique Othenin-Girard (OMEN IV: THE AWAKENING), the franchise sank to new and dumber depths.

Excluding HALLOWEEN III: SEASON OF THE WITCH, the series' predominant focus began with Laurie Strode and then shifted to her daughter, Jamie Lloyd. This fifth instalment doesn't bother to continue the story arc set in HALLOWEEN 4: THE RETURN OF MICHAEL MYERS, and sends any promise of what this series once had barrelling into the abyss.

Pleasance returns as Loomis, acting cartoonishly unhinged in some scenes, and Danielle Harris also reprises her role as Jamie Lloyd. Sadly, very little success is to be found despite these two franchise veterans having proved themselves far better than the material they're forced to work with.

Credit: Galaxy Releasing

This entry's most significant issue is how cheap everything looks. Michael Myers appears to be a dollar-store knockoff, and the kills are so cartoonish and fake-looking that any semblance of horror or suspense vanishes from the frame.

The story is also borderline criminal when compared to past films. There is never an attempt for any narrative element to make sense. The screenplay derails into an idiotic plot thread about Jamie's supernatural link to Michael. Unfortunately, the catastrophic script and lacklustre direction don't come as much of a surprise when it's revealed how shambolic the production of this movie was, and in doing so, kick the HALLOWEEN brand when it's already down and pleading for mercy.

9. HALLOWEEN III: SEASON OF THE WITCH (1982)

Dir. Tommy Lee Wallace

Starring: Tom Atkins, Stacey Nelkin, Dan O'Herlihy

Disappointingly, Donovan's 1966 song "Season of the Witch" is nowhere to be heard in this film, nor is anything already established within the HALLOWEEN series at that time. HALLOWEEN III: SEASON OF THE WITCH dared to tell an original and new story beyond the confines of Haddonfield and of Michael Myers.

Adopting an anthology approach, director Tommy Lee Wallace (IT) took audiences on a demented journey looking into witchcraft and brainwashing children through the media and killing them. This was a bold step for the series to take, especially because of how successful the iconography of the franchise was at this point in time. However, despite aiming high, the results were not fortuitous.

The film simply isn't scary, and once we reach the climax inside the sinister Silver Shamrock facility, anything that could be considered frightening feels more akin to what it would be like if it were featured on a cheap carnival ghost train.

Credit: Universal Pictures

A distinct lack of identity is what hurts HALLOWEEN III: SEASON OF THE WITCH most. Exploring an ominous corporation seeping its way into the subconscious of children has plenty of potential, but Wallace's daring intentions were not synonymous with his overall direction.

Overall, whilst fans appreciated the experiment and it has developed a cult following in recent years, the interest in Michael Myers was too great. By failing both critically and financially, the producers decided that this was to be a one-time trial.

8. HALLOWEEN ENDS (2022)

Dir. David Gordon Green

Starring: Jamie Lee Curtis, Andi Matichak, Will Patton

Every single piece of marketing released for HALLOWEEN ENDS promised audiences the thrilling conclusion to the Laurie Strode and Michael Myers saga. Mystifyingly, it was neither thrilling nor a conclusion.

David Gordon Green (HBO's THE RIGHTEOUS GEMSTONES) emerged onto the scene in 2018, launching a new HALLOWEEN trilogy that was set to scrap all previous sequels from canon, and that these three movies would serve as the true successors.

What a shame.

HALLOWEEN ENDS feels further removed from the HALLOWEEN legacy than HALLOWEEN III: SEASON OF THE WITCH, and still features Michael Myers. It fails to stand on its own two feet as a cohesive movie, let alone be tasked with concluding this forty-four year-old franchise.

Credit: Universal Pictures/Blumhouse Productions

Green and his rag-tag group of screenwriters, inexplicably decide to turn the attention away from Laurie and Michael, despite what the promotional campaigns may lead you to believe, and focus on the character of Corey Cunningham, played by Rohan Campbell (Netflix's VIRGIN RIVER).

Even with a committed performance from Campbell as a new pariah of Haddonfield following an unfortunate accident, the script takes a bewildering turn as the mantle of Haddonfield's Boogeyman is passed onto Corey. Sadly, all of that falls apart when the film draws to a close and realises that it still has a franchise to conclude.

Ninety-minutes of HALLOWEEN ENDS felt like an entirely separate movie that didn't belong in this trilogy established by Green, whilst the final fifteen-minutes were so haphazardly thrown together, that it quickly became clear that there was no vision for this trilogy in the first place.

To watch my review of HALLOWEEN ENDS, click here.

7. HALLOWEEN KILLS (2021)

Dir. David Gordon Green

Starring: Jamie Lee Curtis, Judy Greer, Andi Matichak

After 2018's HALLOWEEN appeared to act as a much needed course-correction for the series, David Gordon Green had an immense amount of pressure on his shoulders to assure audiences that his previous endeavour wasn't just a fluke, and that he was the person to pluck this franchise from the depths.

As it turned out, HALLOWEEN KILLS would not keep that spark alight. In fact, it would almost deliberately extinguish any hope audiences had through brainless plotting.

Taking inspiration from 1981's HALLOWEEN II and continuing immediately from the film before, Green and his screenwriters made the bewildering decision to sideline Laurie-a common trend as we would also find out a year later in HALLOWEEN ENDS-to focus more on a grown Tommy Doyle, this time played by Anthony Michael Hall (CLERKS III).

According to Green, whilst his first HALLOWEEN film concentrated on Laurie's trauma, HALLOWEEN KILLS was more concerned with the residents of Haddonfield and their trauma. This, in turn, sparked the most infuriating and endlessly repeated chant of "Evil Dies Tonight!" being spouted by the town as they formed a mob patrolling the streets of Haddonfield to hunt down a still active Michael Myers.

Credit: Universal Pictures/Blumhouse Productions

While the intentions were admirable to try and elevate the concept of HALLOWEEN beyond the typical slasher, the execution was what let the movie down. Abandoning Laurie was the worst mistake the film could make, and the message behind mob mentality was uncomfortable and lazily forced.

Giving credit where it is due, the kills are impressive. Michael is shoving glass tubes into people's throats, slaughtering fire fighters with a pick-axe, and taking on hordes of Haddonfield residents all at once. While it fails to tell a coherent, engaging story, it does deliver on Michael Myers, the unstoppable force of evil.

To watch my review of HALLOWEEN KILLS, click here.

6. HALLOWEEN (2007)

Dir. Rob Zombie

Starring: Malcolm McDowell, Brad Dourif, Tyler Mane

When it was announced that Rob Zombie would be helming a HALLOWEEN movie, fans across the globe were unsure if this was the right call. Especially because Zombie revealed he would be aiming to remake Carpenter's 1978 original.

Much of the reason for the fans' trepidation was Zombie's unique style of horror. As demonstrated in clearly tasteful and highbrow cinematic triumphs such as WEREWOLF WOMEN OF THE S.S. and HOUSE OF 1000 CORPSES, fans were increasingly concerned that Zombie would not take the project seriously, particularly because the previous film in the series, HALLOWEEN: RESURRECTION, featured Busta Rhymes moonlighting as a ninja.

But as it would turn out, Zombie was far more restrained than fans had feared. There was gore aplenty, with Zombie making full use of that R rating, but it refrained from straying headfirst into anything over-the-top.

As for how Zombie handled remaking a classic, it wasn't entirely the reimagining some had feared. The story was actually split in two. The first half was a precursor to Carpenter's 1978 original, detailing Michael's origins. The second half told the story fans were more familiar with, taking place fifteen years later as Michael Myers escapes his mental institution, pursuing Laurie and terrorising Haddonfield.

Credit: Metro-Goldwyn Mayer/Dimension Films

The time spent pre-1978 was reasonably entertaining. Zombie gave fans more of an insight into Michael's turbulent upbringing, posing the question of what turned him into the monster we know and fear. It did take some of the mystery away, but didn't spoil the presence of The Shape like other films have.

As for the events set fifteen years later, that's where Zombie stumbles. It moves at a snail's pace, retreading every cliché possible, as well as featuring dreadful performances from the likes of Scout Taylor-Compton (ABC's NASHVILLE), who fails to emulate Jamie Lee Curtis' iconic 'Scream Queen' status, and the legendary Malcolm McDowell (FATHER STU), with a hair-brained attempt to present Dr. Loomis in a completely different light.

I do have to congratulate Tyler Mane (Netflix's JUPITER'S LEGACY) on making the most physically imposing Michael Myers to date. The best thing Zombie did in this film was make Michael Myers terrifying after years of being a joke of a villain.

5. HALLOWEEN 4: THE RETURN OF MICHAEL MYERS (1988)

Dir. Dwight H. Little

Starring: Donald Pleasance, Ellie Cornell, Danielle Harris

There's a lot about HALLOWEEN 4: THE RETURN OF MICHAEL MYERS that riled up fans. To begin with, the mask is, objectively, the worst of the entire series. Too pale. Too clean. It's not what we expected from Michael Myers.

It also dared to drive the story away from Laurie Strode, who had been the focal point of the 1978 original and its sequel, and continue the events ten years later as Michael now targets his niece.

Jamie Lee Curtis did not return, so the title of "Scream Queen" was bestowed upon a young Danielle Harris as the daughter of Laurie Strode, Jamie Lloyd. Truth be told, the concept of Michael pursuing a child did increase the terror. Initially, it appeared that Michael would never harm children, but with that concept discarded in this film, it only added to the depiction of evil incarnate.

Credit: Galaxy International Releasing

As for the film itself, it's competent, which may as well be a glowing remark when compared to the films at the bottom of this list. The biggest reason why elements of this film work is that Dwight H. Little (FOX's BONES) understands how to craft suspense.

Following the failure of HALLOWEEN III: SEASON OF THE WITCH, Little returns the series to its roots, with Michael Myers terrorising a town on Halloween and savagely murdering those he encounters. Not to mention a very ambitious ending with Jamie appearing to inherit Michael's essence of evil. For that reason, whilst HALLOWEEN 4: THE RETURN OF MICHAEL MYERS isn't anything boundary-breaking, it does check the absolute bare minimum of boxes required for a passable HALLOWEEN movie.

4. HALLOWEEN II (1981)

Dir. Rick Rosenthal

Starring: Jamie Lee Curtis, Donald Pleasance, Charles Cyphers

After completing his 1978 horror classic, John Carpenter explained that he did not want to make a sequel and that HALLOWEEN should remain a standalone story. The film subsequently went on to make $47 million in its initial release, which was a staggering achievement considering it was made for a meagre $325,000. In the end, money talks, and for Carpenter it was screaming.

HALLOWEEN II continues the story of Laurie and Michael directly after the climax of the 1978 original. Laurie resides in a hospital while Michael is in hot pursuit.

Carpenter reunited with screenwriter Debra Hill (THE FOG), but stepped down from the director's chair, allowing for Rick Rosenthal to assume that responsibility. The sequel was far from a disaster, but when compared to its predecessor, it's a significant drop in quality. While the aesthetic style established by Carpenter remained the same, Rosenthal struggled to master the elements of suspense and tension.

Credit: Universal Pictures

Apart from a divisive choice concerning Laurie and Michael being made siblings, the story is vehemently opposed to doing anything else that could be considered original. Michael stalks around Haddonfield just like he did previously. Donald Pleasance as Dr. Loomis scurries around trying to hunt Michael down just like he did previously. And Laurie remains the iconic final girl, just like she did previously.

Most notably, the financial success of the first film helped increase the budget of HALLOWEEN II tenfold, allowing for far more elaborate kills and set pieces. The finale of Haddonfield Memorial Hospital exploding and Michael being engulfed in flames was an epic way to close this story. At least temporarily.

3. HALLOWEEN (2018)

Dir. David Gordon Green

Starring: Jamie Lee Curtis, Judy Greer, Will Patton

Prior to hearing those recognisable chimes grace cinema speakers again in 2018, the HALLOWEEN franchise was in complete disrepair. The legacy of Michael Myers has been sodomised courtesy of Rob Zombie and countless others failing to understand what made Carpenter's first film so successful.

And then, in walks Jason Blum. The founder of acclaimed horror production company Blumhouse—with films in their catalogue including GET OUT, THE PURGE, and INSIDIOUS—hired self-proclaimed fan of the series David Gordon Green to direct and a team of solid screenwriters, including the likes of Jeff Fradley (HBO's VICE PRINCIPALS) and comedy star Danny McBride (HBO's EASTBOUND AND DOWN).

The hope was to rekindle the flame this once beloved horror franchise had. Fortunately for fans, audiences, and the reputation of the series as a whole, David Gordon Green's first outing behind the wheel turned out to be a strong start.

The 2018 HALLOWEEN removed all previous films from canon, declaring itself the true sequel to the 1978 original. Picking up forty years since Halloween '78, Michael Myers is behind bars and Laurie Strode is suffering from PTSD. The development of Laurie's character was particularly special because it took her beyond the 'Scream Queen' persona, transforming her, and Curtis, in the process, into a badass Sarah Connor-like figure.

Credit: Universal Pictures/Blumhouse Productions

As you would expect, Michael does not remain in his cell for long and soon finds himself back on the streets of Haddonfield, bloody knife in hand. In one standout tracking shot, following Michael into a number of Haddonfield houses, Green alerted audiences to the fact that he knew how to craft suspense and gradually build tension until the absolute breaking point.

It's not without flaws, the dialogue being the main perpetrator. Whilst it was nice to see Laurie have a family, the characters themselves are incredibly bland. The rest of the supporting ensemble all range from one-note stereotypes to an excessively animated performance from a Loomis wannabe courtesy of actor Haluk Bilginer (Freevee's ALEX RIDER). And personally, I wasn't overly keen on the final showdown. The Home Alone-esque presentation lacked the tension showcased earlier in the film.

HALLOWEEN (2018) was the crutch the franchise needed. It's just a shame that its successors dismantled the hope that this film assembled.

2. HALLOWEEN H20: 20 YEARS LATER (1998)

Dir. Steve Miner

Starring: Jamie Lee Curtis, Josh Hartnett, Adam Arkin

Twenty years have passed since Michael Myers first slashed his way into the nightmares of horror fans across the globe. After a spell of entries into the series that threatened to tarnish the franchise's legacy, the pressure was on to re-pave the road and remind audiences why they should be afraid of the Boogeyman.

Despite the film no longer existing in canon thanks to David Gordon Green's cleansing of the series with his "soft reboot", the plot of the seventh entry in the franchise boasted a lot of potential and provided an extra layer of development and growth for Laurie Strode.

This time round, the stakes had increased. Laurie, now the Dean of a private school and mother to John, played by Josh Hartnett (Showtime's PENNY DREADFUL), was tasked with defending more than just her own life when Michael comes calling.

With director Steve Miner (ABC's SWITCHED AT BIRTH) joining the series, HALLOWEEN H20 felt worthy of being associated with John Carpenter and the 1978 original. The presentation of Michael Myers this time round reminded us all of the unstoppable force that he is. Any mystery surrounding Michael Myers' origins or upbringing should never have existed. The purpose of Michael Myers should always be focused on the idea of if one singular being could possess the entire concept of evil.

Credit: Miramax Films/Dimension Films

Miner, doing his best to emulate the work of Carpenter, explores that idea brilliantly. Besides his feature debut, this is the best on-screen depiction of The Shape, and that's impressive considering this film has one of the lowest kill counts of the entire franchise.

The script also does well in presenting entertaining and endearing enough characters, beyond the tiresome stereotypes, to root for and fear for when Michael's line of sight rests on them.

But above all else, this movie is fun. Miner doesn't mistake entertainment for stupidity and treats the audience with respect whilst also delivering on the thrills and chills. It also aims to give fans a definitive ending as Laurie decapitates Michael, seemingly bringing their feud to a close. At least until HALLOWEEN: RESURRECTION comes along and undoes it all.

1. HALLOWEEN (1978)

Dir. John Carpenter

Starring: Jamie Lee Curtis, Donald Pleasance, Nick Castle

As if there was any doubt!

When John Carpenter released HALLOWEEN in October 1978, audiences across America were petrified. Critics and horror fans alike hailed the film as a landmark achievement in the horror genre. And the love and adoration for our first excursion to Haddonfield on Halloween night remains.

The most impressive aspect of Carpenter and Debra Hill's screenplay was how simplistic it kept the film. We were given an adequate introduction to Laurie as our final girl, and thanks to Curtis' performance, Laurie has enough personality to make her a character we can champion as she is pursued by evil itself.

Thankfully, despite the straightforward story of good vs. knife-wielding evil, Carpenter's suspenseful direction elevates the material into a nightmarish and deadly game of cat and mouse throughout the town of Haddonfield.

Credit: Compass International Pictures/Aquarius Releasing

Certain shots have ingrained themselves in horror iconography as the pale silhouette of Michael Myers' deformed William Shatner mask lurks in the shadows waiting to strike. The presentation of Myers transcends a serial killer. With the aid of Donald Pleasance's Dr. Sam Loomis, Myers becomes the exploration of evil personified.

It's an assault on all senses. The deaths have a grisly feel to them, partly due to the astonishingly low budget of $325,000, but Carpenter also adds to the uneasy atmosphere with his famously chilling theme and score. The chimes symbolise the bells tolling for the residents of Haddonfield as evil comes for them.

Many horror films made in the 70s have struggled to stand the test of time. John Carpenter's 1978 HALLOWEEN is no such film, and it deserves to be celebrated as one of the most influential horror movies of all time.

In what order would you rank the HALLOWEEN series? What's your favourite? What's your least favourite?