Michael Myers is one of the most iconic characters when it comes to Halloween and scary movies. The fictional character is based on the Halloween series of slasher movies, with the first appearance being in the 1978 Halloween movie.
There have been many that have played the character, such as Nick Castle, George P. Wilbur, Tyler Mane and James Jude Courtney. If you’re wanting to binge watch the franchise but are not sure where to start, here is how to watch the Halloween movies in order.
While you can definitely watch it based solely on the release date, however, watching them in chronological order is the best, as you truly get the full experience while making sure you don’t watch something that isn’t part of the other films. Read on to learn more about how to watch the Halloween movies.
RELATED: Best Halloween Movies That Aren’t Scary
Halloween Movies in Chronological Order
Halloween (1978)
The first on the list is the first movie that was released in 1978. The movie is set in 1963 on the night of Halloween. Police are called to a home where they find that a young 15-year-old girl, Judith Myers, is found dead from being stabbed by her 6-year-old brother.
After being institutionalized for 15 years, Myers breaks out on the night before Halloween. Dr. Loomis, Myers’ psychiatrist, is on the search to find out what will happen on Halloween night. Dr. Loomis knows that Myers will be coming back to Haddonfield, however, he doesn’t know who he will be after, and by the time he finds out, it might be too late.
This is the obvious choice for watching in order as it gives you amazing backstory, history, and premise of what you’ll be getting into.
Halloween II (1981)
And of course, the next choice is the second movie that released in 1981, just a few years after the first release. While several characters come back for this movie, Tony Moran is replaced by Dick Warlock as Michael Myers, or The Shape.
In this film, viewers will witness Michael Myers as he’s loose in Haddonfield after being shot six times by Dr. Samuel Loomis. Dr. Loomis is still determined to track down Myers however, and even looks to help the police. All the while, Myers is on a rampage and continues to kill citizens of Haddonfield.
This second entry of the binge worthy franchise will definitely put you in the mood for a scary Halloween.
Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers (1988)
This is where things get not-so-obvious. While most would take this time to check out the third edition of Halloween, released on 1982, that’s actually not part of the franchise entirely. While it is, it’s based on non-canon events, so there’s no real point in watching that right now as it might confuse you. Plus, Michael Myers isn’t even present in the movie, so it’s not really worth it for those that want to see more of the creepy serial killer.
Instead, check out the fourth entry released in 1988 that takes place ten years after Myers’ original massacre when Myers wakes up on Halloween Eve and returns to Haddonfield to kill his seven-year-old niece. Several characters come back, like Donal Pleasence for Dr. Sam Loomis, however, Myers’ is now portrayed by George P. Wilbur.
Can Dr. Loomis protect the niece before Myers’ gets ahold of her? Another creepy entry that will send viewers into a spooked fit for sure.
Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michae Myers (1989)
Taking place one year after the fourth entry, this Halloween movie released in 1989 sees Michael as he survives the shootings from the previous year, and this time he’s returning with a vengeance.
This year, he lurks and stalks Jamie, Rachel and Rachel’s Friends. Michaels plays strategically as he forms a plan to lure Jamie out of the children’s hospital where events will lead to the confrontation at the Myers house. This entry is a darker, more thrilling film that will surely put some fear in you to prepare you for Halloween.
While some feel as though this is where the film might take a hit, as it doesn’t feel as scary or thrilling, it’s still a must watch and important movie if you’re wanting to watch all of the Halloween movies.
CHECK OUT: Why Doesn’t Michel Myers Die?
Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers (1995)
The next entry is the 1995 release that sees Myers in a new light, as now Myers has some allies that help him pursue his murderous cravings.
Six years after Michael Myers’ last massacre in Haddonfield, Jamie Lloyd has a child, and Michael has allied with a mysterious cult with sinister plans known as the Cult of Thorn. The Cult protects Michael and gives him the Curse of Thorn, which is supposedly the reason that he killed all of his family. Now the Strode family have moved into Myers’ house, where they are currently being stalked by Myers.
Sam Loomis and Tommy Doyle are now out to stop Michael once again, and his cult. Can they succeed in stopping the curse and defeating Michael before he goes on another murderous rampage, or will Haddonfield succumb to another bloody night?
Halloween H20: 20 Years Later (1998)
Like the title suggests, the 1998 release of the Halloween franchise is set twenty years after Michael Myers’ massacre in Haddonfield. Laurie Strode faked her own death and traveled to California where she takes the identity of Keri Tate and now dean of a private school.
But when Myers learns about his sister traveling across country, he does as well to kill her. Laurie must battle against her brother with her son’s life as stake to end it once and for all. Does she have the strength to go up against the serial killer? Or will she be doomed to the same fate as the rest?
The review for this sequel is one of the highest, with some saying it’s one of the better sequels to the Halloween franchise, making it a worthwhile watch for those looking to binge through it.
Halloween: Resurrection (2002)
Michael Myers never stays down for long, and the last movie in the main franchise line shows it. Three years after his last episode with his sister, Myers confronts her once again before traveling to Haddonfield to deal with the cast and crew of a reality show.
Freddie Harris and Nora Winston are reality programmers at DangerTainment and are planning on sending a group of 6 teenagers to the home of Myers. Cameras are placed all around the home and no one can get out, but of course Myers shows up right on time, giving these thrill-seekers the scare they were looking for.
This sequel unfortunately had one of the lower ratings, as some questioning why it was even made. It made no sense to some, while others finding it just slightly entertaining after the four-year break between the movies. While it might be a bit odd of a concept, it’s still a worthwhile watch for those looking to see all of Michael Myers.
Halloween (2018)
The next line that you should focus after the original is the more recent films. Jamie Lee Curtis returns to her iconic role of Laurie Strode in these films with James Jude Courtney playing Myers.
In these films, we see Laurie confronting Myers, the masked figure who has haunted her since she narrowly escaped his killing spree four decades ago. This isn’t a remake of the original series but is a true sequel to the original and shows the characters at an older age where they must defeat Myers, who never seems to die.
READ MORE: What to Stream This Weekend? 8 Amazing Shows Worth Watching
Halloween Kills (2021)
The second entry released in 2021 and sees Laurie Strode, her daughter Karen and granddaughter Allyson after leaving Myers in the basem*nt. Laurie is rushed to the hospital with injuries and believes she finally finished her tormentor, however, Myers escapes from her trap, and his ritual bloodbath resumes as if nothing happened. Laurie recovers from her injuries and prepares herself to defend her family and town.
Laurie and her family group together with other Myers survivors and get ready to take down the monster by forming a vigilante mob on the hunt for Myers. Can they finish Michael once and for all? Or will the evil continue?
Halloween Ends (2022)
For those that have been watching, it’s obvious to know that Myers doesn’t die easily. So of course, there is another entry to the film. The 2022 film is set four years after the events of last Halloween and Laurie is living with her granddaughter, Allyson, finishing up her memoir.
Myers hasn’t been seen since, so Laurie has finally relieved herself of the fear and insanity of Myers and has embraced life. However, when a young man, Corey Cunningham, is accused of killing a boy he was babysitting, it makes Laurie second guess and ignites the terror she has been facing and must confront it once and for all.
Halloween (2007)
After Halloween: Resurrection, the studio attempted at remaking it with Halloween (2007). Rob Zombie also began making horror movies, so he was at the helm of the remake, making this line the Rob Zombie Halloween movies.
This entry basically retells the original, except with more of a Rob Zombie touch. The film follows Michael Myers’ after his escape from a mental institute after 15 years, like the original, and his attempt to find his baby sister, Laurie. Dr. Sam Loomis is back and preparing to stop Myers before it’s too late, as he’s the only one that knows his true intentions and character.
Halloween II (2009)
The second edition to Michael Myers line with Rob Zombie at the helm, this movie was poorly received and ended any future projects that he might have wanted to write. In this film, Laurie struggles to come to terms with her brother’s deadly return to Haddonfield, meanwhile Myers prepares for a reunion with his sister.
The best reviews praise the movie for having an amazing view on what PSTD is from Laurie’s standpoint. While this ended the line for Rob Zombie on the Halloween franchise, it definitely made an impact with fans and is a worthy watch if you’re looking for a different take on the series.
RELATED: Best 80s Slasher Movies and Where to Stream Them
Halloween III: Season of the Witch (1982)
Lastly, if you’re interested in one more Halloween film that doesn’t quite fit the rest of them, then check out the final entry. The Halloween film from 1982 has John Carpenter taking the series in a whole new direction. So instead of following Michael Myers, it would be an anthology of scary movies focused on the holiday.
It focuses on a cult trying to unleash deadly Halloween masks on the unsuspecting public. While some enjoy it, others find it to be a waste, but all in all, it’s still a great film in the Halloween franchise, even though it’s a side film that doesn’t lead anywhere with the actual story.
Is Michael Myers Based on a Real Person?
Thankfully, Michael Myers is completely fictional.
However, the character was inspired by a young boy that John Carpenter met at a mental institution in college.
Why Does Michael Myers Wear a Mask?
While of course Michael Myers wears a mask to hide his identity, but there is another meaning.
The mask is to portray that Myers is not a human, that he is the embodiment of evil, the darkness of his soul and suggests that Michael himself is just an empty mask.
Why Can’t Michael Myers Die?
In a brief explanation, Michael Myers couldn’t die during the earlier movies due to being part of the Cult of Thron, which renders children as “immortal”.
During the later movies, there are hints that Michael Myers has transcended and became something other than human, something supernatural.
To get a deeper understanding, check out our article on the subject here.
Which Is the best Halloween Movie?
Based on reviews and ratings, the first movie, Halloween (1978) is the best one by far. With a 96% rating on Tomato Meter, and a 7.7 out of 10 rating on IMDb, the first entry was the best overall.
What kickstarted the iconic horror franchise was the creepy atmospheric shots that created an eerie viewing experience, making for one of the best Halloween movies in general.
Which Is the Worst Halloween Movie?
While all of them are great in their own ways, the Halloween: Resurrection entry is probably the least favorite in the franchise, as some thought it was just a rushed idea to produce more entries, even though it made no sense.
The fact that Myers was going after reality show contestants trying to make it more modern, yet, by doing that, a lot of the horror and suspense seemed to fall flat. Tomato Meter rates it at a low 10%, and IMDb has it at a 3.9 out of 10.
How Many Movies Total Are There in the Franchise?
So far there are 13 movies total, including the Rob Zombie remakes.
Will There Be More Halloween Movies?
Unfortunately, no.
It seems that David Gordon Green, the director the recent Halloween (2018) films, is adamant that the the 2022 film, Halloween Ends, is the last of his trilogy, and so far there is nothing about someone else remaking or adding onto the films.
Every Actor Who Played Michael Myers
Nick Castle, Dick Warlock, Tom Morga, George P. Wilbur, Don Shanks, Chris Durand, Brad Loree, Tyler Man, and James Jude Courtney
Also Read:
Why Doesn’t Michael Myers Die?
