Let me guess: you got pumped to watch Halloween Ends only to be left disappointed too? Yeah, don’t worry - almost everyone did. To help cure those slasher blues, we got a special list just for you so you know which Halloween movies to watch for your next binge. (Just a fair warning: Halloween III is not included, as this is a list of our famous slasher and Michael is not part of the film).
12. Halloween Ends (2022)
Halloween Ends - The Final Trailer
Halloween Ends focuses on the “last chapter” of Michael Myers and Laurie Strode. Think of this as the final showdown of the series–the battle of a lifetime between the final girl and the killer. The side plot includes Laurie’s granddaughter, Allyson, and a new character named Corey who idolizes Michael just a little too much.
All that sounds fun, right? Except it wasn’t. While it’s popular to hate the film, the hate is warranted. For a movie that was marketed to be the last stand of Michael and Laurie, it falls short of even having the two in the film. In fact, the movie doesn’t even feel like a Halloween movie. It focuses on the wrong story rather than what it was marketed as. With it barely even featuring Michael, it gets the bottom spot.
11. Halloween: Resurrection (2002)
Halloween Resurrection (2002) Official Trailer
Ever wondered what it would be like if a show like Big Brother fused with the slasher genre? No? Well, that’s what this movie is! Essentially, a webcam reality show is filmed in the Myers house and Michael comes back home… because he always comes back.
This was basically one of the most hated films of the franchise until Halloween Ends came and took the title. In fact, this one has a 10% on Rotten Tomatoes – I wonder if it’s because of the horrible Myers’ mask or the horrid story?
If you’re looking for a cheap laugh, this is it, but if you’re looking for a good Michael movie then you should probably stay clear of this one.
10. Halloween (2007)
Halloween (2007) - Full Trailer [HD]
Rob Zombie’s Halloween is a retelling of the iconic 1978 film. The main difference between the two is that we get to see Michael’s childhood. Rob Zombie basically just takes the original film and twists it into his own, telling more about Michael’s backstory leading up to his bloodthirsty adulthood.
Unfortunately, the iconic evil hillbilly vibe Zombie usually fuses into his stories just doesn’t work for Michael. The tired idea of a rough childhood with bad parents doesn’t exactly fit. Plus, making Michael one of those “he was showing early signs” killers just takes away the horror of his character. What makes his character scary is that he was a normal kid that randomly killed his sister, becoming one with evil itself.
It just felt like a miss to the character… and the weird scene of a child Michael being oddly “fascinated” with his older sister leaves a bad taste in the mouth.
9. Halloween 6: The Curse of Michael Myers (1995) - Theatrical Version
Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers (1995) Theatrical Trailer
Halloween 6 introduces us to the cult called “Thorn,” which uses Michael as a host, and is essentially the reason behind much of why Michael is the way he is. Thorn kidnaps Michael’s niece, Jamie, to use as a surrogate to clone Michael’s DNA. However, the cult ends up losing control of Michael, and, well… you can probably guess where this goes if you know anything about the slasher genre.
Admittedly, the premise of the film is interesting - it’s the execution that ruins everything. Jamie is reduced to a sad cameo and the side plot about the Strode family isn’t really too interesting. The film just doesn’t feel well put together, even with some of the interesting concepts it brings to the franchise, which is what lands it at the number 9 spot; it’s not exactly the worst, but also not quite mediocre.
On the bright side, it does have Paul Rudd!
8. Halloween Kills (2021)
Halloween Kills - Official Trailer
Halloween Kills follows an older Michael Myers facing off against the town of Haddonfield. Haddonfield has had enough of Myers’ reign, wanting to end his killing sprees once and for all. With an entire town on his tail, Michel does what he does best: kill.
Honestly, this only got the spot it did because it’s entertaining. In the same vein as Halloween Ends, this movie is hilarious in how bad it is. Hearing the town of Haddonfield chant “Evil dies tonight” 300-plus times surprisingly doesn’t make for great dialogue. Though the lady who got an iron to fight Michael definitely deserves some recognition - she was a little confused, but she had the spirit.
The "Iron Maiden" of Halloween Kills.
7. Halloween II (2009)
Halloween II (2009) Official Trailer #1 - Rob Zombie Movie HD
The sequel to Rob Zombie’s first Halloween film. Similarly, this retells the original Halloween II but with a Zombie twist. This version is much more bloody and cruel than the original, with Michael being guided by visions of his dead mother. This film brings the scariest brother-sister relationship yet.
Sadly, Rob Zombie’s Michael still just doesn’t feel right. Zombie’s idea of Michael wanting to be with his little sister is oddly heartwarming. He also does a great job of showing a ruthless killer on the loose. What makes this film one of the mediocre films of the series is really just what it is up against.
6. Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers (1989)
Halloween 5 The Revenge of Michael Myers (1989) Trailer
Michael’s niece, Jamie, has been in a mental hospital since her last encounter with her uncle. Having strange psychic visions, Dr. Loomis believes she may be linked to her uncle in more ways than one. When Michael wakes up from his year-long coma, he immediately goes after Jamie again, leaving Loomis to make sure she stays safe from her violent uncle.
This movie isn’t great but it also isn’t the worst thing ever. It definitely brings something new to the table, though the idea of psychic abilities being suddenly brought into the Myers family tree is a bit strange. While I appreciate the “Uncle Boogeyman” scene for what it was trying to do, the rest of the movie is a bit bland and just… well, an average slasher movie. It’s perfect to play in the background, but not really a Halloween movie to put on and expect something amazing out of it.
5. Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers (1988)
Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers (1988) Trailer #1 | Movieclips Classic Trailers
Michael is quick to wake up from his coma while being transferred from hospital to hospital after hearing that he has a niece, killing everyone in the ambulance to go after her. Jamie is staying with a foster family, who will, unfortunately, get a visit from the boogeyman himself.
Halloween 4 introduces us to Michael’s little niece, Jamie. She is a very sweet and adorable little girl who, horrifyingly, is stalked by her uncle so he can eventually kill her. Yeah, pretty dark, even for a Halloween movie. For what this film is supposed to be, it does a decent job. Plus, having a reference to the iconic clown costume is always fun.
Michael's niece in the iconic clown costume.
4. Halloween (2018)
Halloween - Official Trailer (HD)
40 years after the original film, Michael has once again escaped his mental institution in search of Laurie Strode. Strode, no longer just a misfortunate babysitter, is prepared for his arrival after years of training. She must now protect her family against the man that once haunted her.
Honestly, this movie is okay for what it is. It’s definitely one of the better reboots (soft reboot? sequel?) of the series. Admittedly, some of the kills feel familiar and recycled. Not to mention Michael felt more like Jason Voorhees. However, there are a lot of really cool concepts that this film gives the audience, and for that, I really appreciate it. Plus, I gotta give it props for helping revive the slasher genre.
3. Halloween H20: 20 Years Later
Halloween H20: 20 Years Later (1998) Trailer #1 | Movieclips Classic Trailers
20 years after the infamous Halloween incident, Laurie Strode is now a mother and headmistress of a private school. Although she tries to forget her past, she is still traumatized by the events she was forced into. Tragically, she is roped into the horror again when Michael Myers finds her in her new life.
So why H20 and not Halloween (2018)? Well, this is all based on opinion obviously, and I personally like Michael and Laurie being brother and sister, which was taken away in the 2018 film. H20 definitely isn’t perfect, but I think it’s a great send-off, and certainly a better ending than what we got in Halloween Ends. The emotional scene we get between Michael and Laurie is a fantastic ending and I think really gave their story closure.
2. Halloween (1978)
Halloween (1978) Trailer #1 | Movieclips Classic Trailers
When 6-year-old Michael Myers killed his big sister out of the blue, he was put into mental care under Dr. Loomis. However, years of treatment seemed moot, and 15 years later, Myers escaped his mental institution to go back to his hometown. In the process, he comes across a babysitter that he grows heavily fascinated with, stalking her relentlessly.
The original film. Oh, what can I say about this loveable low-budget film? This movie is a classic for a reason; fun suspense, cool kills, and an eerie atmosphere. Plus, the score is forever ingrained into the Halloween season. Sure, it’s got some cheesy scenes, but that’s what makes this thing so charming. It isn’t trying to be an Oscar winner, it’s just trying to be a horror movie.
1. Halloween II (1981)
Halloween 2 Official Trailer #1 - Donald Pleasence Movie (1981) HD
Laurie has survived her encounter with Myers, now recovering from her injuries in the Haddonfield Memorial Hospital. Meanwhile, Michael has also survived being shot multiple times by Dr. Loomis and follows after his special victim that managed to get away. Myers is determined to not let Strode go.
The iconic "bloody tears" scene.
Again, this is all preference, but I personally enjoy Halloween II just the tiniest bit more than Halloween. Maybe it’s the iconic bloody tears scene or the memorable shot of Myers on fire, or perhaps even the reveal that Michael and Laurie are actually brother and sister. Something about the film is just really fun to watch and pulls the viewer in for a great ride. Plus, the kills are even cooler here!
Now go out, get some popcorn, and watch some bloody horror!
