A Comprehensive Guide to the Halloween Movies Featuring Michael Myers

The Halloween franchise, with its iconic villain Michael Myers, has been a staple in horror for decades. Here is a detailed guide to the movies that feature Michael, spanning from the original 1978 release to the recent Halloween Ends in 2022. This guide will help you understand the timeline and decide which films to watch for the best experience.

Production Order and Chronological Lineup

When watching the Halloween movies, it's often best to follow the production order. This ensures a seamless storyline and character development. Here is the complete list of movies featuring Michael Myers, sorted by production order:

Halloween (1978) - Directed by John Carpenter. This is the original film and marks the first appearance of Michael Myers. Halloween II (1981) - A direct sequel to the original, building on the tension established in the first film. Halloween III: Season of the Witch (1982) - While this film features the same setting as the first two, it does not focus on Michael Myers. Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers (1988) - The fourth installment returns to the original storyline and character of Michael Myers. Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers (1989) - This film is the last in the original series and reintroduces Michael Myers. Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers (1995) - Part of a spin-off series, this film explores the psychological effects of Michael Myers. Halloween H20: 20 Years Later (1998) - A new horror movie with Michael Myers, ten years after his last appearance in the original series. Halloween: Resurrection (2002) - Another spin-off focusing on Michael Myers, set after his 1998 appearance. Halloween (2007) - A remake of the 1978 film, rebooting the franchise with a new interpretation of Michael Myers. Halloween II (2009) - A direct sequel to the 2007 remake, continuing the story. Halloween (2018) - A direct sequel to the original 1978 film, skipping all the intervening sequels. Halloween Kills (2021) - A sequel to the 2018 film, expanding the narrative. Halloween Ends (2022) - The final film in the trilogy started in 2018, concluding the story.

Ranking and Notable Points

Two of my friends and I recently ranked all the movies for a podcast. Our rankings consider both the quality of the films and their impact on the franchise. Here are some notable points:

Halloween (1978) - Often considered the best in the series, it sets the stage for everything that follows. Halloween II (1981) - Builds on the tension and fear established in the first film. Halloween (2018) - Returns to the original story and characters, making it engaging for fans of the original. Halloween Ends (2022) - Serving as a conclusion, it provides a satisfying end to the story.

It’s worth noting that Halloween III: Season of the Witch and the spin-offs are not part of the main chronological lineup, and some viewers may prefer to watch them separately.

Conclusion

Michael Myers has been a central figure in the Halloween franchise for decades. Understanding the production and chronological order of the films will help you enjoy the franchise in its entirety. Whether you opt for the original series, the spin-offs, or a mix of both, there are many great films to choose from. If you're new to the franchise, starting with the original 1978 film is definitely recommended. Enjoy exploring the world of Michael Myers!