Introduction
The Halloween movie franchise has been a cornerstone of horror cinema for over four decades. Featuring the legendary masked killer, Michael Myers, this series has captivated audiences with its chilling storytelling and suspenseful atmosphere. But with multiple timelines, sequels, and reboots, a common question arises: How many Halloween movies are there?
As of 2025, there are 13 official movies in the Halloween franchise, spanning different timelines and interpretations of the story. In this guide, we’ll break down every film, categorize them by continuity, and explore their impact on the horror genre.
A Breakdown of All Halloween Movies
Original Timeline (1978–2002)
The first timeline follows the classic storyline introduced by John Carpenter, featuring Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis) as Michael Myers’ primary target.
- Halloween (1978) – The original masterpiece that started it all.
- Halloween II (1981) – A direct sequel continuing the night of terror.
- Halloween III: Season of the Witch (1982) – A standalone entry with no Michael Myers.
- Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers (1988) – Myers returns after being presumed dead.
- Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers (1989) – The story continues with Jamie Lloyd.
- Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers (1995) – Explores the cult origin of Myers.
- Halloween H20: 20 Years Later (1998) – Laurie Strode returns after two decades.
- Halloween: Resurrection (2002) – A reality show setting with Myers wreaking havoc.
Rob Zombie’s Remake Timeline (2007–2009)
Rob Zombie reimagined the franchise with a darker, more brutal take.
- Halloween (2007) – A gritty remake of the 1978 classic.
- Halloween II (2009) – A sequel with a deeper psychological horror approach.
Blumhouse Reboot Timeline (2018–2022)
This trilogy ignores all previous sequels and follows directly after the 1978 film.
- Halloween (2018) – A direct sequel to the original, ignoring previous films.
- Halloween Kills (2021) – Expands on the brutal rampage of Michael Myers.
- Halloween Ends (2022) – The supposed conclusion to Myers and Laurie Strode’s saga.
How to Watch the Halloween Movies in Order
By Release Date
Watching the movies in release order allows viewers to experience how the franchise evolved.
- Halloween (1978)
- Halloween II (1981)
- Halloween III (1982)
- Halloween 4 (1988)
- Halloween 5 (1989)
- Halloween 6 (1995)
- Halloween H20 (1998)
- Halloween: Resurrection (2002)
- Halloween (2007)
- Halloween II (2009)
- Halloween (2018)
- Halloween Kills (2021)
- Halloween Ends (2022)
By Timeline
Each reboot follows its own timeline. Choose one and follow the continuity for a streamlined experience.
- Original Timeline: 1 → 2 → 4 → 5 → 6 → H20 → Resurrection
- Rob Zombie’s Remakes: 9 → 10
- Blumhouse Reboot: 11 → 12 → 13
FAQs About the Halloween Franchise
1. Why does Halloween III not feature Michael Myers?
Halloween III: Season of the Witch was intended as a standalone horror anthology film. However, due to fan disappointment, Michael Myers was brought back in later sequels.
2. Which Halloween movie is the scariest?
Most fans and critics agree that the original Halloween (1978) remains the scariest due to its suspenseful atmosphere and innovative direction.
3. Do I need to watch all the movies to understand the franchise?
No. The 2018 reboot ignores all previous sequels, making it easy for newcomers to start with Halloween (2018) without prior knowledge.
4. Will there be more Halloween movies in the future?
While Halloween Ends was marketed as the final chapter, horror franchises often revive their icons. Future films could focus on a new storyline or reboot the series once again.
5. What is the correct order to watch if I want the full Michael Myers story?
If you want the complete Michael Myers experience, follow the original timeline (excluding Halloween III), then explore the reboots.
6. Are the Halloween movies based on a true story?
No, Halloween is purely fictional, though John Carpenter drew inspiration from real-life psychological horror elements.
Conclusion
With 13 movies across multiple timelines, the Halloween franchise remains a staple of the horror genre. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer, there’s a version of the story for you to enjoy. From John Carpenter’s chilling original to the latest reboots, each film adds a unique touch to Michael Myers’ terrifying legacy.
