Did you know that the Halloween franchise, with its 13 spine-chilling installments, has amassed over $620 million worldwide? That’s a lot of fright nights!
You’ve probably got your favorites, but have you ever wondered how each film stacks up against the others? As an expert in the realm of horror, I’ve taken on the daunting task of ranking all 13 movies from worst to best.
But before you jump to any conclusions, remember that even the lowest ranked film has its merits. So, are you ready to find out if your favorite Halloween movie made it to the top spot or languished at the bottom?
Let’s dive in and unravel this thrilling mystery together.
Key Takeaways
- The Halloween franchise has had a mixed reception, with some movies being praised for their unique direction and homage to the original, while others have been criticized for confusing storylines and comedic undertones.
- Halloween (2018) stands out as a standout movie in the franchise, cleverly disregarding most of the series and reintroducing an aged Laurie Strode. It balances horror and humor while exploring the long-term effects of trauma, receiving praise for its fresh take on the franchise.
- Rob Zombie’s Halloween (2007) humanizes Michael Myers and explores his backstory, delivering standout performances and certain aspects that outshine the original film.
- Halloween (1978) is considered the best ranking movie in the franchise, setting the bar for the series and the slasher genre with its iconic villain, Michael Myers, and being hailed as one of the best slasher movies ever made.
Ranking 13: Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers
Landing at number 13 on our list, Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers, the sixth entry in the franchise, is a narrative failure that unfortunately marred the Thorn Trilogy storyline with its confusing and indecisive execution.
Despite a promising attempt to explain Michael Myers’ bloodlust, this Halloween film becomes a divisive installment in the Halloween series, ranking it amongst the worst of all 13 Halloween movies.
In 12th Place: Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers
Just edging out ‘The Curse of Michael Myers’ for the 12th spot is ‘Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers’, a film known for its comedic undertones and brisk storytelling, despite its mixed reception.
Here, Michael Myers returns from a coma, connecting psychically with Jamie (Danielle Harris). Despite its flaws, it holds a unique place in the Halloween franchise, making it a notable entry in our ‘All 13 Halloween Movies Ranked from Worst to Best’ list.
Number 11: Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers
You’ll find ‘Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers’ as a standout in the series, as it’s the one where Haddonfield knows Michael’s coming back and tries to get ready for him.
It’s also the film that introduces Jamie, brings back Michael and Loomis, and really gets your heart racing in the last half-hour with some wild kills.
Its unique direction and eerie homage to the original 1978 movie heightens the chilling atmosphere and the introduction of Danielle Harris as a young scream queen just adds to its appeal.
Return of Michael Myers
Diving into the thrilling world of ‘Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers’, you’ll find a distinct and invigorating addition to the franchise. Despite being 11th in the series, this film revives the Halloween movies with wild kills, the return of Myers, and plot twists.
Loomis’s reappearance and the introduction of Jamie add depth while the eerie echo of the 1978 movie, coupled with a chilling final image, keeps you on edge.
Halloween 4: Film Analysis
Stepping into the eleventh installment of the series, ‘Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers’, you’re immediately gripped by its distinctiveness, as it artfully captures Haddonfield’s anticipation for Michael’s ominous return. Your Halloween 4: film analysis commences.
In this part of the Halloween film series, you’ll notice:
- Introduction of the character Jamie
- A thrilling final half-hour with wild kills
- Echoes of a scene from the original 1978 movie
- A distinctly autumnal atmosphere
- The debut of Danielle Harris as a young scream queen
Ranked 11th in all 13 Halloween movies, it’s chillingly memorable.
Spot 10: Halloween Ends
At number 10, ‘Halloween Ends’ is a daring conclusion to Green’s trilogy, breaking the mold and offering a fitting farewell to Curtis’s Final Girl.
You’ll notice it introduces a pivotal character, Corey Cunningham, adding a thrilling twist to the series.
This film not only reinvents the Halloween formula but also delivers a conclusion that might’ve you rethinking the future of the franchise.
Film’s Plot Summary
In wrapping up David Gordon Green’s reboot trilogy, ‘Halloween Ends’ breathes new life into the franchise with the introduction of Corey Cunningham and a heartfelt farewell to Jamie Lee Curtis’ iconic Final Girl.
The film’s plot summary is a testament to its prowess:
- It’s a daring chapter, not afraid to take risks.
- It pays homage to the original Halloween film.
- Ignoring past sequels, it focuses on a motiveless Michael Myers.
- It addresses Laurie’s (Jamie Lee Curtis) trauma 40 years later.
- The third act is the best, delivering what fans had hoped for.
Criticism and Praise
Diving into the final chapter of David Gordon Green’s reboot trilogy, ‘Halloween Ends’ brilliantly reinvents the Halloween formula, giving you a thrilling ride while bidding a satisfying farewell to Jamie Lee Curtis’ iconic Final Girl.
In the grand scheme of all 13 Halloween movies ranked from worst to best, it earns high praise, reinvigorating John Carpenter’s legacy and standing tall among the best slasher movies with its fresh take.
Coming 9th: Halloween II (2009)
Landing in the ninth spot is Rob Zombie’s 2009 sequel, ‘Halloween II’. It takes a stylistic and surrealistic approach to the story, visually arresting with its gritty 16mm film stock. However, it falls short of the cohesive storytelling found in Zombie’s earlier 2007 remake.
The Rob Zombie Halloween sequel shifts the franchise into an anthology direction. Nick Castle’s iconic portrayal is replaced by the hulking Tyler Mane. Unfortunately, the original movie’s clarity is lost in the sequel’s surrealism. The inclusion of a white horse as a recurring, albeit confusing, symbol adds to the film’s disjointed nature.
Ultimately, ‘Halloween II’ ends up feeling less like a Halloween movie and more like a Rob Zombie enterprise.
At Number 8: Halloween (2007)
Ever wonder what made Michael Myers the relentless killer we all know?
Rob Zombie’s ‘Halloween’ (2007) delves into this, making it a polarizing installment that humanizes the murderer and delivers standout performances, outshining the original in certain aspects.
Laurie Strode’s iconic role in this slasher flick has intrigued horror fans, despite criticisms that it strays from the original Halloween’s simplicity.
Consequently, Rob Zombie’s Halloween has solidified its number 8 position.
Ranking 7: Halloween (2018)
At seventh place, we find ‘Halloween (2018)’, a film that cleverly disregards the bulk of the series, re-introducing us to an aged, yet relentless Laurie Strode.
You’ll be captivated by the restored terror of Michael Myers, a character now steeped in mystery and enhanced by Jamie Lee Curtis’ strongest performance to date.
The film’s careful balance of horror and humor, along with an unflinching look at the long-term effects of trauma, make this sequel a standout in the franchise.
Film’s Plot Overview
Securing the seventh spot in our list, ‘Halloween (2018)’ picks up 40 years after the original 1978 film, brilliantly disregarding subsequent sequels, and delves into the psychologically scarred life of Laurie Strode, showcasing her paranoia and trauma from the past events.
- This film is a must-watch for Halloween fans, restoring Michael’s mystery and terror.
- It pays homage to the original film, blending horror and humor.
- The third act delivers bloodshed and terror, satisfying Halloween enthusiasts.
- This independent film received praise for its fresh take on the franchise.
- Its portrayal of Laurie’s trauma has been lauded, making it a significant addition to all 13 Halloween movies ranked from worst to best.
Character Development Analysis
Diving into the character development in ‘Halloween (2018)’, you’ll find that it masterfully grapples with the long-term effects of trauma, especially seen through Laurie Strode’s evolution into an outcast.
This brilliant character development analysis further elevates it in the ‘all 13 halloween movies ranked from worst to best’.
Featuring notable characters like Jamie Lloyd, Tommy Doyle, and Dr. Loomis, it redefines the ‘Final Girl’ trope with the enduring Laurie and Michael dynamic.
Cinematic Techniques Used
Building upon the intricate character development in ‘Halloween (2018)’, let’s shift our focus to the film’s innovative cinematic techniques that not only bolster its narrative but also contribute to its position at number seven in the all 13 Halloween movies ranking.
Despite not being directed by Rick Rosenthal, David Gordon Greens’ homage to the original film is evident in:
- The chilling score
- The return to Halloween night
- The restoration of Michael’s mystery
- The balance of horror and humor
- The portrayal of Laurie’s trauma
These techniques, encapsulating the Halloween essence, make it a standout.
In 6th Place: Halloween II (1981)
Landing in 6th place is ‘Halloween II’ (1981), a direct sequel that, while maintaining the dark and eerie aesthetic of the original film and offering a fresh setting in a hospital, falls short due to a somewhat needless twist linking Michael and Laurie.
Produced by Compass International and Debra Hill, this sequel, featuring Dr. Loomis (Donald Pleasence), is one of the best, despite not reaching the series high.
Number 5: Halloween III: Season of the Witch
Securing the 5th spot is the unique ‘Halloween III: Season of the Witch’, a deviation from the Michael Myers narrative that takes us on a chilling journey into a demented toymaker’s Halloween plot.
- It’s an attempt to turn the franchise into an anthology series.
- Tom Atkins stars as the hero.
- The narrative revolves around a Druid curse.
- Unlike the original film, it’s a standalone entry.
- Despite the change, it’s a memorable part of the entire series.
Spot 4: Halloween H20: Twenty Years Later
Moving up a notch to the 4th rank, let’s turn our attention to ‘Halloween H20: Twenty Years Later’, a film that masterfully reintroduces Jamie Lee Curtis as Laurie Strode, effectively sidelining the narrative of parts 4, 5, and 6.
You’ll appreciate the star power with Michelle Williams joining Jamie, echoing the original film’s brilliance from years ago.
Unmistakably, it’s arguably the best since the last time Curtis graced the screen.
Coming 3rd: Halloween Kills
In third place, we find ‘Halloween Kills’, a film that ambitiously grapples with themes of mob mentality and personal failure, all while delivering the gory thrills you’d expect from a Halloween sequel. It’s a worthy entry in the new Halloween series, leading to the final chapter. Despite its flaws, it’s among the best horror movies.
- ‘Halloween Kills’ bravely tackles the dangers of mob mentality.
- It continues the ‘Evil dies tonight’ mantra.
- Its Producers Cut offers additional insight.
- It fails to fully utilize Jamie Lee Curtis.
- It gloriously celebrates the franchise’s rich history.
Runner Up: Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers
Just missing the top spot, ‘Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers’ serves up a thrilling final act, successfully reintroducing us to Michael and Loomis, and presenting a new character, Jamie, in a town bracing for the inevitable return of its infamous serial killer.
It’s a refreshing divergence in the series, nostalgic for diehard fans of the first Halloween, the night HE came home.
This film deserves its high rank among all 13 Halloween movies.
Crowning the Best: Halloween (1978)
While ‘Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers’ is a standout in the franchise, it’s the original ‘Halloween (1978)’ that truly takes the crown, setting the bar not only for the series but for the entire slasher genre. Carpenters original is a gem, and it’s the first film that’s crowned the best among all 13 Halloween movies ranked from worst to best.
It’s considered one of the best slasher movies ever made, and here’s why:
- It set the benchmark for slasher films.
- It introduced one of the best horror villains, Michael Myers.
- It’s considered one of the best slasher movies ever made.
The sequel successfully continued the terror, and Donald Pleasance’s return added depth to the story.
Conclusion
So, there you have it!
From the rather disappointing Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers to the unforgettable original Halloween, these films stand starkly juxtaposed.
It’s fascinating to observe how the franchise evolved, with each movie adding a unique flavor while some faltered.
And though Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers nearly clinched the top spot, nothing quite matches the spine-chilling brilliance of the 1978 classic.
The original Halloween truly is the crowning glory of this thrilling franchise.
