Michael Myers Halloween Slasher Movies Ranked

As a longtime horror enthusiast and connoisseur of all things Halloween, I must say that the recent revival of this iconic franchise has been nothing short of thrilling. From the chilling suspense of the original 1978 masterpiece to the intense character drama of Halloween Ends, the series has managed to keep me on the edge of my seat.

Today is the scariest day of the year, making it a perfect moment to revisit the legendary Halloween slasher franchise and arrange them from least favorite to favorite. While John Carpenter’s initial masterpiece, released in 1978, undoubtedly stands at the pinnacle of the series, the rest of the list (ranked in descending order) might catch you off guard.

13) Halloween: Resurrection

Following the successful revival of the Halloween series with H20, those in charge opted to discard the goodwill built up by delving into excessive gore instead. Jamie Lee Curtis appears disinterested in an early appearance where her character meets an uninspired demise, while a cast featuring Tyra Banks, Busta Rhymes, and Sean Patrick Thomas stumbles through dull dialogue and a series of lackluster kill scenes. At its best, it’s just poor quality; at its worst, it’s tedious and predictable.

12.) Halloween II (2009)

In the opening scenes of Rob Zombie’s movie, Halloween II, lasting approximately 15 minutes or so, there’s an impressive start to the story. The narrative carries on from where Zombie’s initial film ended, as Michael Myers chases Laurie Strode to a nearby hospital. Here, he swiftly slaughters Octavia Spencer and several nurses and security personnel. However, it turns out that this entire sequence is nothing more than a terrifying dream for our main character.

No, really.

The rest of the movie is completely unimpressive, straying far from the subtlety of its original and opting instead for a wildly violent and nonsensical sequel that seems to be more like a descendant of “Devil’s Rejects” than anything reminiscent of Carpenter’s “Halloween”.

11.) Halloween III: Season of the Witch (1982)

In a twist from the traditional Michael Myers storyline, the second sequel of John Carpenter’s series aimed to revitalize the seemingly tired franchise by transforming it into an anthology-style series similar to Cloverfield. Originally, there were intentions to launch a new Halloween-themed movie annually, but the lukewarm reception to Halloween III: Season of the Witch halted further projects. On paper, this concept sounds promising, but in reality, the outcomes are less exciting.

To clarify, Season of the Witch isn’t completely awful. The chilling concept involving Halloween masks transforming children into killers upon watching a lively TV ad has a peculiar allure, as does the mysterious Stonehenge rune ritual, which admittedly didn’t always add up. However, it does provide an excuse for Carpenter and his team to showcase a variety of quirky special effects.

What really kills Halloween III are the characters (or lack thereof), portrayed by Tom Atkins and Stacey Nelkin — a decidedly mismatched pair that spend much of the film engulfed in an awkward love story. Scares are few and far between and the ending lacks the thrills of other Halloweens, leaving Season of the With as little more than an ambitious but deeply flawed bit of horror.

10.) Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers (1989)

In the role of the overlooked middle sibling in the Jamie Strode series, Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers, I can’t help but feel it leans more on gruesome, inventive kills (courtesy of a diverse collection of farm implements) and half-baked supernatural storylines. Picking up right where Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers left off, we find young Jamie residing in a Children’s Clinic after her tragic act of killing her foster mother. She has this mysterious, psychic connection to Michael that allows him to track her down. Our relentless slasher, now sporting a pristine white mask that miraculously remains unsullied, spends the better part of the day chasing Jamie and eventually clashes violently with Dr. Loomis at his old family home. In the end, he succumbs to Dr. Loomis’ bullets… or so we think. Somehow, he manages to break free in the final moments of the film.

This entry follows a familiar pattern, as it involves Michael tracking down and slaying several background actors whose performances are slightly above those typically seen in adult films. However, since we’re in the spirit of Halloween, perhaps this is to be expected, given that this is the fifth film in the series.

9.) Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers (1988)

Some people appreciate the less refined fourth, fifth, and sixth installments in the Halloween series, while others chose to disregard them entirely upon the arrival of H20. I fall into the second group, although I can comprehend why these films are popular among fans.

To begin with, Halloween 4 made a wise choice by reintroducing the Shape once again for additional terror after his absence in Halloween III, which veered off course. However, the narrative continues the family drama set up in Halloween II, where Michael Myers pursues his niece, Jamie Strode, in Haddonfield. This is further explained in later installments. The character of Dr. Loomis makes a return as Donald Pleasance was reportedly low on funds at the time. Needless to say, many characters meet their demise, and the film concludes. Regrettably, despite some gruesome effects and inventive kill scenes (such as impaling a woman with a shotgun), this installment doesn’t offer enough chills to stand out as anything more than an “emergency watch if you’re extremely bored” kind of movie experience.

8.) Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers (1995)

In the final installment of the Jamie Strode trilogy, the action surpasses that of Halloween 4 and 5, but only slightly. This sequel to the last film, titled Curse of Michael Myers, delves into the supernatural by suggesting that Michael’s demonic powers stem from something called Thorn. As a result, a secretive cult and some shadowy scientists are trying to exploit this otherworldly power for their own advantage. This leads to numerous gruesome scenes featuring impalements, decapitations, and standoffs, all set against a backdrop of 1990s neon green and blue tones, giving the film a feel reminiscent of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze.

Nonetheless, one of Halloween 6’s most significant accomplishments lies in providing the audience with more Paul Rudd, who had recently made a splash with his memorable performance in the blockbuster film Clueless during the summer. Remarkably, he alone makes this movie worth viewing.

7.) Halloween Kills (2021)

David Gordon Green’s sequel to the 2018 Halloween, while brimming with good intentions, falters primarily due to its vague narrative direction. Despite Michael Myers being as formidable as ever, dishing out some of the franchise’s best kills, his actions are overshadowed by a convoluted plot that revolves around a group of Halloween 1978 survivors seeking retribution against the man who, in essence, disrupted their lives. The storyline also includes an illogical subplot involving a hospital, a distressed mob, and a mental patient; as well as several scenes where Jamie Lee Curtis tries to persuade Will Patton (and viewers) that she is the one destined to eliminate Michael Myers, despite having no blood relation this time around. Frankly, her continued presence in the storyline seems questionable.

Halloween Kills is likely to be most recognized as the bizarre installment that falls between Halloween 2018 and Halloween Ends, featuring an unusual sequence where Michael Myers uses a car door to cause a woman to accidentally shoot herself with a gun, followed by nearly 45 minutes of him harassing a same-sex couple within their residence. Despite its unconventional nature, it’s worth checking out due to its eccentricity, although it may struggle to live up to the ambitious concepts suggested in its screenplay. So let’s all yell together: “Evil meets its end tonight!

6.) Halloween II (1981)

Although the unexpected conclusion of the first Halloween didn’t demand a follow-up, the 1981 sequel Halloween II illustrates why: it lacks sufficient intriguing content to explore further. The deeper we delve into Michael Myers’ backstory, the less captivating his character becomes as a killer. In fact, Halloween II‘s most significant impact on the series lies in its transformation of Michael from a seemingly random madman targeting young girls into Laurie’s brother on a quest to eliminate her — a risky decision that negatively influenced subsequent films.

As a devoted fan, even I can spot the enjoyment in the expanded chapter, if you look at it through rose-tinted glasses. It’s brimming with thrilling moments, like when a nurse finds herself in a hair-raising encounter with a hot tub, and the ever-enticing Jamie Lee Curtis graces our screens. The ongoing saga of Dr. Sam Loomis versus Michael Myers keeps us on the edge of our seats, and there are instances of unintended humor that add to its charm. For instance, when poor Loomis mistakenly has a Halloween reveler who was just unlucky enough to dress like Michael, killed. This scene is met with indifference by most characters, adding an amusing layer to the storyline. Another example is a scene featuring Lance Guest and a treacherous pool of blood that leaves you chuckling.

Watching Halloween II may not offer anything particularly new or groundbreaking, but it remains essential viewing for fans who are keen on sticking to the continuity of the original Halloween series’ narrative.

5.) Halloween (2007)

In their initial venture with the Halloween series, Rob Zombie faced criticism from fans who found his unique portrayal unsettling. However, I enjoyed it. Although largely following John Carpenter’s original film scene by scene, Zombie added more brutality, violence (depicting Michael Myers as a seven-foot giant capable of crushing men with bare hands), explicit language, adult content, and pseudo-psychology. The extended prologue offers an in-depth exploration into the tormented psyche of Michael Myers, granting him more emotional depth than previously shown; this additional layer to the Michael Myers enigma may not have been fully realized, but it does make one care for the character a bit more, arguably.

2007’s Halloween, as I experienced it, might not have the eccentric charm of the 1978 original, but it manages to present a fresh angle on John Carpenter’s initial concept, while staying relatively true to the source.

4.) Halloween H20 (1998)

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but reflect on my experience with David Gordon Green’s reboot taking a backseat. Instead, Jamie Lee Curtis made her comeback to confront Michael Myers in Steve Miner’s sequel that was reminiscent of the “Scream” series. The narrative primarily revolved around a fresh group of characters spearheaded by the rising stars of the 90s, Michelle Williams, LL Cool J, Josh Hartnett, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt. However, the real spectacle lay in the confrontation between Laurie Strode – portrayed as an ordinary mother grappling with her haunting past – and the terrifying Michael Myers. In terms of this face-off, “H20” didn’t fail to deliver, though the film itself may not have aged as gracefully as other entries on this list.

3.) Halloween Ends (2022)

It seems like the novelty or my low expectations after watching “Halloween Kills” might be the reason, but surprisingly, I found myself appreciating “Halloween Ends”. David Gordon Green’s third and likely last film in the trilogy could easily be dismissed as cheesy B-movie fare with its awkward dialogue, amusing acting, and a synthesizer soundtrack reminiscent of “The Lost Boys”. Yet, it manages to deviate from the usual pattern enough to feel somewhat fresh. That’s quite unexpected.

After one of the most captivating introductions within the series, Halloween Ends resumes a few years after the events of Kills, welcoming us once more to the lives of Laurie and her granddaughter Andi. The tragic death of Andi’s mother from the previous film lingers heavily over our protagonists, along with the looming specter of Michael Myers, who inexplicably escaped after his 2018 rampage and continues to be at large, causing unrest among the residents of Haddonfield. This fear has led to many gruesome murders being blamed on or even sparked by the rumors of Michael’s return.

Intriguingly, Michael is absent from much of the movie, heightening the tension and suggesting that the fearsome creature might be less terrifying than the idea of it. Instead, Corey Cunningham (played by Rohan Campbell in an eccentric manner) takes center stage. This young lad could possibly share the same malevolent essence once found within Michael, stemming from an event several years back. The question remains whether evil is innate or acquired through life experiences. While Corey initially appears shy and quiet, he seems to embrace the activities that arise from his dark side.

As a movie enthusiast, I’d rather let the mystery unfold on its own pace; just knowing the film’s basic direction from the first few minutes is enough to pique my curiosity.

I think this movie is probably one of those Halloween films that may not be fully appreciated at first, but later on fans might find something to like about it – either for its innovative plot or for how it emulates Carpenter’s filmmaking techniques. To put it simply, the movie seems very much like a 1980s slasher flick. It has some eccentric stylistic choices, outrageous character developments, and moments that make you question the good reviews. Yet, this is part of its appeal. If you imagine Christine set in modern times, with all its awkward execution included, you’d get an idea of what I mean.

Remarkably, the film Halloween Ends falls short on authentic frights, yet it manages to keep you on the edge of your seat with its suspenseful narrative. When the bloodshed eventually ensues, it’s gritty, intense, and graphically vivid, but also tinged with sorrow and emotion. The filmmaker paints a grim picture of a society teetering on the edge of ruin, populated by despicable individuals brimming with anger, pain, and resentment; they are all unable to move past the tragedy that haunts them from long ago. If Halloween Kills delved into a town’s quest for vengeance, Halloween Ends delves into a town yearning for resolution.

Fortunately, Laurie is present to confront the haunting spirits of Haddonfield. Interestingly, the movie chooses not to follow the idea of Laurie as a Terminator and instead offers Jamie Lee Curtis more chances to showcase her famous charm. In this version, Laurie aligns with the spirited teen we knew from the first film – she’s spunky, intelligent, lively, and sensitive. She portrays an elderly woman fighting for what remains of her life – no longer living in terror of the Shape, but still vulnerable to the scars left by Michael. Overall, it’s quite captivating.

As a passionate fan, my first take on “Halloween Ends” is that it delivers an intense, rewarding character-driven narrative with a familiar Halloween touch. Despite some challenges in executing the ambitious ideas presented, John Carpenter and Danny Greenfeld have breathed new life into a franchise that desperately needed a shot of fresh adrenaline.

2.) Halloween (2018)

David Gordon Green successfully revitalized the Halloween series in 2018 with the film titled simply Halloween. This movie functions as a direct continuation of Carpenter’s original, skillfully disregarding all other sequels and reboots. Although there are limits to reinventing the formula, Green masterfully blends classic elements with contemporary touches. The result is an exhilarating blend that offers intense violence, timely scares, and a sprinkle of empowering modern femininity (as portrayed by Jamie Lee Curtis’ strong-willed Laurie Strode character, reminiscent of Sarah Connor). Remarkably, this combination proves effective, making 2018’s Halloween the most impressive sequel in the franchise to date.

1.) Halloween (1978)

Clearly, nothing could surpass the original brilliance of John Carpenter’s Halloween. It stands out as the finest installment in the series and is undeniably the ruler among slasher movies. If not for Halloween, there would be no Freddy Krueger, Jason Voorhees, or the multitude of imitators that came after. In the realm of horror, Carpenter’s masterpiece remains unchallenged.

It’s important to note that while Halloween is not without its flaws, such as awkward dialogue and over-the-top acting at times, it retains a unique charm through its B-movie elements. These include the moody outdoor shots, straightforward storyline, and enduring minimalist soundtrack. Instead of relying heavily on graphic violence, John Carpenter creates an atmosphere of suspense with meticulously constructed tension, occasionally releasing it with sudden bursts of violence to keep viewers on edge.

You’re dazzled and terrified in equal measure.

In Michael Myers, Carpenter creates one of cinema’s most iconic horror characters – a figure who persists despite being subjected to numerous poor quality films. Laurie Strode manages to move beyond the typical damsel-in-distress role and establish herself as a legend, offering us the delightful Jamie Lee Curtis as an added bonus. The reason for our continued interest in watching Michael Myers and Laurie Strode face off once more in the latest Halloween film is that these two characters are larger-than-life icons whose battles are always compelling, regardless of how many times they fight each other.

2024-11-01 00:12