How to Watch Halloween (Original) in Order
6 movies · 1978–1995
The Halloween franchise is one of the most iconic sagas in horror cinema, centered on Michael Myers, a mysterious masked killer who returns to his hometown of Haddonfield, Illinois, after murdering his sister as a child. Beginning with John Carpenter's Halloween (1978), the series follows Michael's relentless killing sprees, particularly his terrifying confrontations with Laurie Strode, one of horror's most legendary survivors. Armed with a kitchen knife and concealed behind an expressionless white mask, Michael embodies an almost unstoppable evil. Each Halloween night becomes a deadly struggle for survival as ordinary people face a murderer who seemingly cannot be killed.
Throughout its numerous sequels, reboots, and alternate timelines, Halloween explores themes of trauma, obsession, fear, and the enduring nature of evil. Some installments expand Michael Myers' origins, while others focus on Laurie's psychological scars and determination to confront her tormentor. Rob Zombie's reimagining offers a darker interpretation of Michael's childhood, while the modern trilogy beginning in 2018 revisits the original story through a different continuity. The franchise also includes Halloween III: Season of the Witch, a standalone supernatural horror story unrelated to Michael Myers. Combining suspense, brutal violence, and unforgettable music, Halloween remains a defining franchise of the slasher genre.
Watching for the first time?
Start in release order: Halloween (1978)
Following the story?
In chronological order, the first is: Halloween (1978)
Halloween (1978)
The original film introduces Michael Myers, Laurie Strode, and Dr. Loomis, establishing the terrifying legacy of Haddonfield's masked killer. Essential viewing and the foundation of every major Michael Myers timeline.
Halloween II (1981)
Continuing directly from the original film, Michael Myers pursues Laurie Strode through Haddonfield Memorial Hospital. Essential to the original continuity, introducing a major family connection later discarded by the 2018 timeline.
Halloween III: Season of the Witch (1982)
A standalone supernatural horror story involving Silver Shamrock masks and a deadly Halloween conspiracy. Michael Myers does not appear as part of the plot; optional for his storyline, but essential for exploring the franchise's abandoned anthology concept.
Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers (1988)
Michael Myers returns after ten years to hunt his young niece, Jamie Lloyd, introducing a new generation of victims and survivors. Essential to the original timeline and the beginning of the Jamie Lloyd storyline.
Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers (1989)
Michael Myers returns to pursue Jamie Lloyd, who now shares a mysterious psychic connection with her uncle. Essential to the Jamie Lloyd storyline, introducing the enigmatic Man in Black and expanding the franchise's supernatural mythology.
Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers (1995)
Michael Myers returns as the mysterious Cult of Thorn reveals its connection to his murderous nature. Essential for completing the original Jamie Lloyd storyline, while bringing back Tommy Doyle and expanding the supernatural explanation behind Michael's evil.
Halloween (1978)
1978 — Halloween night in Haddonfield, Illinois (opening scene in 1963).
The original film introduces Michael Myers, Laurie Strode, and Dr. Loomis, establishing the terrifying legacy of Haddonfield's masked killer. Essential viewing and the foundation of every major Michael Myers timeline.
Halloween II (1981)
1978 — October 31 to November 1, immediately after the original Halloween.
Continuing directly from the original film, Michael Myers pursues Laurie Strode through Haddonfield Memorial Hospital. Essential to the original continuity, introducing a major family connection later discarded by the 2018 timeline.
Halloween III: Season of the Witch (1982)
Circa 1982 — The days leading up to Halloween night, in a separate continuity.
A standalone supernatural horror story involving Silver Shamrock masks and a deadly Halloween conspiracy. Michael Myers does not appear as part of the plot; optional for his storyline, but essential for exploring the franchise's abandoned anthology concept.
Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers (1988)
1988 — Halloween night, ten years after the 1978 massacre in Haddonfield.
Michael Myers returns after ten years to hunt his young niece, Jamie Lloyd, introducing a new generation of victims and survivors. Essential to the original timeline and the beginning of the Jamie Lloyd storyline.
Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers (1989)
1989 — Halloween night, one year after Halloween 4 (with an opening scene in 1988).
Michael Myers returns to pursue Jamie Lloyd, who now shares a mysterious psychic connection with her uncle. Essential to the Jamie Lloyd storyline, introducing the enigmatic Man in Black and expanding the franchise's supernatural mythology.
Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers (1995)
1995 — Halloween season, six years after Halloween 5.
Michael Myers returns as the mysterious Cult of Thorn reveals its connection to his murderous nature. Essential for completing the original Jamie Lloyd storyline, while bringing back Tommy Doyle and expanding the supernatural explanation behind Michael's evil.