How Many Movies are in the Halloween Franchise? Let's Count 'Em!
Hey there, horror fans! Today, we're diving into the spooky world of John Carpenter's Halloween franchise. You might be wondering, "How many movies are in the Halloween franchise?" Well, grab your candy bags, because we're about to count 'em all! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and how many movies are in the halloween franchise.
The Original Slasher: Halloween (1978)
Kicking off our count is the original Halloween movie, released in 1978. Directed by the master of horror himself, John Carpenter, this film introduced us to the iconic villain, Michael Myers. The story follows Myers as he returns to his hometown of Haddonfield, Illinois, on Halloween night, 15 years after murdering his sister. With a chilling score and a masked menace, Halloween set the stage for a new wave of slasher films.
More Myers Madness: Halloween II (1981)
Two years after the original, we got a Halloween sequel! Halloween II, also directed by Carpenter, picks up exactly where the first film left off. Dr. Loomis is still on the hunt for Myers, who's now after his surviving sister, Laurie Strode. This time around, we get a deeper dive into Myers' past and the true extent of his evil. Plus, we get another iconic score from Carpenter!
A New Decade, A New Myers: Halloween III: Season of the Witch (1982)
Now, here's where things get interesting. Halloween III: Season of the Witch is the only film in the franchise not to feature Michael Myers. Instead, it focuses on an eccentric toy manufacturer who plans to use a Silver Shamrock mask to broadcast a signal that will kill anyone wearing one on Halloween night. Yikes! This film is a bit of an outlier, but it's still a creepy addition to the franchise.
The Shape Returns: Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers (1988)
After a brief hiatus, Myers was back! In Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers, we find that Loomis has been committed to a sanitarium after the events of Halloween II. Myers, meanwhile, has been in a coma for a decade. When he wakes up, he's back to his old tricks, this time targeting his young niece, Jamie Lloyd. The film also introduces us to the concept of Myers' "evil curse" being passed down through his family line.
Jamie's Journey: Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers (1989)
Picking up right where Halloween 4 left off, Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers sees Jamie in a catatonic state after her encounter with Myers. Loomis, now back in action, tries to protect her from Myers, who's still after his niece. This film also introduces the concept of Myers having a "twin" (spoiler alert: it's not really a twin). It's a bit of a messy entry, but it's still got plenty of scares.
A New Beginning: Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers (1995)
After a six-year gap, the franchise returned with Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers. This time, Myers is after his now-teenage niece, Kara Strode, and her family. The film introduces the "Thorn" curse as the reason behind Myers' evil, and it's up to Kara and Loomis to stop him once and for all (or so they thought). This film is known for its extensive reshoots and editing, resulting in a confusing, but still entertaining, final cut.
The Rob Zombie Era: Halloween (2007) & Halloween II (2009)
In 2007, horror rocker Rob Zombie rebooted the franchise with his take on Halloween. This film serves as a remake of the original, with a new backstory for Myers and a focus on his troubled upbringing. It's a gritty, brutal take on the material, and it was a hit with fans. Zombie returned in 2009 with Halloween II, which picks up immediately after the events of the remake. This film focuses on the aftermath of Myers' rampage and the psychological toll it takes on Laurie Strode.
The Shape Returns Again: Halloween (2018)
After a decade-long gap, the franchise returned to its roots with Halloween (2018), directed by David Gordon Green. This film serves as a direct sequel to the original Halloween, ignoring all the other films in the franchise. Laurie Strode is now a grandmother, living in fear of Myers' return. When he escapes from prison and comes after her once again, Laurie must face her fears and protect her family. This film was a massive success, leading to...
The End (or is it?): Halloween Kills (2021)
The follow-up to the 2018 film, Halloween Kills, was released in 2021. Picking up immediately after the events of the previous film, Halloween Kills sees Myers back on the loose and wreaking havoc on Haddonfield. This time, the entire town bands together to take down Myers once and for all. Or do they? The film ends on a cliffhanger, setting up the final chapter in the trilogy...
The End (for real this time?): Halloween Ends (2022)
The final film in the new Halloween trilogy, Halloween Ends, is set to be released in 2022. The film will see Laurie Strode face off against Myers one last time, with the fate of Haddonfield hanging in the balance. Will this truly be the end of Michael Myers? Only time will tell!
So, How Many Movies are in the Halloween Franchise?
Well, folks, after counting 'em all up, we've got a total of 12 movies in the Halloween franchise! From the original slasher to reboots and sequels, the Halloween franchise has given us decades of scares and chills. So, grab your costumes and your candy, and let's celebrate the spookiest time of the year with the one and only Michael Myers!
Happy Halloween, everyone!