Halloween Movies in Order: Best Watch Order for Fans & Newcomers

When John Carpenter released Halloween in 1978, he didn’t just create a low-budget horror movie, he sparked a cultural phenomenon and gave birth to one of the most iconic slashers in cinema history: Michael Myers

Over four decades later, the Halloween franchise has grown into 13 films spanning sequels, reboots, and alternate timelines. For fans and newcomers alike, figuring out the best way to watch them can be confusing. Should you go by release date? Timeline continuity? Or just cherry-pick the essential films?

This guide breaks it all down for you from release order to story timelines—so you can dive into the world of Haddonfield without missing a beat.

Release Order of the Halloween Movies

1. Halloween (1978)

• IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
• Starring: Jamie Lee Curtis, Donald Pleasence, Nick Castle
• Where to Watch: Peacock, Amazon Prime Video

The film that started it all. Laurie Strode (Curtis) becomes the target of Michael Myers, who escapes from a sanitarium and returns to terrorize his hometown. With its chilling score, suspenseful direction, and minimalist scares, John Carpenter’s masterpiece set the standard for slasher films and remains essential Halloween viewing.

2. Halloween II (1981)

• IMDb Rating: 6.5/10
• Starring: Jamie Lee Curtis, Donald Pleasence, Charles Cyphers
• Where to Watch: Peacock, Amazon Prime Video

This sequel picks up right where the first film ended, following Laurie to the hospital as Michael stalks her through sterile halls. The film ups the gore and introduces the infamous sibling twist, adding to the mythology. It’s a tense continuation that fans consider one of the best sequels in the franchise.

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

• IMDb Rating: 5.2/10
• Starring: Tom Atkins, Stacey Nelkin, Dan O’Herlihy
• Where to Watch: Peacock, AMC+

Michael Myers takes a backseat here as the series experiments with an anthology format. The plot follows a sinister company creating Halloween masks with deadly consequences. Though controversial on release, it’s become a cult favorite for its weirdness and its catchy “Silver Shamrock” jingle.

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

• IMDb Rating: 5.9/10
• Starring: Donald Pleasence, Ellie Cornell, Danielle Harris
• Where to Watch: Peacock, Tubi

After his absence in Part 3, Michael Myers makes a bloody return. This time, he targets his niece Jamie Lloyd (Harris). A suspenseful revival with memorable scares, it ends on a shocking note that became one of the franchise’s most chilling cliffhangers.

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

• IMDb Rating: 5.1/10
• Starring: Donald Pleasence, Danielle Harris, Wendy Kaplan
• Where to Watch: Peacock, Tubi

Following the events of Part 4, Jamie is hospitalized but still linked to Michael through a psychic connection. With brutal kills and a darker tone, it continues the saga, though it’s often criticized for rushed production. Still, it builds tension that sets up the cult-focused sixth film.

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

• IMDb Rating: 4.7/10
• Starring: Donald Pleasence, Paul Rudd, Marianne Hagan
• Where to Watch: Peacock, Amazon Prime Video

This entry dives into the “Cult of Thorn” mythology, attempting to explain Michael’s immortality. It’s infamous for its convoluted plot, but fans enjoy its gothic atmosphere and Paul Rudd’s early role. A bizarre but unforgettable chapter in the franchise.

7. Halloween H20: 20 Years Later (1998)

• IMDb Rating: 5.8/10
• Starring: Jamie Lee Curtis, Josh Hartnett, Michelle Williams
• Where to Watch: Paramount+, Amazon Prime Video

Ignoring Parts 4–6, this film revives Laurie Strode, now living under a new identity. When Michael resurfaces, Laurie must face her trauma in a final showdown. With strong performances and ’90s slasher vibes, it’s a standout “what if” storyline for the series.

8. Halloween: Resurrection (2002)

• IMDb Rating: 4.0/10
• Starring: Jamie Lee Curtis, Busta Rhymes, Bianca Kajlich
• Where to Watch: Peacock, Amazon Prime Video

Picking up after H20, this film takes Michael into the reality TV era. A group of young adults film inside his childhood home, only to be stalked and killed one by one. While often panned, it’s known for its campy fun and over-the-top moments.

9. Halloween (2007) – Rob Zombie Reboot

• IMDb Rating: 6.0/10
• Starring: Scout Taylor-Compton, Malcolm McDowell, Tyler Mane
• Where to Watch: AMC+, Amazon Prime Video

Rob Zombie reinvents Michael Myers with a gritty origin story, exploring his childhood before recreating the classic tale. It’s raw, violent, and controversial, but it brought a fresh perspective and a darker, nastier version of Michael.

10. Halloween II (2009) – Rob Zombie Sequel

• IMDb Rating: 4.8/10
• Starring: Scout Taylor-Compton, Malcolm McDowell, Tyler Mane
• Where to Watch: AMC+, Amazon Prime Video

Zombie’s sequel continues Laurie’s descent into trauma while pushing surreal, dreamlike imagery. Polarizing for fans, it’s brutal and unconventional, but it digs deep into the psychological toll of surviving Michael Myers.

11. Halloween (2018)

• IMDb Rating: 6.5/10
• Starring: Jamie Lee Curtis, Judy Greer, Andi Matichak
• Where to Watch: Peacock, Amazon Prime Video

A direct sequel to the 1978 original, this entry erases all other sequels. Laurie, now hardened and paranoid, prepares for Michael’s return after 40 years. The mix of nostalgia and modern slasher energy revitalized the franchise for a new generation.

12. Halloween Kills (2021)

• IMDb Rating: 5.5/10
• Starring: Jamie Lee Curtis, Judy Greer, Anthony Michael Hall
• Where to Watch: Peacock, Amazon Prime Video

The second film in the modern trilogy expands beyond Laurie to focus on the entire town of Haddonfield rising up against Michael. Packed with brutal kills and mob-justice themes, it divides fans but delivers relentless action.

13. Halloween Ends (2022)

• IMDb Rating: 5.0/10
• Starring: Jamie Lee Curtis, Andi Matichak, Rohan Campbell
• Where to Watch: Peacock, Amazon Prime Video

The final chapter of the trilogy, Ends closes Laurie and Michael’s saga. With bold storytelling choices and a focus on new characters, it left fans debating, but it provides definitive closure to one of horror’s most iconic rivalries.

Chronological Order (By Timeline)

The Original Timeline (1978–1995)

• Halloween (1978)
• Halloween II (1981)
• Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers (1988)
• Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers (1989)
• Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers (1995)

The H20 Timeline (1978–2002)

• Halloween (1978)
• Halloween II (1981)
• Halloween H20: 20 Years Later (1998)
• Halloween: Resurrection (2002)

The Rob Zombie Reboot Timeline (2007–2009)

• Halloween (2007)
• Halloween II (2009)

The Modern Trilogy Timeline (2018–2022)

• Halloween (1978)
• Halloween (2018)
• Halloween Kills (2021)
• Halloween Ends (2022)

Best Watch Order Recommendation

• Release Order – Perfect for fans who want to see how the franchise evolved over decades.
• By Timeline – Best for clarity. Each arc tells its own self-contained story.
• Essential Films – For newcomers: Halloween (1978), Halloween II (1981), Halloween H20 (1998), Halloween (2018), and Halloween Ends (2022).

For simplicity, the Modern Trilogy Timeline is the easiest entry point, while die-hard fans should experience them all.

Whether you watch every timeline or just stick with Michael Myers’ greatest hits, one thing’s for sure—Halloween night will never feel the same! Grab your popcorn, dim the lights, and let the Boogeyman stalk your October marathon.