Halloween movies with Michael Myers: Full list and viewing order

If there’s one name that defines Halloween in horror cinema, it’s Michael Myers. That blank white mask, the heavy breathing, the slow, unstoppable walk — this guy has haunted generations. Since his first appearance in 1978, Michael has become more than a slasher villain; he’s a symbol of pure, silent terror.

But with over a dozen films, reboots, timelines, and even one movie that doesn’t feature him at all (yes, really), figuring out the right order to watch the Halloween saga can get messy. Whether you’re diving in for the first time or revisiting the madness, here’s the full list — and a quick take on each — to help you survive the night.

1. Halloween (1978)

This is where it all began. Directed by John Carpenter, the original Halloween is a masterclass in minimalist horror. A young babysitter, a masked killer, and a haunting piano theme that still creeps under your skin. It’s not gory or flashy — it builds dread slowly and effectively, proving that less really is more.

I still remember watching this for the first time, thinking “how can something so quiet be this terrifying?” It’s the kind of horror that doesn’t leave you shaken — it settles in and lingers. A true classic that never feels outdated.

2. Halloween II (1981)

Picking up literally seconds after the first film ends, this sequel takes Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis) to a hospital — where, of course, Michael follows. It ups the violence and leans more into the slasher style that the genre became known for in the ’80s.

I always recommend watching this one back-to-back with the original. It feels like the extended finale that Halloween (1978) didn’t have. Not quite as elegant, but still effective — and definitely worth it if you want closure.

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

Plot twist: no Michael Myers. Yep, this is the black sheep of the franchise. Season of the Witch was meant to take the series in a new, anthology-style direction. Instead of masked killers, we get a bizarre tale about Halloween masks, witchcraft, and mind control through TV ads.

Honestly? It’s not a bad movie — just a strange one to slap the Halloween name on. Once you accept it as its own weird thing, it’s kind of fun. I revisited it years later and appreciated the camp and creepiness… but it’s definitely an acquired taste.

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

After the backlash from Part III, the studio brought back the boogeyman — and the title says it all. Michael is back, scarier than ever, this time going after his young niece, Jamie. It re-establishes the core slasher formula and introduces a new generation of victims.

What I love about this one is the atmosphere: Halloween night feels real, and Donald Pleasence as Dr. Loomis goes full intensity mode. Is it a little over-the-top? Absolutely. But it’s also the return to form that fans were begging for. A solid comeback.

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

Picking up a year after Halloween 4, this sequel brings back Jamie (the niece) — now traumatized, mute, and psychically connected to Michael. Yeah, it starts getting weird. The movie tries to blend supernatural elements with slasher tropes, and the result is… uneven.

Personally, this one felt like a step down. The tension from Part 4 is still there in moments, but the pacing is off and the characters don’t click the same way. Still, if you’re in it for the full Michael Myers experience, it’s part of the ride. Just temper your expectations.

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

This is where things go full-on cult mode — literally. The film introduces the “Cult of Thorn,” trying to explain Michael’s immortality through ancient curses and druidic rituals. Paul Rudd (yes, that Paul Rudd) plays an adult Tommy Doyle, the kid Laurie babysat in the original.

It’s messy, confusing, and notoriously tampered with in post-production (look up the Producer’s Cut if you’re curious). As a fan, I wanted to like it more than I did. It has creepy visuals and some chilling moments, but the plot is so tangled it’s hard to stay invested.

7. Halloween H20: 20 Years Later (1998)

Now this is how you do a comeback. Jamie Lee Curtis returns as Laurie Strode, who’s changed her identity and is now a school headmistress — but Michael finds her anyway. The movie ignores parts 4–6 completely and acts as a direct sequel to Halloween II.

I have a soft spot for this one. It’s sleek, late-‘90s horror with a solid cast (Josh Hartnett, Michelle Williams), a killer soundtrack, and Curtis absolutely owning the final girl role again. If you like your Halloween horror a little more polished and nostalgic, this is a go-to.

8. Halloween: Resurrection (2002)

This sequel… well, let’s say it’s divisive. It tries to modernize the franchise with a reality show concept: a group of young people spend the night in Michael’s childhood home, livestreamed online. Yes, it’s very early-2000s. Also, Busta Rhymes fights Michael Myers.

Honestly? It’s kind of a disaster. The tone is all over the place, and Laurie’s storyline gets a disappointing resolution early on. But weirdly, it’s also entertaining in a “so bad it’s fun” kind of way. If you’re watching with friends and a sense of humor, it works. Otherwise… maybe skip.

9. Halloween (2007)

Director Rob Zombie rebooted the entire franchise with this gritty, blood-soaked remake. This version dives deep into Michael’s childhood, giving him a backstory that some fans love — and others feel ruins the mystique. It’s brutal, loud, and very much a product of its time.

As someone who grew up with the original, I struggled with this at first. But on a rewatch, I saw what Zombie was going for: raw violence, psychological decay, and a more humanized monster. It’s not subtle, but it is intense. Definitely worth seeing if you want a more visceral take on the mythos.

10. Halloween II (2009)

Rob Zombie’s follow-up to his 2007 remake is even more brutal and unfiltered. This sequel continues Laurie’s story after surviving Michael’s attack — but takes a darker, almost psychedelic turn. There’s more blood, more screaming, and Michael is now having visions involving a white horse and his dead mother.

I’ll be honest: this one is a tough watch. It’s raw and intense, but not in a satisfying way. It feels like a horror film that wants to break you down. Still, if you appreciate grungy, chaotic storytelling and don’t mind a totally unhinged take on Halloween, you might find value in it. Personally, I came out needing a break — and maybe a hug.

11. Halloween (2018)

Forty years after the original, Jamie Lee Curtis returns again as Laurie Strode — this time as a hardened survivalist who’s been preparing for Michael’s return. This film ignores every sequel and sets itself as a direct continuation of Halloween (1978). It’s a fresh start… with a serious edge.

This reboot works. It brings back the minimalism and tension of the original, but with modern polish. Laurie’s trauma is explored with depth, and the kills are nasty. Watching this in the cinema was electric — the final act, in particular, feels like a long overdue payoff for fans. Easily one of the strongest entries in the saga.

12. Halloween Kills (2021)

If Halloween (2018) was about Laurie’s revenge, Kills is about the town’s collective trauma. Michael goes on an absolute rampage, the body count skyrockets, and the phrase “Evil dies tonight!” gets repeated… a lot.

This one’s divisive. The kills are creative and savage, and it expands the scope of Haddonfield’s story. But it also stumbles in tone — sometimes feeling chaotic and repetitive. I appreciated what it tried to say about mob mentality and fear, but it felt like a middle chapter that didn’t know where to land. Still, Michael is terrifying here — maybe the most dangerous he’s ever been.

13. Halloween Ends (2022)

And so, we end — though not the way many expected. Halloween Ends swerves from the classic formula to focus on a new character, Corey, whose story gradually intersects with Michael’s. Laurie’s back, yes, but in a more reflective, almost quiet role. Michael? He’s barely in the movie until the last act.

This finale is a huge departure. It takes risks, plays with new themes (trauma, legacy, influence), and some fans hated it. Personally, I admired the attempt to do something different — but it’s a strange note to finish the saga on. The final fight between Laurie and Michael does deliver, but getting there feels… odd. Watch it with an open mind.