If you want to watch the Halloween movies in order, things can get a little confusing because the franchise includes multiple timelines and reboots. The Halloween series is one of the most influential slasher franchises in horror history and introduced audiences to the iconic killer Michael Myers.
Beginning with the 1978 classic directed by John Carpenter, the films follow the terrifying story of Michael Myers, a masked killer who repeatedly returns to the town of Haddonfield. The franchise spans several decades and includes alternate storylines, sequels, and rebooted continuities.
This guide explains how to watch the Halloween movies in order, including chronological order and release order so you can follow the entire legacy of Michael Myers.
Halloween Movies in Order – Table of Contents
- Halloween Movies in Chronological Order
- Halloween Movies in Release Order
- Halloween Movies Checklist (Printable)
- FAQ
Halloween Movies in Chronological Order
The Halloween franchise actually contains several alternate timelines. The most recent timeline begins with the original 1978 film and continues with the modern sequel trilogy.
- Halloween (1978)
- Halloween (2018)
- Halloween Kills (2021)
- Halloween Ends (2022)
In this timeline, all other previous sequels are ignored, allowing the story to continue directly from the original movie more than forty years later.
Halloween Movies in Release Order
- Halloween (1978)
- Halloween II (1981)
- Halloween III: Season of the Witch (1982)
- Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers (1988)
- Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers (1989)
- Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers (1995)
- Halloween H20: 20 Years Later (1998)
- Halloween: Resurrection (2002)
- Halloween (2007)
- Halloween II (2009)
- Halloween (2018)
- Halloween Kills (2021)
- Halloween Ends (2022)
Watching the films in release order allows viewers to experience how the Halloween franchise evolved over more than four decades.
Halloween Movies Checklist (Printable)
- Halloween (1978)
- Halloween II (1981)
- Halloween III: Season of the Witch (1982)
- Halloween 4 (1988)
- Halloween 5 (1989)
- Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers (1995)
- Halloween H20 (1998)
- Halloween: Resurrection (2002)
- Halloween (2007)
- Halloween II (2009)
- Halloween (2018)
- Halloween Kills (2021)
- Halloween Ends (2022)
Download Halloween Movies Checklist (PDF)
FAQ
How many Halloween movies are there?
There are thirteen Halloween movies released between 1978 and 2022.
Why are there multiple Halloween timelines?
The franchise was rebooted multiple times over the years, which created different story continuities focusing on various versions of Michael Myers.
What is the best order to watch Halloween?
Most viewers prefer watching the Halloween movies in order by release date, although the modern timeline starting with the 1978 film and continuing with the 2018 trilogy is also very popular.
Final Thoughts
The Halloween movies in order represent one of the longest-running slasher franchises in horror cinema. Michael Myers has become one of the most recognizable horror villains ever created.
For more details about the series, you can visit the Halloween film series overview .