The Final Chapter for Halloween’s Michael Myers: What’s Next and How to Binge it All
Horror fanatics, the end is nigh for Halloween’s Michael Myers. David Gordon Green, the visionary director behind the latest Halloween trilogy, is bringing the epic saga of Jamie Lee Curtis’s Laurie Strode and her masked archenemy Michael Myers to its grand finale with “Halloween Ends.”
So, before the curtain falls on this epic tale of terror that began in 1978, let’s walk you through every twist and turn of the franchise’s complex timelines. Prepare yourself for a bone-chilling binge-fest as Halloween approaches. Trust me, you’ll want to get this right, especially if you’re new to the Halloween cinematic universe.
Choosing Your Halloween Path: Navigating the Maze of Timelines
“The first path you have the option of going down charts the original Halloween timeline, starting off strong with John Carpenter’s acclaimed original film, but eventually burning out as the storyline grew increasingly silly,” warns the aficionado’s guide to the Halloween franchise.
The Original Timeline: Where It All Began
“This first installment introduces Jamie Lee Curtis in her first major role, portraying teenage babysitter Laurie Strode, who becomes the target of a deranged serial killer named Michael Myers.”
- Halloween (1978) – The root of all evil, where Michael Myers first appeared as the monster haunting Haddonfield. Available to rent or buy on Amazon.
- Halloween II (1981) – Carpenter’s direct sequel uncovers shocking secrets about Myers and Strode. Now streaming on Netflix.
- Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers (1988) – The malevolent Myers returns after a brief hiatus to wreak havoc again. Notably, Jamie Lee Curtis didn’t return for this one.
- Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers (1989) – A continuation of the massacre, as Myers targets his niece this time around.
- Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers (1995) – A much-criticized sequel that veers into occult territory, making Myers the victim of a cult.
The Outlier: Halloween III: Season of the Witch
“The third installment in the Halloween film series doesn’t neatly fit into any of the franchise’s timelines, as a standalone sci-fi tale exploring witchcraft.”
This film was a failed attempt to turn Halloween into an anthology series, like American Horror Story. However, the audience demanded Michael Myers back, and they got him six years later.
The ’90s Resurgence: The Second Timeline
“The Halloween franchise enjoyed a brief resurgence in the 1990s, owing to a soft reboot that rendered everything except the first two films non-canon.”
- Halloween H20: 20 Years Later (1998) – This film marks Jamie Lee Curtis’s return as Laurie Strode and serves as a direct sequel to the original two films.
- Halloween: Resurrection (2002) – Unfortunately, this entry didn’t carry the success of its predecessor and was a critical and financial flop.
The New Era: The Current Timeline
“Continuing the story from the previous two installments, this final entry in David Gordon Green’s reboot trilogy promises to be the final showdown between Laurie Strode and Michael Myers.”
- Halloween (2018) – A modern retake that reboots the narrative, focusing solely on the first film.
- Halloween Kills (2021) – This sequel deals with the immediate aftermath of Myers’s escape and brings a mob into play.
- Halloween Ends (2022) – This is it, the grand finale we’re all holding our breath for. Laurie Strode will face her fears one last time.
The Rob Zombie Experiment
After the failure of “Halloween: Resurrection,” genre director Rob Zombie took the reins but failed to captivate audiences or critics. However, his adaptations have a cult following, and they are:
- Halloween (2007)
- Halloween II (2009)
Before the Final Scream: How to Stream
Several films from the Halloween series are now available on Netflix, making it easier than ever to delve into this twisted world. So, as the spookiest night of the year looms ever closer, why not indulge in a marathon that will make your skin crawl?
