The Shocking Truth Behind the 'Halloween' Franchise - Which Installment Reigns Supreme?

The 'Halloween' film series has become a staple in the horror genre, with its first installment released in 1978. Since then, a total of 13 films have been added to the franchise, each one attempting to outdo the others in terms of sheer terror and suspense. But, as with any long-running series, some installments fare better than others in terms of overall quality and impact.

This list aims to rank the 'Halloween' movies from worst to best, factoring in their critical and commercial success, as well as their influence on the horror genre and pop culture as a whole. So, if you're ready to revisit Haddonfield, Illinois, and confront the masked killer known as Michael Myers, let's dive into the ranking of all the 'Halloween' movies.

13. Halloween: Resurrection (2002) - The eighth installment in the franchise, 'Halloween: Resurrection' follows a group of college students who spend the night in the long-abandoned Myers house, where they are eventually stalked by Michael Myers. Although it generated moderate box office revenue, the film received overwhelmingly negative reviews from critics and fans alike.

12. Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers (1995) - The sixth film in the franchise, 'Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers,' aimed to expand the lore surrounding Michael's past and the origins of his evil nature. However, its convoluted plot and poor execution resulted in widespread criticism and disappointment.

11. Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers (1988) - 'Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers' revived the franchise after a six-year hiatus, introducing a new cast of characters while maintaining the core essence of Michael's evil nature. Although it wasn't particularly well-received at release, it has since gained a cult following.

10. Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers (1989) - The fifth installment, 'Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers,' sought to build upon the events of the previous film, exploring the psychic connection between Michael and his niece, Jamie. Despite receiving lukewarm reception, the movie remains a fan favorite.

9. Halloween II (2009) - Rob Zombie's 2009 sequel, 'Halloween II,' follows Laurie Strode as she navigates the aftermath of her encounter with Michael Myers. Though polarizing, the film is known for its atmospheric tension and gruesome violence.

8. Halloween (2007) - The first film in Rob Zombie's reimagining of the 'Halloween' franchise, this 2007 installment delves deeper into the backstory and motivations of Michael Myers, resulting in a fresh take on the classic horror icon.

7. Halloween H20: 20 Years Later (1998) - 'Halloween H20: 20 Years Later' takes place 20 years after the events of the first two 'Halloween' films and marks the return of Laurie Strode. Although not without its flaws, the movie successfully rebooted the franchise and allowed for new, modern storytelling possibilities.

6. Halloween: The Season of the Witch (2018) - Serving as a direct sequel to the original 'Halloween,' 'Halloween: The Season of the Witch' ignores all previous sequels, presenting an alternate take on the events following the first film. Strong performances and atmospheric tension earned it a positive reception.

5. Halloween 3: Season of the Witch (1982) - Considered the black sheep of the franchise, 'Halloween 3: Season of the Witch' takes a different approach by abandoning Michael Myers and focusing on an unrelated plot centered around an evil mask-making company in a small town. Its unique storytelling garnered praise, differing from the more traditional horror themes present throughout the series.

4. Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers and Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers tie, having shared the same level of cinematic achievement in their respective films.

3. Halloween (2018) - A direct sequel to John Carpenter's 1978 'Halloween,' the 2018 release of 'Halloween' ignores all previous sequels, placing Laurie Strode at the forefront as she readies herself to confront Michael Myers once more. Strong performances, coupled with nostalgic references to the original, established this installment as a fan favorite.

2. Halloween II (1981) - Directly picking up where the first film left off, 'Halloween II' continues the cat-and-mouse game between Michael Myers and Laurie Strode, adding new twists to the narrative. Praise from audiences and critics aided in cementing its place among horror classics.

1. Halloween (1978) - The one that started it all, John Carpenter's 'Halloween' is an undeniable horror masterpiece. Launching the career of Jamie Lee Curtis and revamping the horror genre as a whole, this seminal film stands as a powerful and influential testament to the series' origins, showcasing Michael Myers as the epitome of evil incarnate.

In reviewing these 'Halloween' films, some might be surprised by certain rankings. Others might identify themselves with differing opinions. Whatever rank each film holds, the truth is, each attempt contributes to the 'Halloween' legend – making Michael Myers a seemingly unstoppable force of horror for generations to come.