The Guide to Watching All Halloween Movies in Order: How and Where to Watch it

Note that some of the films may require a subscription to the streaming service in order to watch.

Do you Have a Netflix Subscription?

Netflix subscribers have access to a wide variety of horror movies and also horror documentaries, from classic films like The Conjuring and The Babadook to more recent releases like Fear Street and Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Whether you’re a fan of slashers, supernatural thrillers, or psychological horror, there’s something for everyone on Netflix. So if you’re looking for a scare, check out the horror section on Netflix today!

Here are just a few of the many great horror movies and documentaries available on Netflix:

Horror movies:

• The Conjuring (2013)
• The Babadook (2014)
• Get Out (2017)
• Hereditary (2018)
• Midsommar (2019)
• Fear Street Part One: 1994 (2021)
• Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2022)

Horror documentaries:

• The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst (2015)
• Making a Murderer (2015)
• The Keepers (2017)
• Wild Wild Country (2018)
• American Murder: The Family Next Door (2020)

How Many Orders are to Watch Halloween Films?

There are the five main orders in which the Halloween films can be watched. Here is a brief overview of each order:

• Release order: This is the order in which the films were released, starting with Halloween (1978) and ending with Halloween Ends (2022).
• The Dr. Loomis order: This order focuses on the story of Dr. Loomis, the psychiatrist who is determined to stop Michael Myers. It starts with Halloween (1978) and ends with Halloween H20: 20 Years Later (1998).
• The classic Curtis order: This order focuses on the story of Laurie Strode, Michael Myers’ sister. It starts with Halloween (1978) and ends with Halloween Kills (2021).
• The Blumhouse order: This order focuses on the films produced by Blumhouse Productions, starting with Halloween (2018) and ending with Halloween Ends (2022).
• The Rob Zombie order: This order focuses on the two films directed by Rob Zombie, Halloween (2007) and Halloween II (2009).

Which order you choose to watch the Halloween films in is up to you. If you are new to the series, I recommend watching them in release order so that you can follow the story. But if you are a fan of the series, you may want to watch them in a different order to focus on a particular character or storyline.

Halloween Movies in Release Order

Here is a list of the Halloween movies in order of release date:

• 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) (remake)
• Halloween II (2009) (sequel to the 2007 remake)
• Halloween (2018) (direct sequel to the original Halloween film, ignoring all other sequels)
• Halloween Kills (2021) (sequel to the 2018 film)
• Halloween Ends (2022) (conclusion to the 2018 trilogy)

Dr. Loomis Order

The Dr. Loomis order is a fan-created watching order for the Halloween movies that focuses on the character of Dr. Sam Loomis, Michael Myers’ psychiatrist. The order is as follows:

1. Halloween (1978)
2. Halloween II (1981)
3. Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers (1988)
4. Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers (1989)
5. Halloween H20: 20 Years Later (1998)

This order allows viewers to follow Dr. Loomis’ journey as he tries to understand and stop Michael Myers. It also excludes the sequels that are not considered to be part of the main Halloween continuity, such as Halloween III: Season of the Witch and the Rob Zombie films.

The Dr. Loomis order is a good option for fans of the Halloween movies who are interested in the character of Dr. Loomis and his relationship with Michael Myers. It is also a good option for first-time viewers who want to watch a more concise and focused version of the series.

The Classic Curtis Order

The classic Curtis order is a fan-created watching order for the Halloween movies that focuses on the character of Laurie Strode, Michael Myers’ sister. The order is as follows:

1. Halloween (1978)
2. Halloween II (1981)
3. Halloween H20: 20 Years Later (1998)
4. Halloween: Resurrection (2002)
5. Halloween (2018)
6. Halloween Kills (2021)

This order allows viewers to follow Laurie’s journey as she survives Michael’s attacks and tries to protect her family from him. It also excludes the sequels that are not considered to be part of the main Halloween continuity, such as Halloween III: Season of the Witch and the Rob Zombie films.

The classic Curtis order is a good option for fans of the Halloween movies who are interested in the character of Laurie Strode and her fight against Michael Myers. It is also a good option for first-time viewers who want to watch a more focused version of the series that focuses on Laurie’s story.

Here are some additional notes about the classic Curtis order:

• Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers and Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers are not included in this order because they retcon Laurie Strode’s death at the end of Halloween II.
• Halloween (2007) and Halloween II (2009) are also not included in this order because they are a remake of the original two films.
• Halloween (2018) and Halloween Kills (2021) are included in this order because they are direct sequels to the original Halloween film, ignoring all other sequels.

Blumhouse Order

The Blumhouse order is a watching order for the Halloween movies that focuses on the films produced by Blumhouse Productions. The order is as follows:

1. Halloween (2018)
2. Halloween Kills (2021)
3. Halloween Ends (2022)

This order allows viewers to watch the Blumhouse Halloween trilogy in the order in which it was released. It is the most concise and focused version of the series, and it provides a satisfying conclusion to Laurie Strode’s story.

The Blumhouse order is a good option for fans of the Halloween movies who want to watch the most recent and critically acclaimed films in the series. It is also a good option for first-time viewers who want to start with a fresh start and avoid the confusion of the convoluted Halloween continuity.

Here are some additional notes about the Blumhouse order:

• The Blumhouse Halloween trilogy is a direct sequel to the original Halloween film, ignoring all other sequels.
• The Blumhouse Halloween trilogy is praised for its suspenseful thrills, iconic horror imagery, and complex characters.
• The Blumhouse Halloween trilogy is a must-watch for fans of the horror genre.

Rob Zombie Order

The Rob Zombie order is a watching order for the Halloween movies that focuses on the films directed by Rob Zombie. The order is as follows:

1. Halloween (2007)
2. Halloween II (2009)

This order allows viewers to watch Rob Zombie’s unique and gritty take on the Halloween franchise. Zombie’s films are a reboot of the series, so they can be watched independently of the other films.

Here are some additional notes about the Rob Zombie order:

• Rob Zombie’s Halloween films are known for their violence, gore, and dark humor.
• Rob Zombie’s Halloween films are a departure from the original Halloween films, but they are still enjoyable for fans of the horror genre.
• Rob Zombie’s Halloween films are a good option for fans who are looking for something different from the traditional Halloween movie.

And…What is the Content of Each Movie?

Halloween (1978)

Halloween (1978) is a slasher film directed and scored by John Carpenter, co-written with producer Debra Hill, and starring Donald Pleasence and Jamie Lee Curtis in her film debut. Set mostly in the fictional town of Haddonfield, Illinois, the plot centers on a mental patient, Michael Myers, who was committed to a sanitarium for murdering his teenage sister on Halloween night when he was a child. Fifteen years later, Michael escapes and returns to Haddonfield to kill again.

The film follows Michael as he stalks and kills babysitters on Halloween night, while Dr. Sam Loomis (Pleasence), Michael’s psychiatrist, tries to stop him. Laurie Strode (Curtis) is a resourceful babysitter who becomes Michael’s primary target.

Halloween is a classic slasher film that is known for its suspenseful atmosphere, iconic score, and memorable characters. It is also considered to be one of the most influential horror films of all time.

Halloween II (1981)

Halloween II (1981) is an American slasher film directed by Rick Rosenthal in his directorial debut, written and produced by John Carpenter and Debra Hill, and starring Jamie Lee Curtis and Donald Pleasence reprising their respective roles as Laurie Strode and Dr. Sam Loomis. It is the second installment in the Halloween film series and is a direct sequel to Halloween (1978).

The film picks up directly after the cliffhanger ending of the first film, with Michael Myers following survivor Laurie Strode to the local hospital, while his psychiatrist Dr. Loomis continues his pursuit of him. Laurie is placed in the intensive care unit, but Michael soon enters the hospital and begins killing the staff and patients. Dr. Loomis races against time to stop Michael from killing Laurie again.

Halloween II is a more violent and graphic film than its predecessor, and it features some of the most iconic kills in the entire series. The film is also notable for its exploration of the relationship between Laurie and Michael, and the trauma that Laurie has experienced.

Halloween III: Season of the Witch (1982)

Halloween III: Season of the Witch (1982) is an American science fiction slasher film written and produced by Tommy Lee Wallace, and directed by John Carpenter. It is the third installment in the Halloween film series, but it is a standalone film that is not directly connected to the first two films.

The film stars Tom Atkins as Dr. Dan Challis, who is investigating a series of mysterious deaths that occur in the town of Santa Mira, California, on Halloween night. Challis soon discovers that the deaths are connected to a Silver Shamrock mask company, which is planning to use its Halloween masks to kill millions of children on Halloween night.

Halloween III: Season of the Witch is a departure from the slasher genre of the first two films, instead featuring a “witchcraft” theme with science fiction aspects. Carpenter and his team wanted to create a new type of Halloween film that would be different from the other films on the market.

The film was not a critical or commercial success when it was released, but it has since gained a cult following. Halloween III: Season of the Witch is now considered to be a unique and innovative film that is ahead of its time.

Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers (1988)

Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers (1988) is an American slasher film directed by Dwight H. Little, written by Alan B. McElroy, and starring Donald Pleasence, Ellie Cornell, and Danielle Harris in her film debut. It is the fourth installment in the Halloween film series and a direct sequel to Halloween II (1981).

Ten years after the events of Halloween II, Michael Myers escapes from Haddonfield Memorial Hospital and returns to Haddonfield to kill his seven-year-old niece, Jamie Lloyd (Harris). Dr. Sam Loomis (Pleasence), Michael’s psychiatrist, races against time to stop Michael before he can kill Jamie.

Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers (1989)

Directed by Dominique Othenin-Girard, written by Michael Jacobs, and starring Donald Pleasence, Danielle Harris, and Ellie Cornell. It is the fifth installment in the Halloween film series and a direct sequel to Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers (1988).

One year after the events of Halloween 4, Michael Myers escapes from the Haddonfield Sheriff’s Department and returns to Haddonfield to kill his niece, Jamie Lloyd (Harris), who is now mute and living in a children’s psychiatric hospital. Dr. Sam Loomis (Pleasence) races against time to stop Michael before he can kill Jamie again.

Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers is a darker and more violent film than its predecessor, and it features some of the most graphic kills in the entire series. The film is also notable for its psychic connection between Jamie and Michael, which is explored in more depth than in previous films.

Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers (1995)

Directed by Joe Chappelle, written by Daniel Farrands, and starring Donald Pleasence, Paul Rudd, Marianne Hagan, and Mitch Ryan. It is the sixth installment in the Halloween film series and a direct sequel to Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers (1989).

Six years after the events of Halloween 5, Michael Myers (George P. Wilbur) escapes from the Smith’s Grove Sanitarium and returns to Haddonfield to pursue his six-year-old niece, Jamie Lloyd (J.C. Brandy), who has escaped with her newborn child. Meanwhile, a now retired Dr. Sam Loomis (Pleasence) is visited by his friend Dr. Terence Wynn (Ryan), the chief administrator of Smith’s Grove Sanitarium, who explains that Michael has been possessed by the Cult of Thorn, a Druidic cult that transfers the evil within a single person to a newborn child every generation on Samhain (Halloween night). Wynn asks Loomis to help him stop Michael from completing the ritual by sacrificing Jamie’s child.

Halloween H20: 20 Years Later (1998)

Directed by Steve Miner, written by Robert Zappia, and starring Jamie Lee Curtis, Josh Hartnett, and Adam Arkin. It is the seventh installment in the Halloween film series and a direct sequel to Halloween II (1981), ignoring the events of Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers (1988), Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers (1989), and Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers (1995).

Twenty years after the events of Halloween II, Laurie Strode (Curtis) has faked her own death and is now living under a new identity as Keri Tate, the headmistress of a private boarding school in California. Laurie’s son, John (Hartnett), is unaware of his mother’s true identity, but he begins to suspect that something is wrong when Michael Myers (Chris Durand) returns to Haddonfield and starts killing again.

Halloween: Resurrection (2002)

Directed by Rick Rosenthal, written by Larry Brand and Sean Hood, and starring Jamie Lee Curtis, Busta Rhymes, Bianca Kajlich, Tyra Banks, and Sean Patrick Thomas. It is the eighth installment in the Halloween film series and a direct sequel to Halloween H20: 20 Years Later (1998).

The film follows a group of six reality show contestants who spend the night in Michael Myers’ childhood home, unaware of the danger that awaits them. Michael returns and begins killing the contestants one by one, while Laurie Strode, who faked her own death in Halloween H20, races against time to stop him.

Rob Zombie’s Halloween (2007)

Rob Zombie’s Halloween (2007) is a remake of the original 1978 film, written and directed by Rob Zombie. The film stars Malcolm McDowell, Sheri Moon Zombie, Tyler Mane, Scout Taylor-Compton, Brad Dourif, Danielle Harris, and William Forsythe.

The film explores Michael Myers’ childhood and adolescence, leading up to his first murders on Halloween night. It is a darker and more violent film than the original, and it features a number of new ideas and subplots.

Halloween II (2009)

Written and directed by Zombie himself. The film stars Malcolm McDowell, Scout Taylor-Compton, Tyler Mane, Danielle Harris, and Brad Dourif, reprising their roles from the first film.

The film picks up immediately after the events of the first film, with Laurie Strode (Taylor-Compton) in the hospital after being shot by Michael Myers (Mane). Loomis (McDowell) races against time to stop Michael from killing Laurie again.

Halloween II (2009) is a darker and more violent film than the first remake, and it explores Michael Myers’ character in more depth. The film is also notable for its introduction of new characters, such as Dr. Loomis’ estranged daughter Deborah (Danielle Harris).

Halloween (2018)

Halloween (2018) is a direct sequel to the original 1978 film, ignoring all other sequels. It is written and directed by David Gordon Green, and stars Jamie Lee Curtis, Judy Greer, Will Patton, and Nick Castle and James Jude Courtney as Michael Myers.

The film picks up 40 years after the events of the first film, with Michael Myers still locked up in a mental institution. Laurie Strode has survived his attack, but she has been living in constant fear of his return. On the night of his transfer to a new facility, Michael escapes and returns to Haddonfield to finish what he started.

Halloween Kills (2021)

Halloween, and the twelfth installment in the Halloween franchise. It is directed by David Gordon Green, written by Green along with Danny McBride and Scott Teems, and stars Jamie Lee Curtis, Judy Greer, Andi Matichak, Will Patton, and James Jude Courtney as Michael Myers.

The film picks up directly after the events of the first film, with Laurie Strode, her daughter Karen, and her granddaughter Allyson hospitalized after their encounter with Michael Myers. However, Michael has survived the fire and continues his killing spree throughout Haddonfield on Halloween night. Meanwhile, Tommy Doyle, Lindsey Wallace, Lonnie Elam, and Marion Chambers, survivors of the original 1978 massacre, form a mob to hunt down and kill Michael once and for all.

Halloween Ends (2022)

Halloween Ends (2022) is a direct sequel to Halloween Kills (2021) and the thirteenth and final installment in the Halloween franchise. It is directed by David Gordon Green, written by Green along with Danny McBride and Scott Teems, and stars Jamie Lee Curtis, Judy Greer, Andi Matichak, Will Patton, and James Jude Courtney as Michael Myers.

The film picks up four years after the events of Halloween Kills, with Michael Myers having disappeared since his last killing spree. Laurie Strode is now living with her granddaughter Allyson and is finally trying to move on with her life. However, when a young man is accused of murdering a boy, it ignites a new wave of terror in Haddonfield and forces Laurie to confront the evil that has haunted her for decades.

Halloween Ends is a more emotional and introspective film than its predecessors, with a focus on Laurie Strode’s journey to healing and finally overcoming her trauma. The film is also notable for its exploration of the themes of evil, forgiveness, and the generational trauma that can be caused by violence.

Conclusion

The best Halloween movie is a matter of opinion, but some of the most popular and critically acclaimed films in the franchise include:

• Halloween (1978): The original film is widely considered to be one of the greatest horror films ever made, and it set the standard for the entire slasher genre.
• Halloween H20: 20 Years Later (1998): This sequel brings back Jamie Lee Curtis in her iconic role of Laurie Strode, and it features some of the most suspenseful moments in the entire franchise.
• Halloween (2018): This direct sequel to the original film is a return to form for the franchise, with a suspenseful atmosphere, iconic score, and memorable characters.

Here is a recommended order for watching the Halloween movies:

1. Halloween (1978)
2. Halloween II (1981)
3. Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers (1988)
4. Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers (1989)
5. Halloween H20: 20 Years Later (1998)
6. Halloween: Resurrection (2002)
7. Halloween (2018)
8. Halloween Kills (2021)
9. Halloween Ends (2022)

You can also choose to watch the Rob Zombie Halloween movies separately from the rest of the franchise, as they are a reboot of the series.

No matter which order you choose to watch them in, the Halloween movies are a must-watch for any fan of horror films.