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All 11 ‘Halloween’ Films Ranked From Weakest to Strongest

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Halloween

Halloween is in the air (literally), and from witches to ghosts, monsters to demons, madmen to psychopathic killers, nothing rings in the spine-chilling season of spookiness quite like… well, the Halloween franchise of course!

With David Gordon Green’s newest entry smashing all kinds of records-not only within the franchise but in the horror genre as a whole-we decided to take a look back at every entry in the franchise released over the years, and rank them from the weakest to strongest titles.

11. Halloween: Resurrection (2002)

via IMDB

Halloween: Resurrection is by far the weakest entry in the franchise. The plot is centered around a reality TV show with a group of strangers spending the night in Michael Myers’ dilapidated house, and stars Busta Rhymes and Tyra Banks… need we say more?

The effects look cheap and fake, the acting is poor and unnatural, and the kills are incredibly lackluster. While it seems that anything Halloween related that has Jamie Lee Curtis’s name attached to it will be a home-run, Resurrection definitely comes up short and disappoints fans across the board.

10. Halloween 5 (1989)

via IMDB

Halloween 5 picks up one year after the events of Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers, and follow The Shape in his attempt to kill his now-mute niece (played by a young Danielle Harris).

The film was rushed into production 6 months after the release of its predecessor, and it shows. The story is extremely convoluted, uses one of the worst masks in the series, and at one point shows Michael Myers crying? The one shining light, Donald Pleasence in his iconic role as Dr. Sam Loomis, can’t redeem this entry. And what’s with Michael’s weird obsession with farm tools?

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

via IMDB

Halloween III: Season of the Witch usually has mixed feelings towards it. It’s not that it’s necessarily a BAD film… but it doesn’t really seem to fit well within the actual Halloween mythos. In fact, this film has come to be known as “the one that doesn’t have Michael Myers in it.”

With a much more supernatural approach and less of a slasher feel, the film would have been better off as its own stand-alone movie with a different title. Perhaps some of its metaphysical elements helped inspire Rob Zombie’s ghostly Halloween II?

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

Paul Rudd and Donald Pleasence in ‘Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers’

In what would be Donald Pleasence’s final performance as the memorable Dr. Loomis, many fans felt that the massive amounts of cuts made to the film resulted in a disappointing sendoff to the iconic character.

Paul Rudd stars as the now-grown up Tommy Doyle, and dabbles once again into the supernatural realm and the sinister plans of a mysterious cult. If you plan on watching Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers, try to get your hands on the ‘Producer’s Cut’ version instead of the theatrical.

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

via IMDB

Following the Michael Myers-less Halloween IIIHalloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers delighted fans by returning the franchise to its slasher-esque, cat-and-mouse style horror. With believable performances once again from Danielle Harris and all-star Donald Pleasence, Michael Myers returns to Haddonfield 10 years after his original massacre to kill his seven-year-old niece.

Although the mask is almost TOO white and probably should have been aged a bit, at least this film feels like it’s actually part of the overall halloween legacy. With solid kills and creepy, stalker-like shots the remind us of the original, Halloween 4 is definitely worth giving a watch.

6. Halloween II (2009)

via Dimension Films

Love him or hate him, there is no denying that Rob Zombie has a unique approach to filming that often polarizes audiences. After a fairly successful reboot to the Halloween origin, Zombie claimed that he would not touch another film in the series. But when producers offered to allow complete creative control over a sequel, the shock-rocker couldn’t let his beloved Big Mikey retelling fall into someone else’s hands.

The film itself is often reviled by hardcore fans of the original, but is honestly put together better than most would give credit for. The opening hospital scene pays homage to the original sequel perfectly, and is one of the most brutal and well-shot cat-and-mouse chases in the entire franchise. Halloween II is definitely worth giving another watch, but if you can, watch the theatrical ending over the DVD ending. Trust me.

5. Halloween (2007)

via Dimension Films

After the success of his debut film House of 1000 Corpses and subsequent sequel The Devil’s Rejects, Rob Zombie was approached to reboot one of the most beloved horror icons to ever slash through the genre. A daunting and difficult task no doubt, but Zombie put together an amazing cast who were able to capture the essence and mystique of the original.

What many fans disliked about the film, was the idea of giving Michael Myers a humanizing backstory, complete with a foulmouthed family and dysfunctional upbringing. While this does take away from the mystery of what made Michael snap and become a murderous psychopath, Halloween still boasts some of the most brutal kills and one of the largest and most terrifying versions of “The Shape” in the franchise.

4. Halloween H20: 20 Years Later (1998)

via Dimension Films

The 90’s were a great time for slashers, and Halloween H20: 20 Years Later definitely kept up with the heavy hitters. With teenage heartthrob Josh Hartnett and the scream queen herself returning to the franchise that started it all, H20 had the perfect blend of jump-scares and building tension.

Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis) has changed her name, and is now the dean of a Northern California private school. But when Michael catches wind of his sister’s new identity, Laurie must battle her brother one last time to save herself and her son.

3. Halloween II (1981)

via IMDB

Picking up right where Halloween left off, Halloween II takes place in the hospital in which Laurie is attempting to recover. Unfortunately for her, Michael is not far behind, and soon resumes his carnage and mayhem throughout the infirmary hallways.

This film has always held a special place in my heart, mainly because I can never put on a hospital gown without trying to reenact some of my favorite scenes from it. The tension is built superbly, and the hospital plays such an important part that it comes to life as a character of its own. This is one of the best sequels within the franchise, and holds up against some of the original juggernauts in the genre.

2. Halloween (2018)

via Universal Pictures

After escaping from a transport bus carrying mentally ill patients, Michael Myers is on the loose again. It’s been 40 years since Laurie Strode last faced off against The Shape, but she’s been preparing for this day ever since.

Directed and written by David Gordon Green, along with Danny McBride (Eastbound & Down), this film opted to completely disregard every entry in the franchise except the original. This decision was definitely a wise one, as the creators were able to bypass the concept of Laurie and Michael being brother and sister. While some fans like the family relation, taking away these ties brings forth the idea that Michael is the embodiment of pure evil, who has no motive when it comes to who he kills.

The tone fits perfectly throughout the film, and the long takes with few cuts are a nice homage to the style and build of the original. Halloween utilizes its gore and jump scares brilliantly, and is a well thought out masterpiece that fits the franchise and does Michael justice.

1. Halloween (1978)

Nick Castle in ‘Halloween’

The one that started it all! The original Halloween is by far the best film in the 40 year span of the franchise.

“Fifteen years after murdering his sister on Halloween night 1963, Michael Myers escapes from a mental hospital and returns to the small town of Haddonfield to kill again.”

The concept is simple and the execution was delivered flawlessly. Jamie Lee Curtis plays the perfect girl-next-door, Laurie Strode, and Donald Pleasence became an icon as Dr. Sam Loomis. On a shoestring budget, John Carpenter was able to help define the slasher genre, and brought to life a monster who would stalk our nightmares for decades to come.

 

What do you think of our rankings for the Halloween franchise? Let us know in the comments, and be sure to follow us for all of your news and updates on everything horror related!

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New Poster Reveal For Nicolas Cage’s Survival Creature Feature ‘Arcadian’ [Trailer]

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Nicolas Cage Arcadian

In the latest cinematic venture featuring Nicolas Cage, Arcadian emerges as a compelling creature feature, teeming with suspense, horror, and emotional depth. RLJE Films has recently released a series of new images and a captivating poster, offering audiences a glimpse into the eerie and thrilling world of “Arcadian”. Scheduled to hit theaters on April 12, 2024, the film will later be available on Shudder and AMC+, ensuring a wide audience can experience its gripping narrative.

Arcadian Movie Trailer

The Motion Picture Association (MPA) has given this film an “R” rating for its “bloody images,” hinting at the visceral and intense experience awaiting viewers. The film draws inspiration from acclaimed horror benchmarks like “A Quiet Place,” weaving a post-apocalyptic tale of a father and his two sons navigating a desolate world. Following a catastrophic event that depopulates the planet, the family faces the dual challenge of surviving their dystopian environment and eluding mysterious nocturnal creatures.

Joining Nicolas Cage in this harrowing journey are Jaeden Martell, known for his role in “IT” (2017), Maxwell Jenkins from “Lost in Space,” and Sadie Soverall, featured in “Fate: The Winx Saga.” Directed by Ben Brewer (“The Trust”) and penned by Mike Nilon (“Braven”), “Arcadian” promises a unique blend of poignant storytelling and electrifying survival horror.

Maxwell Jenkins, Nicolas Cage, and Jaeden Martell 

Critics have already begun to praise “Arcadian” for its imaginative monster designs and exhilarating action sequences, with one review from Bloody Disgusting highlighting the film’s balance between emotional coming-of-age elements and heart-pounding horror. Despite sharing thematic elements with similar genre films, “Arcadian” sets itself apart through its creative approach and action-driven plot, promising a cinematic experience filled with mystery, suspense, and relentless thrills.

Arcadian Official Movie Poster

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‘Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey 3’ Is a Go with Enhanced Budget and New Characters

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Winnie the Pooh 3

Wow, they’re churning things out fast! The upcoming sequel “Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey 3” is officially moving forward, promising an expanded narrative with a larger budget and the introduction of beloved characters from A.A. Milne’s original tales. As confirmed by Variety, the third installment in the horror franchise will welcome Rabbit, the heffalumps, and the woozles into its dark and twisted narrative.

This sequel is a part of an ambitious cinematic universe that reimagines children’s stories as horror tales. Alongside “Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey” and its first sequel, the universe includes films such as “Peter Pan’s Neverland Nightmare”, “Bambi: The Reckoning,” and “Pinocchio Unstrung”. These movies are set to converge in the crossover event “Poohniverse: Monsters Assemble,” slated for a 2025 release.

Winnie the Pooh Poohniverse

The creation of these films was made possible when A.A. Milne’s 1926 children’s book “Winnie-the-Pooh” entered the public domain last year, allowing filmmakers to explore these cherished characters in unprecedented ways. Director Rhys Frake-Waterfield and producer Scott Jeffrey Chambers, of Jagged Edge Productions, have led the charge in this innovative endeavor.

The inclusion of Rabbit, heffalumps, and woozles in the upcoming sequel introduces a new layer to the franchise. In Milne’s original stories, heffalumps are imagined creatures resembling elephants, while woozles are known for their weasel-like characteristics and a penchant for stealing honey. Their roles in the narrative remain to be seen, but their addition promises to enrich the horror universe with deeper connections to the source material.

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How to Watch ‘Late Night with the Devil’ from Home: Dates and Platforms

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Late Night With The Devil

For fans eager to dive into one of this year’s most talked-about horror films from the comfort of their own home, “Late Night with the Devil” will be available for streaming exclusively on Shudder starting April 19, 2024. This announcement has been highly anticipated following the film’s successful theatrical release by IFC Films, which saw it earning rave reviews and a record-breaking opening weekend for the distributor.

“Late Night with the Devil” emerges as a standout horror film, captivating audiences and critics alike, with Stephen King himself offering high praise for the 1977-set film. Starring David Dastmalchian, the movie unfolds on Halloween night during a live late-night talk show broadcast that disastrously unleashes evil across the nation. This found footage-style film not only delivers scares but also authentically captures the aesthetic of the 1970s, drawing viewers into its nightmarish scenario.

David Dastmalchian in Late Night with the Devil

The film’s initial box office success, opening to $2.8 million in 1,034 theaters, underscores its wide appeal and marks the highest opening weekend for an IFC Films release. Critically acclaimed, “Late Night with the Devil” boasts a 96% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes from 135 reviews, with the consensus praising it for rejuvenating the possession horror genre and showcasing David Dastmalchian’s exceptional performance.

Rotten Tomatoes score as of 3/28/2024

Simon Rother of iHorror.com encapsulates the film’s allure, emphasizing its immersive quality that transports viewers back to the 1970s, making them feel as if they are part of the eerie “Night Owls” Halloween broadcast. Rother lauds the film for its meticulously crafted script and the emotional and shocking journey it takes viewers on, stating, “This whole experience will have viewers of the Cairnes brothers’ film glued to their screen… The script, from beginning to end, is neatly sewn together with an ending that’ll have jaws on the floor.” You can read the full review here.

Rother further encourages audiences to watch the film, highlighting its multifaceted appeal: “Whenever it is made available to you, you must attempt to view the Cairnes Brothers’ latest project as it will make you laugh, it will creep you out, it will amaze you, and it might even strike an emotional cord.”

Set to stream on Shudder on April 19, 2024, “Late Night with the Devil” offers a compelling blend of horror, history, and heart. This film is not just a must-watch for horror aficionados but for anyone looking to be thoroughly entertained and moved by a cinematic experience that redefines the boundaries of its genre.

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