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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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‘Strange Darling’ Featuring Kyle Gallner and Willa Fitzgerald Lands Nationwide Release [Watch Clip]

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Strange Darling Kyle Gallner

‘Strange Darling,’ a standout film featuring Kyle Gallner, who is nominated for an iHorror award for his performance in ‘The Passenger,’ and Willa Fitzgerald, has been acquired for a wide theatrical release in the United States by Magenta Light Studios, a new enterprise from veteran producer Bob Yari. This announcement, brought to us by Variety, follows the film’s successful premiere at Fantastic Fest in 2023, where it was universally praised for its creative storytelling and compelling performances, achieving a perfect score of 100% Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes from 14 reviews.

Strange Darling – Movie Clip

Directed by JT Mollner, ‘Strange Darling‘ is a thrilling narrative of a spontaneous hookup that takes an unexpected and terrifying turn. The film is notable for its innovative narrative structure and the exceptional acting of its leads. Mollner, known for his 2016 Sundance entry “Outlaws and Angels,” has once again employed 35mm for this project, cementing his reputation as a filmmaker with a distinct visual and narrative style. He is currently involved in adapting Stephen King’s novel “The Long Walk” in collaboration with director Francis Lawrence.

Bob Yari expressed his enthusiasm for the film’s upcoming release, scheduled for August 23rd, highlighting the unique qualities that make ‘Strange Darling’ a significant addition to the horror genre. “We are thrilled to be bringing nationwide theatrical audiences this unique and exceptional film with terrific performances by Willa Fitzgerald and Kyle Gallner. This second feature from talented writer-director JT Mollner is destined to become a cult classic that defies conventional storytelling,” Yari told Variety.

Variety’s review of the film from Fantastic Fest lauds Mollner’s approach, saying, “Mollner shows himself to be more forward-thinking than most of his genre peers. He’s clearly a student of the game, one who studied his forebears’ lessons with adroitness to better prepare himself to put his own mark on them.” This praise underlines Mollner’s deliberate and thoughtful engagement with the genre, promising audiences a film that is both reflective and innovative.

Strange Darling

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Sydney Sweeney’s ‘Barbarella’ Revival Forges Ahead

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Sydney Sweeney Barbarella

Sydney Sweeney has confirmed the ongoing progress of the much-anticipated reboot of Barbarella. The project, which sees Sweeney not only starring but also executive producing, aims to breathe new life into the iconic character that first captured audiences’ imaginations in the 1960s. However, amid speculation, Sweeney remains tight-lipped about the possible involvement of celebrated director Edgar Wright in the project.

During her appearance on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Sweeney shared her enthusiasm for the project and the character of Barbarella, stating, “It is. I mean, Barbarella is just such a fun character to explore. She really just embraces her femininity and her sexuality, and I love that. She uses sex as a weapon and I think it’s such an interesting way into a sci-fi world. I’ve always wanted to do sci-fi. So we’ll see what happens.“

Sydney Sweeney confirms her Barbarella reboot is still in the works

Barbarella, originally a creation of Jean-Claude Forest for V Magazine in 1962, was transformed into a cinematic icon by Jane Fonda under the direction of Roger Vardim in 1968. Despite a sequel, Barbarella Goes Down, never seeing the light of day, the character has remained a symbol of sci-fi allure and adventurous spirit.

Over the decades, several high-profile names including Rose McGowan, Halle Berry, and Kate Beckinsale were floated as potential leads for a reboot, with directors Robert Rodriguez and Robert Luketic, and writers Neal Purvis and Robert Wade previously attached to revive the franchise. Unfortunately, none of these iterations made it past the conceptual stage.

Barbarella

The film’s progress took a promising turn approximately eighteen months ago when Sony Pictures announced its decision to cast Sydney Sweeney in the titular role, a move that Sweeney herself has suggested was facilitated by her involvement in Madame Web, also under Sony’s banner. This strategic decision was aimed at fostering a beneficial relationship with the studio, specifically with the Barbarella reboot in mind.

When probed about Edgar Wright’s potential directorial role, Sweeney adeptly sidestepped, merely noting that Wright has become an acquaintance. This has left fans and industry watchers speculating about the extent of his involvement, if any, in the project.

Barbarella is known for its adventurous tales of a young woman traversing the galaxy, engaging in escapades that often incorporate elements of sexuality—a theme Sweeney seems eager to explore. Her commitment to reimagining Barbarella for a new generation, while staying true to the character’s original essence, sounds like the making of a great reboot.

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‘The First Omen’ Almost Received an NC-17 Rating

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the first omen trailer

Set for an April 5 theater release, ‘The First Omen’ carries an R-rating, a classification that was almost not achieved. Arkasha Stevenson, in her inaugural feature film directorial role, faced a formidable challenge in securing this rating for the prequel to the esteemed franchise. It seems the filmmakers had to contend with the ratings board to prevent the film from being saddled with an NC-17 rating. In a revealing conversation with Fangoria, Stevenson described the ordeal as ‘a long battle’, one not waged over traditional concerns such as gore. Instead, the crux of the controversy centered around the depiction of the female anatomy.

Stevenson’s vision for “The First Omen” delves deep into the theme of dehumanization, particularly through the lens of forced birthing. “The horror in that situation is how dehumanized that woman is”, Stevenson explains, emphasizing the significance of presenting the female body in a non-sexualized light to address themes of forced reproduction authentically. This commitment to realism nearly landed the film an NC-17 rating, sparking a prolonged negotiation with the MPA. “This has been my life for a year and a half, fighting for the shot. It’s the theme of our film. It’s the female body being violated from the inside outwards”, she states, highlighting the importance of the scene to the film’s core message.

The First Omen Movie Poster – by Creepy Duck Design

Producers David Goyer and Keith Levine supported Stevenson’s battle, encountering what they perceived as a double standard in the ratings process. Levine reveals, “We had to go back and forth with the ratings board five times. Weirdly, avoiding the NC-17 made it more intense”, pointing out how the struggle with the ratings board inadvertently intensified the final product. Goyer adds, “There is more permissiveness when dealing with male protagonists, particularly in body horror”, suggesting a gender bias in how body horror is evaluated.

The film’s bold approach to challenging viewers’ perceptions extends beyond the ratings controversy. Co-writer Tim Smith notes the intention to subvert expectations traditionally associated with The Omen franchise, aiming to surprise audiences with a fresh narrative focus. “One of the big things we were excited to do was to kind of pull the rug out from under people’s expectations”, Smith says, underscoring the creative team’s desire to explore new thematic ground.

Nell Tiger Free, known for her role in “Servant”, leads the cast of “The First Omen”, set for release by 20th Century Studios on April 5. The movie follows a young American woman dispatched to Rome for church service, where she stumbles upon a sinister force that shakes her faith to its core and reveals a chilling plot aimed at summoning evil incarnate.

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