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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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Childhood Memories Collide in New Horror Film ‘Poohniverse: Monsters Assemble’

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It looks like ITN Studious and Jagged Edge Productions are going the Avengers: Infinity War route with their upcoming film Poohniverse: Monsters Assemble. From the deranged mind of Rhys Frake-Waterfield (Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey) comes this belligerent mash up of beloved childhood icons.

According to an article out of Variety today, Poohniverse: Monsters Assemble will consist of Winnie the Pooh, Bambi, Tinkerbell, Pinocchio, Peter Pan, Tigger, Piglet, The Mad Hatter, and Sleeping Beauty. All of these iconic figured will be warped into nightmarish versions of their former selves. Poohniverse: Monsters Assemble is set to be released upon the world sometime in 2025.

Poohniverse

Actor-producer Scott Chambers (Malevolent) had the following to say about Poohniverse: Monsters Assemble. “As horror fans, we would love an Avengers that is all villains. It’d have Freddy Krueger, Jason, ‘Halloween,’ ‘Scream,’ all of those. Obviously that will never happen, but we can make it happen in our own little way, and that’s where this film has been born.”

Poohniverse: Monsters Assemble will be a part of The Twisted Childhood Universe. Just like the MCU, each character will first get a standalone film. After introductions are made, they will be reunited in an Avengers style film. Although they will be killing off the survivors from the previous films, they won’t be working together.

Chambers describes this as an “epic sequences of monster vs. monster.” And I don’t know what more fans could ask of the studio. This fantastical idea is a huge risk but Poohniverse: Monsters Assemble sounds amazing.

That’s all the information we have at this time. Check back here for more updates on Poohniverse: Monsters Assemble. If you haven’t already, check out the trailer for Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey 2 below.

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Blumhouse’s ‘The Wolf Man’ Reboot Kicks Off Production with Leigh Whannell at the Helm

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Blumhouse Productions has officially commenced filming its reboot of the Universal Monsters legend, “Wolf Man”. Under the direction of Leigh Whannell, known for his acclaimed work on “The Invisible Man” (2020), the project promises to breathe new life into the iconic tale. The film is slated for a theatrical release on October 25th, marking a new chapter in the storied franchise.

Wolf Man

The journey of a “Wolf Man” reboot began in 2020 when actor Ryan Gosling presented a fresh take on the classic story to Universal. This concept quickly evolved into a screenplay crafted by the talented duo Lauren Schuker Blum and Rebecca Angelo, who are known for their work on “Orange Is the New Black,” alongside contributions from Whannell and Corbett Tuck. The narrative is set in contemporary times, drawing inspiration from the atmospheric tension of Jake Gyllenhaal’s “Nightcrawler,” albeit with a distinct supernatural twist.

The film has seen its share of directorial and casting shifts, with Whannell initially signing on to direct in 2020, only to step away and then return to the project after Ryan Gosling and director Derek Cianfrance exited. The lead roles have been filled by Christopher Abbott and Julia Garner, both of whom bring significant talent to the screen. Abbott portrays a man whose family faces the terror of a lethal predator, with Garner likely playing his wife, sharing in the familial peril. The storyline also hints at a daughter named Ginger, adding a layer of depth to the family’s harrowing experience.

Julia Garner and Christopher Abbott

This reboot represents a collaboration between Blumhouse and Motel Movies, with Jason Blum producing. Ryan Gosling remains involved as an executive producer, alongside Ken Kao, Bea Sequeira, Mel Turner, and Whannell himself. The announcement of the film’s production start was made by Jason Blum, who shared an exciting glimpse of Whannell on set, signaling the beginning of what is hoped to be a memorable addition to the horror genre.

As the “Wolf Man” reboot moves forward, fans and newcomers alike are eager to see how this modern interpretation will pay homage to its roots while offering a fresh and thrilling experience. With a talented cast and crew at the helm, the film is poised to reintroduce the timeless tale of transformation and terror to a new generation.

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‘Immaculate’ Stars Reveal Which Horror Villains They Would “F, Marry, Kill”

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Sydney Sweeney is just coming off the success of her rom-com Anyone But You, but she’s ditching the love story for a horror story in her latest film Immaculate.

Sweeney is taking Hollywood by storm, portraying everything from a love-lusting teenager in Euphoria to an accidental superhero in Madame Web. Although the latter got a lot of hate among theater-goers, Immaculate is getting the polar opposite.

The film was screened at SXSW this past week and was well-received. It also gained a reputation for being extremely gory. Derek Smith of Slant says the, “final act contains some of the most twisted, gory violence this particular subgenre of horror has seen in years…”

Thankfully curious horror movie fans won’t have to wait long to see for themselves what Smith is talking about as Immaculate will hit theaters across the United States on March, 22.

Bloody Disgusting says that the movie’s distributor NEON, in a bit of marketing smarts, had stars Sydney Sweeney and Simona Tabasco play a game of “F, Marry, Kill” in which all their choices had to be horror movie villains.

It’s an interesting question, and you might be surprised at their answers. So colorful are their responses that YouTube slapped an age-restricted rating on the video.

Immaculate is a religious horror movie that NEON says stars Sweeney, “as Cecilia, an American nun of devout faith, embarking on a new journey in a remote convent in the picturesque Italian countryside. Cecilia’s warm welcome quickly devolves into a nightmare as it becomes clear her new home harbors a sinister secret and unspeakable horrors.”

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