The Halloween franchise is a complex web of timelines, story arcs, and multiple interpretations revolving around the iconic masked killer, Michael Myers. With 13 movies to its name as of 2024, the series offers different versions of Michael’s story, Laurie’s battles, and several reboots that continue to intrigue and terrify audiences. Let’s walk through each timeline, unpack Laurie Strode’s connection to Michael, and discuss where you can stream these spine-chilling classics.
The Original Halloween Series (1978 – 1995)
John Carpenter’s Halloween (1978) is where it all began, introducing the chilling story of Michael Myers, who, after escaping from a psychiatric hospital, returns to Haddonfield, Illinois, to murder more victims. Jamie Lee Curtis’s portrayal of Laurie Strode became a benchmark for the “final girl” trope, and Donald Pleasence as Dr. Loomis delivers a sense of urgency and dread as Michael’s relentless psychiatrist.
Halloween II (1981) continues immediately after the events of the first film. Here, Laurie Strode learns that she is Michael Myers’ sister. This shocking revelation deepens Michael’s obsession with Laurie, adding a dark familial twist. The movie keeps the suspense high, as Michael stalks Laurie in a hospital, and it concludes with a fiery showdown that seemingly kills both Michael and Dr. Loomis.
Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers (1988), Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers (1989), and Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers (1995) form what fans call the “Thorn Trilogy.” These sequels introduce Jamie Lloyd, Laurie Strode’s daughter, as Michael’s new target. The trilogy explores supernatural elements tied to a cult, implying that Michael’s killing spree is driven by a curse, which adds a mystical layer to his motivations but is divisive among fans
Halloween III: Season of the Witch (1982)
This is the oddball of the series. Halloween III: Season of the Witch stands apart because it doesn’t feature Michael Myers at all. Instead, it introduces a storyline involving a sinister company using Halloween masks to execute a mass murder plan. The film was meant to pivot Halloween into an anthology series with different tales, but fans’ backlash over the absence of Michael led to his return in subsequent films. While not part of the Michael Myers saga, Halloween III has developed a cult following for its unique, eerie narrative
H20 Timeline (1998 – 2002)
Halloween H20: 20 Years Later (1998) rebooted the narrative by ignoring everything after Halloween II. Laurie Strode, portrayed once again by Jamie Lee Curtis, lives under a new identity, tormented by the memory of her brother’s attacks. When Michael inevitably returns, a more hardened and prepared Laurie confronts him, culminating in a dramatic face-off. Halloween: Resurrection (2002), however, disappointed many fans. It begins with Michael killing Laurie, which undermines her hard-earned victory from H20, and then devolves into a plot centered on a reality TV show in Michael’s childhood home. This installment is often cited as a low point in the franchise
Rob Zombie’s Reboots (2007 – 2009)
Rob Zombie took a grittier and more psychological approach in his Halloween (2007) and Halloween II (2009). These films delve into Michael’s traumatic childhood, painting a grim portrait of his descent into evil. Zombie’s vision splits fans: some appreciate the deeper psychological exploration, while others prefer the minimalist horror of Carpenter’s original. His Halloween II follows Laurie’s trauma and explores the psychological consequences of her ordeal, making it one of the more brutal and emotionally intense takes on the story
The David Gordon Green Trilogy (2018 – 2022)
In 2018, David Gordon Green and Blumhouse Productions revived Halloween with a fresh approach. This trilogy disregards all previous sequels and acts as a direct continuation of the 1978 classic. Laurie Strode, once again played by Jamie Lee Curtis, is no longer Michael’s sister. Instead, the narrative focuses on Laurie as a trauma survivor, preparing obsessively for Michael’s return. The 2018 film was praised for its themes of survival and generational trauma, as well as for bringing Laurie back to her roots as a strong yet vulnerable character.
Halloween Kills (2021) expands on Michael’s impact on the Haddonfield community, showing how fear and anger transform the townspeople. The brutality is amped up, and while the film is more divisive, it sets the stage for Halloween Ends (2022). The trilogy concludes with an exploration of letting go of trauma and the ultimate confrontation between Laurie and Michael, which resolves their decades-long struggle in a final, dramatic showdown
Laurie Strode’s Relationship to Michael Myers
Laurie Strode is initially revealed to be Michael Myers’ younger sister in Halloween II. This plot point becomes crucial in the original and H20 timelines, explaining Michael’s relentless pursuit of her. However, David Gordon Green’s reboot trilogy abandons this connection. In the newer films, Laurie is simply a survivor of Michael’s terror, chosen randomly as his victim, which shifts the focus from familial destiny to themes of random violence and enduring trauma
Streaming the Halloween Movies
For those looking to watch Michael Myers wreak havoc from the comfort of home, many films are available on popular platforms. The original Halloween (1978) streams on AMC+, Shudder, and Plex. Halloween II can be found on Peacock and AMC+, while the cult-favorite Halloween III: Season of the Witch is also on Peacock and Shudder.
For the later sequels, Halloween 4 through Halloween 6 are on Shudder and AMC+. The H20 timeline films, Halloween H20 and Halloween: Resurrection, are on AMC+ and Paramount+. Rob Zombie’s remakes are available on Peacock, Shudder, and Tubi, while the latest trilogy—Halloween (2018), Halloween Kills, and Halloween Ends—can be streamed on Netflix, Peacock, and Starz, respectively
Looking Ahead to 2024
Although there are no new Halloween films confirmed for 2024, Michael Myers remains a symbol of horror, and speculation about potential future entries persists. The franchise’s rich history ensures that Michael will likely return to haunt audiences again.
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