The Haunting Presence of Michael Myers: Ranking the Best Halloween Movies for a Thrilling Experience

The spooky atmosphere of Halloween, coupled with the electrifying thrill of horror movies, creates an unforgettable experience for audiences. The eerie presence of Michael Myers, a masked icon in the world of horror, has captivated fans for decades. From classic films like Psycho to family-friendly options such as Coraline, the Halloween genre is filled with an array of spooky and suspenseful movies that cater to diverse tastes.

Slasher Classic: Halloween (1978)

Directed by John Carpenter and produced by Debra Hill, the original Halloween film launched the iconic franchise. Inspired by Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho and Bob Clark's Black Christmas, the movie's eerie atmosphere, iconic score, and Michael Myers' relentless pursuit of his victims have left audiences terrified for over four decades. This must-watch slasher classic is a staple in the Halloween franchise, taking viewers through the brutal rampage of Michael Myers as he stalks and kills the inhabitants of Haddonfield, Illinois on Halloween night.

The Michael Myers Timeline: Halloween Movies in Order

While the Halloween film series is renowned for Michael Myers' story arc, a select few movies don't feature the character. According to Halloween: Season of the Witch (1982), Michael Myers is only featured in eight out of the thirteen movies in the series. Fans of the horror franchise can navigate the Michael Myers' timeline with: * Halloween (1978) * Halloween II (1981) * 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 (2018)

Modern Horror Classics and Alternative Viewings for Families

While the Halloween franchise focuses on Michael Myers, other spooky and less frightening films have made their mark on the holiday season. Halloween classics such as Coraline, a stop-motion animated gem suitable for families, add variety to the horror movie genre. Trick-or-treat movie goers can also indulge in Rob Zombie's Halloween (2007) as well as modern favorites like It Follows (2014), ranking among IMDb's Top 31 Halloween movies.

Indie Favorites and Comedy-Spiked Horror Classics

Between classics like The Rocky Horror Picture Show and modern releases, fans of horror and dark humor uncover the rare beauty of seasonal-themed films. More movies rounded up in Reader's Digest's 'Best Halloween Films' list to watch include: The Nightmare Before Christmas, Ernest Scared Stupid, and Muppet Haunted Mansion (on Disney+). Families this year may watch either Hocus Pocus (2), which provides some kind and sort of comedic Halloween trick-or-treating atmosphere and less horror.

#Entertainment