What To Watch In Preparation Of ‘Halloween Ends’

Jamie Lee Curtis laying next to a mask of Michael Myers

Image Source: NYTV

As we near the release of the thirteenth film in the Halloween franchise, Halloween Ends, many fans wonder which of the other twelve films they need to watch to prepare for the final showdown between Laurie Strode and Michael Myers. I am here to break down which films you need to watch and why you need to watch them before the release of Halloween Ends!

The creator of the 1978 Halloween film, John Carpenter, has expressed his feelings about the Halloween franchise since the release of Halloween II in 1981. According to Carpenter, he never planned for Halloween to become a franchise, but he was contractually obligated to write the second film. He ended the movie with a massive explosion meant to kill off The Shape, a.k.a Michael Myers, so there would be no option for more films. Then he was asked to create a 3rd Halloween film, so he made Halloween III: Season of the Witch, a completely new story with a new cast and no Michael Myers. He hoped this would act as the bridge to turning Halloween into an annual anthology featuring different stories about the holiday.

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Unfortunately, the film outraged fans and thus ended Carpenter’s relationship with the Halloween films until he was approached by the creators of Halloween (2018), looking for his approval to make a new film that would be a direct sequel to the original 1978 horror classic. Carpenter not only gave his approval, but he also agreed to be the composer and executive producer of the film. Since its release, Carpenter has praised the film and its creators, saying, “this is as good as I’ve seen since we did the first movie.” 

For fans anxiously awaiting the final installment in the Strode saga, it can be overwhelming to decide which of the films to watch before seeing Halloween Ends. So I am here to give you the rundown on which of the movies you need to watch as you prepare for the final film. 

Halloween (1978)

Laurie Strode stalked by Michael Myers

Image Souce: New York Times

This is the film that started it all. It introduced fans to Laurie Strode and the masked killer Michael Myers. 

Halloween is available to rent on Amazon Prime Video. 

Halloween (2018)

Laurie Strode barricades the door with Michael Myers hand comes through

Image Source: Bloody Disgusting

This film is meant to be a direct sequel to the original, which is why Halloween II is not required viewing. 

Halloween (2018) is available to rent on Amazon Prime Video. 

Halloween Kills (2021)

A girl holds the mask of Michael Myers

Image Source: CinemaBlend

This film picks up directly where Halloween (2018) ends, with no time having passed between the films. There are also characters from the 1978 film that return with flashbacks to that film. 

Halloween Kills is available to watch on HBO Max. 

Halloween Ends will hit theaters and Peacock on October 14. 

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