Decoding The Halloween Franchise: Which Halloween Movies Are Canon?

The Halloween franchise has captivated audiences for decades, delivering spine-chilling horror with its iconic antagonist, Michael Myers. However, with numerous sequels, remakes, and reboots, it’s no surprise that fans often find themselves wondering: which Halloween movies are canon? The timeline of this long-running series is far from straightforward, making it a thrilling yet confusing journey for both newcomers and diehard fans.

Unlike many other horror franchises, Halloween does not follow a single, linear storyline. Instead, the series branches out into multiple timelines and alternate continuities, each offering its own unique take on the legend of Michael Myers. This has created a mix of films that are considered "canon" depending on which timeline you choose to follow. Understanding these distinctions is key to appreciating the universe of Halloween in its entirety.

In this article, we’ll break down which Halloween movies are canon, exploring the different timelines and how they connect—or disconnect—from one another. Whether you’re planning a Halloween movie marathon or simply want to make sense of the franchise’s complex narrative, this guide will help you navigate the terrifying world of Haddonfield with ease.

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Table of Contents

• Origins of the Halloween Franchise
• What Does Canon Mean in the Halloween Franchise?
• How Many Halloween Movies Are There?
• Original Timeline: Which Movies Are Included?
• Halloween II (1981): Is It Still Canon?
• The Thorn Timeline: Explained
• Halloween H20 and Resurrection: Are They Relevant?
• Rob Zombie’s Reimagining: Where Does It Fit?
• What Is the 2018 Halloween Timeline?
• How Does Halloween Kills and Halloween Ends Fit?
• Is Halloween III: Season of the Witch Canon?
• Why Are There Multiple Timelines in Halloween?
• How to Watch the Halloween Movies in Order?
• Fan Favorites and Non-Canon Installments
• Will There Be More Halloween Movies in the Future?

Origins of the Halloween Franchise

The Halloween franchise began in 1978 with John Carpenter’s groundbreaking film, *Halloween*. The movie introduced audiences to Michael Myers, a masked killer who escapes a mental institution to terrorize his hometown of Haddonfield. Carpenter’s masterful use of suspense, combined with an iconic score, turned *Halloween* into a horror classic and laid the foundation for a sprawling franchise.

Over the years, the series has evolved, incorporating different directors, writers, and creative visions. While this has kept the franchise fresh, it has also led to inconsistencies in its storyline. As a result, fans are left to piece together which Halloween movies are canon and how they fit into the overall narrative.

To better understand the franchise, it’s essential to explore the key timelines that have emerged over the years. Each timeline offers a distinct perspective on Michael Myers’ story, making it crucial to identify which films are considered part of the "official" Halloween lore.

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What Does Canon Mean in the Halloween Franchise?

In the context of the Halloween franchise, "canon" refers to the official storyline or events that are acknowledged within a specific timeline. Since the series has multiple continuities, it’s important to clarify which Halloween movies are canon based on the timeline you’re following. This concept helps fans differentiate between the various interpretations of Michael Myers’ saga.

For example, the original timeline includes *Halloween* (1978) and its direct sequel, *Halloween II* (1981), but excludes later reboots like the 2018 *Halloween*. Similarly, Rob Zombie’s reimagined films exist in their own continuity, separate from the original series. Understanding these distinctions can make your Halloween viewing experience more cohesive and enjoyable.

How Many Halloween Movies Are There?

As of now, the Halloween franchise consists of 13 films, spanning over four decades. These include:

• *Halloween* (1978)
• *Halloween II* (1981)
• *Halloween III: Season of the Witch* (1982)
• *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* (2007, Rob Zombie’s remake)
• *Halloween II* (2009, Rob Zombie’s sequel)
• *Halloween* (2018)
• *Halloween Kills* (2021)
• *Halloween Ends* (2022)

With such a diverse range of films, it’s no wonder fans are eager to determine which Halloween movies are canon. Let’s delve deeper into the timelines to uncover the answer.

Original Timeline: Which Movies Are Included?

The original timeline begins with *Halloween* (1978) and continues with *Halloween II* (1981). These two films are directly connected, with the second movie picking up immediately where the first one ends. This timeline establishes the sibling relationship between Michael Myers and Laurie Strode, a plot point that becomes central to the series.

However, the original timeline diverges with *Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers* (1988), which introduces Laurie’s daughter, Jamie Lloyd, as the new protagonist. This storyline continues in *Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers* (1989) and *Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers* (1995), collectively known as the Thorn Trilogy. Fans often debate whether these later films should be considered canon, as they deviate from the tone and narrative of the first two movies.

Halloween II (1981): Is It Still Canon?

The status of *Halloween II* (1981) as canon depends on the timeline you’re following. In the original continuity, it’s a direct sequel to the 1978 film and is therefore considered canon. However, the 2018 reboot disregards *Halloween II* and establishes a new timeline that directly follows the events of the first movie. As a result, *Halloween II* is both canon and non-canon, depending on your perspective.

The Thorn Timeline: Explained

The Thorn Timeline spans *Halloween 4*, *Halloween 5*, and *Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers*. This continuity explores the idea of a supernatural curse that drives Michael Myers to kill his family members. While some fans appreciate the attempt to expand the franchise’s mythology, others find the Thorn subplot unnecessary and convoluted.

For those wondering which Halloween movies are canon, the Thorn Timeline represents a separate continuity that deviates from the original vision of the series. It’s an intriguing chapter in the franchise but is not considered part of the "core" Halloween storyline.

Halloween H20 and Resurrection: Are They Relevant?

*Halloween H20: 20 Years Later* (1998) and *Halloween: Resurrection* (2002) form another distinct timeline within the franchise. These films ignore the events of the Thorn Trilogy and establish a direct connection to the original two movies. In this continuity, Laurie Strode survives and confronts Michael Myers two decades after their initial encounter.

While *Halloween H20* is often praised for its return to the series’ roots, *Halloween: Resurrection* is widely regarded as a low point in the franchise. As a result, this timeline is somewhat divisive among fans and is not universally considered canon.

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