Let me just start by introducing myself, my name is Matt Rosenblatt. I am one of the writers here at Irish Film Critic as well as one of the co-creators of The Crypt with IFC’s creator James McDonald. I am also a filmmaker, and one of the co-hosts of the Howl About That Podcast where we talk horror movies weekly.
Horror has been a part of my life since I was as young as 5 years old. I grew up with it, it is still very much a part of my life and it will continue to be in the future. When James came to me with the idea to dedicate part of the website strictly to horror, I was hooked instantly. I am very excited to be a part of this new approach we’re implementing here at IFC. I hope you all are as well. What better way to start off this world dedicated to horror than ranking all the “Halloween” films? With the new one just coming out and Halloween just around the corner, I feel that it is very timely, so here we go!
I know a lot of you are already wondering why it isn’t “Halloween: Resurrection,” I’ll get to that later. For me, this is one that I often forget exists. I think it could be due to the fact that it’s in the middle of two interesting entries in the franchise. This film could have had so much potential in following through what “Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers” set up. They don’t though, they just end up copying the whole idea of telekinetic powers from the “Friday the 13th” franchise. So it ruins the originality of the series. I also believe this is the first bad spot of the franchise. All the films before are great in their own right while this one started the trend of lowering the bar of quality for future films.
Here’s why this isn’t last for me, Busta Rhymes. I am a huge fan of the ridiculous in horror. And yes, while everything about this film is awful, literally, the only thing that is redeeming, is the Kung Fu fight between Myers and Rhymes. Is it silly? Absolutely! Is it a brilliant idea for whoever the madman was that made this decision? Also Absolutely! Honestly, this too had a lot of potential if it were in the right hands. Which is a shame, I know they just made it so they could keep the rights and all but if you’re going to do that, at least care enough to make it decent. This one also saddens me for it brings Rick Rosenthal back as the director. He did such a great job with “Halloween II” that this is just a slap in the face to him as a director.
While this is low on my list, I enjoy this more than most, I think. It is cool to go back and watch, especially considering Paul Rudd is in it. I’m also one of those people that kind of likes the Cult of Thorn angle. At least they were trying something new which is cool. Having the return of Tommy Doyle makes the franchise feel a bit more whole again. You can’t forget this also was the last appearance by Donald Pleasence’s Dr. Loomis. However, considering what they originally wanted to do with this film, have Christopher Lee in it but the studio shut that idea down, it makes you wonder what could have been.
This entry, by far, has the best portrayal of Haddonfield, for me. The aesthetic reminds me of a town I wish I had around during the month of October. I think there are a lot of interesting elements set up with this. However, what follows really ruins what is set up here. I think just watching this by itself there is more to enjoy. I think it would have aged much better had “Revenge” not happened. On a huge bright note, we got introduced to a horror icon that is Danielle Harris so this should make the film stand out amongst the rest for that reason.
I feel like I am getting into a hot take territory with this one. I’ll say it, I enjoy this film a lot. There is much I don’t like but I think for me, this hits a nostalgic factor. This was the first “Halloween” movie that I got to rent in a BlockBuster, so personally, I have a special place in my heart for it. Where this film brings itself down is the runtime and the on-the-nose recreations of scenes. What makes this stand out is the brutality of Myers and the deterioration of the mask. I think that those aspects made it through to the 2018 addition.
I know this is probably confusing some people with having it in the middle of my list but while I do like this film a decent amount, I have never found a desire to rewatch it. I think it is incredibly original and unique with the desire to set up an anthology. I just think for me it is the hard shift from slasher to a folklore type of film. As I said, I enjoyed this movie, I just think what “Halloween” is iconic for as a whole, is the idea of someone with a knife. On its own, it is better as a solo film. In context to this franchise, it just lessens it for me.
I’m aware this is a bold hot take, but it follows in the feel of nostalgia. This was the first “Halloween” film I saw in a theater, so there is a huge love from me in that regard. I know it is bonkers and a lot of people do not like it but in my eyes, you have to give credit to Zombie for at least trying some unique and different. Just like “The Curse of Michael Myers,” there are some strange things going on. I just have it so imprinted in my mind when this came out, seeing the trailers, and finally getting to see it in a theater. It is special for me. That all being said, it is hard not to laugh when the white horse is next to Sheri Moon Zombie.
I was fortunate enough to see this at the US premiere at Fantastic Fest, with Jamie Lee Curtis, Jason Blum, Danny McBride, Ryan Turek, and others in attendance. It was a magical time, the night in its entirety. I have now seen this film three times, it has lessened a bit for me but I do still love it though. It is hard for me to put it any higher at this time considering it is brand new. Maybe in time, I can have it placed higher with it aging well. That being said, Curtis brings the best performance of her career in my eyes along with newcomer Andi Matichak, who I think is setting herself up nicely to be not only a horror icon but a feminist icon. This addition just put me in such a state of euphoria for it just existing. If you haven’t seen it yet, I highly recommend it.
I haven’t watched this one in a bit, I plan to, however, before October ends. I love this one from a sense of seeing it on TV when I was young so it taps into a huge influence on me in progressing my love for horror. It also has such a great feel with it following directly after the original “Halloween.” It makes for an amazing opportunity of a double feature either at home or in theaters. I love the more in your face this film became, the more it helped to stand out from the greatness the original set up.
This is one that I think about a lot actually. I first saw this on TV when it was on during a “Halloween” marathon. I think the setup of this is amazing! The idea of something being set so many years after the events in the original is so unique. Jamie Lee Curtis brings it in this film as well. Having so many noticeable faces throughout that are so relevant today helps too and helps the aging process of this film. I hope people still give love to this one with the new one being out. I think the ending of this has such a great final curtain to the Laurie Strode era when it was out. Until “Resurrection” came out.
I mean is there really any question about it? This is almost a perfect horror film, the only thing that holds it back from being perfect, for me, is having a higher love for “Black Christmas” in the slasher genre. I watch this every year for obvious reasons and saw it in a theater back in 2017. It was a wonderful time to see it with people who share a love for this film. It’s a classic that will never be topped for me. It reigns supreme of the Mount Rushmore of horror.
