Slashing Through the Classics: Talking Halloween I–VI Memories

There’s something about the Halloween franchise that imprints itself on you: the eerie music, the small-town streets draped in autumn leaves, and that creepy pasty white mask. For some fans, the connection starts with Michael Myers’ relentless pursuit. For others, like in this story, it begins in a completely different corner of the series. 

From VHS box art that burned itself into memory to theater trips that felt like an event, these first encounters shaped a lifelong appreciation for the world of Halloween. even the oddball entries that broke with tradition.

First Memories of Halloween

"It was my aunt that got me into these movies. She was a fan of horror films, so I think the first one I saw was Halloween III, Season of the Witch. Just the box art, those masks, and the TV screen, it really left an impression on me."

Halloween III might be a bit of an odd entry for a first-time viewer, but it stuck with me. The colors, the masks, and the unique story made it unforgettable, even outside the classic Michael Myers films.

In the following weeks, we rented the original and then Halloween II. Classic slasher flix. The thing about Michael Myers that stood out to me was (as I noted in the intro) that pasty white mask. Super creepy.

Favorite Film from the First Six

"My favorite? Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers. That was the first one I saw in the theater, and I was just so excited for it."

Even though Part 4 might not have the intense scare factor of the first two films, I love it for the theater experience and fun storytelling. For me, that nostalgia is more powerful than the scares themselves.

What Makes Halloween III Stand Out

 

"It wasn’t Michael Myers, so I get why people were disappointed. But I thought it was a fun story. It had a real mood, even if I probably shouldn’t have been watching it at 10 years old."

Season of the Witch occupies its own niche in the franchise. The unique plot and striking visuals make it memorable, just like other horror series that step outside their main villain, like Friday the 13th Part 5.

Michael Myers Compared to Other Horror Icons

"His story, killing his sister, is pretty crazy. And that fall, small-town Halloween vibe? It gives the films a unique push."

Compared to Jason stalking his victims around the woodsy campgrounds or Freddy bringing fantastical nightmares in dreamscapes, Michael Myers blends simplicity with suspense. His motivations were personal, and the seasonal setting adds a signature layer to the horror. Made it feel like it could happen in your little town.

Most Chilling Scene

 

"Halloween 5, The Revenge of Michael Myers. The scene where Michael chases Jamie down the trash chute—it’s so tense and pretty chilling. The music, the silence, the stalking—it all works perfectly."

Even if Part 5 isn’t the most celebrated in the series, specific sequences still deliver lasting suspense. I remember the build-up, the tension, and those cinematic moments that make the franchise iconic.

This is where the series starts a downward pivot, only to complete the free fall with the next entry. Had the Curse of Michael Myers been a better-crafted story, this series would be held in a much higher regard.

Having said that, there are a couple of strong scenes in this film worth reflecting on. Jamie's chase scene near the end is one of the strongest in the series.

Thoughts on the Curse of Thorn in The Curse of Michael Myers

"Part 6 didn’t interest me so much. I was disappointed it took years to come out, and by the time I saw it, it just didn’t hold up."

Walking out of part 4, I couldn't wait for part 5 and they delivered maybe to quickly the following year in '89. Part 5 ended with this mysterious man in black boots, who they show arriving in town by bus earlier in the film, breaking Michael out of jail. Part 6..yes please!

I was excited and checking the horror magazines for any hints of the sequel. Years went by, and there wasn't a peep. When I walked out of the movies after watching The Revenge of Michael Myers, I was in the 8th grade. I was starting my sophomore year of college when The Curse of Michael Myers was released. Too little and way too late.

The extended wait and storyline choices left me feeling disconnected. Unlike earlier entries that captured excitement in theaters, Part 6 arrived in a different context, making it much less impactful.

Ranking the First Six Halloween Films

When asked to rank the first six Halloween movies from worst to best, here’s my brief breakdown:

6. Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers (1995)

“This one went way too supernatural for me. It just didn’t stick — the connections with Jamie’s son and the mystical stuff didn’t land.”

5. Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers (1989)

“It had some dark, great scenes, but fell flat overall. Turning Jamie into a mute felt like a step back. The man in black with the boots was intriguing, but the film left me more curious about the sequel than satisfied.”

4. Halloween II (1981)

“A solid follow-up, especially with the hospital setting. I loved it, but it didn’t reach the top of my list.”

3. Halloween III: Season of the Witch (1982)

“Unique, fun, and pure 80s. It’s not a Michael Myers flick, but it stands out because of its weirdness and vibe.”

2. Halloween (1978)

“The best of them all, no doubt. But as much as I respect it as the classic, it’s not my personal number one.”

1. Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers (1988)

“My favorite. It was the first I saw in the theater, and it was such a strong, fun experience. The ending was perfect"

Final Thoughts

"Halloween is a great franchise. If you’re into horror, it’s always fun to check them out, pop some popcorn, crack a couple brewskis—it’s a fun watch."

Despite the highs and lows, the Halloween series remains a staple of horror culture. From theater memories to chilling scenes, it continues to entertain and inspire new generations of fans.