Navigating the Halloween Franchise: Which Timelines Are Authentic?

When exploring the Halloween franchise, one is often faced with a variety of timelines that can make it confusing to understand the true narrative and events that occur in the horror series. This article will delve into the different timelines and their authenticity, helping you identify which movies make up the true timeline of the franchise.

Breaking Down the Timelines

The Halloween franchise, known for its iconic slashers and intricate narratives, has seen a series of movies released over the years. However, not all of these films are part of the main storyline. This article will differentiate between the various timelines and highlight which ones are considered the most authentic.

The First Timeline: A Shadows and Silences History

The first timeline of the Halloween franchise is made up of:

Halloween (1978)

Halloween II (1981)

Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers (1988)

Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers (1989)

Halloween 6: Resurrection (1998)

This is the original sequence of events that established the story and central characters that would carry through the franchise. It's worth noting that this timeline focuses on Michael Myers and Laurie Strode, with each movie building upon the previous one in the narrative arc.

The Second Timeline: A New Blood

The second timeline introduces a new series of events that still revolves around the original characters but changes the dynamics with the introduction of Jamie Lee Curtis, who reprises her role as Laurie Strode. This timeline includes:

Halloween (1978)

Halloween II (1981)

Halloween H20: 20 Years Later (1998)

Halloween: Resurrection (2002)

This timeline is often considered parallel to the first but introduces some new elements and storylines. The second movie, Halloween H20: 20 Years Later (1998), particularly changes the dynamic by moving the timeline to 1998, which is a significant departure from the linear progression of the original five movies.

The Third Timeline: Modern Resurrection

The current timeline of the Halloween franchise, as of 2023, is the third timeline. This includes:

Halloween (2018)

Halloween Kills (2021)

This timeline sees the reintroduction of the original characters with a new flavor of events. Director Michael myers has tried to revive the franchise by focusing on more contemporary storytelling elements, bringing in a new cast and reimagining the series. This timeline is more closely aligned with the spirit of the original 1978 movie while also catering to modern audiences.

Ignoring the Offshoots: Which Timelines Are Authentic?

There are two notable aspects of the Halloween franchise that are often disregarded when discussing the authentic timelines. Firstly, the season of the witch, Halloween 3, is widely considered off-topic as it does not contribute to the main narrative or follow the established storyline. Secondly, the Rob Zombie movies, while adding an interesting take on the franchise, are not canon and should be disregarded in terms of the authentic timeline.

Choosing Your Own Adventure

For fans of the original series, the first timeline remains the most authentic. It provides a linear and consistent storyline that has cemented Michael Myers and Laurie Strode as iconic characters within the horror genre. However, for those who enjoy seeing these characters with a new twist, the second and third timelines offer different perspectives and can be equally engaging. This "choose your own adventure" approach gives fans a wide range of options, all aligned with the franchise's core narrative.

When navigating the Halloween franchise, it's important to consider which timeline aligns best with your personal preferences and the narrative you wish to follow. Whether you prefer the original storyline, the modern interpretation, or a mix of both, there is something for everyone in this horror classic.