Halloween (1978)

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Fifteen years ago, Michael Myers brutally murdered his sister. Now, after escaping from a mental hospital, he's back to relive his grisly crime again, and again...and again. (Anchor Bay Entertainment)

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Cast and Information

Directed By: John Carpenter

Written By: John Carpenter, Debra Hill

Starring: Donald Pleasence, Jamie Lee Curtis, Nick Castle, P.J. Soles, Charles Cyphers, Arthur Malet, Kyle Richards, Nancy Kyes, Nancy Stephens, Brian Andrews, John Michael Graham, Mickey Yablans

Genres: Suspense/Thriller, Horror

Franchise: Halloween

AKA: John Carpenter's Halloween

Country: USA

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Halloween belongs to 110 collections

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7. Empire's 500 Greatest Movies Of All Time (public: Ross - 36 stars)

8. They Shoot Pictures 1,000 Greatest Films (2010 revision) (collaborative: moderated by MMAlpha - 32 stars)

9. National Film Registry (collaborative: moderated by PeaceAnarchy - 30 stars)

10. The Guardian's 1000 films to see before you die (collaborative: moderated by PeaceAnarchy - 30 stars)

11. They Shoot Pictures 1,000 Greatest Films (2014 revision) (collaborative: moderated by Jehan - 27 stars)

12. Female protagonist (collaborative: moderated by djross - 25 stars)

13. They Shoot Pictures 1,000 Greatest Films (2012 revision) (collaborative: moderated by PeaceAnarchy - 25 stars)

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16. Edgar Wright 1000 Favorite Movies (Aug 2016) (collaborative: moderated by Aron Ericson - 17 stars)

17. Slasher (collaborative: moderated by Moribunny - 16 stars)

18. They Shoot Pictures 1,000 Greatest Films (2013 revision) (collaborative: moderated by rant1229 - 16 stars)

19. They Shoot Pictures 1,000 Greatest Films (2011 revision) (collaborative: moderated by PeaceAnarchy - 14 stars)

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22. films101.com's 5 star films (collaborative: moderated by ppinocchio - 11 stars)

23. Cinema Discusso Yearly Consensus (2008) (public: PeaceAnarchy - 10 stars)

24. Psychoanalysis and psychiatry (collaborative: moderated by djross - 9 stars)

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45. An exploitation independent checklist (from Nightmare USA) (collaborative: moderated by edkrak - 4 stars)

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47. Roger Ebert's 102 Films You Must See (public: kevinjoseph - 4 stars)

48. Dark films (public: Hadleyreis - 4 stars)

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61. The Mammoth Book of Slasher Movies (book) (public: Ag0stoMesmer - 2 stars)

62. Top 2000 movies with the most votes on IMDb (public: fanfic - 2 stars)

63. Halloween Series (collaborative: moderated by doctor7 - 1 star)

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71. Djross best horror movies (public: djross - 1 star)

72. James Rolfe's Top 50 Favorite Films (Cinemassacre) (public: saudade - 1 star)

73. HarleyG's Movie of the Year (public: HarleyG - 1 star)

74. My Top 100 (public: 3dRevelation - 1 star)

75. Cinetheque (public: allegreller - 1 star)

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77. Roger Ebert's Top 10 Films of 1978 (collaborative)

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80. Novelized (collaborative: moderated by Ag0stoMesmer)

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All Ratings | With Reviews

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TCI | Percentile | Date Rated | # Stars (Reviews)

Stars	User	Rating
15	Leonardis	95 _85th
Classic horror filmmaking at its finest. The effects feel a little dated, but it's directed really well and it manages to be genuinely creepy without being overly violent and sexual, a problem I have with most remakes and horror films in general. Original and well done from both sides of the camera. This one is well worth the 90 minutes if you haven't seen it. I will probably avoid most of the sequels and spin-offs.
8	BillyShears	100 _98th
Watching this you get a sense Pleasence is a little unhinged having spent most of his career with Myers but then the sequels happen and you see the real monster. God damn
8	TimeCapsule	94 _97th
Although John Carpenter's iconic horror classic "Halloween"(1978) wasn't the first slasher film, it was the movie that gave rise to the slasher genre that would come to dominate 80's horror movies. The suspenseful atmospheric trendsetter spawned countless imitators as well as its share of poor sequels in the years to follow. Despite all these repeated efforts, the original remains a simple horror and Halloween classic, like candy corn, but except it doesn't suck...like candy corn.
7	doctor7	71 _53rd
While I'm not a fan of slasher films I can't deny the cultural impact that this one has had. Yes it's full of what we now consider cliches. With the antagonist seemingly able to appear and disappear at will, who's able to able to kill everyone except the protagonist and is able to shrug off moral wounds. Still, while dated, it doesn't resort to gore for scares and is a genuinely scary movie. I'm not a slasher fan so this wasn't up my alley but even I consider it a worthwhile watch.
7	juntakinte99	78 _57th
Carpenter is obviously remixing Psycho--although Michael Myers isn't as awesome as Norman Bates. The photography, editing, and music are skillfully done, but the story needs some help. In particular, I don't buy Michael's weird psychosexual fascination with teenagers about to get laid. And the scares can be repetitive as he's always in the background; like a mouth-breathing incel version of Where's Waldo. Still, it's fun and Curtis obviously influenced every teenage female horror lead.
7	BeeDub	92 _84th
Refreshingly restrained and atmospheric slasher. Relies far more on tension and mood than blood or violence (though it has those, too). Great cinematography as well.
6	Paxton	91 _98th
The movie during the double feature while Jamie Lee is babysitting is none other than the original Thing From Another World. I love that.
5	terrymac	81 _87th
Enjoyable and efficient slasher, and another one described (fairly aptly) as an inventor of the genre. Good camerawork and pacing is augmented by the sparse and atmospheric score. It is pretty tense, and the evil Shatner mask is a good technique to convey the essence of the character. The cast is pretty good; Curtis does well, and Pleasance is fun as a walking portent of doom. It maybe suffers a bit from the idiotic actions of a few characters, but this is par for the genre. Recommended.
5	Pickpocket	8 _82nd
The best parts of the film are the slow build up, the music and the realistic scenario that it's set in. Suffers from the typical shit you see in horror films: absurd choices by the characters (could've killed him easily a few times) and some pretty weak dialogue. The opening scene is pretty sweet but I felt the ending could've been better.
5	Grit	70 _74th
Halloween is the film that started a whole genre and although on a tight budget, it makes good use of fear and suspense to provide a gripping viewing. Although the themes of the movie are now very predictable after numerous remakes, reimaginings and copycats they are well done and are what really make the film what it is. Even with minimal gore and heavy use of darkness to hide the lack of funding required for the more violent scenes it works really well. I have to say, I was quite impressed.
5	TonythePony	73 _62nd
Prototype for the modern slasher that effectively sets it's foreboding mood through Carpenters tight direction and minimalist score. Pleasance is fine as the harbinger of doom/master of exposition and Curtis does the one thing required of her: be a sympathetic victim. The star though is Carpenter, instilling menace into a villain who alternates between standing around and walking slowly.
4	MartinTeller	78 _63rd
There is a lot to appreciate about Halloween: the slow build-up, the way Carpenter shows horror lurking the most innocent corners of small-town America, the excellent score (by Carpenter himself) and use of stings, and the creation of a slasher icon, Michael Myers. But in the end it's still just a slasher flick. A good slasher flick, but nothing more. This really isn't one of my favorites anymore.
4	Ytadel	9 _98th
I'm not exactly a lover of the slasher genre, but this is a film with a lot going for it: The sheer tension and terror, the creative way they shoot Michael (in the spirit of Jaws, glimpsed around corners and in the shadows until the movie's closing minutes), Jamie Lee Curtis' proto-scream queen performance, and John Carpenter's score, which is unsettling and timeless and perfect and probably the best horror theme song ever.
4	twincinema	90 _92nd
What you have to love about lil Mikey Myers is that he's ultimately a showman. He didn't have to show up in that sheet, but he did because it's not just about murder -- it's also about style.
4	KasperL	90 _97th
The best slasher film. Pleasence is great, as is the cinematography, and Carpenter's 80s-synth score, which is on repeat, is so bloody awesome.
4	Vandelay1	90 _97th
Great
4	INDYATMN	81 _61st
Saw this once on tv when I was about 12 & it scared the hell out of me. But it's difficult to grade this fairly 40 years later since some of the tropes it helped to create - uninteresting teens you don't care about - are now clichés & I've seen enough clips to know when the murders occur. This destroys any suspense I might otherwise feel. Still, its strengths remain obvious: effective jump scares using foreground & background & arguably both the greatest horror score & horror ending ever.
4	Suteupac	90 _96th
Carpenter very effectively creates horror without the use of a lot of special effects or blood. This film shows what can be achieved with a good story and character development when atmosphere is properly utilized to create tension. Very good film.
4	spleen	82 _77th
The only thing creepier than a psycho killer wearing a William Shatner mask is William Shatner not wearing a mask.
4	saudade	61 _91st
Nude women, screaming orgasmically as they're being knifed. If that doesn't promote a healthy view of sex, I don't know what does.
4	mattorama12	70 _61st
Surpassed only by Star Wars in terms of the importance of the score to the movie's overall success. I've never been into slashers, but it's interesting to see what basically started them all. I really appreciated some of the filmmaking more than anything else, especially the opening scene.
3	TripleSH	93 _96th
Can you say "the most successful independent film of all time?" I can, and watching this makes you realize just how influential and ahead of its time this film is. The number of bastard children spawned by Michael Myers in immeasurable.
3	djross	78 _89th
An excellent reading of this film, of horror films in general, and of cinema in general, is conducted by Louise Krasniewicz in "Cinematic Gifts: The Moral and Social Exchange of Bodies in Horror Films", in Frances E. Mascia-Lees & Patricia Sharpe (eds.), Tattoo, Torture, Mutilation, and Adornment: The Denaturalization of the Body in Culture and Text (Albany: State University of New York Press, 1992): 30-47. Also, cf. my Criticker review of THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE (1974).
3	BattleToad	79 _57th
A very creepy horror/stalker/thriller film, Halloween, like the the first of many popular horror movie franchises, is actually a pretty decent and scary film. The movie's real scariness comes in the great use of music and the suspense built up because you know everyone is gonna die, you just don't know when or how. Pretty good!
3	Anomaly	79 _72nd
While its thunder has been stolen by many inferior copies, this still packs a punch today. It succeeds because it bleeds atmosphere and genuine suspense: Carpenter's direction makes this work. In fact it's almost refreshing in the face of subsequent slasher films, with its subtlety and lack of relying on constant jump scares. The best part is definitely the score: simple but powerful, and deservedly iconic.
3	frederic_g54	7 _57th
Pretty lame until the 3rd act. Roger Ebert once stated: "I would compare it to Psycho." He was in way over his head...
3	recklessmess	77 _63rd
So like, I'm not that big a fan of these horror type films. It's not because I'm afraid of them, it's just that they're so predictable. Yes, people die. Yes, the bad guy always catches up with them even though he never runs. No, you can't kill him conventionally. Perhaps you can kill him with one of those high powered assault rifles. No, that doesn't work, either. They always find the most creative ways to kill the baddies. Pneumatic nail guns blessed by the pope soaked in holy water.
3	sophie	80 _81st
A horror classic. Contrary to most new films (especially the remake), not bloody but rather suspenseful.
3	Enthusiast	90 _95th
Actually took me twenty years to build up the nerve to watch this a second time; that's how badly it freaked me out as a little kid. While it's not as scary now as it was then (nothing ever is), a palpable sense of dread remains. After years of sopping up muddy, poorly-constructed slashers in its stead, every frame of this film looks like it's shot in bas-relief in comparison. Visually arresting and overall one of the most tonally consistent films I can think of.
3	Obdurate	85 _80th
I wouldn't say it's the scariest movie by any means, but it's certainly creepy some of the time. However, it is well made and interesting, even if we've seen this a million times now. Back then though it would have been fresher. I do love how Myers isn't humanized, and he just struts around like a force of evil, rather than a human. And of course, the theme song, which always adds something to the scenes that it's played, even when it's just the intro credits.
3	chemical404	64 _69th
Well, for one thing, it's well filmed. As you watch this film you feel like you're stalking these squeaky high school girls. It's just how the camera follows characters close enough to see their expressions, but not too close as to startle them. When it does get close it gets for a kill. In my eyes Carpenter's effort as a composer was even better than directing with this film. The story is generic (from todays point of view).
3	moraesfelipe	90 _95th
This is chillier than scarier, but Carpenter's filmmaking is one of a kind: it's the slowest, smoothest and most silent horror flick ever made. Classic. UPDATE: Subjective shots we don't always know if they are killer's POV. When IT appears, it's pure and simple evil. Relentless, unbeatable, crude, folcloric. Greatest stalking shots ever. Kids watching The Thing while Myers strikes. is pure bliss. We stay with his POV, but we don't know him at all. The suggestion of evil is one of a kind.
3	aaaaaaarrggg	100 _97th
Carpenter's creepy classic. This is one of the best, most successful low-budget horror films ever made (costing a mere $350,000, it grossed more than $80 million worldwide), with a beautiful use of widescreen framing (unfortunately lost on the tube) and color composition recalling the films of Mario Bava and Dario Argento. Curtis is warm and appealing in her starmaking role as the besieged heroine, while Pleasence is pure ham as the bug-eyed doc.
3	Judo Koala	75 _53rd
'Halloween''s greatest strength lies not in what's shown, but in what isn't: Carpenter's taut focus on atmosphere over action creates tension in the form of violated spaces, and the potentiality for violated bodies, as opposed to the process of murder itself. It's a slow burn process that finds itself all but eschewed in dozens of obscene slasher films to come over the years, one that demarcates this watershed feature as standing apart from its ilk to this day.
3	hellboy76	77 _93rd
I love that it isn't out the middle of nowhere all the time. I love the score. I hate the tens of thousands of mediocre copies that have come in the decades since.
3	Groovy_Souls	90 _90th
I mean there are sheer points just for the amount of originality in the concept at the time, but even if those were taken away its a damn suspenseful film that I have to say is probably one of my favorites in the slasher genre now. Halloween was super cool and might be heading onto my Halloween watch-list every year now.
3	Jasongirl67	50 _31st
The movie that for better or worse changed the horror genre and inspired (my favorite) Friday the 13th But Is it just me who feels disappointed ? The plot ain't that great the story is beyond slow and Uh....... oh yeah no blood
3	Quintonjamin	70 _66th
The music is great and the set up to the killings is good. It's not that scary and, of course, people make really stupid decisions throughout. Though, Michael Myers is a pretty great villain and I like the different storylines of the doctor and Laurie.
2	Moribunny	35 _19th
Way overrated slasher. Compared to some of the stuff that was being done in the seventies, Halloween is dull and not scary at all.
2	Harmonica	77 _60th
Much imitated iconic slasher flick that actually offers a lot more nuance, drama and atmosphere than you might expect from later genre offerings. Only really surpassed decades later by the post-modern horror classic, Scream.
2	Jherman89	85 _84th
A horror classic.
2	TheDiceman	70 _82nd
The best of the slashers.
2	Alex Watkins	4 _70th
Seen 40 years later, the original Halloween feels so modest given what it spawned: not just a franchise with nearly a dozen titles to its name, but an entire subgenre of horror, the masked-man slasher film. But despite this modesty, it's still a sterling example of the genre, due in no small part to Carpenter's expert staging of the action on a small-town street, making suburbia feel as foreboding as it ever has. And that musical theme is an all-timer.
2	caiman	81 _66th
While not one of my favorite slashers, I can't deny the influence this had on so many horror movies to come. Along with Black Christmas and Bay of Blood, it helped invent the slasher genre as we know it. I enjoy the Michael Myers character, but he just isn't as "cool" as some of the great horror villains to succeed him.
2	nilkynarfy	70 _61st
The atmosphere was really what made it so memorable-- the dirtiness of the abandoned house, the way you could practically feel the chilly fall air and smell the leaves, right down to the cheap horror flicks on the TV sets. All of that really put you there, and made you feel genuinely menaced. However, there's almost no suspense, thanks to the kills being broadcast via POV shot. Plus, well, it's hard to be overly affected by the deaths of characters we've known for like 30 seconds of film.
2	theficionado	88 _87th
Michael Myers is a physically imposing presence that melts into & out of existence. He's human, surprisingly susceptible to injury, & otherworldly, indestructible & ineluctably moving toward some utterly opaque end. The tensions between these different aspects -- the present & the immaterial, the fragile & the immortal, the mundane & the inscrutable -- are themselves pretty unsettling. The whole thing's tight as a drum, a nice slow burn.
2	Shmendrek	4 _83rd
The acting is absolutely terrible, but this is just a classic.
2	nandorizzi	80 _80th
What differentiates this horror movie of others, is his good story. What lack for be perfect, is to be a little more realistic. Even so, a classic.
2	hellsditch	99 _99th
Love it...scared the HELL out of me when I was 12. 25-30 viewings later and I find myself now able to melt into the world that Carpenter and Co. (shout out to Dean Cundey and Tommy Lee Wallace!) create.
2	gtown1479	90 _94th
This movie scared the daylights out of me as a kid. It was the first horror film I saw and was the measuring stick for all others. I liked that it could be scary without having to show much blood and gore. That music is the best.
2	hehejaja	80 _76th
Words are superfluous; this is an effective, moody horror-dish with firm direction. Always a delight.
2	Luna6ix	70 _34th
Having grown up in a post-Halloween world, I can say there have been much better slasher flicks, this may be arguably the first, but it's not the best.
2	muzak66	99 _98th
One of if not the greatest horror movies EVER Made
2	Jeb	95 _87th
Phenomenal Carpenter horror flick! There are no words to describe how amazing and brilliant this film is. Very intelligent and set off Myer's career as a horror icon!
2	Stradivarius	70 _39th
The meat of the movie is confined to the last few minutes and the ending is a little contrived
2	stanthecaddy	99 _99th
As perfect a horror movie as any I've seen. Like two of my other favorite horror flicks- Phantasm and Suspiria- the emphasis here is on style over substance. But whereas those two films become mired down in convoluted, dreamlike narratives, Halloween pairs its visuals and score with a minimal but effective story. As many times as I've seen it, it's still an incredibly eerie flick.
2	astrakhan	67 _11th
It hasn't stood the test of time well, especially after being heavily parodised by the Scream and Scary Movie series. Everything about the production seems very rushed and there is a real lack of attention to detail, ranging from the props and sets to the choices of shot and editing. Very weak character build-up, too. At times as heavy-handed as a student film - Carpenter really seems to have little idea of what and who he ought to be filming. Disappointing.
2	kevinjoseph	72 _79th
Surprisingly awesome cinematography (especially all the wide frame shots). Effective score. I was thoroughly creeped-out for a day or two after.
2	Cinema_Asia	75 _71st
Genuinely strange and very creepy film back when people weren't quite as jaded about horror. Still a solid classic. Ignore the shitty sequels the original was the real deal and the only one worth watching.
2	Rufam	80 _85th
Here's a film that achieves what it sets out to do in the first place: scare. It is impressive that John Carpenter's "Halloween" has been copied, ripped off and even mocked so many times, but it remains one of the scariest thrillers ever made. The director brilliantly utilizes his cast, his camera angles and settings and the result is horrifying.
2	misterlizard	75 _79th
A film that spawned a genre. All the tropes used in later films began here, but until Scream none did it better than this. The minimalist score (and plot) serve to build a sense of unremitting tension. Not as gory as I remembered it to be; in fact it's almost gore-free. But Carpenter's voyeuristic POV filming, the sparse use of Myers as an omnipresent threat, and Curtis' impressive debut all build up into an atmosphere of terror that countless sequels and rip-offs failed to capture.
2	gorejunky	100 _92nd
Absolutely one of the scariest, creepiest movies of all time. This is probably John Carpenter's masterpiece. A must see for every horror fan.
2	glumpy_99	98 _95th
Revolutionary, iconic slasher film ratchets up the tension to extraordinary levels, thanks to Carpenters clever (and endlessly imitated) staging, and a comparatively discreet use of gore in favour of a slow burn build-up. Served by exceptional performances all round (with Curtis' intense scream-queen and Pleasence's calm, unflappable authority figure the stand-outs), as well as a deeply unsettling music score. Much deserving of the 'CITIZEN KANE of horror movies' title.
2	Darren	88 _88th
Kinda want to give this a 100 just to spite those fucking dweebs laughing at this when i saw this on the big screen. Die Die Die
2	GeneSiskel	88 _66th
Don't see "Halloween" in an empty theater on a weekday afternoon. See it on a weekend night in a packed house. "Halloween" is a film to be enjoyed with a boisterous crowd; it's an "audience picture," a film designed to get specific reactions from an audience at specific moments. With "Halloween," the most often desired reaction is screaming. It's a beautifully made thriller -- more shocking than bloody -- that will have you screaming with regularity.
2	SpikyCactus	75 _65th
Top badass moment? Michael Myers, the fashion critic. In 1963 he kills his sister for wearing horrible clothes and because he'd been made to dress up in a terrible clown suit. 15 years later, he comes back to kill off more teens for wearing even uglier outfits. Sadly, as we all know now, this didn't help Mike Myers deal with his existential rage, which later manifests itself in the form of Austin Powers, the pinnacle of bad fashion. No cats, chainsaws or decapitations.
2	ribcage	86 _87th
gosh it's just so tense isn't it? carpenter is a magician, this is magic.
2	bof	85 _92nd
I love how quiet this film is. What would be jump scares are instead lingered on - Michael's curiously cocked head, Laurie's quiet weeping - and the result is a slasher urexample that isn't gory, isn't overly violent, just utterly unnerving.
2	myfavchords	79 _75th
Although this film is a little bit dated I would still recommend it to fans of classic horror films. Some of the dialogue is really silly but check it out to see one of the first modern day slasher flicks.
2	comepelicula	70 _71st
At first I thought I wasn't going to like it, but oh boy what a classic, the setup is so well done and tense that when the horror climax arrives is fantastic. A must see for horror fanatics.
2	hotsake	83 _95th
It always amazes how good this movie is. When you think about it the movie is slow paced, lacks gore and has little on screen violence compared to movie of the same time period. What make the film work are the collection of interesting people and the time the film gives them to tell a good story and allows us to care if only a little. The music is also iconic and might just be the biggest single factor for why this film has become a classic.
2	DesertPunk	76 _63rd
As wonderfully unsettling and disturbing as I remember it being. Pretty much every horror movie made in the last 30 years would be very different without a single William Shatner-faced psychopath.
2	Yiannos	85 _97th
(Viewed on 05/10/13): Carpenter knew what Murnau knew: that real terror lies in the mystery created by elegant shadow play. Carpenter/Cundey's stark chiaroscuro lighting creates an intense atmosphere where the 'boogeyman' takes on a phantasmagoric quality and is like a spectre emerging from a crepuscular void to attack its prey briefly before disappearing into darkness. Endlessly imitated but never equaled, Halloween is the definitive slasher, and it remains Carpenter's magnum opus.
2	backwardsuit	84 _88th
The beginning and end of the classic slasher film. A full course on effective and economical filmmaking.
2	vv238	86 _92nd
Halloween just drips with excellent atmosphere. The lighting tells the mood without the wonderful shot composition, haunting score, and the deliberate editing. Everything about this works and is an example of being more than the sum of its parts. I won't forgive it for spawning the slasher genre but there is a good reason this film has been copied so many times, it simply works at delivering horror.
2	brewcrew	95 _92nd
One of the best films of all time in any genre and a personal favorite. It doesn't get much better than this.
2	k177105	75 _54th
An exemplary presentation of sexual tension and conflict (of incest to some extent) on familial level acting out as crimes committed by a killer with some supernatural power, under the mask of quiet beautiful life in an American suburb (a theme brilliantly interpreted again in BLUE VELVET).
2	JPFerguson	70 _72nd
This is sound and moving image as unrelentingly ominous from opening credits to closing credits, mainly due to Carpenter's brilliantly simple music and the considerable but disciplined use of steadicam for the killer's POV. Carpenter also gets the pacing of the film (and thus the story) just right to ensure the biggest possible pay off for the viewer. Rating likely to increase on additional viewings.
2	MovieCinema	75 _75th
A classic. I get the hype and I definitely enjoyed it, but apart from that, it didn’t blow me away. Although I would recommended as an important part of cinema history
1	bentley82	78 _44th
Classic horror movie that proves horror movies today just aren't what they used to be.
1	svicciarelli	85 _50th
Slow burning but creepy.
1	willofgaia	83 _50th
This is where the modern slasher movie began. Unnecessary nudity, unbelievably stupid main characters, the works. But what this one does right is that it is generally scary.
1	Actionberg	80 _71st
Fascinating not only in its obviously titanic influence on horror, but also because it's full of lots of wonderfully creative flourishes that seemingly didn't make their mark on future films. There are a lot of lengthy, lingering takes that allow the action to get away from them, allowing for a magnificently creepy tone of voyeurism that walks a weirdly fine line between sadism and sympathy. Donald Pleasance is brilliantly Donald Pleasance-ish in this.
1	ServantDagon	87 _75th
A scary ass movie with not much gore, suprisingly.
1	UKSubs	71 _69th
About as good as any horror movie gets in my book.
1	DemiGod	89 _68th
A classic. Go Mike !
1	Filligan	79 _40th
I mean, it's obvious to a modern eye that the film was made on a shoestring budget and John Carpenter was still feeling things out as a director. But this is still dang effective. When you understand that this invented tropes, appreciation goes up, and there are lots of great directorial choices that create tension despite our expectations.
1	TheDenizen	85 _91st
Michael Myers was the first and best of the serialized slashers. This flick is still absolutely nerve-shredding over 30 years later, and 99% of the films that copied it shamelessly never did it as well.
1	irvinejump	80 _84th
The original, with John Carpenter at his gory best
1	lrampartl	45 _22nd
I never liked these movies. As far as a villain, Freddy and Jason were cooler and more interesting, and there were tons of other movies that were more effective at being scary or creepy. I saw it when I was young, and I thought it was lame then, and I think it's incredibly lame now.
1	adrianavb	69 _69th
Really terrifing!
1	Vince Leo (Qwipster's Movie Reviews)	62 _42nd
Halloween has its moments of suspense, and there is a refreshing b-movie quality to it that lets you forgive many of the bad elements, but I personally feel that Carpenter gets too much credit here for being visionary. [Full Review]
1	mysterice	90 _93rd
A horror masterpiece.
1	easydiff	85 _92nd
Impossibly, still has the ability to thrill. All from the simple choice to shoot handheld from the killer's POV. It's atmospheric and bloody brilliant. Can't believe it took this long for me to see it.
1	Askail	80 _89th
Doesn't rely on gore and jump scares thus succeeding to be a scary and enjoyable horror classic.
1	007Tuxedo	76 _81st
A masterpiece in horror. This is something directors nowadays in the genre should take notes on.
1	Kyndryd	100 _91st
JAMIE LEE CURTIS !
1	Nathan S	4 _74th
Still the best slasher flick.
1	CinematicESP	80 _50th
Surprisingly solid. It doesn't get too cheesy, and the cinematography is pretty great. Brilliant suspense. Carpenter rocks.
1	PeaceAnarchy	84 _77th
Thankfully relies more on mood and tension than gore it's quite effective, even though a few parts are rather cheesy.
1	madiso	85 _97th
michael myers best psyhco killer ever and u can t stop him
1	catron	90 _82nd
one of my favorite horror flicks of all time...they just don't make them like this anymore
1	Murravener	83 _73rd
This movie truly invented the slasher film genre, and delivered some serious spine chills for it's time. However when following this series watch this one and Halloween 2, but follow the series no further than that.
1	frankswild	80 _75th
I just rewatched this movie and it is amazing how much Carpenter is able to get from so little. Michael Myers doesn't kill that many people and there isn't a lot of gore or spectacular violence. He just quietly lurks around without any hint of internal monologue or backstory or motivation or humanizing or anything like that.
1	TedDedon	86 _76th
Simply one of the best horror movies around. Halloween is the definitive slasher flick.
1	MJVmovieMan	79 _77th
While it doesn't hold up as well today, Carpenter's classic is certainly the best of the slasher pictures.
1	MonsterGear	81 _67th
A fine example of the "less-is-more" approach, with some startlingly creepy shots. Good stuff.
1	Wuffles	94 _77th
I watch it in black and white. It's better.
1	saucyjack	93 _96th
Sullied by countless sequels and ripoffs, this is one of the greatest horror films of all time. Expertly shot and edited to maximum effect.
1	juice	50 _36th
How does he know how to drive?
1	amerigo	78 _52nd
This movie pretty much gave us the slasher genre. While innovative for its time, it's not particularly entertaining for a modern-day viewer. The same tired old formula has been done for decades after this film was released and sometimes far more effectively. This film is quite frankly obsolete.
1	jacobkosh	80 _51st
One of the best suspense movies ever made. Every other slasher flick since has been dogshit by comparison.
1	Cheesebadger	90 _86th
A classic, that looks to be soon bested by the remake.
1	Bigbear	85 _43rd
Classic horror movie.
1	JMBosch	84 _75th
The quintessential slasher. With expert direction and scoring, Carpenter elicits a whole lot of tension and menace for such a calm, yet brash killer who just does a lot of standing and staring in the daytime. Michael's near-omnipresence is handled well, very suspensefully. Definitely has several clichés in it, but that's mostly because this film started them. The intro scene is fantastic for a '78 horror film too.
1	fleagle	85 _96th
Wrote the book on slasher movies. This is horror 101. Perfectly executed.
1	Dustyd	75 _79th
Not scary anymore, but still well made .
1	Shephard	70 _81st
The original is really masterfully done. No copycats have come anywhere close.
1	imaduck	100 _95th
The perfect horror movie.
1	meerkat	90 _81st
Truly good. It makes me sad that the new one ruins the mystery that made this so effective.
1	Bri-Guy	98 _94th
God scary as hell
1	kylecounts	79 _53rd
A classic horror movie.
1	necro-vision	100 _93rd
GREAT!@!!!
1	Plovis	60 _22nd
Yeah yeah, classic...set the stage for all others....innovative...horrifying at the time...etc. I just recently rewatched this, and all I can really say is that Jamie Lee Curtis attempting to claim this promoted feminism is laughable, and people had to have been very VERY easy to scare in 1978.
1	monclivie	55 _16th
God, she could have killed him at least twice. I hate final girls.
1	sork	35 _23rd
Not a fan of horror films, but this one set the pace for many to come. For that reason, it deserves some credit. And yes, it was rather scary.
1	ruloaas	100 _92nd
Classic
1	psychedelicr	70 _50th
Such a classic! The original scare!
1	panzerwolf	80 _84th
It's got a lot of charm these days for sure. A very minimalistic horror movie, it accomplishes more with one shot than a lot of the modern horror movies manage to do within their entire running time. While the low budget is obvious at times, the cinematography and the iconic soundtrack more than make up for it. I can imagine how scary it must have been back in the day. A true classic. Loved it.
1	kav	89 _89th
Masterfully suspenseful. Just don't expect too much or you'll be disappointed. For what it is, it's fantastic.
1	mattburgess	78 _83rd
Eerie masterpiece of voyeurism and evil in the suburbs. The violence and death sequences are a bit limp and don't have the same punch as the Italian giallos of the same era but the moody atmosphere and camerawork are incomparable.
1	Green Goblin	35 _16th
Awful film. Bad editing, bad graphics (I don't care if it's an independent film). The score was boring and cheap (it would've been special if it was played only once or twice, but not a lot of times). John Carpenter doesn't know how to direct and compose properly. I prefer John Ottman's orchestral version of the theme. I'll only thank Carpenter for creating Michael Myers and Laurie Strode (such great characters). Btw, There was no point of the sex scene, drug use and nudity, really.
1	AshWilliams	90 _90th
Definitely quite good, not so sure if it's any better. There's better Carpenter. I mean -- that's the thing -- the guy has never quite made a full-blown classic but most of his movies are enjoyable and inspired. I guess this one is up there. First of all, first-class soundtrack. Just try listening to it in the dark. And it did invent the modern slasher and avoids all the excesses of the genre by focusing on the unseen, the terror. Yeah, actually, I guess this is a classic.
1	Castroph	10 _99th
Can't believe I saw this as a kid.
1	Jack Boom	95 _92nd
Suspenseful, frightening and classic. Halloween is the originator, suspense over gore, characters you care for, an effective and creepy music score and a killer that's unkillable...I love it!
1	ImThatDingo	93 _92nd
Fun times!
1	UniqueName	79 _58th
They dont make em like they used to.
1	Indicam	70 _63rd
Beautiful
1	Optimus_mike	85 _80th
Amazing.
1	cult_of_same	60 _72nd
Perfect for watching with very sarcastic friends.
1	Hadleyreis	100 _99th
Just perfect.
1	WWallce4prez	90 _95th
John Carpenter's masterclass on tone begins and ends with his crowning achievement. Angled light, calculated sound editing, an active score, and a wandering camera give life to what could have been (as proven by its countless imitators) a bore. We see The Shape early and often, flying in the face of horror edict. At 91 minutes, the deliberate pace is tight and effective. I can't imagine what it was like to see this film when it opened, as it still gives plenty of scares decades later.
1	empiremag	5 _93rd
"Regardless of how silly you think it all is, this will have you scared witless by the time the end credits roll; low budget horror hog heaven."
1	Mechatigger	71 _50th
Well-done, low-budget horror hit. Carpenter knows how to scare his audience.
1	nunstrangler	86 _83rd
John Carpenter's horror classic has been acclaimed "the most successful independent motion picture of all time." Very, very scary--you feel this movie more than see it.
1	moviesinhell	75 _54th
Carpenter's scare-crammed horror hit -- the unfortunate inspiration for several inferior sequels and countless imitations -- deserves its vaunted status as a true terror trailblazer.
1	ABUNCHOFCATS	84 _63rd
Suspenseful horror even though it set the precedent for just about every cliche in slasher history.
1	celticguy94	95 _92nd
The orginal unstoppable slasher. Another essiential for any horror fan.
1	Riverbelle	95 _91st
My favorite scary movie.
1	SirStuckey	80 _78th
Old horror movie that still manages to bring the scares. Mostly because Carpenter is really good at making nearly every moment of his films suspenseful. As a viewer you are in constant agony as you watch Michael Myers stalk Jamie Lee Curtis and her friends. It has problems, notably the weak dialogue and Myers ability to disappear and reappear at will, but you barely notice it while the movie is rolling.
1	Jdiddy381	100 _99th
Easily my favorite horror movie of all time, and probably my favorite horror series of all time.
1	psim	70 _29th
This movie didn't exactly convert me into a slasher fan or made me super excited to check out the rest of the franchise, but it mostly worked for me. The real MVP is Dr. Loomis, he really sells the shit out of the concept that Michael Myers is a superhuman threat, considering that the guy spends two thirds of the movie standing in place and doing nothing.
1	mwgerb	72 _88th
More thrilling than horrifying. The atmosphere that Carpenter creates is intense and the unresolved ending is fantastic. Not very deep, but utterly effective.
1	FrederikA	80 _86th
Litlle plot but much atmosphere, this is indisputably the best slasher film, and the only one you need to expose you self to.
1	vinckl07	95 _56th
Ok I admit it these movies can scare the shot out of me when I let them.
1	pavementSAW	90 _94th
Classic slasher horror. Micheal's lack of a motive makes him an enigma. Micheal works well as unexplainable evil, all he really is is an mask and a knife.
1	Plainview9	95 _91st
As scary as they come. Carpenter at his best
1	vanished	88 _56th
I prefer the older 70's Horror to what they try to pass off now as a horror movie. I lost count how many times i seen this movie as a kid.
1	kgbelliveau	90 _82nd
This film is truly iconic and definitely set the bar for many of the horror films we as audiences have been delighted with the in the decades since. Michael Meyers is recognizable everywhere and the mask has become a symbol of pure evil. Curris and Pleasence set the tone and the tension and it carried through out. This was the film that spawned many sequels, some of which held up and others not so much.
1	newbiepsych	76 _45th
Score's very unsettling.
1	lukey86	100 _93rd
One of the greatest horror films of all time, led to a knew sub-genre, The Slasher Genre. Terrifying, suspenseful and a bit of a downer. A great technical film, with one of the creepiest scores of all time. A must see and own, especially the blu-ray.
1	filman7	85 _33rd
Even though I'm not a horror fan, I like this one and it's sequel only, and consider them to be some of the greatest horror films ever made, for the few I like.
1	mandy	7 _73rd
Looks a bit dated now but still some great moments of suspense.
1	EbelC	70 _72nd
The first segment is great, and after that, the rest of the movie works (didn't reach the 'scary' level, but it keeps the interest). The pity is that it was copied that much that, being already predictable, it's even more obvious when you have seen later movies of the genre. But it still has some interesting specific scenes, and works thanks to direction, music and Myers pasivity and lack of voice. Of course, it wasn't copied without good reasons.
1	thatyoungm	87 _50th
Halloween is a horror classic that really sets the pace for the slasher genre. What makes it so effective, unlike a lot of its imitators, is that the film picks and chooses its moments of violence and gore and really relies on suspense to build its momentum. Also, the simplistic piano score is one of the most spine-tingling and iconic pieces of film score and really adds to the film's intense mood.
1	Mr. Film	88 _67th
One of the greatest slashers
1	PetrosTser	80 _86th
One of the most well-made horror films of all time and a seminar in building tension, maintaining suspense and offering a suitable climax. John Carpenter's music is magnificent and his direction the epitome of horror filmmaking.
1	dunbar	75 _61st
I struggle to watch any horror movie, let alone an early slasher template by now overtaken by more gory and horrifying modern takes on the genre. I am the true scream queen.
1	Noblet	81 _73rd
One of those movies I had seen only pieced together in chunks on cable TV throughout my life until now. It's really damn good. The imitators pale in comparison.
1	snallygaster	26 _15th
The best part is when they drive up to the mental institution only to find the inmates wandering around freely in the night. Other good parts? Michael Myers is effectively ominous. The music is good. But for the most part, this film is just a whole lot of dumb.
1	goookce	85 _83rd
You can't kill the boogie man but you can't throw away the knife twice u super idiot.
1	afx237vi	60 _52nd
Iconic horror that still stands up pretty well today, despite being copied a million times since it was released. A simple story, great pacing, creepy music and a memorable villain, but it mainly works because it has the one thing that most other horrors lack: restraint. The violence and gore is kept to a minimum and Carpenter focuses on the build-up instead - we're scared because of what might happen rather than what is happening.
1	teckgecko	65 _31st
I prefer the psychological horror in Carpenter's remake of The Thing, but this is pretty good with some genuine (and some cheap) scares. Sadly, Loomis' doomsaying often feels like filler and I didn't prefer the overt, punny foreshadowing. Also, an unstoppable, superhumanly strong adversary is certainly scary, but unlike in e.g. The Terminator where's there's an explanation for this, Loomis' vaguely mystical mumbo jumbo about Myers "not being a man" made suspending my disbelief difficult.
1	Alon Reter	71 _74th
This is SO cindy sherman.
1	csidle	60 _9th
I'm usually not one to get hung up about logical inconsistencies and other "tactical realism" stuff, but holy fucking shit there is a limit to what leniency I can show a writer. Halloween is probably one of the best shot horror films I've seen, but the characters and their actions border on Scary Movie level. Horror tropes taken to the max, there are some ridiculous leaps taken to progress the plot, and it completely substitutes tension with frustration.
1	Lord Moe	89 _82nd
A classic. Great suspense and wonderful atmosphere make this the quintessential slasher film. While it drew inspiration from Black Christmas and other films, this is the one that started the slasher craze (for better or for worse). One cannot talk about this film, though, without mentioning its' exceptional soundtrack. So simple yet so effective, it's sure to give you chills.
1	ericambler	80 _77th
John Carpenter builds suspense with old-fashioned cinematic craft in this influential and excruciatingly tense horror classic. From the sparse score to the sly camera movements to the striking compositions, HALLOWEEN doesn't so much announce its violence as plant the seed in your mind and wait...and wait...and wait for it to bloom. Artistically, it's a bit more substantial than its reputation as a visceral gallery of slasher conventions would imply. (Though it's certainly that as well.)
1	basasdura	83 _79th
I'm not a horror movie fan and the following might not mean much but this film is probably the best horror flick I've seen so far. Carpenter is a great director.
1	braddad68	100 _97th
My favorite horror movie! Perfect in every way! Kudos to John Carpenter for everything about this movie, including the amazing music!
1	Hofschneider	60 _13th
She drops the knife! She fucking drops the knive. Right next to him. And why isn't she leaving the house? I mean, come on! Sure, characters in horror movies make terrible decisions. (which always feels slightly sexist) but that was just too much. Ultimately this movie was... baaaaaaad? I mean, it can be groundbreaking but why break this ground?
1	Trooth	80 _82nd
If you want to see the slasher genre in its budding phase, look no further.
1	bakcheia	100 _98th
Honestly, my favorite horror film for forever and ever. Michael Myers is my dad tbh.
1	Ryan Lueders (ReelRyan)	80 _57th
Put on your favorite William Shatner mask and pop some popcorn for this slasher classic. I remember this movie being a lot more scary, but it still is pretty good for how much it has aged. I love Michael Myers as the bad guy, he's silent and deadly. The scene with him wearing the bed sheets as a ghost with the glasses is classic. Jamie Lee Curtis did excellent in this for it being her first feature film...
1	The Pirate	70 _31st
Surprisingly pretty damn boring. For the most part, that is. Myers is a very effectively threatening slasher and Carpenter definitely knows how to frame him in an especially creepy light. But most of the movie is taken down a few tiers by bad acting, dull scenes, and long shots of teenagers walking away from the camera/complaining about not being able to screw boys on halloween.
1	bradtragick	90 _42nd
Classic Slasher Horror at its best... Michael Myers is legendary! Nuff said!
1	htiman	77 _69th
This was an entertaining movie.It was definately too slow, and Myers wasn't involved in it nearly enough. Still, I liked it. The movie set up Myers well, it had a creepy atmosphere, and Myers was an interesting killer even if he seems to be invulnerable. The movie also did a good job with the death scenesI wish it hadn't had such a slow pace, and it seemed like there were several scenes that could have been cut and it would have helped the pacing of the movie but overall its a good horror movie.
1	Ag0stoMesmer	5 _98th
Unforgettable suburban nightmare.
1	Goldbluming	80 _64th
The psycho killer first-person stalking of young women is really uncomfortable and just feels like an experience I don't want to be a part of. But... the soundtrack and the cinematography are out of this world plus this is the most atmopherically Halloween movie there is (perhaps other than Trick 'r Treat), so it's a worthy film in my books.
1	SweetMortal	100 _97th
Halloween set the scene for slashers, giving them an ideal reputation involving a silent stalker that proved suspenseful rather than tedious. Apart from the fantastic use of lighting and shadow, the minimalistic score was one of its best assets, illustrating that when it comes to horror, less is way more. The acting is spectacularly character-driven and also judged on the flexible point that the monster that is being dealt with is a human with a horrifically inhuman personality.
1	magdabag	89 _75th
Definitely one of my favorite slasher flicks. This is the movie that really started it all. Never knew William Shatner could be so fucking creepy.
1	adouble	92 _92nd
Easily one of the scariest horror films ever made. The way this movie builds tension all throughout is second to none, partially thanks to the incredible score. Donald Pleasance also delivers a pretty fantastic performances, and most of the characters are at least more likable than the average slasher teens.
1	talonmalon	90 _81st
For the birth of the slasher genre that became commonplace in theaters, starting in the 1980s, we have Halloween to thank. This is the movie that brought it to mainstream. But, unlike those movies, Halloween relies less on cheap scares and gore, and instead on well established suspense and atmosphere. And, because of this, the movie perfectly frightens with its ninja-like symbol of evil, Michael Myers. Inspired by Alfred Hitchcock, director John Carpenter created a horror classic with Halloween.
1	FloatingHead	90 _88th
My favorite horror film of all time. However, it is not a flick without flaws (Dr. Loomis' over-the-top whining about pure evil being on the loose the whole time being one). So, what makes this such a timeless standout in the horror genre? I'm not entirely certain, but I have a hunch that Carpenter hiring the Devil himself to tickle the ivories on the ole' synthetic piano has a hell of a lot to do with it!
1	Alex WS	65 _48th
Claustrophobic cinematography.
1	VengefulKBM	85 _85th
One of the all-time great horror movies, and the godfather of all slasher films.
1	joenorwood77	80 _71st
"It's Halloween, everyone's entitled to one good scare." Halloween is a classic horror film which as stood the test of time. Unlike a lot of horror films now days that simply flood the screen with blood and guts, John Carpenter does an excellent job of relying more on suspense to engage the audience. Music also plays a large role in setting the tone of the film. There were times where the pace was a little slow for me, but the final 20 minutes is well worth the wait!
1	lisa-	5 _70th
surprised by this one. got a nice b-horror atmosphere, especially the music. some silly character decisions as you'd expect from the slasher genre (don't call the police, and don't keep the knife!), but enjoyable nonetheless.
1	Chronicler	99 _83rd
John Carpenter's breakout hit, Halloween is a suspenseful and scary slasher flick where Micheal Myers escapes from a mental institution and goes back to the house where he murdered his sister some years previously. John Carpenter does well with making Michael Myers terrifying but also makes Laurie stroud and Dr. Loomis very believable as well. it's worth checking out if you like horror films .
1	thereeldeal	55 _21st
I don't think I'll ever understand what makes a man a slasher fan. Is it the tension? The tension that exists for less than 50% of every one of these "classics"? It can't be the teen movie fluff that inadequately bridges the gaps with an awful uninspired script and mediocre acting. You can tell everyone's personality in Halloween from the way they dress. Maybe it's the theme in this one? All right, it's pretty good but so good that it works outside of the movie. Must be Donald Pleasence, yup.
1	JudgeX	60 _51st
"First I rip your clothes off, then I rip my clothes off, then we rip Lindsay's clothes off. Yeah I got it."
1	Boxcars	9 _89th
Groundbreaking and quintessential Horror, "Halloween" has been immortalized due to how its patient pace and strong visual storytelling under Carpenter's deft direction created its terror inducing atmosphere.
1	you	9 _95th
It always takes a fresh rewatch to truly remind me how terrifying this is. Masterful suspense and utterly gorgeous cinematography make it one of the best.
1	EvilMangoes	97 _95th
A
1	mclb1218	100 _99th
Probably the best horror movie of all time.
1	anarchistica	10 _1st
Early on in the movie i noticed how the two nearly identical spooky themes keep repeating. I started over and kept track of this. Carpenter literally uses spooky themes every 3 minutes. Literally. It drove me insane and completely ruined the movie for me. Also, why did they give Myers driving lessions in the insane asylum?
1	Zangin	77 _77th
A fun, creepy slasher film with some eerily beautiful composition.
1	sanchezjaime	100 _64th
By which all others are compared
1	Nyctalope	85 _83rd
The horror film that started it all. Still holds up very well decades later, complete with enjoyable cheesy acting and some legitimately unnerving and tense scenes. A timeless classic.
1	mwestcott	93 _79th
Halloween is quiet, empty, small and cheap by today's standards. Thanks to the creative use of camerawork, light and the impeccable talent of film legend John Carpenter. Halloween is the perfect horror movie because of all those reasons.
1	hairsandwich	93 _69th
Carpenter's classic.
1	adornment	80 _77th
Might not have as much punch as it did in '78, what with some noticeable character flaws and inconsistencies, but this still remains a terrifying classic. John Carpenter doubles up as composer and it fits. The eerie tone is maintained and Jamie Lee Curtis is wonderful!
1	yagozk	68 _20th
While being revolutionary for 1978, this one didn't age well at all. It still has some amazing shots and scenes but it's much more laughable than scary most of the time. Still, huge respects to Carpenter.
1	teemukesk	77 _35th
It is slightly dated and doesn't really scare me, but it's iconic for sure. From the soundtrack to Michael Myers' character, everything is great. And the cinematography was surprisingly good, even haunting with the cold tones.
1	iamianiman	47 _31st
Doesn't age well at all.

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Average Percentile 59.44% from 6394 Ratings