An Odd Trio of ‘Halloween’ Movies Is Returning to Theaters

The latest movies to come back to theaters are the Halloween franchise, which makes sense since it’s spooky season. But instead of just the original film or the more recent trilogy, we’re getting three installments that’ve been surprisingly grouped together.

Along with the original 1978 Halloween, both Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers and Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers are also coming back to the big screen. The trio’s cinematic return comes courtesy of Trancas International Films and CineLife Entertainment.

While the press release features quotes from CineLife and Trancas executives about the franchise being perfect for the season and the joy of the cinematic experience, the reason for this specific trio is a bit confounding. Trancas has been involved with the Halloween films since the first movie—the second and third films being the sole exceptions—but that’s the only real link between these movies. 

The two Halloween sequels take place a decade or so later from the original movie, with Michael Myers—played by George P. Wilbur in 4 and Donald L. Shanks in 5—waking up from a coma at the start of each film and spending both of them trying to kill his niece, Jamie Lloyd (Danielle Harris). Both films are part of the “Thorn Trilogy” arc that’s mostly explored in the sixth film, 1995’s The Curse of Michael Myers. Neither Return nor Revenge was critically well-regarded upon release, but of the two, Return has been looked at more favorably in the years since.

You can head to the theater to see the first Halloween, Return, or Revenge in select cities. The first film is screening starting tomorrow, September 19, and the re-releases are expected to last through the end of October. You can check local showtimes here.

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