In 1978, John Carpenter released Halloween, introducing the world to the silent and horrifying serial killer, Michael Myers. Carpenter’s film was a game-changer and kicked off a golden age of slasher horror, paving the way for classics like Friday the 13th and A Nightmare on Elm Street. Obviously, Halloween is the go-to film for the titular holiday every year, but its legacy spans far beyond that. From the costumes to the memes, to the film references, Halloween isn’t simply an old horror movie from the 1970s — it’s a cultural phenomenon. It has endured a seemingly endless spew of critically panned sequels and reboots (save for David Gordon Green’s 2018 sequel) and has managed to remain terrifying after 40 years. But why? This video essay chronicles the lasting legacy of Halloween, a film that has simply refused to die.
Watch Now: Fandor’s staff picks out movies to give you nightmares, forevermore. You’re welcome.
Here at Fandor, we’ve got spooky editorials like “Halloween” has sequels. Check out The Best Horror Cinema of the 21st Century, The Matriarchs of Horror, and 5 Movie Children that are the Stuff of Nightmares. Plus, don’t miss our review of David Gordon Green’s stellar sequel to the John Carpenter original.
