Streaming Now: Fresh Thrills Await in the Latest ‘Halloween’ Movie Addition

in Movies & TV

Laurie Strode stalked in 'Halloween' 1978

Credit: Universal Pictures / Blumhouse Productions / Miramax

Halloween is just two nights away, which would normally mean that Michael Myers will soon be lurking on street corners and hiding behind garden bushes. Unfortunately, like the last two spooky seasons, there are no Halloween movies heading to theaters this year. The latest trilogy of films from director David Gordon Green and Blumhouse concluded with Halloween Ends (2022), which followed Halloween (2018) and Halloween Kills (2021).

Despite grossing $105.4M worldwide against a budget of $33M, Halloween Ends was met with mixed to negative reviews from audiences and critics. The main point of criticism was that Michael Myers (James Jude Courtney) was relegated to the background so that the film could focus on trilogy newcomer and bogeyman successor Corey Cunningham (Rohan Campbell). Consequently, there was also no room for the long-awaited Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis) versus Michael Myers showdown the previous two films had teased.

Corey Cunningham as Michael Myers killing in the junkyard in 'Halloween Ends'
Credit: Universal Pictures / Blumhouse Productions / Miramax

Related: Every Michael Myers Mask Ranked in the ‘Halloween’ Movies

But the film has its defenders. While it feels more like a spinoff than a sequel and fails to tie up loose ends established in Halloween Kills (Laurie seems to have forgotten that Michael killed her daughter, Karen Nelson, and what happened to police officer Frank Hawkins being the one who needs to take Michael down once and for all?), Halloween Ends isn’t a terrible film by any means. Despite its shortcomings, it’s one of the strongest films in the Halloween franchise. Still, it has left many fans hungrier than ever to see Michael Myers return.

Fortunately, though, the bogeyman is making yet another comeback.

A Halloween television series currently in development with Trancas and Miramax will pave the way for a shared cinematic universe that will include more films down the line. While there’s no release date for the series, fans can rest assured knowing that Michael is coming home. Until then, we have all 13 Halloween movies to keep us entertained (although you might wish to skip over Halloween III: Season of the Witch, Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers, Halloween 6: The Curse of Michael Myers, and Rob Zombie’s Halloween).

Michael Myers (James Jude Courtney) at the burning house in 'Halloween Kills'
Credit: Universal Pictures / Blumhouse Productions / Miramax

Related: Does Michael Myers Actually Talk In ‘Halloween Kills’?!

But while there are no new installments hitting theaters, a brand-new Halloween film has been released online. A fan-made feature titled Halloween Stalks II (a sequel to 2023’s Halloween Stalks) from writer/director Domnick Cousineau-Benoit is now available to watch in full, and it’s surprisingly solid. Not to put fan films down in any way, but it goes without saying that they’re rarely as good as the entries in the franchise they’re paying homage to. But Halloween Stalks II could be considered part of the official series of films.

The film centers on a mother and her young son who’s terrified of the bogeyman — and his fears are validated and then some when Michael Myers AKA The Shape (Samuel Racicot) shows up to do some trick-or-treating. Watch the full film below:

Related: Every ‘Halloween’ Movie Ranked Worst to Best

Previously, Halloween Stalks II was removed from YouTube following its initial release, however, after reworking the score, the filmmakers have now been able to re-release the film online. Here’s the official description for Halloween Stalks II:

When a ghostly figure shows up at their door late at night on Halloween, a mother and her young son are thrown in a cruel game of cat and mouse. As the stalker wreaks havoc, their fight for survival unveils a terrifying truth… the Boogeyman is real.

As of October 29, the video has amassed 90, 326 views on YouTube.

Where Can I Watch the New Halloween TV Series?

There’s no release date for the upcoming Halloween TV series. Meanwhile, if you want to watch Michael Myers make carved pumpkins out of the residents of Haddonfield, a new Halloween video game titled “RetroRealms: Halloween” is now available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, and Steam.

What do you think of Halloween Stalks II? Let us know in the comments below!

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