The Most Terrifying Versions of Michael Myers

in Movies & TV

Michael Myers in 'Halloween' 2018

Credit: Universal Pictures / Miramax / Blumhouse Productions

Michael Myers is one of the most terrifying figures in horror—his expressionless white mask and hollow black eyes make him the stuff of nightmares. But no two Michaels are the same. Beyond John Carpenter’s original Halloween (1978), The Shape’s overall look (including the mask) changes drastically between films.

Even direct sequels like Rob Zombie’s Halloween II (2009) and the middle and final chapters in David Gordon Green’s Halloween trilogy (Kills and Ends) give the Haddonfield bogeyman a different look from their predecessors. Simply put, Michael looks different in every single movie. But here are his most nightmare-inducing appearances.

Goblin Michael

Curse Brings a Very Otherworldly Presence to the Bogeyman

Say what you will about the awful Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers (1995), but it features a truly terrifying version of Michael Myers. While the switch from George P. Wilbur to A. Michael Lerner for reshoots is obvious (Lerner’s a lot less bulky and more “V-shaped”), the haunting goblin-style mask stays the same.

As such, Curse‘s depiction of the Haddonfield bogeyman is one of the film’s few silver linings. The uneven, somewhat distorted mask and the mangy hair also give Michael a much-needed otherworldly appearance, which is fitting in this film considering he’s supposed to be under the control of a supernatural cult.

Michael Myers (Tyler Mane) about to kill Bob in Rob Zombie's 'Halloween'
Credit: Dimension Films / Trancas International Films

Related: All NINE ‘Halloween’ Timelines Finally Explained

Giant Michael

Rob Zombie’s Remakes Take Michael to Terrifying New Heights

Tyler Mane’s towering Michael Myers proves that it’s not all about the mask. At 6′ 7”, Rob Zombie’s vision of the bogeyman is an absolutely terrifying force of nature. While the mask is still pretty unnerving, in Halloween II (2009), half of it is missing, yet his appearance is just as chilling because of his height.

Mane’s version of The Shape is also incredibly strong. Michael has always seemingly possessed supernatural strength, but there’s something about this beastly and hulk-like reimagining that tells you six bullets and a tumble over a balcony won’t leave a scratch even if he happens to be 100% mortal.

Michael Myers emerging from the fire in 'Halloween Kills'
Credit: Universal Pictures / Miramax / Blumhouse Productions

Related: Every ‘Halloween’ Movie Ranked Worst to Best

Battle-Damaged Michael

Kills Gives Us a Michael Myers Straight From Hell

Halloween Kills (2021) is one of the most divisive entries in the entire series (which is really nothing new for Halloween). Fans and critics came down extremely hard on some of the dialogue and storytelling decisions, but there are two things no one was complaining about: Michael Myers himself and the many gory kills.

Reprising his role from Halloween (2018), James Jude Courtney brings a truly terrifying essence to the character. This time, after being left to burn alive in Laurie Strode’s house, Michael re-emerges from the flames with a half-charred face and mask to unleash his fury upon the people of Haddonfield like never before.

Michael Myers in the 'Halloween Kills' poster
Credit: Universal Pictures / Miramax / Blumhouse Productions

Related: 5 Scenes In ‘Halloween Ends’ That Prove Michael Myers Is Supernatural

Young Michael 2.0

Kills Re-Creates the Original Michael, but With a Fresh Look

If there’s something else the divisive 2021 sequel gets right besides Michael Myers and the many kills, it’s the 1978 flashbacks that transports fans back into the world first created in John Carpenter’s original Halloween. And with them, the 21-year-old version of the Haddonfield bogeyman.

Slipping into a clean, brand-new mask (which looks even better than the Captain Kirk design of the 1978 film) and coveralls is stunt coordinator Airon Armstrong, who seamlessly carries forward Nick Castle’s stealthy demeanour. But he also brings his own flavor to Myers without deviating from canon, feeling stronger, faster, and more determined.

Do you agree with this ranking? Which version of Michael Myers do you think is the most terrifying? Let us know in the comments down below!

in Movies & TV

Be the first to comment!