Halloween (1978)
Kernel Score: 84% · 6,077 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Horror, Thriller
Released: 1978-10-24
Runtime: 91 minutes
Is Halloween worth watching?
Must-watch. A killer escapes an asylum and stalks teenage babysitters in a quiet suburb. It's a simple, scary and very well-made horror film that built a whole genre, and its patient suspense still works.
Watch it if you
- love classic slasher films
- enjoy suspense over gore
- want a short, atmospheric scare
Skip it if you
- want modern, fast-paced horror
- dislike slow build-ups
Best for: Halloween night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Halloween
- Stream: Fubo, Philo, AMC+, Shudder, Cultpix, Shudder Apple TV channel
- Free with ads: Fawesome, YOW.tv, Plex, Xumo Play, Mometu
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Fifteen years after murdering his sister on Halloween Night 1963, Michael Myers escapes from a mental hospital and returns to the small town of Haddonfield, Illinois to kill again.
Halloween parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that Halloween is an R-rated slasher classic about an escaped killer stalking babysitters on Halloween night.
- Violence & scariness: Intense — An escaped serial killer stalks and murders victims in a classic slasher killing spree.
- Drinking, drugs & smoking: Some — Teen characters are shown smoking marijuana.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Halloween
If you liked Halloween, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- The Thing (1982) — 93%: Carpenter's other great horror, full of paranoia
- Scream (1996) — 82%: Smart, scary slasher that nods to this film
- A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) — 84%: Another defining slasher with a memorable killer
- The Shining (1980) — 95%: Slow, dread-filled classic horror
- Psycho (1960) — 91%: The original suspenseful horror about a killer
- Assault on Precinct 13 (1976) — 82%: Carpenter's tense siege thriller
Director
Cast
- Donald Pleasence as Loomis
- Jamie Lee Curtis as Laurie
- Nancy Kyes as Annie
- P. J. Soles as Lynda
- Charles Cyphers as Brackett
- Kyle Richards as Lindsey
- Brian Andrews as Tommy
- John Michael Graham as Bob
- Nancy Stephens as Marion
- Arthur Malet as Graveyard Keeper
Halloween FAQ
Is Halloween worth watching?
Must-watch. A killer escapes an asylum and stalks teenage babysitters in a quiet suburb. It's a simple, scary and very well-made horror film that built a whole genre, and its patient suspense still works.
Where can I watch Halloween?
In the US you can stream Halloween on Fubo, Philo, AMC+, Shudder, Cultpix and Shudder Apple TV channel, watch it free with ads on Fawesome, YOW.tv, Plex, Xumo Play and Mometu and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Halloween OK for kids?
Halloween is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Halloween is an R-rated slasher classic about an escaped killer stalking babysitters on Halloween night.
What movies are like Halloween?
If you liked Halloween, try The Thing, Scream, A Nightmare on Elm Street and The Shining.