The Most Terrifying Moments in John Carpenter's 'Halloween', Ranked

John Carpenter's original 1978 Halloween continues to gain esteem year after year, despite the numerous inferior sequels that followed. This film, known for its lack of gore, has become a cornerstone of the Halloween franchise, which is now one of the most popular horror series in the world. It can even be argued that the modern age of horror started with this film, as its minimalist and stylish approach has influenced countless filmmakers.

In 2023, some may argue that Halloween is no longer as terrifying compared to the louder and more frantic aesthetics of modern horror films. Additionally, many viewers have only experienced Halloween on smaller screens such as phones, tablets, or TVs. However, the true essence of Halloween lies in watching it on the big screen late at night, preferably on crackling film. The late horror master Wes Craven once said that true fans of scary movies seek an experience that stretches their minds and leaves them exhilarated. Halloween perfectly captures this, making it a mental boot camp of horror. Within this film, Carpenter masterfully crafts the most chilling moments that solidify its status as a genre landmark.

10. The Shape stalks Laurie and her friends

Prior to Halloween, the notion of a sinister force in a typical American town had yet to be exhausted; in fact, it was quite fresh. Following an intense introduction, the film takes a turn and introduces a group of amiable teenage girls led by the intellectual Laurie Strode (portrayed by Jamie Lee Curtis, in her inaugural film role, which propelled her to fame).

Through the streets of Hollywood and Pasadena, ingeniously transformed into the fictional Haddonfield, Illinois, using skillfully hand-painted foliage from the props department, The Shape (played by Nick Castle) silently pursues his unsuspecting victims. Collaborating with Carpenter, her then-boyfriend, the late producer Debra Hill co-wrote the dialogues for the girls, thereby adding an authentic and ordinary touch to juxtapose the impending danger.

9. Opening titles

Carpenter has stated in interviews that he believes Howard Hawks had a greater influence on him than anyone else when creating Halloween. However, the impact of Alfred Hitchcock is evident throughout the film, particularly in the iconic opening titles, which are reminiscent of Hitchcock's collaborations with composer Bernard Hermann.

Despite being made on a small budget, Halloween features a remarkable soundtrack composed by Carpenter himself. The piano theme is incredibly memorable and often sticks in one's mind. The use of a 5/4 time signature, which is not commonly found in music, conveys Michael Myers' unstable mental state and disregard for order, whether consciously noticed or not. Just like every other aspect of the movie, the title sequence is foreboding and artistically crafted.

8. Backseat driver

With a considerable amount of screen time elapsed since the previous death (Halloween boasts a total of five kills, although only four are shown on-screen), a substantial amount of suspense is built as Annie (portrayed by Nancy Loomis) is mercilessly murdered in a brutal yet not overly graphic manner.

The pacing is masterful, with multiple scenes depicting Annie attempting to convince Laurie to take over her babysitting responsibilities so she can engage in some intimate activities. This cleverly injects humor into the storyline and catches us off guard from time to time, despite our awareness of Michael's presence. Just as Annie is about to enter her car, we suddenly notice that it is mysteriously unlocked, with the glass inexplicably fogged. Before we can fully process this, Michael has already seized her in a vice-like grip.

7. Tracking shot/ The death of Judith Myers

Image via Compass International Pictures

The Panaglide camera's innovation and Carpenter's inspiration from the opening shot of Orson Welles' thriller Touch of Evil led to a captivating and continuous introduction that is now possibly more renowned than the original scene. And the surprise? The perpetrator of Judith's brutal murder is none other than her six-year-old little brother, displaying an emotionless, distant demeanor. It was truly an astounding revelation, particularly in the year 1978.

6. End titles. Where is Michael?

The conclusion is even more chilling than the famous opening, leaving viewers with a sense of unease. Initially, it appears that Dr. Loomis has fatally wounded his former patient, but alas, you cannot eliminate the boogeyman.

Michael, once again unseen, accompanies his presence with heavy breathing in familiar locations from the film, while the iconic theme song begins once more. This ending is unparalleled in its ability to unsettle audiences. He still lurks somewhere, but where exactly?

5. Michael escapes from Smith's Grove Sanitarium

Fifteen years after Judith's brutal murder, we are introduced to Michael, now 21 (or possibly 23), under the watchful eye of his concerned doctor. A chain-smoking nurse, adored by fans, disagrees with Dr. Loomis' stern approach towards his patient.

In a gripping turn of events, Michael escapes and attempts to kill Marion (portrayed by Nancy Stephens), leaving her perspective on Loomis' unwavering demeanor forever changed. The expertly crafted scene, with its expressive lighting, captivates the audience. However, the 2021 film Halloween Kills attempts a shot-for-shot homage to this sequence, but falls short in its lackluster and suspenseless execution. It serves as a reflection of the overall disappointing quality of the rest of the film, reaching a new low for the series.

4. Bob-kabob

Halloween specializes in creating eerie and unsettling moments that send chills down our spines, opting for a subtle sense of fear rather than startling jumps. However, it expertly incorporates well-timed jump scares. One standout scene involves Bob, a young lover (played by John Michael Graham), finding himself trapped in a kitchen.

The scene is visually striking, with Bob inexplicably pinned against a wall by a single butcher knife, defying the laws of physics. Michael's iconic head-tilt adds a perfect touch of personality to his portrayal of a soulless killing machine. This film pays meticulous attention to details and uses artistic accents, ultimately surpassing the sum of its individual parts.

3. Climax: the chase, the closet, the corpse rises for one last scare

In his "Kill Count" review of Halloween, renowned horror expert James A. Janisse emphasized the subtle brilliance of Carpenter's film in gradually unveiling its layout. By the end of the movie, which primarily takes place in two neighboring houses on a suburban street, viewers gain a clear understanding of Laurie's potential hiding spots and escape routes from the relentless Shape. The extended finale of Halloween intensifies the terror as a teenage girl battles against unimaginable evil in close proximity. This spine-chilling experience is enhanced when enjoyed in a lively theater filled with enthusiastic film enthusiasts.

2. "Can't I get your ghost, Bob?"

One of the most beloved moments for horror enthusiasts is the unsettling image of Michael wearing a homemade ghost costume, adorned with Bob's glasses over the eye holes. This particular scene stands out as the most intense in the entire film. While the audience is aware that it is not Bob, Lynda (played by P.J. Soles) remains oblivious. As soon as she turns away, her fate is tragically sealed.

This depiction showcases the pinnacle of suspenseful filmmaking, capturing the essence of a fatal misinterpretation. Halloween was a film that evoked strong reactions from its viewers, prompting them to engage with the story and characters even before such interactive experiences were widely popular.

1. Laurie finds the bodies. Michael appears.

With a setup that puts most genre pictures to shame, the true nature of the situation becomes clear to Laurie. Michael has mercilessly killed her closest friends, leaving them displayed like morbid decorations. Trembling with fear, Laurie hides near a doorway, as the score heightens the tension, accompanied by the sound of Michael's breathing. But where is he?

In a stunningly eerie and unforgettable moment, Michael's blank, pale mask appears in the background. This chilling visual was not a spontaneous creation, but rather a result of the talented cinematographer, Dean Cundey, skillfully manipulating exposure and lighting. Cundey's expertise would later make him one of the most highly sought-after directors of photography in the industry, thanks to his exceptional work on this artistically skilled and terrifying genre film.