Halloween

Halloween

Year: 1978

Runtime: 91 min

Language: English

Director: John Carpenter

ThrillerHorror

On a chilling Halloween night in 1963, six-year-old Michael Myers' innocence is shattered as he commits a horrific act of violence against his 17-year-old sister Judith. Fifteen years later, the now-twenty-one-year-old Myers escapes and returns to Haddonfield, driven by an insatiable thirst for bloodshed, seeking new prey in this desolate town on All Hallows' Eve.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Halloween yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Halloween (1978)
Trace every key event in Halloween (1978) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.
1

Judith's Murder

On Halloween night in 1963, a young Judith Myers is home with her boyfriend when a figure named Michael, her younger brother, stalks them. After they share intimate moments, Michael brutally stabs Judith to death, marking the beginning of his violent legacy.

October 31, 1963 Haddonfield, Illinois
2

Michael's Escape

Fifteen years later, on October 30, 1978, Dr. Sam Loomis and his nurse Marion Chambers are called to transport Michael Myers from Smith's Grove to a hearing. Michael, fully aware of his surroundings, seizes the opportunity to escape, resulting in chaos at the sanitarium.

October 30, 1978 Smith's Grove
3

Laurie's School Day

The following day, Laurie Strode leaves her house to walk to school, where she encounters Tommy Doyle and drops off a key at the Myers house. Unknown to her, Michael is already stalking her as she unknowingly passes the haunted home.

October 31, 1978 Haddonfield, Illinois
4

Dr. Loomis's Fears

At Smith's Grove, Dr. Loomis discusses his concerns with other doctors, trying to raise awareness about Michael's imminent return to Haddonfield. Frustrated by their disbelief, he sets off to protect the town from Michael's potential rampage.

October 31, 1978 Smith's Grove
5

Michael's Watchful Stare

While sitting in class, Laurie spots Michael's car parked ominously outside her school. Fear grips her as she realizes he is watching her, intensifying her anxiety for the night ahead as she prepares for her babysitting job.

October 31, 1978 Haddonfield High School
6

Tommy's Encounter

As children leave Haddonfield Elementary School, Tommy Doyle is bullied by classmates, bringing back the legend of the boogeyman. Miraculously, he soon finds himself face to face with Michael, who frightens away one of the bullies.

October 31, 1978 Haddonfield Elementary School
7

The Babysitting Plans

Laurie and her friends, Annie and Lynda, discuss their plans for the night as they prepare for babysitting. Lynda ends up calling Laurie to chat while Michael lurks nearby, ready to disrupt their seemingly innocent plans.

October 31, 1978 Haddonfield, Illinois
8

Annie's Death

As Annie babysits Lindsey Wallace, she falls victim to Michael's stalking. Michael murders Annie in the kitchen, leaving her lifeless body for Laurie to find later, further escalating the horror of the night.

October 31, 1978 Wallace House
9

Laurie's Discoveries

Laurie, babysitting Tommy and Lindsey, becomes alarmed when she notices the absence of her friends. Upon checking the Wallace house, she discovers a series of brutal murders, including Annie's horrifying death.

October 31, 1978 Wallace House
10

Laurie's Fight

In a tense confrontation, Laurie battles Michael after he viciously attacks her. Using a knitting needle, she manages to temporarily incapacitate him and escapes with the children, desperately trying to survive until help arrives.

October 31, 1978 Doyle House
11

Dr. Loomis Joins the Chase

Dr. Loomis, having realized Michael's presence in Haddonfield, rushes to the spots where he believes the killings are taking place. He desperately tries to locate Michael before more innocent lives are lost, becoming a fierce protector of Laurie and the children.

October 31, 1978 Haddonfield
12

The Final Confrontation

As the night reaches its climax, Laurie comes face-to-face with Michael once more. In a fierce struggle, she believes she finally kills him, but he surprisingly rises again, leaving behind a trail of chaos and uncertainty.

October 31, 1978 Doyle House
13

Loomis's Determination

Dr. Loomis arrives just in time to witness Michael's attack on Laurie. In a desperate attempt to save her, he shoots Michael multiple times, believing he has ended the threat once and for all.

October 31, 1978 Doyle House
14

Michael's Vanishing

After being shot multiple times, Michael appears to be dead, but when Loomis looks outside, Michael's body has mysteriously vanished. The evil that disturbed Haddonfield is still lurking, leaving a haunting sense of dread.

October 31, 1978 Doyle House
15

The Haunting End

The film concludes with a chilling shot of the Myers house. Michael’s heavy breathing can be heard, suggesting that the terror is far from over and that he still lurks in the shadows, waiting for his next opportunity to strike.

October 31, 1978 Myers House

Last Updated: January 18, 2025 at 14:36