Halloween (1978)
John Carpenter's landmark slasher film introduced the world to Michael Myers and redefined the horror genre forever.
Halloween - Movie Information
- Original Title: Halloween
- Release Year: 1978
- Directed by: John Carpenter
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Horror, Thriller
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 1h 31m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): October 24, 1978 (Germany - 16), October 27, 1978 (United States - R), January 25, 1979 (United Kingdom - 18), March 14, 1979 (France - 12), December 10, 1979 (India), June 1, 1979 (Australia - R 18+), May 16, 1980 (Brazil - 18), February 1, 1980 (Mexico), April 14, 1979 (Italy - VM14), October 27, 1979 (Spain - 18), December 6, 1979 (South Korea)
- Alternative Titles: Halloween: Predvečer Sviatku Všetkých svätých (SK), Halloween : La Nuit des masques (CA), The Babysitter Murders (US), As Noites de Halloween (PT), Хеловін (UA), Halloween: A Noite do Terror (BR), ハロウィン (JP), 抓鬼节 (CN)
- Production Companies: Compass International Pictures, Falcon International Productions, Miracle Films
- Production Countries: United States of America
Halloween - Plot
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 - Trailer
Watch the official trailer for John Carpenter's Halloween and see the terror unfold:
The night he came home!
Where to Watch Halloween
Looking for where to watch Halloween?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Halloween - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- John Carpenter
Main Cast
- Donald Pleasence
- Jamie Lee Curtis
- Nancy Kyes
- P. J. Soles
- Charles Cyphers
- Kyle Richards
- Brian Andrews
- John Michael Graham
- Nancy Stephens
- Arthur Malet
Writers
- John Carpenter
- Debra Hill
Producers
- Debra Hill
- Moustapha Akkad
Halloween - FAQs
Who plays Michael Myers in Halloween (1978)?
Michael Myers at age 23 is portrayed by Tony Moran in Halloween (1978). The young Michael Myers in the opening sequence is played by Will Sandin. Nick Castle, credited as 'The Shape,' performed most of Myers's movements throughout the film, giving the character his iconic, eerily calm physicality.
Is Halloween (1978) based on a true story?
Halloween is not based on a specific true story, though director John Carpenter drew partial inspiration from a real visit to a psychiatric institution where he encountered a deeply disturbed young patient. The character of Michael Myers is fictional, but the concept of pure, motiveless evil was rooted in that unsettling real-world experience.
Who are the main actors in Halloween?
Halloween (1978) stars Donald Pleasence as Dr. Loomis and Jamie Lee Curtis in her feature film debut as Laurie Strode. The supporting cast includes Nancy Kyes as Annie, P. J. Soles as Lynda, Charles Cyphers as Sheriff Brackett, and Kyle Richards as young Lindsey Wallace.
Where can you stream Halloween (1978)?
Halloween (1978) is available to stream on Shudder, AMC+, Philo, fuboTV, and Cultpix. It can also be rented or purchased on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. Availability may vary by region.
What is Halloween (1978) about?
Halloween follows Michael Myers, who murdered his sister as a child and escapes a psychiatric hospital fifteen years later. He returns to his hometown of Haddonfield, Illinois on Halloween night, stalking a group of teenage babysitters while his psychiatrist Dr. Loomis desperately races to stop him.
What is the age rating for Halloween (1978)?
Halloween (1978) is rated R in the United States, meaning viewers under 17 require accompanying adult supervision. In the UK it carries an 18 certificate, and in Germany it was rated 16. The film contains scenes of violence, threat, and adult content consistent with its slasher horror genre.
How much did Halloween (1978) make at the box office?
Halloween (1978) was made on an extraordinarily modest budget of approximately $325,000 and went on to gross over $70 million worldwide. This remarkable return on investment made it one of the most profitable independent films ever produced at the time and cemented its status as a commercial landmark.
Who directed and composed the music for Halloween?
Halloween was both directed and scored by John Carpenter. He composed the film's iconic, minimalist piano theme in 5/4 time, which he reportedly wrote in under an hour. The score is widely regarded as one of the most recognizable and influential pieces of music in horror film history.
More About Halloween
Explore further details about Halloween on these authoritative resources: