HBO Max Brings Back Fan-Favorite Slasher Sequels Just in Time for Halloween

HBO Max has added several popular slasher sequels just in time for Halloween, but fans looking for the original films might be disappointed.

While the classic 1978 Halloween by John Carpenter isn’t available on the platform, the service added Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers, H20: 20 Years Later, and Halloween: Resurrection to its lineup on October 1. Additionally, the horror crossover Freddy vs. Jason is now streaming on HBO Max.

The sequels included all come from the same era of the Halloween series, making it possible to watch that part of the Michael Myers story in order.

The three direct Halloween sequels were released by Dimension Films, which likely explains their presence on HBO Max, while Freddy vs. Jason was distributed by New Line, now owned by the streamer’s parent company.

Fans of the franchise, however, still face challenges when trying to stream the original Michael Myers movies. The Halloween series has always been complicated when it comes to streaming rights.

According to statements from producer Jason Blum, while Halloween Ends was intended to conclude the new timeline set by the 2018 reboot, there could still be more films in the future. Blum told fans in October 2021, “I would love to extend it. If Malek [Akkad] would like us, I’d love to extend it… but we’re very busy making sure the third movie is spectacular because that’s our immediate job.”

Director David Gordon Green and star Jamie Lee Curtis also reflected on the franchise’s future. Green said the ending with Curtis’ character, Laurie Strode, could be a stopping point but left the door open for new storytellers to continue the mythology.

Curtis herself confirmed in an essay for People that Halloween Ends marked her final appearance, while her co-star Jude Courtney echoed this to Screen Rant, saying he felt done with the role after seeing the franchise as a progression from playoffs to a Super Bowl-like finale.

Blum later clarified that while Halloween Ends wouldn’t necessarily be the final movie in the franchise, it would be the last Halloween film produced under Blumhouse Productions, with rights reverting to Malek Akkad.

By October 2023, Miramax acquired the Halloween television rights and plans to develop a new series. Marc Helwig revealed in March 2024 that the new show will serve as a creative reset, spinning out from the original film rather than continuing the recent storylines.

For fans, HBO Max’s additions are a fun way to revisit some of the classic sequels, even if the original film is still missing. Personally, it’s exciting to see both sequels and potential new adaptations keeping the Halloween legacy alive. Are you planning to watch the HBO Max sequels or waiting for the original? Share your thoughts in the comments.