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Ranking the Most Iconic and Brutal Kills in the ‘Halloween’ Franchise

Michael Myers in 'Halloween: Resurrection'
Credit: Dimension Films / Nightfall Productions / Trancas International Films / Miramax Films

With Halloween creeping around the corner, it’s the perfect time to revisit some of the wildest, most gruesome kills from the Halloween franchise. While Michael Myers has been terrorizing the residents of Haddonfield for decades, he’s also been quite the artist when it comes to creative slashing. So let’s take a look at some of the most memorable, over-the-top kills from the series.

Michael Myers (Tyler Mane) about to kill Bob in Rob Zombie's 'Halloween'

Credit: Dimension Films / Trancas International Films

Related: Every ‘Halloween’ Movie Ranked Worst to Best

1. Bob Simms — Halloween (1978)

Kicking off with the original Halloween (1978), we have one of the most iconic deaths of the franchise. Poor Bob Simms (John Michael Graham) decides to check out a suspicious noise in the kitchen. What does he get for his curiosity? Michael Myers (Nick Castle) lifts him off the ground and pins him to the wall with a giant kitchen knife. This moment not only set the tone for the rest of the series, but it also gave us Michael’s famous “head-tilt” — the bogeyman’s oddly contemplative moment after a brutal kill.

2. Karen Bailey — Halloween II (1981)

Who knew a relaxing soak in a hospital’s hydrotherapy tub could end so violently? Nurse Karen Bailey (Pamela Susan Shoop) sure didn’t. While enjoying some down time before her shift at Haddonfield Memorial, Michael Myers (this time played by Dick Warlock) gives her an unwanted facial in the form of repeated dunks into scalding water. It’s one of the most brutal and painful-looking kills in the series, making us rethink any pre-shift hot tub plans.

3. Brady — Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers (1988)

While Michael Myers has seen many versions throughout the years, the kill quality stayed pretty high in Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers (1988). Poor Brady (Sasha Jenson) thinks he can take on Michael Myers (George P Wilbur) with a rifle. Big mistake. Michael isn’t interested in firearms — he tosses it aside, lifts Brady up by his head, and breaks his face like a piñata at a Halloween party. Ouch!

Michael Myers attacking someone in 'Halloween Kills'

Credit: Universal Pictures / Miramax / Blumhouse Productions

Related: Does Michael Myers Actually Talk In ‘Halloween Kills’?!

4. John Strode — Halloween 6: The Curse of Michael Myers (1995)

John Strode (Bradford English), the series’ resident misogynist and all-around jerk, meets a fitting end in Halloween 6: The Curse of Michael Myers (1995). After stumbling around his basement like every horror character who’s ever heard a noise, he runs into Michael. Strode’s gut meets a fuse box, and with the power of some good old-fashioned electrocution, his head explodes like a gruesome jack-o’-lantern. It’s both cathartic and stomach-turning — a win-win for slasher fans.

5. Howard Boggs — Halloween II (2009)

Rob Zombie’s Halloween II (2009) is known for cranking up the gore, and one of the most jaw-dropping moments is when Michael Myers (Tyler Mane) goes full Hulk on a strip club employee, Howard Boggs (Jeff Daniel Phillips). Michael stomps on his head repeatedly until it’s as flat as a pancake, though probably not one you’d want to eat. This one’s tough to watch, but it’s certainly unforgettable.

6. Unnamed Firefighter — Halloween Kills (2021)

One of the most talked-about moments in Halloween Kills (2021) involves Michael Myers (James Jude Courtney) taking on a group of firefighters. While they rush to put out a blaze, Michael rushes to put them out first. The most memorable of these kills is when he impales a firefighter with a crowbar, lifts him up into the air, and then tosses him like a ragdoll. It’s as brutal as it gets and shows that no one is safe from Michael’s wrath — not even first responders.

Michael Myers trapped in the fire at the end of 'Halloween' (2018)

Credit: Universal Pictures / Miramax / Blumhouse Productions

Related: All NINE ‘Halloween’ Timelines Finally Explained

7. DJ Willy the Kid — Halloween Ends (2022)

Halloween Ends (2022) gave us a new bogeyman, Corey Cunningham (Rohan Campbell), who takes up Michael’s mantle for a bit. One of the most shocking kills of the film is when Corey takes out radio DJ Willy the Kid (Keraun Harris). Corey smashes Willy’s face into the desk so hard that his jaw is left hanging, and to top it off, he cuts off the DJ’s tongue with scissors. A real nasty death.

So, whether you’re a fan of the original slasher classic or the more recent bloodbaths, the Halloween franchise delivers some of the most creative (and painful-looking) kills in horror. Just remember — never go check out that strange noise in the kitchen. You never know what (or who) might be waiting for you!

What are your favorite kills from the Halloween franchise? Let Disney Dining know in the comments down below!

About Daniel Roberts

Dan is a huge fan of Star Wars, Disney, Jurassic Park, Ghostbusters and Harry Potter, and has written for numerous entertainment websites.

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