Halloween (1978)

Halloween (1978), directed by John Carpenter, is a seminal slasher film that revolutionized the horror genre. The story follows Michael Myers, a masked killer who escapes from a mental institution 15 years after murdering his sister. On Halloween night, he stalks teenager Laurie Strode (played by Jamie Lee Curtis in her breakout role) and her friends in the quiet town of Haddonfield, Illinois.
Carpenter’s minimalist direction, combined with his iconic, tension-building synth score, creates an atmosphere of relentless dread. The film relies on suspense and psychological terror rather than gore, making it a masterclass in building tension. Donald Pleasence also delivers a memorable performance as Dr. Loomis, the psychiatrist determined to stop Myers.
Halloween was made on a modest budget but became a massive success, influencing countless slasher films and spawning a long-running franchise. Its legacy endures as one of the most iconic and influential horror films of all time, cementing Michael Myers as a timeless figure of fear.