10 Most Intense Moments From The Halloween Movie Franchise

John Carpenter's Halloween is a masterclass in sustained tension, from the film's iconic opening sequence onward. In a film which never lets up, picking out the film's most intense sequence is no easy task. However, the showdown between Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis) and Michael Myers (Nick Castle) is where the film reaches its climax, as Laurie attempts to evade the Shape, hiding herself away in the household closet.

All the beleaguered babysitter succeeds in, however, is getting herself cornered by the knife-wielding maniac. With his prey seemingly trapped, Michael comes at her in a series of frenzied attacks, tearing off the closet's slats and smashing his way inside. A cornered Laurie can only look on as Michael Myers closes in... desperately fighting back, with a clothes hanger, of all items. Taking a hook to the eye, the Shape is temporarily disabled, giving Laurie the opportunity to escape and, ultimately, survive the night.

Laurie Strode and Michael Myers would continue this terrifying dance through a number of sequels, reboots and remakes - but none of their subsequent encounters have been so effective as this, the Halloween franchise's cleanest, slickest, and most nerve-shredding sequence.