Login Freeze

I decided to install Ubuntu 18.04.1 on my MSI laptop last night for a couple of different reasons, but I've had nothing but freezing issues since attempting the install. Granted, I'm new to Linux, but the installer is very straight forward. So my freezing issues happened as followed:

1. I was able to reboot successfully after the initial installation to reach the login screen. When I typed in my password my PC would freeze both the mouse and keyboard, and wouldn't go to desktop. So I reinstalled Ubuntu.
2. After the second installation I would click the "Restart Now" button, and my computer would freeze. I held the power button until the machine turned off, waited about thirty seconds, turned it back on, got the login screen, and once again a freeze after entering my password. This led me to install number three.
3. I went through the installation once more, this time turning on the auto-login feature. Got to the end of the install and a freeze once again after clicking to reboot my machine. Turned machine off, waited, powered on, and then reached the desktop no issue. I didn't like having the auto-login feature active though, so I turned it off and went about removing some games from Ubuntu that I wouldn't play. After removing those games I tried to start a movie but the machine froze once again. Turned off, waited, powered on, login screen, and now another freeze after entering my password.

Update:

I decided to try a different flavor of Ubuntu last night, Kubuntu to be exact. This time I made sure to verify the download by comparing the checksums. I went the install with no hitches until the reboot stage where it once again froze. Turned the PC off, waited, turned on, and was able to login successfully with my password. So at least that isn't an issue anymore. My new issue is that my laptop freezes when I try to restart or shut down.