Discover the Ultimate Ranking of John Carpenter’s 10 Best Movies!

by

John Carpenter, widely known as the undisputed master of horror films, much like Wes Craven, has contributed some of the genre’s most chilling and iconic works. While his filmography isn’t filled exclusively with hits, it’s rare for any director to achieve that. In total, he has directed 18 theatrical feature films. Over time, his filmography saw a decrease in critical acclaim, but even in the later movies, there remains Carpenter’s unique touch that sets them apart. Additionally, Carpenter is often the composer of the soundtracks for these films.

Regarding Carpenter’s work, he continues to create music in the present. Could Carpenter direct another film? One can only hope, but given that The Ward was released 15 years ago, it appears less probable. Nevertheless, it would be wonderful because The Ward and Memoirs of an Invisible Man are among his films that don’t resemble typical Carpenter work. As enthusiasts of Carpenter’s work yearn for a more fitting farewell, one that could rival his best works, or simply put, future productions.

10) Vampires

In terms of later years movies, Carpenter’s “Vampires” surpasses both “Ghosts of Mars” and “The Village of the Damned,” but it also inherits some of their issues. Unlike those two films, where there was a strong start followed by a disappointing conclusion, here, the setup is well executed.

The unique advantage that sets vampires apart from Starman is the performance of James Woods as the vampire hunter Jack Crow. Despite his outspoken and sometimes contentious political views, which may have led to a Hollywood boycott for him, Woods has always been one of the most captivating actors known for his serious demeanor. In this role, he gets to let loose and enjoy himself, and it truly pays off.

9) Prince of Darkness

In contrast to Carpenter’s masterpiece “The Thing”, while “Prince of Darkness” may not reach the same level of greatness, it is more impactful than the following film, “In the Mouth of Madness”. However, both share a common issue found in “In the Mouth of Madness”.

The movie “Prince of Darkness” might be criticized for being too complex and grandiose, which could work against its favor at times. The key lies in how it’s executed. Many fans of Carpenter’s work argue that while the beginning is strong, the ending leaves something to be desired. Among his films, “Prince of Darkness” seems to lose momentum particularly during the third act. Contrastingly, “Prince of Darkness” starts off a bit sluggish but gains pace as it unfolds. The bleak finale, however, is its strongest aspect, leaving viewers with a more favorable impression once the credits finish rolling.

Rent Prince of Darkness on Prime Video.

8) Big Trouble in Little China

As a devoted cinephile, I find myself frequently drawing comparisons between contemporary pop culture gems like “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” and the timeless masterpiece that is “Big Trouble in Little China.” For director John Carpenter, this movie serves as an undeniable testament to his cult-film prowess. The film, much like a Marmite sandwich, seems to evoke either profound adoration or intense dislike; there are few who find themselves ambivalent about its charm.

Even critics who aren’t fans of “Big Trouble in Little China” must acknowledge its distinctiveness, as there’s simply no other movie quite like it, despite the passage of years and the abundance of films produced since then. This uniqueness alone gives it significant value, regardless of whether its style is always easy to understand. With its outrageous visuals, a legendary magic-infused alley brawl, and Kurt Russell at his most endearing, “Big Trouble in Little China” remains a success, although it might require multiple viewings to fully appreciate its qualities.

Stream Big Trouble in Little China on Prime Video.

7) Christine

As a devoted admirer, I’d like to highlight that among the few Stephen King movies released during Christmastime, “Christine” was one such unique film. Contrary to John Carpenter’s expectations for a blockbuster following the financial setback of “The Thing,” “Christine” managed to carve out its own success. Over time, it has rightfully earned recognition as one of the superior King adaptations.

The secret to its achievement lies primarily in the casting (and as always, the music plays a crucial role). John Stockwell and Alexandra Paul deliver captivating performances in their leading roles, yet it’s Keith Gordon’s film that truly stands out. It’s challenging to label Arnie Cunningham as an actual adversary; instead, it’s the 1958 Plymouth Fury he drives that serves as the antagonist. However, Gordon flawlessly portrays Cunningham’s justified anger just as convincingly as every other emotion. Moreover, Cunningham is a character who experiences a wide range of emotions, and Gordon ensures that every stage of his transformation feels genuine to the audience.

Rent Christine on Prime Video.

6) Assault on Precinct 13

In his second film, Carpenter demonstrated his courage as a director with “Assault on Precinct 13.” Despite its intense nature, the movie remains within bounds, even when depicting a little girl being shot near an ice cream truck in the opening scene, never veering into discomfort.

In a nutshell, “Precinct 13” exhibits a strong inclination towards horror before John Carpenter actually ventured into that genre with “Halloween.” It’s dark, tense, and confined, but what makes it stand out is its clever central idea and exceptional acting by Austin Stoker, Darwin Joston, and Carpenter regulars Charles Cyphers and Nancy Kyes.

Stream Assault on Precinct 13 on Prime Video.

5) The Fog

After needing to come up with something different following Halloween, the carpenter opted for a spooky tale and chose The Fog as the result. However, far from perfect, there are parts that don’t quite add up (for instance, how a corpse manages to rise from an autopsy table). Still, when it comes to capturing Carpenter’s unique style during his early career, The Fog certainly reaches the pinnacle.

In this film, several well-loved characters return, and they are utilized exceptionally well, particularly Adrienne Barbeau who shines as Stevie Wayne. However, one could argue that “The Fog” is too short, leaving viewers wanting more even as the credits begin to roll. Yet, if a film’s main issue is that it isn’t lengthy enough, it’s a testament to its quality. Moreover, John Carpenter’s score in this movie is often considered his best work outside of “Halloween.” To confirm this, simply listen to the lively theme that accompanies Andy Wayne’s beach run.

Watch The Fog on Prime Video.

4) They Live

The second part of Carpenter’s cinematic work is highlighted by just one exceptional film: “They Live.” Powered by an outstanding lead performance from the late Roddy Piper, boasting what might be the best fight scene ever captured on film, and culminating in a surprising twist in the closing moments, it’s an exhilarating cinematic experience.

Without a doubt, “They Live” stands as John Carpenter’s most intellectually stimulating film. This film is a sharp and biting critique of consumerism, never shying away from its message. It’s remarkable how Carpenter blended goofy action-horror elements with thought-provoking concepts, making it truly impressive.

Rent They Live on Prime Video.

3) Escape from New York

Forty years after its release, “Escape from New York” remains impactful, sparking discussions about remakes or sequels. It’s undeniably a Carpenter masterpiece. Not only does it feature many of his favorite actors, such as Donald Pleasence, Adrienne Barbeau, Harry Dean Stanton (from “Christine”), Charles Cyphers, Buck Flower, and Tom Atkins, but Isaac Hayes and particularly Kurt Russell stand out. Hayes’ portrayal of The Duke is one of his best performances outside of his role as Chef in “South Park.” As for Russell, despite his extensive career, Snake Plissken is the character that he is most synonymous with, and rightfully so.

The film “Escape from New York” shares some similarities with movies like “Assault on Precinct 13,” “They Live,” “Prince of Darkness,” and “In the Mouth of Madness” in terms of their apocalyptic atmosphere. Additionally, much like its predecessors “Halloween” and “The Fog,” “Escape from New York” features an outstanding soundtrack by Carpenter. Although the music is distinct from these horror classics, it’s equally unforgettable.

Stream Escape from New York on fuboTV.

2) Halloween

In a groundbreaking turn of events, the carpenter’s debut film not only sparked a lasting series of slasher films but also served as a catalyst for numerous other movies in this genre. These include classics like Friday the 13th, The Burning, Valentine, and Scream. Regarding the slasher subgenre, Halloween stands out as its genuine origin, holding more significance than even the earlier works such as Psycho and Peeping Tom.

Essentially, “Halloween” is more than just a horror film; it’s a thriller that subtly builds tension and fear. The character of Michael Myers seems omnipresent, making you feel like he’s always nearby, even if he’s not immediately visible. This film works best when viewed as a standalone piece. This is because the audience isn’t encountering Michael Myers as the central figure of a massive franchise, but rather as a man who escaped from a mental health institution and is now back in his old stomping grounds, targeting the first group of teenagers he comes across. There’s no particular motive or deep emotion driving him; he’s simply there.

Stream Halloween on fuboTV.

1) The Thing

Similar to the early reception of “Blade Runner” and “The Shining,” John Carpenter’s “The Thing” initially struggled commercially and garnered mixed reviews from critics upon its release. However, over time, this movie has been increasingly recognized as a cinematic masterpiece by many viewers, and rightly so.

A remarkable piece with an undeniable impact regardless of repeated viewings, “The Thing” is equally chilling, captivating, and enjoyable. Moreover, one of its key strengths lies in its unprecedented use of terrifyingly realistic practical effects, considered to be the best in the horror genre up until now.

Rent The Thing on Prime Video.

Read More

2025-05-24 19:44