When you think of horror icons, one of the first names that should come to mind is the legendary John Carpenter. With a career spanning decades, Carpenter has redefined the genre through his iconic films that continue to influence filmmakers and terrify audiences to this day. Overall, his impact on horror is immeasurable, and his work continues to shape the future of the genre.
However, not all of his horror films are necessarily worth a watch. While many of his movies have become cultural landmarks, some failed to live up to the high expectations set by his most iconic works. In this list, we’ll explore which John Carpenter horror films are absolute must-sees and which might leave you feeling less than satisfied.
Halloween (1978)
- Cast: Donald Pleasence, Jamie Lee Curtis, P. J. Soles, Nancy Loomis
- Verdict: Watch
- Where to watch: Xumo Play, Philo, or Plex for free, AMC+
Halloween is the slasher of all slashers! I mean, this movie literally set the blueprint for the slasher genre. Without this film and its iconic villain, Michael Myers, there wouldn't be Ghostface, Freddy Kruger, Jason Voorhees, or any of the modern-day slasher villains.
Serving as the first movie in the Halloween film franchise, the story takes place in the fictional town of Haddonfield, Illinois, and revolves around a teenage babysitter named Laurie Strode. Laurie becomes the target of Michael Myers, a masked killer who escapes from a mental institution and returns to Haddonfield. He begins relentlessly stalking Laurie, forcing her into a deadly game of survival.
Vampires (1998)
- Cast: James Woods, Daniel Baldwin, Sheryl Lee, Thomas Ian Griffith, Maximilian Schell, Tim Guinee
- Verdict: Skip
- Where to watch: Pluto TV for free or available to rent or buy on digital platforms
Vampires just isn't one of Carpenter's strongest works. This movie suffers from a weak storyline, underwhelming special effects and villain, inconsistent tone, and unconvincing acting. In other words, the flaws outweigh the strengths. So, I'm going to have to say this is a skip.
After the murder of his parents by bloodsucking vamps, Jack Crow is hellbent on taking down every vampire he comes across with the help of his team of vampire hunters. However, he finds himself in a tricky situation when he comes face to face with a powerful and ancient vampire with a deadly plan.
The Fog (1980)
- Cast: Adrienne Barbeau, Jamie Lee Curtis, John Houseman, Janet Leigh, Hal Holbrook
- Verdict: Watch
- Where to watch: Prime Video for free
The Fog saw Carpenter and Jamie Lee Curtis collaborate again after Halloween. From its slow-burn suspense to its haunting score and strong performances, this movie deserves a spot on every horror fanatic watchlist.
Set in a small California coastal town on the 100th anniversary of its founding, a mysterious fog suddenly envelops the town and a bunch of vengeful spirits appear, seeking revenge on the descendants of those responsible for their deaths.
Village of the Damned (1995)
- Cast: Christopher Reeve, Kirstie Alley, Linda Kozlowski, Michael Paré
- Verdict: Skip
- Where to watch: Available to rent or purchase on digital platforms
Village of the Damned had such a unique premise, but it ultimately fell short and lacked impact. Unfortunately, it failed to provide the suspense and horror fans expect from Carpenter, and its pacing issues further hindered the viewing experience.
The story takes place in a small town in California, where a group of alien children posing as humans use their abilities to manipulate and harm the adults. Now, it's up to the local doctor and a federal agent to uncover the truth behind the children’s origins and put a stop to their dangerous influence over the town.
Christine (1983)
- Cast: Keith Gordon, John Stockwell, Alexandra Paul, Robert Prosky, Harry Dean Stanton
- Verdict: Watch
- Where to watch: Available to rent or buy on digital platforms
I was hooked by this movie's intriguing premise alone. In most horror films, the antagonist is usually a human or something similar. However, in Christine, you have an inanimate object becoming a malevolent force, making it an unsettling and original concept. What also made this film enjoyable was the cast's strong performances, the eerie and unsettling atmosphere, and the way it builds suspense and tension throughout.
Christine centers on a nerdy high school senior named Arnie Cunningham. After purchasing a 1958 Plymouth Fury, Arnie becomes increasingly obsessed with the car. As he works to restore it, the vehicle begins to take on a malevolent personality and ultimately exerts a sinister influence over him.
The Thing (1982)
- Cast: Kurt Russell, A. Wilford Brimley, T. K. Carter, David Clennon, Keith David
- Verdict: Watch
- Where to watch: AMC+
Widely regarded as one of the best science fiction and horror films ever made, The Thing is another one of Carpenter's horror movies with a unique premise. As the tension gradually builds in this film, it culminates in a shocking and intense horror experience that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats from beginning to end. It's definitely a must-see.
The sci-fi horror flick follows a team of American scientists in Antarctica who, after discovering a mysterious, shape-shifting alien lifeform, must figure out who among them has been taken over by the creature before it kills them all.
Prince of Darkness (1987)
- Cast: Donald Pleasence, Lisa Blount, Victor Wong, Jameson Parker
- Verdict: Watch
- Where to watch: Prime Video
Naturally, if The Thing makes the list as a movie to watch, Prince of Darkness deserves to be on it as well. Both are a part of Carpenter's Apocalypse trilogy and delve into existential horror, exploring themes of fear, isolation, and the end of the world.
After discovering an ancient cylinder containing a mysterious slime-like substance in a run-down church, a priest enlists the help of a professor and his group of students to investigate its origins. However, they soon realize that the slime is not just a strange substance but a conduit for an ancient evil that seeks to bring about the end of the world.
As the substance breaks free from its container, it begins to possess individuals, turning them violent and aggressive. Now, the surviving members must battle the spreading evil and find a way to stop it before it's too late.