Once you hear the name John Carpenter, there's this immediate association with iconic horror classics like Halloween and The Thing. These horror films are considered some of the best in the genre, renowned for their unforgettable tension, atmosphere, and influential impact on horror filmmaking.
But Carpenter's legacy stretches far beyond these two fan-favorite films. While they certainly put him on the map, there are several underrated gems in his filmography that deserve just as much attention. They often get overshadowed by his most famous works, and as a result, they haven’t received the love they truly deserve. Well, it's time to shine a light on these underrated classics.
Below, we share three of Carpenter’s most underrated and often overlooked horror films, each deserving of being celebrated alongside his legendary classics. These movies prove that his genius extends far beyond the iconic films we all know and love.
Prince of Darkness (1987)
- Who's in the cast? Donald Pleasence, Lisa Blount, Victor Wong, Jameson Parker
- Where to watch: Available to rent or purchase on digital platforms
After The Thing was released in 1982, the second installment in Carpenter's "Apocalypse Trilogy," Prince of Darkness, wouldn't be released until five years later. What made this supernatural horror film so unique was how it blended elements of science fiction, theology, and cosmic horror into one deeply disturbing narrative.
The film's plot centers on a group of physics students and their professor who are brought to an abandoned monastery in Los Angeles, where a mysterious canister filled with green liquid has been discovered beneath the church. As they study the substance, they begin to uncover a terrifying revelation. They discover it may be the physical embodiment of Satan, and it's slowly awakening. What then follows is a descent into madness and terror as the group realizes the gravity of their discovery.
They Live (1988)
- Who's in the cast? Roddy Piper, Keith David, Meg Foster
- Where to watch: Available to rent or buy on digital platforms
They Live is one of those horror films that horror fans might dismiss at first glance, but those who take the time to really watch it will find a truly unique and thought-provoking experience. You'll be ashamed you ever overlooked it, as it effortlessly combines social commentary with science fiction and horror, offering a sharp critique of consumer culture, societal control, and the power of the media.
Nada is a drifter who comes across a pair of mysterious sunglasses that reveal the hidden truth behind the world he lives in. With these glasses, he can see that the media, advertisements, and even the people he encounters are part of a vast conspiracy led by mind-controlling aliens, manipulating humanity for their own benefit. As Nada uncovers this chilling truth, he joins forces with a group of rebels to fight back against the extraterrestrial beings and expose their manipulation of society.
In the Mouth of Madness (1994)
- Who's in the cast? Sam Neill, Julie Carmen, Jürgen Prochnow, Charlton Heston
- Where to watch: Available to rent or purchase on digital retailers
In the Mouth of Madness is another underrated gem in Carpenter's horror collection, which is mind-boggling to me since it has such a unique and gripping premise. It's also the third and last movie in Carpenter's "Apocalypse Trilogy." The film blends psychological horror with supernatural elements, following an insurance investigator unraveling a strange mystery surrounding a missing horror author.
As he immerses himself in the author’s works, he discovers that the chilling events depicted in the novels are somehow coming to life. With reality and fiction starting to blur, the investigator spirals into a nightmarish descent where he struggles to differentiate between what is real and what is merely a figment of his imagination.