John Carpenter
John Carpenter is an acclaimed filmmaker and writer known for his work in the horror genre. He gained fame for directing iconic films such as 'Halloween' and 'The Thing'. Carpenter is recognized for his innovative storytelling and unique style, often incorporating synth-heavy scores and suspenseful... Read More
Known for
Halloween (2018)
Laurie Strode comes to her final confrontation with Michael Myers, the masked figure who has haunted her since she narrowly escaped his killing spree...
Escape from New York (1981)
In the future, crime is out of control and New York City's Manhattan is a maximum security prison. Grabbing a bargaining chip right out...
Personal details
Credits
| Year | Title | Character | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Self (archive footage) | ||
| 2026 |
The Thing ExpandedThe ultimate companion to John Carpenter’s "The Thing", digging deep into the proverbial iceberg to enhance your viewing experience with... |
Self | |
| 2025 |
In Search of Darkness: 1995-1999In Search of Darkness: 1995-1999 celebrates and explores the movies that defined the era: from Scream’s genre-shattering impact to J-Horror’s... |
Self | |
| 2025 |
I'm Chevy Chase and You're NotFrom his Saturday Night Live beginnings to a string of classic comedies, Chevy Chase has always had huge comedic range.... |
Self (archive footage) | |
| 2024 |
In Search of Darkness: 1990-1994Film icons and genre experts share observations, experiences, and analysis to help reframe, deconstruct, and re-contextualize the "lost" decade of... |
Self | |
| 2024 |
Hammer: Heroes, Legends and MonstersA look at Hammer’s progression from a back office in London’s Regent Street to its iconic status within the horror... |
Self | |
| 2024 |
John Mulaney Presents: Everybody's in L.A.In six live installments, John Mulaney explores Los Angeles during a week when pretty much every funny person is in... |
Self | |
| 2023 |
Amityville: An Origin StoryThe story behind the world's most infamous haunted house tale: the Amityville murders. This is the first elevated look at... |
Self | |
| 2022 |
In Search of Darkness: Part IIIThe conclusion to the ‘In Search of Darkness’ '80s trilogy. In this epic final chapter, our focus turns to the... |
Self | |
| 2022 |
Halloween in HollywoodChris Hardwick hosts this epic night celebrating all things Halloween, including interviews with Jamie Lee Curtis, Jason Blum and David... |
Self | |
| 2022 |
Charles Band’s Full Moon FreakshowJoin trailblazing producer, director, best-selling author and B-movie mogul Charles Band as he invites you into his weird world. |
Unknown character | |
| 2022 |
Studio 666Legendary rock band Foo Fighters move into an Encino mansion steeped in grisly rock and roll history to record their... |
Engineer | |
| 2022 |
In Search of TomorrowA nostalgic journey through ’80s Sci-Fi-films, exploring their impact and relevance today, told by the artists who made them and... |
Self - Interviewee | |
| 2021 |
The History of Metal and HorrorA documentary that explores the history of heavy metal music, horror films, and how the two genres have merged together... |
Self | |
| 2020 |
In Search of Darkness: Part IIThe ultimate ‘80s Horror retrospective just got BIGGER. In Search of Darkness: Part II is a four-hour-plus sequel to the... |
Self | |
| 2020 |
AGFA Mystery Mixtape #4: Follow Your Own StarUnleashed from the video vaults of the American Genre Film Archive (AGFA), AGFA MYSTERY MIXTAPE #4: FOLLOW YOUR OWN STAR... |
Self | |
| 2020 |
The AGFA Mystery Mixtape VaultTHE AGFA MYSTERY MIXTAPE VAULT is a 2-disc, 500-minute odyssey that collects eight feature-length VHS mixtapes from the crackpots at... |
(archive footage) | |
| 2019 |
The Movies That Made UsThese blockbusters brought us together and gave us the time of our lives. Meet the actors, directors and industry insiders... |
Self (Archival Footage) | |
| 2019 |
The Rise of the SynthsA documentary about the Synthwave scene, nostalgia and the universe of creating sounds. A love letter to human fascination and... |
Narrator (voice) | |
| 2019 |
1982: Hollywood SummerIn the 1980s, Hollywood cinema was revolutionized. Especially the summer of 1982 changed the entertainment cinema with nine grand films... |
Self | |
| 2019 |
In Search of DarknessAn exploration of '80s horror movies through the perspective of the actors, directors, producers and SFX craftspeople who made them,... |
Self | |
| 2018 |
Henchman: The Al Leong StoryStory of Al Leong, the greatest henchman in film history. |
Self | |
| 2018 |
John Carpenter: Live RetrospectiveJohn Carpenter performs tracks from his movies and from his Lost Themes album. Recorded in London and Chicago in 2016. |
Self | |
| 2017 |
Dark Glamour: The Blood and Guts of Hammer ProductionsThe greatness, fall and renaissance of Hammer, the flagship company of British popular cinema, mainly from 1955 to 1968. Tortured... |
Self - Filmmaker | |
| 2017 | Self | ||
| 2016 | Self - Keyboards | ||
| 2016 |
It Takes a Village: The Making of Village of the DamnedFeaturing interviews with Director John Carpenter, Producer Sandy King, Actors Michael Paré, Peter Jason, Karen Kahn, Meredith Salenger, Thomas Dekker,... |
Self | |
| 2016 |
The Puppet ManA supernatural killer stalks a young woman and her friends in a seedy, neon-lit dive bar. |
The Taxi Driver | |
| 2015 |
Jean-Michel Jarre: A Journey into SoundJean-Michel Jarre is one of the pioneers of electronic music. He is a composer, performer, songwriter, and producer whose pioneering... |
Self | |
| 2015 |
The Late Show with Stephen ColbertStephen Colbert brings his signature satire and comedy to The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, the #1 show in late... |
Self - Guest | |
| 2015 | Self | ||
| 2014 |
Carpenter on QuatermassJohn Carpenter discusses his love for The Quatermass Xperiment |
Self | |
| 2014 |
Why Horror?Horror fan Tal Zimerman examines the psychology of horror around the world to find out why people love to be... |
Self | |
| 2014 |
The Director's ChairRobert Rodriguez sits down with the industry's most iconic directors and engages in a revealing and unexpected exchange about the... |
Self | |
| 2014 |
The Real History of Science FictionThe series heads to the very frontiers of space and science to produce the definitive television history of science fiction,... |
Self | |
| 2012 |
The Birds: Hitchcock's Monster MovieThis documentary short explores the origins of the monster movie and how Alfred Hitchcock's "The Birds" (1963) fits in the... |
Self | |
| 2011 |
The Future of FearJoin some of the most talented legends of the Horror Film genre for discussion of what scared us before, and... |
Self | |
| 2011 |
Scary GirlScary girl is a great movie but... I haven't seen it |
Unknown character | |
| 2011 |
Charlie Brown: Blockhead's RevengeThe cast of MTV's 'Teen Wolf' teams up with Funny or Die and gives Charlie Brown a spooky twist. |
Self/Host | |
| 2011 |
Nightmare FactoryThe story of how one Pittsburgh boy’s fascination with monsters drove him to the very top of the Hollywood food... |
Self | |
| 2011 |
The Original Monster MashThe Monster Mash was originally too hardcore for some to handle. |
Self | |
| 2010 |
Let There Be Light: The Odyssey of Dark StarExploring the controversial story behind John Carpenter (Halloween & The Thing) and writer Dan O Bannon's (Alien & Return of... |
Himself (voice) | |
| 2010 |
Halloween: The Inside StoryThis feature-length documentary takes a look at one of the most successful film franchises of all time as it goes... |
Self | |
| 2010 |
A History of HorrorMark Gatiss examines the history of the horror film, from classic Hollywood monsters to Hammer's glory days and beyond. |
Self | |
| 2009 |
Fasten Your Seatbelt: The Thrilling Art of Alfred HitchcockA short Universal promo regarding the works of Alfred Hitchcock. |
Self | |
| 2009 |
The Master's Touch: Hitchcock's Signature StyleDocumentary that features interviews with Martin Scorsese, Curtis Hanson, Francis Lawrence, William Friedkin, Guillermo Del Toro, John Carpenter and others... |
Self | |
| 2009 |
Nightmares in Red, White and BlueAn exploration of the appeal of horror films, with interviews of many legendary directors in the genre. |
Self | |
| 2009 |
MonsterlandA journey through time and history of diverse monster types, from the latex monster in devastated postwar Japan to aliens... |
Self | |
| 2009 |
Tales from the ScriptShane Black ("Lethal Weapon"), John Carpenter ("Halloween"), Frank Darabont ("The Shawshank Redemption"), William Goldman ("The Princess Bride"), Paul Schrader ("Taxi... |
Self | |
| 2008 |
Partners in Crime: Hitchcock's CollaboratorsFour featurettes focus on Hitch's collaborations: "Saul Bass: Title Champ" (opening credits), "Edith Head: Dressing the Master's Movies" (costumes), "Bernard... |
Self | |
| 2008 |
Fantastic Flesh: The Art of Make-Up EFXThis documentary delves into the art of make-up effects with industry legends Dick Smith, Rob Bottin, Tom Savini, John Landis,... |
Self | |
| 2008 |
In the Master's Shadow: Hitchcock's LegacyFilms beget films. Filmmakers influence other filmmakers constantly. But the most influential filmmaker of all time is Alfred Hitchcock. |
Self | |
| 2008 |
Pure Cinema: Through the Eyes of HitchcockAlfred Hitchcock often referred to his style of film making as "pure cinema" — using camera movement, editing, music and... |
Self | |
| 2008 |
Bernard Herrmann: Hitchcock's MaestroNo director-composer collaboration has been more seminal to motion pictures than the partnership of Alfred Hitchcock and Bernard Herrmann. In... |
Self | |
| 2008 |
Lovecraft: Fear of the UnknownA chronicle of the life, work and mind that created the Cthulhu mythos. |
Self | |
| 2007 |
Bloodsucking CinemaThe sound of flapping bat wings, an empty coffin, glistening fangs, tiny punctures on the neck, the sensual taste of... |
Self | |
| 2007 |
Commemoration: Howard Hawks' 'Rio Bravo'An appreciation of Howard Hawks' "Rio Bravo" (1959) by filmmakers and historians. |
Self | |
| 2006 |
Big JohnFrench documentary on the films of John Carpenter |
Self | |
| 2006 |
Amazing! Exploring the Far Reaches of Forbidden PlanetA documentary about the making of, and legacy of, the Forbidden Planet movie. |
Self | |
| 2006 |
Born to Controversy: The Roddy Piper StoryTracing the amazing journey of "Rowdy" Roddy Piper, whose intense rivalry with Hulk Hogan launched WrestleMania, and his many stops... |
Self | |
| 2006 |
Robby the Robot: Engineering a Sci-Fi IconA short documentary about Robby the Robot. |
Self | |
| 2006 |
Going to Pieces: The Rise and Fall of the Slasher FilmThis historical and critical look at slasher films, which includes dozens of clips, begins with Halloween, Friday the 13th, and... |
Self | |
| 2006 |
Halloween: 25 Years of TerrorFollow the evolution of the 'Halloween' movies over the past twenty-five years. It examines why the films are so popular... |
Self | |
| 2006 |
Working with a Master: John CarpenterDocumentary by Frank H. Woodward. |
Self (archive footage) | |
| 2005 |
Hollywood's Greatest VillainsVillains have always been with us. In a war-plagued world, brutality and corruption embody our darkest fears--all that is selfish... |
Self | |
| 2005 |
The Perfect Scary MovieA documentary looking at the various conventions and scare techniques of the horror genre. |
Self | |
| 2005 |
Snake Plissken: Man of HonorDocumentary with interviews with John Carpenter and Debra Hill |
Self | |
| 2004 |
Hollywood's Creepiest CreaturesElvira hosts this humorous look at movie monsters and facts about the real animals on which they're based. Included: clips... |
Self | |
| 2004 |
100 Scariest Movie MomentsFeaturing interviews, film clips, and production stills, this miniseries explores what went into the making of most bone-chilling moments in... |
Self | |
| 2004 |
Christine: Fast and FuriousA look at the making of "Christine" (1983). |
Self | |
| 2004 |
Christine: IgnitionA look at the making of "Christine" (1983). |
Self | |
| 2004 |
Christine: Finish LineA look at the making of "Christine" (1983). |
Self | |
| 2004 |
John Carpenter: The Man and His MoviesChronicles the work of cult director John Carpenter through interviews with him and his associates, with emphases on the earlier... |
Self | |
| 2003 |
Return to 'Escape from New York'Retrospective documentary on the making of John Carpenter's science fiction cult classic "Escape from New York." |
Himself | |
| 2003 |
An Opera of ViolenceFirst part of a three-part documentary series on the making of Once Upon a Time in the West, Italian filmmaker... |
Self - Filmmaker | |
| 2003 |
The Wages of SinSecond part of a three-part documentary series on the making of Once Upon a Time in the West, Italian filmmaker... |
Self - Filmmaker | |
| 2003 |
Something to Do with DeathThird part of a three-part documentary series on the making of Once Upon a Time in the West, Italian filmmaker... |
Self - Filmmaker | |
| 2003 |
Halloween: A Cut Above the RestUsing original interviews with director John Carpenter, stars Jamie Lee Curtis and P.J. Soles, and crew members, 'Halloween': A Cut... |
Self | |
| 2003 |
Do You Remember Laurie Zimmer?Whatever happened to this promising young actress from Hollywood? A search for "the woman in the car" through the never-ending... |
Self (voice) | |
| 2002 |
Scoring "Resident Evil"Documentary about the “Resident Evil” video game and how it was transformed into a feature film. Featuring director Paul W.S.... |
Self (archive footage) | |
| 2002 |
Masters of HorrorDocumentary showcasing the work of prominent film directors in the horror genre. Featuring interviews with the directors, behind the scenes... |
Self | |
| 2002 |
Tales from the Mist: Inside 'The Fog'Retrospective documentary on the making of the 1980 horror film "The Fog" featuring interviews with director John Carpenter, producer Debra... |
Self | |
| 2002 |
Through the Night with...Durch die Nacht mit … is a German documentary film television series produced by ZDF for Franco-German television channel ARTE.... |
Self | |
| 2001 |
Red Desert Nights: Making Ghosts of MarsDocumentary about the making of John Carpenter's sci-fi horror movie, "Ghosts of Mars." Produced for the "Ghosts of Mars" DVD. |
Self | |
| 2001 |
Scoring 'Ghosts of Mars'Featurette focusing on scoring the film, featuring John Carpenter and Anthrax. Produced for the “Ghosts of Mars” DVD. |
Self | |
| 2001 |
Hidden Values: The Movies of the FiftiesThis documentary was broadcast on the Turner Classic Movies (TCM) cable channel to kick off the presentation of films related... |
Self | |
| 2001 |
Dario Argento: An Eye for HorrorDocumentary that explores Argento's film career. |
Self | |
| 2000 |
Scream and Scream Again: A History of the Slasher FilmDocumentary tracing the rise of the 'slasher' movie. |
Self | |
| 2000 |
Mario Bava: Maestro of the MacabreDirector Garry S. Grant’s insightful documentary celebrates the work and legacy of auteur filmmaker Mario Bava, the grand master of... |
Self | |
| 2000 |
The American NightmareAn examination into the nature of 1960's-70's horror films, the involved artists, and how they reflected contemporary society. |
Self | |
| 2000 |
Guns for Hire: The Making of 'The Magnificent Seven'A documentary about 'The Magnificent Seven'. |
Self | |
| 1999 |
Halloween: UnmaskedA retrospective documentary on the making of the movie "Halloween," featuring exclusive interviews with director John Carpenter, producer Debra Hill,... |
Self | |
| 1998 |
The Thing: Terror Takes ShapeAn in-depth look at the making of John Carpenter's cult classic sci-fi horror The Thing, telling the story of a... |
Self | |
| 1998 |
Unmasking the HorrorA short film about the making of Halloween H20: 20 Years Later (1998) and its connections to Halloween (1978). It... |
Unknown character | |
| 1996 |
100 Years of HorrorA multi-volume documentary on the history of horror movies. Hosted by veteran horror star Christopher Lee, this video series brings... |
Self - Interview | |
| 1995 |
After Sunset: The Life & Times of the Drive-In TheaterA video documentary/road trip that celebrates the drive-in movie theater's impact on the United States, and pays homage to the... |
Self | |
| 1995 |
Village of the DamnedAn American village is visited by some unknown life form which leaves the women of the village pregnant. Nine months... |
Man at Gas Station Phone | |
| 1994 |
Masters of Illusion: The Wizards of Special EffectsDocumentary focused on the creation of movie and television special effects, hosted by Roy Scheider and Jonathan Brandis, featuring behind... |
Self | |
| 1994 |
The Silence of the HamsRookie FBI agent Jo Dee Foster has been assigned to work on the case of the Psycho Killer, a psycho... |
Trenchcoat Man / Gimp | |
| 1993 |
Body BagsA horror anthology containing three stories: a female college student working a graveyard shift is terrorized by a serial killer;... |
Coroner | |
| 1992 |
Memoirs of an Invisible ManAfter a freak accident, an invisible yuppie runs for his life from a treacherous CIA official while trying to cope... |
Helicopter Pilot | |
| 1991 |
Fear in the DarkA short documentary on the history of the horror film narrated by Christopher Lee. |
Self | |
| 1990 |
Horror CafeApril 1990 - Six horror icons gather at the horror cafe to create the ultimate horror movie for the year... |
Self | |
| 1989 |
First WorksIt's a mixed bag in the age of illuminating DVD supplements, but First Works effectively demonstrates the early promise of... |
Self | |
| 1989 |
Stephen King's World of HorrorThis horror documentary is not the same as the 1986 TV special Stephen King's World of Horror nor the 1988... |
Self | |
| 1988 |
They LiveA lone drifter stumbles upon a unique pair of sunglasses that reveal aliens are systematically gaining control of the Earth... |
Voice That Says 'Sleep' (voice) (uncredited) | |
| 1988 |
The Making of 'They Live'Behind the scenes of John Carpenters cult classic. |
Self | |
| 1987 |
CrossbowCrossbow follows the adventures of William Tell and takes place in the 14th-century in Switzerland. William Tell and his son... |
Unknown character | |
| 1986 |
The Boy Who Could FlyMilly and Louis, and their recently-widowed mom, Charlene, move to a new neighborhood. Once there, they all deal with a... |
The Coupe de Villes | |
| 1986 |
Big Trouble in Little ChinaTruck driver Jack Burton gets embroiled in a supernatural battle when his best friend Wang Chi's green-eyed fiancée is kidnapped... |
Worker in Chinatown (uncredited) | |
| 1986 |
Stephen King's World of HorrorA documentary about the works of novelist Stephen King and his influence on popular culture and his impact on horror... |
Self | |
| 1984 |
StarmanWhen an alien takes the form of a young widow's husband and asks her to drive him from Wisconsin to... |
Man in Helicopter (uncredited) | |
| 1982 |
The ThingA research team in Antarctica is hunted by a shape-shifting alien that assumes the appearance of its victims. |
Norwegian (video footage) (uncredited) | |
| 1982 | Self | ||
| 1982 |
Take One: Fear on FilmMick Garris hosts this look at horror films with John Carpenter, John Landis and David Cronenberg all discussing their favorite... |
Self | |
| 1981 |
Escape from New YorkIn a world ravaged by crime, the entire island of Manhattan has been converted into a walled prison where brutal... |
Secret Service #2 / Helicopter Pilot / Violin Player | |
| 1980 |
The FogStrange things begin to occur as a tiny California coastal town prepares to commemorate its centenary. Inanimate objects spring eerily... |
Bennett | |
| 1980 |
Fear on Film: Inside 'The Fog'Short documentary. Interviews with the cast & crew of 'The Fog' |
Self | |
| 1979 |
Bringing A Legend To LifePromotional film taking a look at the making of John Carpenter's Elvis. |
Himself | |
| 1978 |
HalloweenFifteen years after murdering his sister on Halloween Night 1963, Michael Myers escapes from a mental hospital and returns to... |
Paul (voice) / Michael Myers (uncredited) | |
| 1976 |
Assault on Precinct 13A highway patrol officer, two criminals, and a station secretary form an unlikely alliance to defend a defunct Los Angeles... |
Gang Member (uncredited) | |
| 1974 |
Dark StarA group of scientists are sent on a mission to destroy unstable planets. Twenty years into their mission, they have... |
Talby Voice | |
| 1958 |
The RiflemanThe Rifleman is an American Western television program starring Chuck Connors as rancher Lucas McCain and Johnny Crawford as his... |
Unknown character | |
| TBA |
The Debra Hill StoryDebra Hill's documentary tells the story of her multifaceted life and of inspiring filmmakers around the world, and her legacy... |
Self | |
| TBA |
Full Moon Rising: The Charles Band StoryA brand new feature documentary about the incredible life and career of prolific film producer and director Charles Band. |
Self | |
| TBA |
John Carpenter: Live From Los Angeles - Halloween NightExperience Halloween night with horror master John Carpenter live in concert—performing his iconic film scores and haunting synths in a... |
Self |
Latest Release
John Carpenter News and Articles
Got a question about John Carpenter?
John Carpenter is best known for films like 'Halloween', 'The Thing', and 'Escape from New York'. These films have become classics in the horror and science fiction genres.
While John Carpenter has not won an Academy Award, he has received several accolades, including a Saturn Award for Best Director for 'Halloween'.
John Carpenter's first feature film was 'Dark Star' released in 1974, which he co-wrote and directed while still in college.
As of now, John Carpenter's estimated net worth is around $40 million, largely due to his successful career in filmmaking and screenwriting.
John Carpenter began his career by making short films while studying at the University of Southern California's School of Cinematic Arts, leading to his first feature film.
John Carpenter is known for his minimalist style, often using synthesizer music and practical effects to create suspense and tension in his films.
'Halloween' is credited with popularizing the slasher film genre and establishing many conventions that would influence countless horror films that followed.
John Carpenter continues to be active in the film industry, recently collaborating on projects and attending conventions to discuss his influential work in horror.