Director
John Carpenter
- Born: 16 January 1948, Carthage, New York, USA
- Estimated net worth: $40 million
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…
John Carpenter: best films and shows
About 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 narratives that have left a lasting impact on horror cinema.
- Born
- 16 January 1948, Carthage, New York, USA
- Known for
- Directing
- Height
- 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)
- Spouses
- Adrienne Barbeau (1979-1984)
- Children
- 2; Cody Carpenter, Angela Carpenter
- Parents
- Carmen Carpenter, John Carpenter Sr.
- Estimated net worth
- $40 million
Fun facts about John Carpenter
- John Carpenter composed the scores for many of his films, including the famous theme for 'Halloween'.
- Carpenter was inspired by the works of Howard Hawks and Alfred Hitchcock, which influenced his filmmaking style.
Famous John Carpenter quotes
“It's Halloween; everyone's entitled to one good scare.”
“The thing that attacks you is not a monster. It’s a thing that thinks.”
“They live! We sleep!”
John Carpenter filmography
Cast (123)
| Year | Title | Character | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Full Moon Rising: The Charles Band Story Movie | Self | |
| 2026 | Carpenter Movie | Self (archive footage) | |
| 2026 | The Thing Expanded Movie | Self | 8.8 |
| 2025 | In Search of Darkness: 1995-1999 Movie | Self | 7.0 |
| 2025 | I'm Chevy Chase and You're Not Movie | Self (archive footage) | 6.5 |
| 2025 | John Carpenter: Live From Los Angeles - Halloween Night Movie | Self | |
| 2024 | In Search of Darkness: 1990-1994 Movie | Self | 7.9 |
| 2024 | Hammer: Heroes, Legends and Monsters Movie | Self | 7.7 |
| 2024 | John Mulaney Presents: Everybody's in L.A. TV | Self | 5.9 |
| 2023 | Amityville: An Origin Story TV | Self | 7.5 |
Show 113 more creditsShow fewer
Crew (131)
| Year | Title | Role | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Carpenter Movie | Original Film Writer · Writing | |
| 2023 | John Carpenter's Suburban Screams TV | Creator · Creator | 5.4 |
| 2023 | John Carpenter's Suburban Screams TV | Director · Directing | 5.4 |
| 2023 | John Carpenter's Suburban Screams TV | Main Title Theme Composer · Sound | 5.4 |
| 2023 | John Carpenter's Suburban Screams TV | Executive Producer · Production | 5.4 |
Show 126 more creditsShow fewer
| Year | Title | Role | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | The Spot Movie | Thanks · Crew | 10.0 |
| 2022 | Halloween Ends Movie | Original Music Composer · Sound | 6.0 |
| 2022 | Halloween Ends Movie | Executive Producer · Production | 6.0 |
| 2022 | Halloween Ends Movie | Characters · Writing | 6.0 |
| 2022 | John Carpenter Live: Behind the Scenes Movie | Original Music Composer · Sound | |
| 2022 | John Carpenter Live: Behind the Scenes Movie | Executive Producer · Production | |
| 2022 | Firestarter Movie | Original Music Composer · Sound | 5.4 |
| 2022 | Studio 666 Movie | Music · Sound | 5.8 |
| 2021 | Halloween Kills Movie | Characters · Writing | 6.4 |
| 2021 | Halloween Kills Movie | Original Music Composer · Sound | 6.4 |
| 2021 | Halloween Kills Movie | Executive Producer · Production | 6.4 |
| 2021 | Prince of Darkness Movie | Original Film Writer · Writing | 5.7 |
| 2020 | Valley of the Dead Movie | Additional Music · Crew | 6.2 |
| 2018 | Halloween Movie | Executive Producer · Production | 6.6 |
| 2018 | Halloween Movie | Original Music Composer · Sound | 6.6 |
| 2018 | Halloween Movie | Characters · Writing | 6.6 |
| 2018 | He Came Home Movie | Music · Sound | |
| 2016 | The Puppet Man Movie | Music · Sound | 7.0 |
| 2012 | Halloween: Existence Movie | Characters · Writing | |
| 2012 | Stand Alone: The Making of Halloween III: Season of the Witch Movie | Music · Sound | 7.5 |
| 2012 | Plaga zombie: zona mutante: revolución tóxica Movie | Thanks · Crew | 5.7 |
| 2011 | The Ward Movie | Director · Directing | 5.7 |
| 2010 | Nunca más asistas a este tipo de fiestas Movie | Thanks · Crew | 7.0 |
| 2009 | Halloween II Movie | Characters · Writing | 5.3 |
| 2007 | Halloween Movie | Original Film Writer · Writing | 6.2 |
| 2007 | Halloween Movie | Characters · Writing | 6.2 |
| 2006 | Pro-Life Movie | Director · Directing | 5.5 |
| 2005 | Cigarette Burns Movie | Director · Directing | 7.3 |
| 2005 | Masters of Horror TV | Director · Directing | 7.1 |
| 2005 | The Fog Movie | Producer · Production | 4.6 |
| 2005 | The Fog Movie | Original Film Writer · Writing | 4.6 |
| 2005 | Assault on Precinct 13 Movie | Original Film Writer · Writing | 6.2 |
| 2002 | Vampires: Los Muertos Movie | Executive Producer · Production | 5.4 |
| 2002 | Vampires: Los Muertos Movie | Music · Sound | 5.4 |
| 2002 | Halloween: Resurrection Movie | Characters · Writing | 4.6 |
| 2002 | The Little Cotton Girl Movie | Thanks · Crew | 4.0 |
| 2001 | Ghosts of Mars Movie | Writer · Writing | 5.2 |
| 2001 | Ghosts of Mars Movie | Original Music Composer · Sound | 5.2 |
| 2001 | Ghosts of Mars Movie | Director · Directing | 5.2 |
| 2000 | Nunca asistas a este tipo de fiestas Movie | Thanks · Crew | 8.2 |
| 1999 | Silent Predators Movie | Teleplay · Writing | 5.3 |
| 1998 | Vampires Movie | Original Music Composer · Sound | 6.3 |
| 1998 | Vampires Movie | Director · Directing | 6.3 |
| 1998 | Halloween H20: 20 Years Later Movie | Characters · Writing | 6.0 |
| 1997 | Caged In Movie | Thanks · Crew | 5.2 |
| 1996 | Escape from L.A. Movie | Director · Directing | 5.9 |
| 1996 | Escape from L.A. Movie | Original Music Composer · Sound | 5.9 |
| 1996 | Escape from L.A. Movie | Characters · Writing | 5.9 |
| 1996 | Escape from L.A. Movie | Screenplay · Writing | 5.9 |
| 1995 | Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers Movie | Main Title Theme Composer · Sound | 5.2 |
| 1995 | Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers Movie | Characters · Writing | 5.2 |
| 1995 | Village of the Damned Movie | Original Music Composer · Sound | 6.1 |
| 1995 | Village of the Damned Movie | Director · Directing | 6.1 |
| 1995 | In the Mouth of Madness Movie | Original Music Composer · Sound | 7.2 |
| 1995 | In the Mouth of Madness Movie | Director · Directing | 7.2 |
| 1993 | Body Bags Movie | Executive Producer · Production | 6.2 |
| 1993 | Body Bags Movie | Original Music Composer · Sound | 6.2 |
| 1993 | Body Bags Movie | Director · Directing | 6.2 |
| 1992 | Memoirs of an Invisible Man Movie | Director · Directing | 5.9 |
| 1991 | Blood River Movie | Writer · Writing | 4.7 |
| 1990 | El Diablo Movie | Writer · Writing | 5.6 |
| 1989 | Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers Movie | Characters · Writing | 5.3 |
| 1989 | Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers Movie | Main Title Theme Composer · Sound | 5.3 |
| 1988 | They Live Movie | Original Music Composer · Sound | 7.3 |
| 1988 | They Live Movie | Screenplay · Writing | 7.3 |
| 1988 | They Live Movie | Director · Directing | 7.3 |
| 1988 | Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers Movie | Main Title Theme Composer · Sound | 6.2 |
| 1988 | Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers Movie | Characters · Writing | 6.2 |
| 1987 | Prince of Darkness Movie | Original Music Composer · Sound | 6.8 |
| 1987 | Prince of Darkness Movie | Screenplay · Writing | 6.8 |
| 1987 | Prince of Darkness Movie | Director · Directing | 6.8 |
| 1986 | Big Trouble in Little China Movie | Original Music Composer · Sound | 7.2 |
| 1986 | Big Trouble in Little China Movie | Director · Directing | 7.2 |
| 1986 | Black Moon Rising Movie | Screenplay · Writing | 5.5 |
| 1986 | Black Moon Rising Movie | Story · Writing | 5.5 |
| 1986 | Black Moon Rising Movie | Executive Producer · Production | 5.5 |
| 1984 | Starman Movie | Director · Directing | 6.9 |
| 1984 | The Philadelphia Experiment Movie | Executive Producer · Production | 6.1 |
| 1983 | Christine Movie | Original Music Composer · Sound | 6.9 |
| 1983 | Christine Movie | Director · Directing | 6.9 |
| 1982 | Halloween III: Season of the Witch Movie | Original Music Composer · Sound | 5.3 |
| 1982 | Halloween III: Season of the Witch Movie | Producer · Production | 5.3 |
| 1982 | The Thing Movie | Director · Directing | 8.1 |
| 1982 | The Thing Movie | Original Music Composer · Sound | 8.1 |
| 1981 | Halloween II Movie | Original Music Composer · Sound | 6.6 |
| 1981 | Halloween II Movie | Producer · Production | 6.6 |
| 1981 | Halloween II Movie | Screenplay · Writing | 6.6 |
| 1981 | Escape from New York Movie | Director · Directing | 7.0 |
| 1981 | Escape from New York Movie | Original Music Composer · Sound | 7.0 |
| 1981 | Escape from New York Movie | Screenplay · Writing | 7.0 |
| 1980 | The Fog Movie | Screenplay · Writing | 6.7 |
| 1980 | The Fog Movie | Original Music Composer · Sound | 6.7 |
| 1980 | The Fog Movie | Director · Directing | 6.7 |
| 1979 | Better Late Than Never Movie | Writer · Writing | 9.0 |
| 1979 | Elvis Movie | Director · Directing | 6.9 |
| 1978 | Someone's Watching Me! Movie | Director · Directing | 6.2 |
| 1978 | Someone's Watching Me! Movie | Writer · Writing | 6.2 |
| 1978 | Halloween Movie | Director · Directing | 7.6 |
| 1978 | Halloween Movie | Original Music Composer · Sound | 7.6 |
| 1978 | Halloween Movie | Screenplay · Writing | 7.6 |
| 1978 | Zuma Beach Movie | Writer · Writing | 5.3 |
| 1978 | Eyes of Laura Mars Movie | Story · Writing | 5.8 |
| 1978 | Eyes of Laura Mars Movie | Screenplay · Writing | 5.8 |
| 1976 | Assault on Precinct 13 Movie | Writer · Writing | 7.3 |
| 1976 | Assault on Precinct 13 Movie | Editor · Editing | 7.3 |
| 1976 | Assault on Precinct 13 Movie | Director · Directing | 7.3 |
| 1976 | Assault on Precinct 13 Movie | Original Music Composer · Sound | 7.3 |
| 1974 | Dark Star Movie | Original Story · Writing | 6.0 |
| 1974 | Dark Star Movie | Director · Directing | 6.0 |
| 1974 | Dark Star Movie | Screenplay · Writing | 6.0 |
| 1974 | Dark Star Movie | Producer · Production | 6.0 |
| 1974 | Dark Star Movie | Original Music Composer · Sound | 6.0 |
| 1973 | The Last Foxtrot in Burbank Movie | Editor · Editing | 4.4 |
| 1971 | The Stationmaster Movie | Musician · Sound | |
| 1971 | The Stationmaster Movie | Music · Sound | |
| 1970 | The Resurrection of Broncho Billy Movie | Music · Sound | 6.4 |
| 1970 | The Resurrection of Broncho Billy Movie | Writer · Writing | 6.4 |
| 1970 | The Resurrection of Broncho Billy Movie | Editor · Editing | 6.4 |
| 1969 | Captain Voyeur Movie | Writer · Writing | 5.0 |
| 1969 | Captain Voyeur Movie | Director · Directing | 5.0 |
| 1969 | Captain Voyeur Movie | Producer · Production | 5.0 |
| 1968 | Good Morning, Dan Movie | Camera Operator · Camera | |
| TBA | Untitled Bong Joon-ho Horror Film Movie | Original Music Composer · Sound | |
| TBA | Escape from New York Movie | Executive Producer · Production | |
| TBA | Escape from New York Movie | Original Film Writer · Writing | |
| TBA | Untitled Halloween Film Movie | Characters · Writing |
Latest releases
- Full Moon Rising: The Charles Band Story2026
- Carpenter2026
- The Thing Expanded2026 / TMDB 8.8
- In Search of Darkness: 1995-19992025 / TMDB 7.0
- I'm Chevy Chase and You're Not2025 / TMDB 6.5
- John Carpenter: Live From Los Angeles - Halloween Night2025
Questions about John Carpenter
What are some of John Carpenter's most famous films?
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.
Has John Carpenter won any major awards?
While John Carpenter has not won an Academy Award, he has received several accolades, including a Saturn Award for Best Director for 'Halloween'.
What was John Carpenter's first film?
John Carpenter's first feature film was 'Dark Star' released in 1974, which he co-wrote and directed while still in college.
What is John Carpenter's net worth?
As of now, John Carpenter's estimated net worth is around $40 million, largely due to his successful career in filmmaking and screenwriting.
How did John Carpenter start his career?
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.
What unique style is John Carpenter known for?
John Carpenter is known for his minimalist style, often using synthesizer music and practical effects to create suspense and tension in his films.
What impact did 'Halloween' have on the horror genre?
'Halloween' is credited with popularizing the slasher film genre and establishing many conventions that would influence countless horror films that followed.
Is John Carpenter involved in any recent projects?
John Carpenter continues to be active in the film industry, recently collaborating on projects and attending conventions to discuss his influential work in horror.