All 24 John Carpenter movies and TV episodes, ranked
Movie and TV list: This master of horror has also directed sci-fi, dark comedy and even a biopic. Here are my rankings of his work.
Horror TV
‘Pale Horse’ (2020) a pale imitation of the source novel
Sleuthing Sunday (TV review): Sarah Phelps’ grim run on the British TV adaptations ends with a whimper in a rejiggered story.
‘Widow’s Bay’ Season 1 is traditional horror with a smirk
TV review: One of the minds behind “Parks and Recreation” delivers the “Twin Peaks” for the 2020s and stays barely on the scary side of the horror-comedy line.
Argento breaks from giallo for two ‘Masters of Horror’ episodes (2005-06)
Frightening Friday (TV review): The Italian director trades one brand of off-balance horror for another: modern American folk.
Carpenter throws a few bones to fans in ‘Masters of Horror’ (2005-06), ‘Suburban Screams’ (2023)
Frightening Friday (TV review): John Carpenter has directed more TV episodes this century than movies. “Cigarette Burns” is definitely worth a look.
‘It: Welcome to Derry’ expands from King’s work in King-y way
TV review: But there’s a reason why the author didn’t go this deep into the Pennywise mythology. It strains under its convolutions.
Character exploration takes a backseat in rompish ‘Chucky’ Season 2 (2022)
‘Child’s Play’ flashback (TV review): The show is filled with pop-culture riffs but isn’t interested in going deep into the soul of its many Chuckies and humans.
‘Chucky’ makes a killer move to prestige TV in Season 1 (2021)
‘Child’s Play’ flashback (TV review): Falling short of the writing and acting of influences like “Hannibal” and “Cobra Kai,” these eight episodes are nonetheless bizarrely watchable.
Fall TV preview 2025: 10 shows I wouldn’t mind watching
Fall TV preview: Here’s a look at 10 series on my radar plus a whole bunch of murder mysteries that I might sift through.
‘Slasher’ team gets back to gory basics with ‘Hell Motel’
First episode impressions (TV review): Check into this out-of-the-way spot for familiar scares, gore and guessing games.