In reading this thread I've tried in vein to put his movies in order of favorites, I simply can't. Notoriousaurus hit the nail on the head in that Carpenter is the most consistent director. Even some of my favorite directs have a stinker every few films. Here are my thoughts on his movies in order of old to new(because I'm reading off IMDB to make sure I don't miss any of them), I won't mention them all, as there's way to many.
Dark Star is definitly one to watch to say you've seen all of his films. It was childishly amatuer, little more than an exorcise to see what he could do.
Assault on Precinct 13 Again is very early, and Carpenter really doesn't have his groove, but you can see it forming in every shot. Decent cast with acceptable acting, and the start of his signature panovision.
Halloween I used to hate this movie. Because I'm 21, and had seen newer stuff(copies) before I was exposed to it, and thought it was lousy. But I've come to appreciate how original it is, and very atmospheric. And yes, the score is the highlight of the entire series, and I play it on the front porch every Halloween. Not one of my favorites, but I enjoy it from a historical point of view.
The Fog Near perfection in atmosphere horror as far as I'm concerned. The cinematography is awesome, and the ghosts in the fog are the stuff of nightmares.
Escape From New York Heh, from my username you can guess this one holds a special place in my heart(plus I was watching it when I registered). This is a favorite, beyond being a John Carpenter film. Snake Plissken is IMHO the best anti hero ever commited to film thus far, Riddick can only dream of being this cool. I can't even describe it, everything in this movie is just great, acting cinematoghraphy, and score is as memorable as the Halloween score.
The Thing Still one of the scariest movies ever made. This is may be my favorite Carpenter film. The gross out effects are some of the best ever, and acting is top knotch. My absolute favorite "trust no one" movie.
Prince of Darkness Indeed this one falls short, and is the closest Carpenter has ever come to a dud in my mind. Still very enjoyable and creepy.
They Live Another favorite, and shows off Carpenters attitude more than any movie he made next to the Escape movies(he has a real problem with authority). And actually cinematically exadgerates a thought I have that society has been lulled to sleep by those in power, but thats another discussion
. The alley fight believe it or not was very symbolic and went on for so long for a reason. It symbolises how hard man will fight to keep a comfortable illusion alive. Because the whole thing is about him not wanting to put on the glasses. As in the matrix, they don't free a mind beyond a certain age, as they will not accept the harshness or reality, and in some cases would fight to preserve the lie(Cypher).
Big Trouble in Little China My absolute favorite guy movie. It's got everything, martial arts, a cool cheesy soundtrack, ancient evil, gun fights, sword fights, beautiful women, and shit blows up. What more one ask for!? This is one I can watch any time of the day, with a big grin on my face.
In the Mouth of Madness One of Carpenters most underrated movie. Definitly one of the most all out scary films I've ever seen, and excellent performances from Sam Neil and Jurgen Prochnow. A real mind bender.
Escape From L.A. What can I say, it's Snake. I like this one almost as much as the first. Largely because I know John Carpenter hates sequals, and basically makes fun of them in this movie. It is a light remake of the original, with a big boomy soundtrack and ridiculous stunts(surfing Wilshire canyon), for the sake of ridiculous stunts. The virus is 100% pure death.
Vampires A good movie, but there's just nothing really special about it. Valek makes for a cool vampire villian. James Woods goes so over the top I'm not sure if it's meant to be laughable or not, and proves Adam Baldwin can never have a line in a movie ever again. Still it's good fun.
Ghosts of Mars This movie has so many detractos, but I loved it. I know the story is a joke, the acting is a cut above porno caliber, but it's still that one popcorn fun, and if ever there was a movie to watch while drunk, this is it.