Few filmmakers know how to create a great cinematic hero like John Carpenterleaving behind many attractive characters throughout his career as a director. Perhaps best known for his horror film villains, Carpenter's dark sense of creativity perhaps lends itself more to the darker side of a given narrative, with iconic antagonists like Lo-Pan, The Thing, and the Halloween serial killer Michael Myers emerging from his twisted mind. But as great as John Carpenter's best villains are, he also deserves recognition for his entertaining cinematic heroes.
The success of John Carpenter's characters can be measured in several ways. Some of them are legendary simply for their ability to withstand the insidious circumstances of John Carpenter's best films, surviving both assassins and subhuman creatures. Others are more watchable than enjoyable, responsible for classic line deliveries and daring maneuvers that keep them root-worthy even decades later.
10
Dr.
Halloween (1978)
Arguably one of the greatest horror films ever made, despite its age and tight budget, the original Halloween is still so memorable, thanks in part to its standout protagonists. Far from being typical horror movie villain fodder, all of John Carpenter's characters have rich, complex inner lives before they are unceremoniously dispatched by The Shape. Dr. Loomis is a fascinating doctor who actually manages to live to see the Halloween many sequels in the series.
Like most normal psychiatrists, Dr. Loomis fundamentally believes in the possible rehabilitation of all people, firmly trusting in the ability of the science of psychology to understand even the most twisted mind. This makes everything even more interesting when he becomes perplexed by Michael Myers, coming to the conclusion that the boy is nothing less than pure, distilled evil, impossible to redeem or reason with. As the only character in the franchise with the most first-hand experience with Michael, hearing Loomis' theories about him is always a chilling moment.
9
Plissken snake
Escape from New York (1981)
The first of Kurt Russell's many collaborations with John Carpenter, Snake Plissken is an iconic '80s action movie hero who deserves to stand alongside the likes of Arnold Schwarzenegger's Dutchman or Sylvester Stallone's John Rambo. Former convict for special forces crimes, Snake Plissken is pulled from confinement for one last job when the president of a dystopian future United States is held hostage in Manhattan, which has been converted into a huge open-air prison. It's all Snake and the brooding soundtrack beside him can do to gain their freedom from the impossible task.
From his square, steely jaw covered in five o'clock shadow to his mysterious eye patch and his hilariously exaggerated name, Snake Plissken is nothing short of an all-time great action hero. Russell plays him with a sense of brooding thoughtfulness that was unmatched by his genre peers in the early '80s, giving rise to the gruff antihero. Snake has become an infinitely influential character in pop culture, inspiring other heroes like his eponymous protagonist in the film. Solid Metal Gear video game series.
8
George Nada
They Live (1988)
In sharp contrast to the jaded, cynical Snake, some of Carpenter's other action heroes have a much more cheerful disposition. Enter George Nada, a lonely drifter who stumbles upon a big secret in Carpenter's underrated sci-fi classic. They live. Here, Nada finds a pair of glasses that allow him to see the world as it really is – a conspiracy of false freedom orchestrated by skull-faced aliens hidden in positions of power. Cutting through the propaganda of the world around him with his glasses, Nada leads a rebellion against the cunning invaders.
From his priceless sunglasses to his proficiency with a shotgun, George Nada is a wonderfully entertaining sight for sore eyes. “Rowdy” Roddy Piper gives a movie-worthy pro-wrestler performance as the character, chewing equal parts scenery and gum with his brilliant one-liners as he slowly builds an army of recruits to face the alien threat. Even though Piper isn't the most technically gifted actor, Nada is nevertheless a big part of what he does. They live they work so well.
7
Jack Burton
Big Trouble in Little China (1986)
Far from Snake Plissken's personality, Kurt Russell's character in Big problem in little China is among his most underrated leading roles. Jack Burton is a simple truck driver who gets mixed up doing a favor for his old friend Wang Chi, getting involved in the ancient machinations of a centuries-old Chinese sorcerer and his bizarre minions in San Francisco's Chinatown. While Burton may not be the sharpest knife in the drawer, he undoubtedly has good intentions.
Despite getting top billing and a significant focus in promotional materials, Jack Burton is honestly a lovable sidekick in the film, a role he plays dutifully. His uncanny talent for luck that continually knocks him down while somehow working in his favor is almost supernatural, making him a captivating and unique take on the usual grizzled action protagonist. With nothing more than a cool t-shirt, a truck, and a TEC-9 submachine gun, Burton proves to be an invaluable ally despite being out of his element.
6
RJ MacReady
The Thing (1982)
Of the many Kurt Russell characters played by John Carpenter, RJ MacReady still makes a strong case for one of the director's strongest protagonists. Compared to his more scientifically minded peers at the Antarctic research base, helicopter pilot RJ MacReady is more of a down-to-earth blue-collar worker, serving as the audience's window into the tight-knit, claustrophobic community. His experience becomes invaluable when the base is plagued by the titular Thing, a shape-shifting alien life form capable of mimicking human behavior.
It's hard not to identify with MacReady's salt-of-the-Earth sensitivity and practical solutions to the problems posed by the research base's slippery invader. His ability to remain calm despite worsening odds is an inspiring demonstration of the indomitable human spirit, regardless of any situation. The thingThe ambiguous and depressing ending. Stoic but not cruel, RJ MacReady is an archetypically perfect action-horror commando, dressed in a bulky parka and a flamethrower.
5
Wang Chi
Big Trouble in Little China (1986)
Although Kurt Russell's Jack Burton may initially seem like the main hero of Big problem in little China, in fact, he was more of a white sidekick mandated by the studio to absorb marketing in favor of Dennis Dun's Wang Chi. Burton's friend and successful restaurant owner, Wang Chi's life turns upside down when his fiancée is kidnapped by the sorcerer Lo-Pan to fulfill an ancient prophecy. In an effort to save her, Wang Chi risks life and limb by investigating the strange supernatural underbelly of San Francisco's Chinatown.
No matter the martial arts skill, it takes a brave man to face super-powered enemies like Rain and Thunder, but Wang Chi does so happily without support. Certainly a courageous martial artist, Wang Chi is far from your typical bland hero, with a talent for showing off and playing games that can get him into more trouble than he cares to admit. Dennis Dun is criminally underrated as this sassy, lovable action hero who represented a huge step forward in Asian representation in Western action films.
4
Laurie Strode
Halloween (1978)
Perhaps the “final girl” of the original horror film, Jamie Lee Curtis’ Laurie Strode is one of the most iconic horror film protagonists of all time. Just a simple teenager at first Halloween, The titular holiday soon becomes a nightmare for the unsuspecting Laurie when serial killer Michael Myers escapes and devastates her neighborhood, killing her friends one by one. By the end of the film, Laurie has become a shaken and calloused survivor whose later paranoia is justified in the reboot. Halloween films.
Compared to her friends, Laurie takes life a little more seriously, taking her babysitting responsibilities seriously. This perspective proves invaluable as Myers attacks, with Laurie putting her life on the line to ensure the children in her care remain safe. Although she may seem unassuming at first, Laurie's ability to face crisis and demonstrate courage in the face of pure and utter evil proves her mettle time and time again.
3
Steve Wayne
The Fog (1980)
An ancient and underrated gem in John Carpenter's filmography, The fog is a horror film with a cast that introduces many characters for the audience to become familiar with. By far the most enduring is Stevie Wayne, a single mother and local radio host who finds herself in a frightening situation as the titular fog spreads across her small coastal town, bringing with it the ghosts of long-dead sailors to terrorize the city inhabitants. It's up to Stevie to return to town to ensure her son's safety.
Like Laurie, Stevie Wayne demonstrates John Carpenter's ability to write certain female characters in his horror films. As the character with the most to lose to the unholy undead that roam the shores of Antonio Bay, Stevie is the most determined, doing everything she can to keep her son alive. His empathy also extends to the entire city, utilizing his amusing DJ skills to direct his fellow citizens to safety in the wake of the supernatural disaster.
2
John Trento
In the mouth of madness (1994)
John Carpenter may like to write admirable action heroes who demonstrate courage in the most bizarre and dangerous settings, but some of his most interesting protagonists are also his most flawed. Enter John Trent, the star of Carpenter's 90s film In the Mouth of Madness, a brilliant film filled with Lovecraftian horror. A simple insurance adjuster, Trent is asked to investigate some bizarre claims that a horror writer's novels are driving his readers to the brink of insanity.
Before long, John Trent discovers that the story behind the allegations is nothing short of a living, frightening story, finding himself at the center of it. Sam Niell from Jurassic Park Fame plays Trent with a holier-than-thou arrogance, refusing to believe in the supernatural until it is, without a doubt, bearing down on him. Even though it's sometimes more fun to root against him, John Trent deserves praise for his ability to carry the engagement of a particularly gruesome Carpenter story.
1
Jenny Hayden
Starman (1984)
Carpenter's films are generally more concept-based than character-based, not relying on emotional narratives or delicate character arcs to sell a given narrative. However, 1984 star man proves that he writes intriguing characters who function as a focal point of their own, doing more than surviving (or not surviving) a depraved, supernatural setting. Jenny Hayden is the main protagonist, a widowed woman who goes on a journey alongside an alien who takes the form of her late husband to help him return safely to his home planet.
Admittedly, Jenny shows some courage and proficiency in the face of the hostile government agents who are after her. But her most impressive journey is the internal one she goes through, with her dead husband's face looking back at her, finally allowing herself to process the trauma of losing him. Not just a capable action heroine, Jenny Hayden is also one of John Carpenterthe best-written characters by a country mile.