John Carpenter's Films - Ranked From Worst To Best

5. Escape From New York (1981)

escape from new york kurt russell snake plissken
AVCO Embassy Pictures

Pros: Great effects and action. The Carpenter score, natch. Kurt Russell is incredible as Snake Plissken

Cons: Slightly predictable plot. Deliberate pace may be off-putting to some. A remake is, sadly, on its way

Overall: In this bleak, cynical sci-fi actioner Manhattan has been turned into a giant prison, used to house the most barbaric criminals in the world. Civilization is falling apart thanks to a 400% increase in crime, and only one man can save it: the grizzled, eye-patch wearing Snake Plissken. Carpenter had written the original story back in 1970 but couldn't find anyone to back it.

Thanks to the success of Halloween and The Fog, he was able to get the film made and even vetoed the studios suggestion of Charles Bronson or Tommy Lee Jones for the lead, instead favouring Kurt Russell (who at that point was mostly known for his roles in Disney films).

Escape From New York is a $6 million B-movie which is well worth watching for the action sequences, the cinematography, Carpenter score and, of course, Snake Plissken.

Contributor
Contributor

Student of film. Former professional wrestler. Supporter of Newcastle United. Don't cry for me, I'm already dead...