I forgot to mention Invisible Man, which I actually like quite a bit. It doesn't feel as much like a Carpenter film, but I enjoy the darker aspects of being invisible that it pursues.
I believe the depression and near insanity that it puts Chase into and it's nice to see that followed. Rather...
Continuing the discussion of his films 1 by 1, rather than just his rating as a director overall...
Agreed on the early stuff. My preferences -
The Thing - Genius
Halloween - also genius
The Fog - a great vibe
Escape from NY - Cheese was never so good...or cool
Big Trouble - great...