Photo by Lawrence Lucier, Film MagicMichael Crichton started out life as a Harvard-trained doctor but through luck and sheer talent he managed to make millions telling stories. He wrote novels that ignited the imagination of Hollywood and spawned such diverse blockbusters as The Andromeda Strain, Rising Sun, Disclosure and most notably Jurassic Park. He produced TV and film and also occasionally directed. In honor of his prolific career, here's a look back at the films that sprang from his singular vision.

Everett CollectionThe Andromeda Strain (1971)
Novel as Source Material

Everett CollectionWestworld (1973)
Screenplay and Director

Everett CollectionThe Terminal Man (1974)
Novel as Source Material

Photo by MGM, Everett CollectionComa (1978)
Screenplay and Director

Photo by Kobal Collection, WireImageThe First Great Train Robbery (1979)
Novel as Source Material, Screenplay and Director

Photo by Warner Bros. Pictures, Everett CollectionLooker (1981)
Screenplay and Director

Photo by TriStar Pictures, Everett CollectionRunaway (1984)
Screenplay and Director

Photo by Universal Pictures, Everett CollectionJurassic Park (1993)
Novel as Source Material and Screenplay

Photo by 20th Century Fox, Everett CollectionRising Sun (1993)
Novel as Source Material and Screenplay

Photo by Warner Bros. Pictures, Everett CollectionDisclosure (1994)
Novel as Source Material and Producer

Photo by Paramount, Everett CollectionCongo (1995)
Novel as Source Material

Photo by Warner Bros. Pictures, Everett CollectionTwister (1996)
Screenplay and Producer

Photo by Universal Pictures, Everett CollectionThe Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997)
Novel as Source Material

Photo by Warner Bros. Pictures, Everett CollectionSphere (1998)
Novel as Source Material, Screenplay and Producer

Photo by Rob McEwan/Touchstone/Kobal Collection, WireImageThe 13th Warrior (1999)
Novel as Source Material ("Eaters of the Dead") and Producer

Photo by Paramount Pictures, Everett CollectionTimeline (2003)
Novel as Source Material