Rick Rosenthal (born June 15, 1949, in New York, New York) is an American film director known for his work in both film and television. Rosenthal helped launch Sean Penn's career when he cast the then-unknown actor in the title role of the 1983 film Bad Boys. Rosenthal is also known for his work on the Emmy-winning ABC series Life Goes On as well as such series as Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Providence, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Smallville.

In recent years, Rosenthal has turned to the independent film world, continuing to direct ("Nearing Grace"), but also producing as well, giving opportunities to first time directors. The first production under the Whitewater Films banner was the surprise Sundance hit Mean Creek, winner of two Independent Spirit Awards as well as a Humanitas Prize. The film was invited to the Directors Fortnight at Cannes and launched the filmmaking career of writer-director Jacob Estes.

"Mean Creek" was followed by writer-director Scott Prendergast's first feature Kabluey starring Lisa Kudrow.

The fall of 2007 saw Ocean Grove, NJ become the site of Whitewater Films' "Greta", video director Nancy Bardawil's feature debut, starring Hilary Duff and Ellen Burstyn.

A graduate of the American Film Institute, Rosenthal started his career by directing Halloween II and returned to the genre 20 years later helming Halloween: Resurrection. In between he has directed films such as American Dreamer (1984), Russkies (1987), Distant Thunder (1988), Just A Little Harmless Sex (1999), and Nearing Grace (2005).

He met his wife, the actress Nancy Stephens, while filming Halloween II. They have worked together on some films including American Dreamer (1984), Russkies (1987), and Mean Creek (2004).

Studied acting and directing at the Beverly Hills Playhouse with Milton Katselas.

Is the only director to direct two of the films in the "Halloween" franchise, Halloween 2 and Halloween Resurrection.