Charles MacArthur (November 5, 1895 - April 21, 1956) was an American playwright and screenwriter, born in Scranton, Pennsylvania. He is best known for his play with Ben Hecht, The Front Page, which has been filmed frequently. It was based in part on MacArthur's experiences at the City News Bureau of Chicago. He was married to the actress Helen Hayes from 1928 until his death in 1956 in New York City.

Their adopted son James MacArthur is, like his mother, an actor, best known for playing "Danny Williams" on the American television series Hawaii Five-O.

His brother, John D. MacArthur, was an insurance-company owner and executive, and founded the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, the benefactor in the "genius awards".