Top 10 Stephen King’s Movies

From eerie small-town settings to psychological horrors, King’s work has become a cornerstone of modern horror and dramatic storytelling. Unsurprisingly, Hollywood has been eager to bring his tales to life on numerous occasions. In fact, his most recent adaptation is expected to be released later this month. The Monkey, out in theatres on February 21, is directed by Osgood Perkins (the same director as 2024’s successful Longlegs) and has been described as “batshit insane” by Stephen King himself on social media. But that’s not the only adaptation this year, as The Running Man will hit theaters in November, starring an impressive cast led by Glen Powell.

Stephen King’s legacy on the big screen has been as successful as it has been extensive, which can be confusing for those wanting to get into the genre. So to make things easier, here’s a list of our ten favourite film adaptations based on King’s horror novels.

When an outstanding director is given the material of another genius to work with, the combination of such talent results in one of the most influential films of the horror genre. The Shining is probably the most acclaimed and popular adaptation of Stephen King’s books. However, this piece shines for its own particular virtues, rather than just the original material. The film is a perfect example of Stanley Kubrick’s exceptional direction: a masterpiece of eerie atmosphere and mesmerising but disturbing cinematography. The cast, led by icons Jack Nicholson and Shelley Duvall, delivers some of their most renowned and celebrated performances. Easily a must-watch for any film lover.

This adaptation of one of King’s novellas, The Body, has become, over the years, a beloved classic, sometimes considered a quintessential coming-of-age story. Set in the fictional town of Castle Rock in 1959, the film follows four boys on a journey to find the body of a missing child. These friends will face their personal struggles and fears of growing up while strengthening their bond along the way. Despite the years passing, Stand by Me, directed by Rob Reiner, still resonates with audiences of all generations. The heartfelt performances of the young cast provide a perfect and reliable portrait of the vulnerability and depth of childhood friendship. An influential classic of the genre that remains timeless and authentic.

Carrie was released in 1976 but has been referenced ever since, in and out of the horror genre. The story centres on Carrie White, an introverted teenager who suffers from relentless bullying and the oppressive control of her fanatically religious mother. The essence of the narrative builds to a climactic and iconic moment where a cruel prank pushes Carrie to unleash a devastating act of vengeance on the other students. This psychological thriller brews slowly while we dive into Carrie’s struggles and the toxic influence of her mother until everything explodes in an outstanding ending that feels almost deserving and cathartic.

Precognition has been an obsession for human beings throughout history. After all, who hasn’t thought about being able to predict their future at least once in their life? But as much as it could be a blessing, knowing our future could also easily become a burden. What if what you see through the mists of time is not a pleasant view? What if you wake from a five-year coma only to discover you have developed the ability to foresee the tragic futures of others through physical contact? And then, you become entangled in a moral dilemma when your newfound ability predicts a catastrophic event. The Dead Zone was released more than forty years ago, but its plot remains timeless. This movie is a perfect mix of science fiction and thriller, and one of those occasions when you inevitably ask yourself, “What if it were me?”

In contrast to many of the other movies on this list, Misery does not rely on supernatural or science fiction elements to build its intense and oppressive atmosphere, but rather the very terrifying potential of fan obsession. When a popular writer is saved from an accident by one of his self-proclaimed biggest fans, he finds himself chained and forced to rewrite the ending of his latest book if he wants to escape. Besides the thrilling drama, one of the strongest points of the film is the acting. James Caan, as the lead, delivers a solid performance, but it is Kathy Bates as the unsettling and obsessive nurse who outshines the rest of the cast. In fact, it was her performance that earned her the Best Actress Award in the Oscars. But that was the cherry on top of an outstanding film that makes you feel the helplessness and terror of being captured by a psycho in your flesh.

If the fear of clowns has become common nowadays, it could easily be traced back to the influence of this movie, or at least its previous adaptation. Pennywise first appeared on the small screen in 1990, and he quickly became a regular nightmare for many. However, TV shows back then were far too different in terms of quality from today’s standards, and looking back, that version was no exception.   

Fortunately, almost three decades later, Andy Muschietti was given the assignment to produce a modernised version. The movie focuses on the youth of the protagonists, ‘The Losers,’ in Derry, a small town constantly under an evil influence, and their first confrontation with the monster. This new adaptation improves in almost every aspect — from better special effects to an outstanding cast, with Bill Skarsgård as the new, terrifying dancing clown standing out.

A love story tainted by deadly jealousy and obsession, even when it’s between a man and his car. When Arnie meets Christine, a gorgeous red old-style car, he is inexplicably drawn to restore her. Suddenly, he goes from a social outcast to a confident and rebellious teenager with a popular girlfriend, a change that doesn’t go unnoticed by his friends and family. However, unbeknownst to him, Christine harbours a malevolent entity, which will not hesitate to eliminate anyone she perceives as a threat to her bond with Arnie. This supernatural horror film has become a cult classic thanks to its unconventional premise, making it timeless and a perfect option for a rather chill horror marathon.

This movie was made to melt your heart and to break it at the same time. Set during the Great Depression, Paul works in a penitentiary, leading criminals from their cells to the electric chair. However, there he meets a kind-hearted Black prisoner, John, who is capable of performing miracles and healing people. During the film, it is impossible not to fall in love with John’s naivety and compassion. He is a character pure of heart whose only crime was to be born in a still racist and prejudiced nation. You will spend the whole movie wishing to avoid the inevitable tragedy at the end.

Haunted hotels are a variation of the typical ‘haunted house’ trope that has become more popular over time. In fact, who hasn’t seen a video of some ‘brave’ MythBusters wannabes spending the night in a supposedly cursed room where nothing really happens? However, Stephen King crafted one story designed specifically to convince people to think otherwise. The premise of 1408 is pretty simple, but it’s in that simplicity where its effectiveness lies. 

A horror writer seeking new haunted places to inspire his novels discovers a hotel room that supposedly has caused numerous deaths. Despite the warnings, the sceptical writer decides to spend the night in that cursed room and record everything. What comes next is why you should always be, at least, a little superstitious.

The narrative of this movie is divided into three different parts, told in reverse chronological order. We explore the life of Charles ‘Chuck’ Krantz, portrayed by Tom Hiddleston, and the impactful choices and memories that are mysteriously linked to global calamities. One perfect way to describe it is as a ‘feel-good apocalypse’ movie. The Life of Chuck shows the importance of finding joy and connection, even in the midst of social collapse. After all, no one wants to be alone at the end of the world.