Whether you love him or hate him, the fact is few people have changed the face of the horror fiction genre more than Stephen King. I read Cujo when I was in something like 4th grade, which was way too young, but it cemented my love of horror. So, to me, King is like a mentor and my all time favorite author. I have devoured his books like candy and while not all of his books are successful, even the relatively bad ones entertained me.
King, however, has been a mixed bag when it comes to adapting his work. Brian De Palma helped him a lot with his adaption of Carrie, and the 70s TV miniseries version of 'Salem's Lot happens to be terrifying, but there has been a lot of bad. However, in recent years, things have been a bit better for him and I wanted to take a look at some of these adaptations.
1. The Shining (1980)
Directed by Stanley Kubrick
I recently compared the novel and this movie in another blog post because I happen to think both versions are excellent for different reasons. Let's face it, no list of Stephen King adaptations would be complete without mentioning The Shining. Based on King's 1977 novel, The Shining is a psychological horror masterpiece that delves into the eerie goings-on at the haunted Overlook Hotel. Jack Nicholson’s performance as Jack Torrance is legendary—“Here’s Johnny!” has become one of the most iconic lines in movie history. While King himself has been critical of Kubrick’s interpretation, the movie stands as a chilling visual experience with a cult following. It's a must-watch, even if you’ve read the book!
2. IT (2017 & 2019)
Directed by Andy Muschietti
We all float down here! King’s novel IT is infamous for making people afraid of clowns, and this modern adaptation does not disappoint. Split into two films, IT (2017) follows the Losers’ Club as kids confronting the demonic clown Pennywise, while IT: Chapter Two (2019) brings them back as adults to finish the battle. Bill Skarsgård’s portrayal of Pennywise is deliciously terrifying, making even seasoned horror fans squirm. If you're looking for a spine-tingling combo of childhood nostalgia and pure nightmare fuel, this adaptation is for you!
The first one, I think is the better and scarier movie, but the second chapter does manage to round it out and scare up a few things to haunt you.
3. Misery (1990)
Directed by Rob Reiner
Sometimes real-world horror can be just as terrifying as supernatural frights, and Misery proves that. Kathy Bates won an Academy Award for her portrayal of Annie Wilkes, a psychotic fan who holds author Paul Sheldon (played by James Caan) captive. Bates is both terrifying and oddly endearing as Wilkes, making her one of the most memorable villains in cinema. This adaptation captures the claustrophobic tension of King’s novel and amps it up, making every crack of bones feel far too real.
4. The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
Directed by Frank Darabont
While King is known for his horror, some of his best stories step outside the genre, and The Shawshank Redemption is a prime example. Based on the novella Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption, this film tells the story of Andy Dufresne, a man wrongly imprisoned for murder. The movie is less about scares and more about hope, friendship, and survival. With standout performances by Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman, this is one of the best adaptations of King’s work and a beloved classic—even for non-horror fans.
5. Carrie (1976)
Directed by Brian De Palma
Stephen King’s first published novel, Carrie, is also one of his most famous adaptations. Sissy Spacek plays the shy, bullied high schooler Carrie White, who discovers she has telekinetic powers. What follows is one of the most famous prom scenes in cinematic history, complete with a bucket of blood and some serious revenge. De Palma’s adaptation is intense, emotionally charged, and a perfect representation of the novel’s themes of isolation and vengeance. It remains a cornerstone of both horror cinema and King’s filmography.
6. Stand by Me (1986)
Directed by Rob Reiner
Another non-horror favorite based on King’s novella The Body, Stand by Me is a coming-of-age story about friendship, loss, and the transition from childhood to adolescence. The plot follows four boys who go on an adventure to find a dead body, but the heart of the film is in the journey and the bonds they form along the way. This is one of the most heartfelt adaptations of King’s work and shows that his storytelling talents extend far beyond the realm of horror.
7. Doctor Sleep (2019)
Directed by Mike Flanagan
One of those rare occasions where I think the movie is better than the novel!
Doctor Sleep is the long-awaited follow-up to The Shining and tells the story of an adult Danny Torrance as he grapples with his traumatic past and newfound abilities. Mike Flanagan’s adaptation strikes a perfect balance between paying homage to Kubrick’s The Shining while also staying true to King’s novel. Ewan McGregor shines as Danny, and Rebecca Ferguson as the sinister Rose the Hat is mesmerizingly evil. For fans of The Shining, this sequel is a perfect way to revisit old haunts while exploring new horrors.
This movie deserves more love and I feel is a very worthy sequel to the movie.
8. Pet Sematary (1989)
Directed by Mary Lambert
Pet Sematary is one of King’s darker and more disturbing stories, and this 1989 adaptation perfectly captures the grim, hopeless atmosphere of the novel. The story follows the Creed family, who move to a rural home near an ancient burial ground with the power to bring things back to life—but not in the way you’d hope. Pet Sematary touches on themes of grief, death, and the lengths we go to avoid loss. The 2019 remake didn’t quite live up to the original’s eerie mood, so we recommend starting with this one!
You just gotta love creepy toddlers, am I right?
9. The Green Mile (1999)
Directed by Frank Darabont
Another standout non-horror King adaptation is The Green Mile, based on his serialized novel of the same name. The film is set on death row and tells the story of John Coffey, a gentle giant with extraordinary powers, and the impact he has on the prison guards and fellow inmates. With powerful performances by Tom Hanks and Michael Clarke Duncan, The Green Mile is an emotional rollercoaster that tugs at the heartstrings. It’s a movie that will make you cry just as much as it will make you think.
10. The Mist (2007)
Directed by Frank Darabont
Okay, I do feel King fans should see this and I seem to stand in the minority here. I LOATHE this adaptation. Why? Because The Mist is one of my favorite Kind stories and I go back and re-read the novella often. I love the story, but more to the point, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the ending of the novella. The very last word in the thing is literally "hope."
Then Frank Darabont came along and created this abomination of an ending to an otherwise faithful adaptation. The ending of this film negates everything that has happened before and is a more egregious sin than what they did to Newt and Hicks in Alien 3.
That said, for reasons I do not understand, many horror fans love it.
Frank Darabont strikes again with The Mist, a creature feature with a jaw-dropping, gut-punch of an ending that still haunts viewers to this day. Based on King’s novella, the film is about a small town trapped in a supermarket as a mysterious, deadly mist rolls in, bringing terrifying creatures with it. The film masterfully builds tension, showing how fear can drive people to madness just as much as any monster. For fans who love their horror with a side of psychological dread, The Mist is an absolute must-watch.
Whether you're a longtime Stephen King fan or just dipping your toes into his terrifying universe, these adaptations are the perfect way to experience his masterful storytelling. Each one offers a different kind of scare, from psychological horror to heartwarming tales of redemption. So, grab some popcorn, dim the lights, and prepare to be scared out of your wits!
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