Stephen King's Top 20 Best Movie Adaptations

20. Cat’s Eye (1985)

Ah, Cat’s Eye – a movie that proves Stephen King wasn’t just the master of horror but also the king of creatively traumatizing both children and their pets. This 1985 anthology flick weaves together three creepy tales, all linked by a wandering cat who somehow ends up in all the right (or wrong) places. James Woods kicks things off in “Quitters, Inc.,” a delightfully deranged PSA about why you should never trust a company that guarantees you’ll quit smoking – or else. Then there’s “The Ledge,” in which a guy is forced to walk the narrow ledge of a high-rise while a smug mobster (Kenneth McMillan) watches. And finally, the real MVP: little Drew Barrymore, fresh off E.T., in “General,” where the heroic feline battles an evil troll that’s been gaslighting her parents. Between the mix of dark humor, psychological horror, and a troll that looks like it escaped from Jim Henson’s nightmares, Cat’s Eye is a fun, eerie ride that doesn’t take itself too seriously – just the way King adaptations should be. | © Dino De Laurentiis Corporation

19. Christine (1983)

Stephen King meets John Carpenter – how could that possibly go wrong? Answer: It doesn’t. Christine is the kind of movie that makes you eye your car suspiciously, wondering if it secretly has a murderous streak. The story follows Arnie Cunningham (Keith Gordon), a shy, awkward high schooler who buys a beat-up 1958 Plymouth Fury. But this isn't just any old junker – it’s a possessed, jealous, and downright homicidal vehicle with a taste for revenge. The more time Arnie spends with Christine, the more he morphs from nerdy underdog to leather-jacketed psycho, and honestly, it's kind of iconic. John Carpenter’s direction gives the film a slick, eerie style, with a synth-heavy score that makes every rev of Christine’s engine sound like a death knell. And let’s be real – seeing a car fix itself after being wrecked is still one of the coolest practical effects in horror history. This is the kind of King adaptation that proves the scariest thing isn’t ghosts or clowns – it’s a car with a bad attitude. | © Columbia Pictures

18. Pet Sematary (1989)

Here’s the deal: If a local tells you not to bury something in a creepy old cemetery, you should probably listen. But then we wouldn’t have Pet Sematary, a movie that takes a simple parental nightmare (losing a child) and twists it into something far worse (said child coming back... wrong). Dale Midkiff and Denise Crosby play the unlucky parents who learn the hard way that some things are better left dead, especially when the dearly departed starts hissing like a demon and wielding a scalpel. And let’s not forget Fred Gwynne as Jud Crandall, the neighbor with the thickest Maine accent ever committed to film, who delivers the iconic warning: “Sometimes, dead is better.” Chilling. The real horror here, though, might be the fate of poor Church the cat, who goes from fluffy companion to feline from hell overnight. Moody, eerie, and utterly unsettling, Pet Sematary is the perfect cautionary tale for anyone thinking about playing God with roadkill. | © Paramount Pictures

17. The Running Man (1987)

Before The Hunger Games made dystopian death matches mainstream, The Running Man gave us Arnold Schwarzenegger in a skin-tight jumpsuit, fighting for his life in a game show from hell. Based (very loosely) on King’s novel, this 1987 action thriller cranks up the camp factor to 11, throwing in everything from chainsaw-wielding gladiators to Jesse Ventura in metallic armor. The setup? In the futuristic hellscape of 2017 (yep, we passed it – no dystopian death matches yet), prisoners are forced to compete in a televised battle where “runners” face off against themed killers with names like Buzzsaw, Dynamo, and Fireball. With Richard Dawson playing the slimy game show host and Maria Conchita Alonso adding some much-needed non-Arnold dialogue, the film is a wild, absurd, and gloriously ’80s ride. It may not be King’s most faithful adaptation, but let’s be real – who doesn’t want to see Schwarzenegger dropping one-liners while taking down neon-clad murderers? | © Tri-Star Pictures

16. Gerald’s Game (2017)

If you thought Misery was stressful, Gerald’s Game says, “Hold my handcuffs.” This 2017 Netflix adaptation of King’s psychological horror novel is proof that you don’t need ghosts or monsters to make a story terrifying – just isolation, trauma, and one really bad situation. Carla Gugino delivers a powerhouse performance as Jessie, a woman left handcuffed to a bed after her husband (Bruce Greenwood) has a sudden, uh, “medical event” during a weekend getaway. What follows is a harrowing mix of survival horror and psychological unraveling, as Jessie battles dehydration, hallucinations, and the lingering ghosts of her past – all while a very real, very unsettling figure known as the “Moonlight Man” lurks nearby. Director Mike Flanagan (who clearly has a PhD in “Making Stephen King Stories Even More Traumatizing”) keeps things tense, while Gugino’s raw, emotional performance ensures you won’t breathe easy until the credits roll. Fair warning: There’s one particular scene that will haunt you forever. You’ll know it when you see it. | © Netflix

15. Doctor Sleep (2019)

Doctor Sleep is the cinematic love child of Stephen King's literary prowess and Stanley Kubrick's visual legacy. Ewan McGregor steps into the haunted shoes of a grown-up Danny Torrance, who, after surviving a childhood at the Overlook Hotel, now grapples with his own demons (and a fondness for the bottle). Enter Rebecca Ferguson as Rose the Hat, a villainess so charismatic she almost makes soul-sucking seem fashionable. Director Mike Flanagan masterfully bridges the eerie gap between King's novel and Kubrick's iconic film, delivering a sequel that pays homage while standing firmly on its own chilling merits. It's a haunting journey that reminds us all why we never look at hedge mazes the same way again. | © Warner Bros. Pictures

14. The Monkey (2025)

In The Monkey, director Osgood Perkins takes Stephen King's short story and winds it up into a full-fledged nightmare. Theo James and Tatiana Maslany star as siblings who discover a sinister cymbal-banging monkey toy that brings death with every clink and clank. Elijah Wood joins the fray, adding his unique brand of quirky intensity to this tale of cursed nostalgia. The film's trailer was so disturbingly effective that several TV networks deemed it "excessively violent," which, let's be honest, only makes us want to watch it more. With Perkins at the helm, known for his atmospheric storytelling, The Monkey promises to be a spine-chilling addition to the King cinematic universe. | © NEON

13. Children of the Corn (1984)

Before you dismiss the Midwest as merely the land of cornfields and casseroles, Children of the Corn serves as a cautionary tale about why you should never trust kids who take "farm-to-table" a bit too seriously. Peter Horton and Linda Hamilton play a couple who stumble upon a Nebraska town where the children, led by the unsettling Isaac (John Franklin), have embraced a murderous, corn-worshipping cult lifestyle. The film combines the innocence of youth with the terror of fanaticism, making you reconsider your next road trip through rural America. It's a cult classic that proves sometimes the scariest things come in small, corn-fed packages. | © New World Pictures

12. 1408 (2007)

Ever thought your hotel room was a bit off? 1408 takes that paranoia and cranks it up to eleven. John Cusack stars as Mike Enslin, a skeptical author who checks into the infamous room 1408 at the Dolphin Hotel, despite ominous warnings from the hotel manager, played by Samuel L. Jackson. What follows is a psychological rollercoaster that makes you question reality, sanity, and the reliability of room service. Cusack's portrayal of a man unraveling within the room's four walls is both compelling and claustrophobic, reminding us all to maybe heed those creepy TripAdvisor reviews next time. | © Dimension Films

11. Dolores Claiborne (1995)

In Dolores Claiborne, Kathy Bates trades in her sledgehammer from Misery for a Maine accent and a whole lot of grit. She plays the titular character, a housekeeper accused of murdering her employer, which brings her estranged daughter, played by Jennifer Jason Leigh, back to their small town. The film delves into themes of abuse, resilience, and the complexities of mother-daughter relationships, all set against the bleak backdrop of coastal Maine. Bates delivers a powerhouse performance, proving once again that nobody does Stephen King adaptations quite like her. | © Columbia Pictures

10. It (2017)

If you thought clowns were unsettling before, It (2017) made sure they became nightmare fuel for an entirely new generation. Bill Skarsgård delivers an unsettlingly brilliant performance as Pennywise, the shape-shifting horror lurking in the sewers of Derry, Maine. His version of the dancing clown is less "circus performer" and more "eldritch terror who just discovered balloons are great for luring kids." But the real heart of the film is The Losers’ Club, led by young stars like Finn Wolfhard and Sophia Lillis, who perfectly capture that coming-of-age, bike-riding, monster-fighting vibe King does so well. Director Andy Muschietti masterfully blends horror with nostalgia, making us feel like kids again – except, you know, the kind being hunted by a demonic entity that feeds on fear. And let’s not forget that infamous storm drain scene, which made us all side-eye every puddle after a rainy day. | © Warner Bros. Pictures

9. Creepshow (1982)

Before Black Mirror or Tales from the Crypt, Creepshow was the ultimate horror anthology, bringing together five eerie stories wrapped in a gloriously campy, comic book aesthetic. Directed by George A. Romero and written by King himself, this film features everything from vengeful corpses to alien meteor sludge (which, by the way, turns Stephen King into a walking Chia Pet in one of the best worst performances of all time). The cast is stacked with legends, including Hal Holbrook, Adrienne Barbeau, and even a pre-Cheers Ted Danson, whose fate in the "Something to Tide You Over" segment still haunts beachgoers everywhere. Creepshow is King at his most playful, a movie that winks at the audience while delivering genuine chills, proving that sometimes, horror is best served with a side of pitch-black humor. | © Warner Bros. Pictures

8. The Mist (2007)

You know a horror movie is effective when its ending makes you sit in stunned silence, re-evaluating all your life choices. The Mist isn't just about a bunch of people trapped in a supermarket while Lovecraftian monsters roam outside – it's about fear, paranoia, and what happens when human nature is left to fester. Thomas Jane leads the cast as a desperate father trying to keep his son safe, while Marcia Gay Harden steals the show as a religious zealot whose brand of crazy is somehow scarier than the tentacle creatures outside. Directed by Frank Darabont, The Mist balances suspense, gore, and psychological horror beautifully – before ripping your heart out in the final five minutes. Seriously, that ending. If you’ve seen it, you know. If you haven’t… brace yourself. | © Dimension Films

7. The Dead Zone (1983)

Christopher Walken plus psychic visions of impending doom? Yes, please. The Dead Zone is one of the most underrated Stephen King adaptations, with Walken delivering a chilling yet vulnerable performance as Johnny Smith, a man who wakes up from a coma with the ability to see the future. Directed by David Cronenberg (yes, that Cronenberg), the film is a slow-burn thriller that feels more like a tragic drama than traditional horror – though Martin Sheen’s portrayal of the dangerously unhinged politician Greg Stillson is terrifying in its own right. With its eerie atmosphere and moral dilemmas (Would you shake hands with a future dictator?), The Dead Zone remains one of King’s most thought-provoking adaptations. Plus, Walken saying “The ice… is gonna break!” is cinematic gold. | © Paramount Pictures

6. The Green Mile (1999)

If you didn’t cry during The Green Mile, check your pulse – you might already be dead. Directed by Frank Darabont (yes, him again), this emotional powerhouse of a film brings one of King’s most moving stories to life. Tom Hanks stars as a death row prison guard who meets John Coffey (Michael Clarke Duncan in a performance so powerful it earned him an Oscar nomination), a gentle giant with supernatural healing abilities. The movie is less about horror and more about human kindness, injustice, and the heartbreaking inevitability of fate. With a supporting cast that includes David Morse, Sam Rockwell (playing an unhinged psychopath, as usual), and James Cromwell, The Green Mile is a testament to how King’s storytelling can transcend genre. It’s beautiful, devastating, and, let’s be honest, absolutely wrecked us all. | © Warner Bros. Pictures

5. Stand by Me (1986)

Stephen King may be the master of horror, but Stand by Me proves he’s also a master of making grown adults cry over childhood friendships. Based on the novella The Body, this coming-of-age classic follows four kids – played by Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix, Corey Feldman, and Jerry O’Connell – on a quest to find a dead body. Because, you know, that’s what normal 12-year-olds did in the ’50s. With Richard Dreyfuss narrating and Kiefer Sutherland playing the ultimate small-town bully, the film captures that bittersweet moment when childhood innocence starts slipping away. Rob Reiner’s direction ensures that every scene is soaked in nostalgia, and the final line – “I never had any friends later on like the ones I had when I was twelve. Jesus, does anyone?” – is guaranteed to hit you right in the heart. | © Columbia Pictures

4. Carrie (1976)

High school is tough. High school with telekinetic powers? Tougher. Brian De Palma’s Carrie was the first-ever Stephen King adaptation, and it set the bar sky-high for supernatural horror. Sissy Spacek gives a legendary performance as the shy, bullied girl whose prom night turns into a literal bloodbath (thanks, pig’s blood). Meanwhile, Piper Laurie as Carrie’s fanatically religious mother redefines “bad parenting” in ways that still send chills down our spines. And let’s not forget a young John Travolta, who learns the hard way why you should never mess with a girl who can throw you across a room with her mind. Iconic, terrifying, and surprisingly tragic, Carrie is the ultimate revenge fantasy – if revenge involved fiery gymnasiums and mass telekinesis. | © United Artists

3. Misery (1990)

Kathy Bates didn’t just play Annie Wilkes – she became the blueprint for obsessive fandoms everywhere. Misery is the kind of horror movie that doesn’t need ghosts or monsters because Bates herself is the monster, and boy, does she make it work. When novelist Paul Sheldon (played by James Caan) crashes his car in a snowstorm, he wakes up to find himself in the care of his “number one fan.” What starts as innocent admiration quickly turns into a hostage situation, and before you know it – sledgehammer. Rob Reiner (yes, him again) directs this tension-filled thriller, making every scene feel like a ticking time bomb. Bates won an Oscar for her chilling performance, which still haunts anyone who’s ever written a book. Lesson learned: If a fan ever says, “I’m your biggest fan,” run. | © Columbia Pictures

2. The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

If you ever need proof that Stephen King is more than just horror, The Shawshank Redemption is Exhibit A. Adapted from King’s novella Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption, this prison drama is as much about hope and friendship as it is about escaping a soul-crushing system. Tim Robbins plays Andy Dufresne, a man wrongfully convicted of murder, while Morgan Freeman steals the show as Red, the wise and weary inmate who befriends him. Director Frank Darabont masterfully crafts an emotional rollercoaster that reminds us all why it’s important to have patience, determination, and a poster of Raquel Welch. Oh, and that ending? Still one of the most satisfying in movie history. If Shawshank doesn’t make you believe in the power of hope, nothing will. | © Columbia Pictures

1. The Shining (1980)

It’s time to talk about the most famous haunted hotel in cinematic history. The Shining isn’t just a movie – it’s a cultural phenomenon. Stanley Kubrick took King’s novel and turned it into a slow-burning psychological nightmare, with Jack Nicholson delivering a performance so unhinged, it makes you wonder if he was even acting. Shelley Duvall plays his increasingly terrified wife, Wendy, while their psychic son Danny gives us the legendary “REDRUM” moment. From eerie twin girls to rivers of blood to that unforgettable Here’s Johnny! scene, The Shining is packed with some of the most disturbing imagery ever put on film. King himself famously wasn’t a fan of Kubrick’s adaptation, but audiences sure were – just don’t watch it alone in a remote hotel during the off-season. | © Warner Bros. Pictures