Certain names are synonymous with horror. Hollywood has titans of terror from John Carpenter to Wes Craven, but there is only one “King of Horror,” Stephen King.
The man has a once-in-a-generation level of talent that he has been using to terrorize society since his first short story, “I Was a Teenage Grave Robber.” Since then, his writing catalog has grown quite a bit.
By a bit, I mean Stephen King has written around sixty-five novels and has eighty-five movie credits to his name. At some point, you must ask yourself, what’s going on in Stephen King’s head? The ultra-prolific Ryan Murphy has nothing on this legend.
Whether it’s Richard Bachman, John Swithen, or Beryl Evans, whatever name King publishes under, his stories continue to set the bar for horror. And it’s just not a spooky season without the guy.
What I have for you here is a list of some of Stephen King’s best and worst pen-to-screen adaptations. As we just went over, King has more works than we can ever hope to touch on.
Due to that, I have stuck to personal preferences. Right away, you should know this is not a ranking. Some of these films are perfect for different reasons, so ranking them would be like trying to choose a favorite child.
The Excellent
These are some of the best of the best. Considering that many of Stephen King’s novels have received multiple adaptations, I went with the titles with decent adaptations. A lot of these can be watched on Shudder.
‘Salem’s Lot – 1979, 2004, 2024
Novel Publication Date: October 17, 1975
“A writer returns to his hometown and discovers that it is overrun by vampires.” Yeah, that defines the whole movie in a nutshell. That’s all that’s needed because King didn’t pull punches with these vampires.
While not every adaptation of this novel has been stellar, there is a lot of love for each adaptation. Salem’s Lot is a perfect example of how there is something for everyone.
Some people enjoy the original miniseries, some like the TNT version, and others genuinely like the recent Max adaptation. My first experience with this tale was the TNT version with Rob Lowe.
As a kid, I always loved vampires. I dressed as Dracula for Halloween three years in a row. However, my viewpoint changed when I saw Salem’s Lot.
The vampires in this movie scared the crap out of me. It was to the point that I couldn’t revisit the film until I was in my twenties. And any movie that can chill me to the bone immediately goes on my favorites list.
As mentioned above, Max produced another adaptation of this story. While the newest version didn’t add much to the original, Alfre Woodard makes it worth watching.
For a story that relatively few people know about, it seems to pop up every few years. Talk about waking the dead.
Watch ‘Salem’s Lot Online
The Shining – 1980, 1997
Novel Publication Date: January 28, 1977
“A family who moves into a secluded hotel during the winter and becomes trapped by strange occurrences and evil forces.” Is it even a Stephen King list without The Shining?
It almost seems like a betrayal to like The Shining, considering Stephen King was less than thrilled with the first adaptation. To be fair, those who have read the novel usually agree with him.
The film leaves out or changes so much from the book, but it’s still a terrifying and perfectly crafted movie.
Jack Nicholson and Shelley Duvall delivered unforgettable performances. The Shining isn’t just a movie but a bar to which many horror makers set their standards. Not to mention, it might be the most referenced horror movie since Psycho.
ABC released a made-for-TV version of the book. This version was more faithful to the novel, partly because King was heavily involved every step of the way.
I also saw this version as a kid and loved it as much as the critics. However, in recent years, Kubrick’s version has been held in higher regard. It’s just a matter of time before this one is remade.
Watch The Shining Online
The Boogeyman – 1982, 2023
Novel Publication Date: February 1978 (Night Shift)
“A father who visits a therapist to discuss the mysterious deaths of his three children.” For a short story, they sure did manage to create quite a well-rounded and terrifying movie.
The Boogeyman is one of the earliest forms of monsters that humans experience. Every culture has some version of the creature to scare kids into behaving.
However, Stephen King took a kid’s monster and turned it on its head. The film is based on a short story that is reenacted during a scene in the movie.
Avoid this film if you have a weak heart. There are jump scares galore, which means it’s perfect for horror lovers. This movie is all about creepy sounds and what you don’t see.
In many ways, it returns to the essence of a creature feature. We only get a direct look at The Boogeyman later in the film. It’s all about what could be there.
If you like Lights Out, you’ll love this one as much as I did, with its chilling atmosphere and perfectly timed scares. Plus, Chris Messina isn’t too hard on the eyes.
Watch The Boogeyman Online
The Dead Zone – 1983, 2002
Novel Publication Date: August 16, 1979
“A man who wakes up from a coma with the ability to see the past and future of people he touches.” Stephen King seems to have a thing about characters with psychic powers.
Have you noticed that most, if not almost all, of King’s works have at least one character with supernatural abilities? Well, he took that theme and gave this story a heavy pour.
Everyone born before or in the nineties is more or less familiar with The Dead Zone TV series starring Anthony Michael Hall. Honestly, I’m kind of shocked it hasn’t been rebooted yet.
However, in my twenties, I was fortunate enough to see the first adaptation of this novel. Let me tell you, Christopher Walken and Martin Sheen knocked it out of the park.
Walken uses his new ability to uncover a corrupt politician in a simple and perfectly paced premise that still holds up today.
Try to remember that this novel was written in a time when people thought they could trust politicians. Oh, good times.
Watch The Deadzone Online
The Mist – 2007, 2017
Novel Publication Date: 1980
“A thick fog engulfs a small town in Maine, trapping people inside and exposing them to deadly creatures and other dangers.” If you know, you know.
There is an unspoken rule amongst those who have seen The Mist: Tread carefully when talking about the end. You never know who hasn’t seen it, and the twist is just too good.
What makes the writing for the novel and subsequent film so unique is that the terror is both outside and inside the grocery store. It didn’t take those people long to descend into madness.
While I love Thomas Jane in anything he does, because damn is that man fine, Marcia Gay Harden absolutely stole the show. She played the most apprehensible Karen in history, and we loved her for it.
People walk away from the film remembering her and the ending. Surprisingly, the novel’s ending was much less traumatizing than the film’s. When in doubt, give the audience PTSD.
The Mist television version didn’t fare too well, receiving only one season, and not even the critics could agree on whether it was good or bad.
Watch The Mist Online
It – 1990, 1998, 2017
Novel Publication Date: September 15, 1986
“The experiences of seven children as they are terrorized by an evil entity that exploits the fears of its victims to disguise itself while hunting its prey.” You know you’ve got a great story when it travels to India for a remake.
If you’re reading this list, you’re probably familiar with the American televised miniseries or the recent movies. However, I doubt anyone is as familiar with the Indian version of It called Woh, which translates to “He.”
I’ve only seen the ABC and film versions. Hats off to Tim Curry and Bill Skarsgård as Pennywise. They are the reason everyone is scared of clowns and why I love them.
While the first version featured a young Seth Green as Richie Tozier, the film adaptation delivered some truly terrifying scenes.
First, there was the beginning when Georgie got his arm bitten off by Pennywise. Suffice it to say, my jaw hit the floor and stayed there.
Then, there was the part that made me scream in the theater. I’m getting chills just thinking about the scene in the garage with the projector. That was horrifying.
Thankfully, the adaptations have yet to be a hundred percent accurate. If you know which part of Stephen King’s novel I’m talking about, then you know. No one wants to see that. I can’t even.
Watch It Online
Misery – 1990
Novel Publication Date: June 8, 1987
“A famous novelist is held captive by his self-proclaimed number one fan.” Do you think this was a recurring nightmare for Stephen King? It feels a bit close to home.
Those who identify as TV Fanatics are likely already watching Kathy Bates’ incredible new series, Matlock. If that is the case, prepare to have your perspective thrown into a woodchipper with her portrayal of a stage five clinger.
If there was one movie that warned me about the dangers of fame, it was Misery. As a kid, I interpreted this movie as “fans are the most dangerous thing to a celebrity.” I wasn’t entirely wrong, either. There are crazy people out there.
Kathy Bates is one of those people in this movie. Let go of the sweet old lady you know of from the Matlock reboot. Her character is the very definition of unhinged.
Still, if you love a scary movie and consider Kathy Bates America’s sweetheart, do yourself a favor and check out this timeless tale that would’ve been a rom-com if Hallmark had done it.
If nothing else, this film will teach you where your tolerance for witnessing physical torture lies. Your other option is Hostile. I’m just saying.
Watch Misery Online
1408 – 2007
Novel Publication Date: November 22, 1999 (Blood and Smoke)
“A paranormal skeptic who checks into a reputedly haunted hotel room and discovers that not all stories can be debunked.”
You aren’t alone if you’re scratching your head at this little gem. I’m always surprised to discover how many people have never seen this bone-chilling cinematic beauty.
You wouldn’t think a movie that takes place almost entirely in a hotel room would be scary, but as Samuel L. Jackson’s character says in the film, “It’s an evil room.” And evil it is.
From psycho slashers to horrifying portraits that come alive, on the chill factor, I award 1408 seven skulls. You’ll get that reference when you watch the movie. This one feels like an episode of Black Mirror.
When this movie came out, I was a teenager, so my taste in movies was trash at the time. However, since I was an emo teen who listened to punk rock, I loved this movie right away. I’m happy to say that I still find this film frightening, even as an adult.
That said, as a grownup, I have more fears concerning hotel rooms than I did as a kid. Word to the wise: don’t spend too much time thinking about how clean the bedding is. You won’t sleep a wink.
Which is fitting since John Cusack’s character will probably never sleep again after the traumatizing events of 1408.
Do you think Stephen King modeled the character of Mike Enslin after himself? I hope not. That would be very depressing for him.
Watch 1408 Online
Dreamcatcher – 2003
Novel Publication Date: March 20, 2001
“Four friends reunite for their annual hunting trip and find themselves fighting for their lives against an alien invasion.” Isn’t that just how it goes when you try to plan something with adult friends?
Here is yet another film that hits all the nostalgia marks from my teen years. Don’t you just love it when Stephen King combines psychic powers with a truly terrifying story? Think Sense8 meets Slither.
Considering the man’s debut novel was about a teen girl at prom who kills everyone with her psychic powers, it’s safe to say the King of Horror likes to mix in some mind magic.
Sure, Dreamcatcher is technically about an alien invasion and stars Morgan Freeman as a volatile military man, but the real jewel of this film is friendship. Just kidding.
It’s obviously the psychic powers all the friends received from their autistic alien friend they met as kids. If you like an ensemble cast of pretty big names who don’t make it in the movie, you’ll love this Stephen King classic.
That said, I do have to call out one particular aspect of the plot. It bears a disturbing resemblance to that of Animorphs. A group of teens get powers from an alien friend. King may be a fan of light teen sci-fi.
Either way, Thomas Jane, Timothy Olyphant, Jason Lee, and Donnie Wahlberg all act their butts off. You probably get that gross reference if you’ve seen the movie.
Watch Dreamcatcher Online
Doctor Sleep – 2019
Novel Publication Date: September 24, 2013
“A now-adult Dan Torrance must protect a young girl with similar powers from a cult that preys on children with powers to remain immortal.” Similar powers? The girl was practically a god.
Now, here is the crowning jewel of the pen-to-screen adaptations. Who would have ever thought Stephen King would pen a sequel almost forty years after the original?
I’m surprised there wasn’t more fanfare around the announcement of this book and subsequent film. I feel like they mostly flew under the radar.
However, I’m not mad about it because that means there are plenty more people I can show this movie to. And if you want psychic powers, this movie has them by the truckload.
The cast alone is as incredible as the story itself. The stars, including Ewan McGregor, Rebecca Fergusen, Emily Alyn Lind (Gossip Girl), Jacob Tremblay (The Last Man on Earth), and Carl Lumbly (S.W.A.T.), came out to play.
Watch Doctor Sleep Online
The Awful
Some of the titles you’re about to see may be classics to you, and that’s fine. I’m glad you can enjoy them. However, I can’t make it through these movies for one reason or another.
Feel free to sound off in the comments if any of the following movies are your favorites.
Children of the Corn – 1984, 2009, 2020
Novel Publication Date: February 1978 (Night Shift)
“A young couple is trapped in a remote town where a dangerous religious cult of children believes that everyone over age 18 must be killed.” They never should’ve gotten out of the car.
Another word to the wise: if you’re ever driving through the less populated parts of the country, don’t stop for any reason — any reason at all. And if you see crops, drive faster.
I don’t know about any of you, but I have never been frightened by a child. I don’t care if it’s the little ghost boy from The Grudge. I’m not about to be scared of someone who isn’t tall enough to ride roller coasters.
Children of the Corn is the short story that keeps on giving. Unfortunately, what it provides are some of the crappiest pen-to-screen adaptations ever. I understand the original is a cult classic, but have you watched it lately? Yikes.
Just give the story to Mike Flanagan and let Netflix have a go at it — or even Tim Burton. I’m more than sure either of them could turn this craptastic story into gold.
I’m sorry, but in my opinion, there has yet to be a good Children of the Corn movie. I can’t wrap my head around the idea of children overtaking adults. They’re tiny people. All it takes is one good punch, and they’re down.
That being said, this is a great one to hate-watch. Or better yet, play a drinking game while watching it. Maybe you’ll be moved by the practical effects. It’s the only saving grace.
Watch Children of the Corn Online
Graveyard Shift – 1990
Novel Publication Date: February 1978 (Night Shift)
“A group of workers discover a terrifying monster while cleaning the basement of a textile mill.” There is trash, and then there is whatever this insanity is.
This one is almost as bad as Children of the Corn — emphasis on “almost.” While some stories benefit from a few changes that create a more cinematic experience, there was never any hope for this film.
Since I doubt any reader will track down the original short story, I feel fine in revealing that the rats were heavily changed from the story to the screen.
In the original tale, there were various rats, some even with armor. However, in the film adaptation, there are just a crazy number of regular rats and one monster mama rat. This is American Horror Stories level bad, but at least that show has a good episode every now and then.
There are no scares to be had with this movie that never should’ve been made. However, if you’re into cringe, Graveyard Shift has it by the truckload.
What a terrible name, too. This story should’ve been called “Mischief of Rats.” It sounds cooler, and that’s what a group of rats is called. Perspective, people, perspective.
Watch Graveyard Shift Online
The Dark Tower – 2017
Novel Publication Date: June 10, 1982 (The Gunslinger)
“A boy, haunted by visions of a dark tower, teams up with the tower’s disillusioned guardian to stop an evil warlock who plans to use the boy to destroy the tower and open the gates of Hell.”
I already know a lot of people were fired over this colossal trainwreck. I couldn’t even tell you what the worst part of this movie was. It was a group effort between terrible plotting and dialogue.
The special effects were nice, but they hardly make up for wasting Matthew McConaughey‘s and Idris Elba’s talents. I want to see what the studios paid them.
I don’t think a single person alive liked this movie. Forgetting that it deviated so much from the beloved series of books, it’s just a bad movie overall.
On paper, it should have been a pretty cut-and-dry execution. You know the studios thought they had a bonafide movie franchise on their hands. They really thought this movie deserved a sequel.
Watch The Dark Tower Online
Gerald’s Game – 2017
Novel Publication Date: May 1992
“When her husband’s sex game goes wrong, Jessie — handcuffed to a bed in a remote lake house — faces warped visions, dark secrets, and a dire choice.”
Boring. Oh my god, so dull.
It is very rare for me to sit through a movie that I don’t like. However, there are certain exceptions movie buffs make. One of those is for anything Stephen King because you never know what kind of twist he’ll pull.
There are no twists to be had here apart from the cliche “I made it out. Oh, wait, no, I didn’t. That was just a dream” plot device. It worked in 1408, but all it did was disappoint in Gerald’s Game.
First, congrats to Bruce Greenwood for keeping it tight. The man is almost in his seventies and has the abs of a twenty-year-old. He is aging like fine wine.
Now, I love Carla Gugino. She is amazing at everything she does, from The Haunting of Hill House to Lisa Frankenstein. She is one talented and intelligent lady.
Not even she could make this movie enjoyable. Watching a woman spend a whole film trying to get out of bed just made me want to get in mine and forget the movie entirely.
Funnily enough, Gugino and Greenwood were both in The Fall of The House of Usher, which will make for a great palette cleanser after watching this snoozefest.
Watch Gerald’s Game Online
In The Tall Grass – 2019
Novel Publication Date: October 9, 2012
“After hearing a boy’s cry for help, a pregnant woman and her brother wade into a vast field of grass, only to discover there may be no way out.” Even a crazed Patrick Wilson can still get it. Damn, that man is good-looking.
Unlike some of the “Awful” on this list, In the Tall Grass is rewatchable, but not for the right reasons. This movie so badly wanted to be a better Children of the Corn without the children.
I don’t know about you, but when a rock can turn people into psychos, like in Bird Box, I want to know the story behind the rock. Don’t go into this movie hoping for a clean ending with all the loose ends wrapped up.
If for no other reason, watch this movie to see the handsome Patrick Wilson (Girls) at his most deranged. However, be prepared for it to be one of the most forgettable movies of your life.
Watch In the Tall Grass Online
There you have it — the perfect list to start any Stephen King movie marathon. As I said in the beginning, there are still plenty of other amazing and awful pen-to-screen King adaptations.
These were a few of my personal favorites and most hated. Hopefully, you found a hidden gem or two to kick off a chilling evening. Keep it spooky, friends.
What’s your favorite Stephen King pen-to-screen adaptation?
Which of King’s stories do you hope one day gets adapted?
Please comment below to let me know, and join me again when I bring you more lists of your favorite films and TV shows!
