Let’s take a moment to talk about horror legends. One that instantly comes to mind is Stephen King, and I'm sure most horror fans would agree. With a successful career that spans decades, King's influence on the genre is immeasurable. Many of your favorite horror flicks and shows were likely inspired by his work or adapted from his books.
Of course, not every adaptation is going to be a masterpiece, and believe me, some of them are downright questionable. However, there's no denying the vast number of iconic, widely celebrated films and series that have come from King's stories.
In this article, we’re highlighting the nine must-watch Stephen King adaptations and the five you might want to steer clear of if you don’t want to be let down.
Carrie (1976)
- Verdict: Watch
- Where to watch: Tubi
While there have been several Carrie movies, none of them can compare to the first in the series. The supernatural horror stars Sissy Spacek as Carrie White, a teenage outcast who is often bullied by others. After discovering she has telekinetic abilities, Carrie becomes empowered in ways she never imagined, and this leads to her seeking revenge on those who have tormented her for so long.
The Shining (1980)
- Verdict: Watch
- Where to watch: Available to rent or buy through digital platforms
Another standout adaptation of King's work is the psychological horror classic The Shining. In this film, Jack Nicholson plays an aspiring novelist named Jack Torrance, who accepts a position as the winter caretaker of the secluded Overlook Hotel. He also decides to bring along his wife, Wendy, and their young son, Danny, who has psychic powers. As winter really starts to set in, Jack's mental state begins to deteriorate quickly, driven by the hotel's sinister supernatural forces. His descent into madness eventually makes him a dangerous threat to his own family.
Salem's Lot (2024)
- Verdict: Skip
- Where to watch: Max
I regret watching this film adaptation of King's Salem's Lot novel. So far, the only successful adaptation of this story has been the 1979 two-part miniseries. The 2004 adaptation doesn't even come close to matching it. Don't waste your time on watching this movie. You'll be greatly disappointed as it's very rushed, and it fails to capture the eerie atmosphere and depth of the original material.
The supernatural horror flick centers on a writer who returns to his hometown seeking inspiration for his next book, only to find the town in the process of being taken over by a bloodthirsty vamp.
Doctor Sleep (2019)
- Verdict: Watch
- Where to watch: Available to rent or purchase digitally
I was initially nervous when I found out that King's Doctor Sleep novel was being turned into a movie. With The Shining being a great adaptation, I wasn't sure if Doctor Sleep could live up to the high expectations set by its predecessor. However, I was pleasantly surprised.
The supernatural horror serves as a sequel to The Shining and follows a now-adult Danny who is still struggling with the traumatic events that he experienced as a child while staying at the Overlook Hotel. After meeting a young girl who shares the same psychic abilities, they team up to put a stop to a cult of psychic vampires who are preying on children with psychic abilities to extend their lives.
In the Tall Grass (2019)
- Verdict: Skip
- Where to watch: Netflix
Another King adaptation that just didn't hit the mark for me was the supernatural horror drama In the Tall Grass. The Netflix movie dragged at times, and it failed to build tension or suspense effectively. How it wasted such a promising premise was disappointing, especially since the concept of a mysterious, seemingly endless field of tall grass trapping people could have been a perfect setup for a truly terrifying film.
1922 (2017)
- Verdict: Skip
- Where to watch: Netflix
1922 is another horror film that suffered from slow pacing and a lack of genuine scares. That's why I'm going to have to say pass on this one. The story revolves around a farmer named Wilf who murders his wife to prevent her from selling the land they both own. He even ropes his son into the crime, and together, they dispose of her body before moving on with their lives. However, they eventually find themselves haunted by the consequences of their actions.
The Mist (2007)
- Verdict: Watch
- Where to watch: Prime Video for free
The Mist is one horror movie that I often go back and rewatch because it does an excellent job of blending psychological horror with pure, unrelenting tension. The film constantly keeps you on edge, and you never know what will happen next. The claustrophobic setting only heightens that sense of unease as well.
Here's what The Mist is about via IMDb:
"After a massive thunderstorm, an eerie, unwavering fog descends upon a Maine community. Locals seek refuge in a grocery store from the monstrous creatures now roaming the countryside killing everyone they encounter."
These are seven more Stephen King adaptations that we recommend you either watch or skip:
- Gerald’s Game (2017) - Watch - Netflix
- It (2017) - Watch - Netflix or Max
- Pet Sematary (2019) - Skip - Paramount+
- Children of the Corn (2023) - Skip - Hulu or AMC+
- The Boogeyman (2023) - Watch - Tubi
- Christine (1983) - Watch - Available to rent or purchase through digital retailers
- Salem’s Lot (1979) - Watch