Every Stephen King Movie, Ranked

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This narrative was initially published in the year 2017, but has since been revised to incorporate fresh developments, such as this week’s release of The Monkey.

Stephen King‘s works have been adapted in numerous ways, with some adaptations being done by King himself. This vast array of adaptations makes it challenging to find a common theme among all the films based on his work. While many of these adaptations fall into the horror genre (and it’s true that many of the early ones were horror), this is largely due to the 1980s being the era when King was primarily recognized as a horror author. As King’s body of work and reputation have grown, his stories have been transformed into dramas, comedies, musicals, and even a Bollywood film.

Ranking King movies is quite challenging due to their diverse nature; they often appear as if they belong to different worlds, making them hard to compare. However, we made an effort to do so, taking into account only theatrical releases. For instance, “The Mangler” and “The Shawshank Redemption” seem almost incomparable, yet here we are. We excluded films like “Lawnmower Man,” which was such a departure from the original that King himself sued to have his name removed. The exceptions are few, but generally, King’s adaptations have matured and become more substantial over time, much like their author.

47.
Maximum Overdrive (1986)

King’s sole directorial venture, “Maximum Overdrive,” is a film where Stephen King, renowned author, might be better suited as a writer. The movie’s peculiar tone unfolds in the opening scene, featuring a man (King himself) attempting to withdraw money from an ATM that labels him a jerk. It seems a comet has passed by Earth, granting mechanical objects consciousness, and when they turn hostile against humanity, Emilio Estevez steps up as a leader of the human resistance. Regrettably, the film fails to capitalize on this bizarre premise with humor, and King’s directorial abilities — visually, narratively, or in any other aspect — leave much to be desired. King himself has declared it the worst adaptation of his works, a sentiment we wholeheartedly share. However, King admitted that he was under the influence of drugs throughout the film’s production, which might explain his confusion over the project.

46.
The Mangler (1995)

Among Stephen King’s adaptations, this one stands out as our favorite title pick, though it’s quite peculiar. So, what’s “the Mangler,” you wonder? Well, get ready for a twist: The Mangler is a demonically possessed… laundry machine! Yes, you heard that right – a laundry press gone evil! This premise results in comical scenes of an enraged laundry press moving up and down, mimicking the actions of a famished hippo. As the story unfolds, the Mangler acquires legs and starts chasing people. It’s truly dreadful, but who knows? It could be your type of horror. If you have a fondness for laundry-press costumes, go ahead and embrace it!

45.
Graveyard Shift (1990)

The late-night shift at this textile mill, which was once abandoned and later reopened, has become a deadly mystery. Workers who take this shift keep mysteriously dying, leaving everyone baffled as to the cause. Let’s see if you can guess the reason – but we’ll keep that secret for now. So, what could be killing them? You won’t believe it! It turns out to be… a colossal bat! (In the original story, it was a massive rat. Bats make for more captivating cinema.) This movie appears to have been made on a shoestring budget of around $35, but it does boast an absolutely wild closing credits song that will leave you in awe.

44.
Riding the Bullet (2004)

In King’s novella, originally published as an e-book, a straightforward concept was presented. This idea serves as the foundation for a play that follows a man who attempts suicide, then travels across the country to see his ailing mother. However, director Mick Garris, known for his work with Stephen King, aims to elevate this narrative beyond its actual depth and significance.

43.
Sleepwalkers (1992)

Mick Garris is back once more (this was his initial partnership with King), working on another film adaptation of King’s work, this time with an original script penned by King himself. You might wonder, “What are ‘Sleepwalkers?'” According to the Stephen King Wiki, they are an old and forgotten race of shape-shifting vampiric werecats. In the movie, they take the form of a mother and son duo who crave virgin blood, leading to predictable developments in the plot. Interestingly, Sleepwalkers cannot coexist with ordinary house cats, resulting in hilarious scenes featuring our villain recoiling in fear at the sight of Garfield. The movie is infamous for being poor quality, but it also boasts a variety of horror-movie cameos, including appearances by King himself, Tobe Hooper, John Landis, Ron Perlman, Mark Hamill, Clive Barker, and Joe Dante.

42.
Silver Bullet (1985)

Back in its day, I found Silver Bullet quite amusing, but revisiting it today, it seems more like a laughable spectacle than a horror classic; the special effects and monster makeup are subpar even by 1985’s standards for a horror movie. In case you need convincing, just give it a watch and see for yourself.

It’s quite possible they would have fared better if they had someone walking with a bear head on a pole instead. Admittedly, the film is impressive for featuring Gary Busey in the role of a loving, protective father, but that admiration is tempered slightly.

41.
Cell (2016)

In a fresh take on the narrative, the second collaboration between John Cusack and Samuel L. Jackson in a film based on a King novel experiences a disappointing downfall, delivering a warning storyline that revolves around… or rather, portrays an ominous scenario where cell phones may ultimately lead to our demise through emitting a signal transforming us into violent creatures. Stephen King wrote this book (2006) at the advent of portable technology, making it appear distressingly outdated by 2016. Today, our smartphones have devised many more intricate ways to potentially pose threats.

40.
Dolan’s Cadillac (2009)

Despite being a crime thriller featuring Christian Slater and Wes Bentley, rather than a documentary showcasing an expensive American car owned by the Knicks owner that might have appeared at MSG one summer afternoon (which, to be honest, wouldn’t be entirely unexpected), this film is actually a somewhat lackluster adaptation of a Stephen King short story. The movie, which was made before either actor experienced their comeback, struggles to live up to the grindhouse style it aspires to and feels quite lethargic overall. Released briefly in theaters before heading straight to video, this film is seldom mentioned except in lists such as this one.

39.
Firestarter (2022)

The original “Firestarter” (a film that stands out due to its exceptional cast) was initially intended for direction by John Carpenter. However, he only provided music for the remake, and it’s undeniably the best aspect: The synthesizer-heavy eeriness suggests an ’80s horror ambiance, but unfortunately, the film fails to fully capture this atmosphere. Zac Efron portrays the father of a girl who can ignite things with her mind, yet his casting feels more like a strategic career move than the ideal choice for the movie. The film often lacks excitement, and by the fiery climax, you might struggle to recall the story’s essence.

38.
Cat’s Eye (1985)

This film was produced during the height of horror anthology popularity, with Stephen King at the forefront. The unique aspect: A single feline links all three narratives, two adapted from his “Night Shift” stories and one penned by King exclusively for this movie. At that time, Drew Barrymore, fresh from both “E.T.” and “Firestarter,” was the biggest name. However, the standout performance belongs to James Woods in the most compelling segment, portraying a man so determined to quit smoking he’ll try anything. The movie appears hastily assembled, evoking more of the whimsy found on “The Twilight Zone” than genuine horror. Yet, there is indeed a cat present.

37.
Needful Things (1993)

A story featuring Max von Sydow as an enigmatic store owner causing chaos in a peaceful town, with Ed Harris as the sheriff trying to stop him, might seem intriguing but unfortunately falls short. With a more capable director than Fraser Clarke Heston, Von Sydow’s mysterious malevolence could have been both terrifying and amusing, but this slow-paced movie lacks both suspense and humor. It’s quite challenging to make Harris and Amanda Plummer dull, yet Needful Things manages it somehow.

36.
Creepshow 2 (1987)

In the subsequent film, George Romero isn’t directing (he contributed to the script), but it remains rooted in Stephen King stories, even if these are lesser-known, less entertaining tales compared to the original. The scares and inventiveness aren’t as potent as in the first movie, though “The Raft,” where a group of horny teenagers meet their doom by being devoured by a monster from a deep lake while swimming, remains unsettling to this day. This particular film didn’t perform well enough for them to make another one for 20 years, and neither Romero nor King were part of the production then.

35.
Mr. Harrigan’s Phone (2022)

In this reimagined tale, a young man named Craig (Jaeden Martell, slightly older and less captivating compared to his roles in the ‘It’ films) forges an unusual bond with an elderly stranger (Donald Sutherland, always subtly ominous) before placing a phone gifted to him in the man’s grave. Feeling lonely after the man’s passing, Craig calls the phone when he encounters trouble from a local bully, only to discover that the bully meets an untimely end the following day. To his surprise, the phone begins texting him back. Initially promising as a classic King-esque chiller, the narrative veers into a somewhat sentimental journey of self-discovery: The story struggles to regain its footing once Sutherland’s character departs. Additionally, it is advisable to refrain from equipping the elderly with social media; their lives have already been challenging enough.

34.
The Night Flier (1997)

One area where King hasn’t delved deeply is journalism and media, except perhaps during his Twitter activity and under the Trump administration. However, he explores this field to some extent through this film adaptation of a short story, which features Miguel Ferrer as a sleazy TV journalist on the hunt for a vampire. Ferrer gives a commendable performance in this role, perfectly embodying the seedy nature of the character. Unfortunately, the movie lacks the necessary intelligence and edge to fully capitalize on Ferrer’s talent. King has hinted that this character shares similarities with “Richard Dees,” who appears as a shady journalist in The Dead Zone.

33.
Firestarter (1984)

Drew Barrymore played her debut role after E.T., portraying a young girl with psychokinetic abilities to ignite objects mentally. While Barrymore excels at conveying a convincingly mischievous childish expression, the film’s dark and scary themes may have been too intense for an 8-year-old (interestingly mirroring Barrymore’s personal life during that period). The film, unfortunately, was not well-received; even its author, Stephen King, deemed it one of the worst adaptations of his books. Notably, John Carpenter was initially slated to direct, but the studio declined due to the underperformance of his previous film, The Thing. It is believed that if Carpenter had directed, the movie would have been more successful. As a side note, this is the only project where George C. Scott, Art Carney, Martin Sheen, and Heather Locklear all appeared together on screen.

32.
Dreamcatcher (2003)

Known as “the film where Lawrence Kasdan seemingly lost his way,” Dreamcatcher boasted an impressive lineup including Kasdan himself, a script co-written by William Goldman and Kasdan, Morgan Freeman, Thomas Jane, and Timothy Olyphant. However, the movie is a chaotic ride from start to finish – a confusing blend of elements reminiscent of It mixed with military thriller, monster movie tropes, culminating in a disjointed special effects finale that leaves more questions than answers. It’s astonishing how such brilliant minds and talents could produce something so off the mark. To add context, after this film, there were no major studio adaptations of Stephen King’s works until The Dark Tower.

31.
The Dark Tower (2017)

Following numerous delays and a prolonged period of negative hype, the long-awaited film adaptation of Stephen King’s cherished Dark Tower series turns out to be rather uneventful, in a somewhat unremarkable way. The unfortunate aspect is that if the movie had been genuinely terrible, it would have left a stronger impact. We hold no grudges against Idris Elba, who convincingly portrays the rugged, chiseled Gunslinger, taking on the role of mentor to awkward teen Jake Chambers (Tom Taylor). However, we have numerous issues with Matthew McConaughey, who seems to be reprising his smarmy, mumbling-mystic character from his less-than-stellar Lincoln commercials in the role of the Man in Black.

Stephen King himself has endorsed The Dark Tower, and the film includes subtle, wink-worthy references to other King works such as The Shining, 1408, and The Shawshank Redemption. Unfortunately, the movie fails to gain momentum; it feels like a faint echo of what an epic spectacle should be, lacking the boldness, creativity, and heart needed for such a production.

30.
Pet Sematary (1989)

In the hands of director Mary Lambert, Stephen King’s novel “Pet Sematary” transforms from a chilling moral allegory into a conventional horror movie filled with jump scares. While King often puts children in precarious situations in his books – as seen in “It” – it’s still unsettling to witness a toddler being hit by a truck become such a crucial plot element. Notably, this film seems to be the only one on the list directed by a woman, apart from the remake of “Carrie.” (Fun fact: Lambert was friends with the Ramones and convinced them to compose the theme song for the closing credits.)

29.
The Dark Half (1993)

In the ’80s, when George Romero wasn’t busy with his zombie films, he directed this movie that Stephen King penned, often expressing his fear of life as a writer. After stopping the pseudonym “Richard Bachman,” King came up with this story. The plot revolves around a writer (played by Timothy Hutton) who uses a pen name to write best-selling novels. However, upon retiring the name and pretending the fake author is dead, the character comes back to haunt him, attempting to kill the real author. Despite its outlandish premise, it’s portrayed in a surprisingly straightforward manner. Hutton delivers an amusing, offbeat performance against type. Ultimately, it mirrors the thinness of the original concept on screen.

28.
Thinner (1996)

The central idea of this Bachman novel is captivating: A heavy, arrogant lawyer, after hitting a Romani woman, is cursed to lose weight until he vanishes. However, the film adaptation shuns any exploration of moral lessons or capitalist critique; instead, it focuses solely on grotesque scenes. One can only imagine how David Cronenberg might have approached this material.

27.
The Boogeyman (2023)

In essence, “The Boogeyman” movie draws inspiration from one of Stephen King’s chilling tales in his collection “Night Shift” but deviates significantly after the first scene. The film initially creates an eerie atmosphere with a sparse soundtrack and pervasive darkness, but this turns out to be a prelude as it transforms into another horror movie centered around healing from past traumas. Although Chris Messina delivers a commendable performance, the narrative unfortunately leans heavily on this theme, making the film less terrifying than intended. While the concept is intriguing, it ultimately fails to capture the essence of a King adaptation.

26.
A Good Marriage (2014)

As a passionate cinephile, I can’t help but express my thoughts on “A Good Marriage,” a gripping film based on Stephen King’s 2010 short story, which was inspired by the infamous BTK killer, Dennis Rader. In this chilling tale, Joan Allen brilliantly portrays a wife who uncovers, after 25 years of wedded bliss, her husband’s (Anthony LaPaglia) dark and deadly secret – that he is a serial killer. Allen’s performance is nothing short of extraordinary, showcasing her immense talent and the reasons why she remains vastly underappreciated in the industry.

However, despite its intriguing premise, “A Good Marriage” falls somewhat short. It doesn’t quite reach the heights of a gritty, pulpy thriller nor delve deep enough into the psychological complexities to elevate it beyond a standard TV movie.

It is important to note that Rader’s daughter publicly criticized Stephen King for using their family’s tragedy as the basis for his story and this film. In her first interview since Rader’s arrest, she emphasized that her father was indeed a fan of King’s work. This adds an unexpected layer to the story’s origins.

25.
No Smoking (2007)

Let’s revisit the scene from “Cat’s Eye” where James Woods portrayed an individual going to great lengths to quit smoking. Inspired by this, Indian filmmaker Anurag Kashyap created a Hindi film revolving around similar themes. Although King’s 1978 story “Quitters, Inc.” isn’t explicitly credited in the movie, it served as its inspiration. The ending of the film mirrors the Woods tale quite closely. This movie can be confusing if you’re not familiar with the original story and is often criticized for being one of the biggest flops in Indian cinema history. However, despite its poor reception upon release, it showcases a level of ambition that was uncommon in the Indian film industry at the time. In essence, it’s not as bad as some might claim.

24.
Cujo (1983)

It’s remarkable to acknowledge the influence King held during the ’80s, as he was able to create a film where the climax involves a character shooting a dog. This simple plot follows a sweet Saint Bernard who gets bitten by a rabid bat, leading to violence and mayhem. The story itself isn’t overly complex, but it does star Danny Pintauro from “Who’s the Boss?” as the child character. There’s also a scene where Cujo attempts to overturn a car that is both terrifying and laughable, making it feel like a horrifying reinterpretation of “Old Yeller.” Given the circumstances, it could be worse.

23.
Hearts in Atlantis (2001)

Here’s a simpler way of explaining it: “Hearts in Atlantis” is a film based on a collection of stories by Stephen King, titled “Hearts in Atlantis.” One of these stories, “Low Men in Yellow Coats,” ties into King’s Dark Tower series. However, the movie adaptation doesn’t follow this storyline. Instead, it focuses on Anthony Hopkins as an old man with special powers connecting with a young boy, played by Anton Yelchin. Despite Hopkins delivering a great performance, the movie is too tame and respectful to delve into its more complex themes.

22.
Carrie (2013)

In theory, a contemporary adaptation of “Carrie” directed by a woman could have been effective, given that Kimberly Peirce had a proven track record and seemed suited for the task of portraying a chilling coming-of-age tale. Unfortunately, despite a strong portrayal by Chloë Grace Moretz in the lead role, the movie fails to fully capture its essence. King himself expressed interest in Lindsay Lohan for the part! The film struggles to establish itself as a product of its time and location; it comes across more like a ’70s remake than an original piece. If anything, the film is overly cautious; in its eagerness to avoid being too pulpy, it ends up losing much of its impact.

21.
It Chapter Two (2019)

The primal, childhood terrors of the first film are replaced by much more pedestrian scares this time around, and a pumped-up cast — the presence of Jessica Chastain, James McAvoy, and Bill Hader is a sign that the first film made a ton of money — can’t save this long-winded (it’s nearly three hours!), bloated sequel. The horror sequences are much more perfunctory and familiar than they were in Chapter One, and it really is a lot less fun watching adults be scared than it is kids. The movie may just have too much reverence for King canon to truly let itself run free. Fittingly, King remains a huge fan, and he even has a (sort of funny!) cameo in this one. But the highlight of the first film was Bill Skarsgård’s Pennywise, who gets the short straw in this one, paying sixth fiddle to his much duller adult co-stars. More kid terror, less adult angst, please.

20.
Doctor Sleep (2019)

Stephen King penned this follow-up to “The Shining” partly as a means to reclaim the narrative after Stanley Kubrick’s film (which King had famously criticized), and its primary function is: It eliminates the intriguing aspects that Kubrick introduced and replaces them with conventional, straightforward horror elements. While the movie still holds merit, with strong acting from Ewan McGregor and Rebecca Ferguson, it can’t shake off the influence of Kubrick’s masterpiece, ultimately conceding to an appearance by… essentially Jack Nicholson, albeit not in the same role.

19.
Secret Window (2004)

In the final moments before Johnny Depp transformed into a full-blown cartoon character, “Secret Window” emerged – another Stephen King tale delving into writer’s block, with noticeable resemblances to “The Dark Half.” Unlike the book, this adaptation concludes on a darker note, incorporating a clever Hitchcockian twist. However, in 2004, Depp’s overly energetic acting style made it difficult for him to convincingly portray the laid-back writer character that the film required.

18.
The Monkey (2025)

Osgood Perkins’ movie “Longlegs” was an unexpected blockbuster success due to its eerie, otherworldly atmosphere that seemed to tap into genuine evil, leaving viewers feeling unsettled even when the filmmakers themselves might have been unaware of it. However, in this adaptation of a Stephen King short story about a cursed toy monkey, Perkins takes a completely different approach. While the movie contains a lot of gore, it’s more than just a horror film; it’s a witty, humorous, and downright sarcastic splatter comedy. Instead of subtly acknowledging the audience, Perkins seems to drench them in fake blood and encourage laughter.

The movie has its moments, particularly Tatiana Maslany’s moving portrayal of a doomed mother of twins, but the somber tone of “Longlegs” is nowhere to be found here. Perkins appears to be playing around, something that even King, when indulging in his whimsical side, never quite does entirely. The film gives the impression that Perkins isn’t genuinely invested in the story; rather, he seems more interested in showcasing his own cleverness. While King can skillfully blend horror and humor, this might not be one of Perkins’ strengths.

17.
Pet Sematary (2019)

The 2019 version of “Pet Sematary,” directed by Kevin Kölsch and Dennis Widmyer, outshines the 1989 original in several aspects. For one, it maintains a more persistent sense of dread and sorrow, delving deeply into the idea that even rational individuals struggle to let go of their past or deceased loved ones. Furthermore, this remake boasts a stronger cast, particularly Jason Clarke as a resilient family man who disbelieves in an afterlife until he encounters a burial ground capable of reanimating the dead, albeit not completely. Lastly, it’s the innovative twists on Stephen King’s novel that enable the film to establish its own chilling and desolate atmosphere. Despite some reliance on cheap jump scares and plot inconsistencies, Kölsch and Widmyer have effectively created a haunting ambiance, making this decent adaptation far superior to most films based on King’s work.

16.
Children of the Corn (1984)

The film may not be as impactful as you recall, but perhaps that’s for the better; for some children of a specific era, the word “Malachai” was nearly terrifying in English. While the movie might seem somewhat dated and predictable today, its core concept remains undeniably chilling: possessed children wielding pitchforks. This concept originated from a short story that was first published in Penthouse before it gained its current status as a literary powerhouse.

15.
Christine (1983)

If you happen to overlook the fact that King is a baby boomer, there’s a film about a boy who develops an intense affection for his 1958 Plymouth Fury. Unbeknownst to him, the car has gained consciousness and is attempting to eliminate him and those he cherishes. The movie may not fully acknowledge its absurdity, but that’s alright – you’ll likely find yourself laughing along despite your better judgment. Doesn’t it seem like a remake featuring a self-driving Uber is imminent?

14.
The Green Mile (1999)

If a key factor in The Shawshank Redemption‘s popularity was its ability to tell a grand tale without resorting to bombast, Frank Darabont’s subsequent film appears to venture into territory where he overreaches. The Green Mile, with its lengthy running time of over three hours, could serve as a prime example of the excessive, self-important dramas that Hollywood often produces for awards consideration. However, if you can overlook these issues, this adaptation proves to be surprisingly moving and well-acted. Tom Hanks plays Paul, a prison guard who takes his job with a sense of solemn reverence, while Oscar-nominee Michael Clarke Duncan portrays John Coffey, a new inmate who possesses magical abilities. It’s true that the film is overstuffed with themes related to redemption and an unconvincing air of wonderment, and the character of Coffey, despite Duncan’s powerful performance, is treated as a simplistic, overly innocent symbol of goodness. (It should be noted that Coffey is in prison for murder, but rest assured: He didn’t really commit the crime, eliminating any opportunity for moral complexity.) In the end, it’s the cast and crew’s skillful dedication to the film’s polished, heartfelt sentimentality that redeems it.

13.
Apt Pupil (1998)

It might not have been ideal for “Apt Pupil” if Bryan Singer decided to direct it following the immense success of “The Usual Suspects.” This choice seemed to elevate the film beyond its original intended scale. Initially, a subtle drama about an aging Nazi war criminal (Ian McKellen) and a curious teenager (Brad Renfro) could have worked wonderfully as an intimate chamber piece. However, it appears that the film was expanded more than necessary. Singer’s passion for the project was evident, but its underperformance at the box office led him to create “X-Men,” marking the beginning of a series of six comic book superhero films. One could argue that since then, he hasn’t taken on projects as demanding or challenging.

12.
The Mist (2007)

In a departure from his previous works, Frank Darabont concluded his trilogy of Stephen King adaptations with a tale about ordinary individuals caught in a supermarket, battling sinister creatures emerging from an encroaching fog. This story is less sentimental and more focused on horror compared to Darabont’s other films, which proves beneficial as it steers clear of excessive sentimentality, even though it may not surpass its predecessors. Despite this, it offers genuine frightening moments and boasts a top-notch cast featuring Thomas Jane, Marcia Gay Harden, Frances Sternhagen, and Andre Braugher. Apart from Sausage Party, it stands as the finest film predominantly set within a supermarket.

11.
Dolores Claiborne (1995)

Kathy Bates believes that her role in “Misery” is her finest performance, and she’s truly mesmerizing in this chilling, somber tale of a family devastated by a murder and the chaos that ensues. There’s nothing fantastical about this story; instead, it delves into deep-seated pain and repressed memories, with Bates portraying the title character and Jennifer Jason Leigh as her tormented, anguished daughter. The courtroom-thriller element of the film falls flat, but almost everything else succeeds admirably. This movie is more captivating than you might recall.

10.
It (2017)

The 1990 mini-series covered the entirety of King’s story set in Derry, Maine, about a group of friends fighting the terrifying Pennywise. Contrastingly, the Warner Bros. movie focuses on the characters as outcast teenagers, while the upcoming sequel will jump forward to when they are adults facing this haunting figure again. Remarkably, Muschietti’s film manages to be satisfying and chilling even without the second segment. It offers enough frights, emotional depth, and an ending that hints at the next chapter while concluding this one with impact. Jaeden Lieberher, who was excellent in “Midnight Special” and deserved better than “The Book of Henry,” delivers a remarkable performance as Bill, developing feelings for the troubled Beverly (played convincingly by Sophia Lillis). While Tim Curry’s portrayal of Pennywise is iconic, Bill Skarsgård’s performance might be even more unsettling, making the character seem inhuman and thus even creepier. The movie skillfully delves into the fears that teenagers experience from a hostile, indifferent world, giving its horror scenes a strong psychological undertone (in this film, your deepest fears could literally come to kill you). Anyone still unsure about how unnerving clowns can be will finally comprehend why we find them so unsettling.

9.
The Running Man (1987)

Derived from one of King’s Richard Bachman novels, except for “Thinner,” the only one officially recognized as a Bachman book to be adapted into a film – “The Running Man” bears little resemblance to the original novel. Fortunately! Arnold Schwarzenegger is at his ’80s best in this film, seamlessly blending the absurd and the macabre, making it an exhilarating watch. The movie carries some echoes of contemporary reality TV shows, but even disregarding that, it’s simply a heap of over-the-top fun that will keep you entertained regardless. The true excitement lies in Richard Dawson’s portrayal of a terrifying version of himself. It stands among the most outrageous villain performances of the ’80s. Who do you care for, and who cares for you?

8.
1408 (2007)

1408’s storyline can be summarized straightforwardly: John Cusack portrays a writer who focuses on the supernatural, and he stubbornly decides to occupy a hotel room known for pushing everyone who’s stayed in it to the brink of suicide. The movie primarily revolves around Cusack remaining in that room, with his sanity deteriorating as the world around him becomes increasingly surreal. This creates an intensely eerie thriller experience, skillfully crafted by Swedish director Mikael Håfström. The film offers four distinct endings, but none of them are particularly conclusive; instead, it’s the descent into madness that makes this film compelling.

7.
Stand by Me (1986)

In the 1980s, I was part of a group who embraced friendship and camaraderie in the heartwarming movie “Stand by Me,” directed by Rob Reiner. Stepping away from his comedy roots, he crafted this tale about four young friends, played by Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix, Corey Feldman, and Jerry O’Connell, embarking on an adventure to find a deceased body in the woods during the summer of 1959. The movie doesn’t offer the usual horror elements, instead focusing on the universal anxieties of growing up, like puberty. Despite its nostalgic charm and insightful portrayal of how seemingly trivial experiences can significantly shape one’s life, it’s far from just a simple coming-of-age story. The iconic Ben E. King title song echoes the enduring strength of friendships, making it a fitting choice for this movie. Interestingly enough, it’s Stephen King’s favorite adaptation among his works.

6.
Creepshow (1982).

George Romero and Stephen King collaborated on the initial horror anthology series, which paid homage to classic spooky comic books like “Tales from the Crypt” and “House of Mystery”. The series was a mix of creepy, pulpy, and occasionally humorous, featuring various tales that ranged from silly (“Father’s Day”) to bizarre but entertainingly strange performances by King himself (“The Lonesome Death of Jordy Verrill”). There were also traditional monster-movie fright fests (“The Crate”), nostalgic ’80s relics with Leslie Nielsen and Ted Danson (“Something to Tide You Over”), and timeless classics that are still unsettling today (“They’re Creeping Up on You,” starring E.G. Marshall as a germaphobe reminiscent of our current president). Despite its inconsistency, the anthology remains an enjoyable watch.

5.
Misery (1990)

Thirty years have passed since Kathy Bates won her Oscar for her exceptional performance in “Misery”, and it’s still as shocking an event as it was when she stepped onto the stage to receive her award, exclaiming, “I’ve been waiting a long time to say this.” This isn’t meant to diminish her remarkable portrayal, which masterfully combined menace and dark humor, but rather to acknowledge that such roles aren’t typically celebrated. “Misery”, a horror film with a satirical edge, catapulted Bates into film stardom. As Annie Wilkes, the obsessive fan of Paul Sheldon (James Caan), she brilliantly portrayed a woman who held him captive in her home until he agreed to abandon his new manuscript, which she despised, and write something more to her satisfaction.

Annie could have been a one-dimensional, misogynistic monster, but Bates transformed her into a nuanced depiction of obsession, revealing the dangers of becoming too engrossed in others’ work. Bates is chilling in her stillness, making Annie’s sudden outbursts of violence all the more terrifying. However, a subtle, dark humor emerges from Bates’s mischievous glee at securing such an intriguing role. Although Annie is clearly a lunatic, she serves as Paul’s comeuppance — a shrewd warning that self-absorbed artists can be held captive by their pursuit of fame, sometimes literally.

4.
The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

Stephen King initially harbored doubts about Frank Darabont’s adaptation of his novella “Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption” due to its extensive dialogue, which he perceived as too talky. However, guided by its endearing lead characters, the film “The Shawshank Redemption” subtly explores profound themes such as friendship, empathy, and the choice between living and dying. Darabont’s character study uses incarceration as a metaphorical purgatory that allows individuals to discover their true selves, contributing to the film’s enduring popularity among IMDb users. The film has sparked both adoration and criticism online, yet neither response fully captures its essence. This thoughtful, understated tearjerker works best when it’s quiet and introspective, making it neither a masterpiece nor a sappy, populist embarrassment, but simply a well-made movie that may irk fans from both camps.

3.
The Dead Zone (1983)

This haunting thriller, often overlooked in discussions about Stephen King and David Cronenberg films, poses a thought-provoking question: what if you had the chance to go back in time and prevent a disaster? The movie centers around Christopher Walken’s character, Johnny Smith, a schoolteacher who gains psychic abilities following a coma caused by a car accident. He discovers that Martin Sheen’s character, a senatorial candidate, will one day become president and trigger global destruction. Cronenberg infuses the film with a somber mood, suggesting that while tragedy is inevitable, it will be tinged with a certain solemn dignity. Although there may be parallels between Sheen’s character and some current presidents, the movie remains relevant today, largely due to Walken’s captivating performance. It is considered one of his finest roles. If you haven’t seen it yet, I highly recommend giving it a watch—it still holds up remarkably well.

2.
Carrie (1976)

As a dedicated cinephile, I’m always amazed by the serendipitous turns that led to some of the greatest films ever made. My personal favorite example is Stephen King’s groundbreaking novel Carrie. At one point during its writing, the author himself was on the verge of throwing in the towel, discarding his early drafts and walking away from the tale of a telekinetic teenager. Fortunately for us film enthusiasts, his wife fished those pages out of the trash and encouraged him to continue. The story eventually found its way into the hands of director Brian De Palma who transformed it into one of the most memorable teen dramas – and one of the classic horror films.

Sissy Spacek delivers an outstanding performance as Carrie, a small-town girl grappling with both her fear of her oppressive, fanatical mother (Piper Laurie) and the tumultuous emotions that come with adolescence. While Carrie may be known for its chilling moments, the movie’s suspense is more about capturing the psychological turmoil of a young person than it is about gore or violence. De Palma masterfully immerses us in Carrie’s paranoid mind, portraying her daily life as a constant nightmare that many high-school students can relate to – first love anxieties, feelings of isolation, body changes, and the stress of trying to fit in.

At its core, Carrie is a masterfully crafted symphony of tension, building up slowly until the prom night climax when Carrie unleashes her powers on her classmates. The movie remains a poignant and empathetic portrayal of the inner torment experienced by so many adolescents. In the wake of tragedies like Columbine, films such as Elephant and We Need to Talk About Kevin have tackled the complexities behind youth violence. However, Carrie still stands out as the most unsettling and compassionate film about the darkness that lies within teenagers.

1.
The Shining (1980)

One intriguing factor behind the enduring popularity of “The Shining” as a horror classic is that its creator, Stephen King, dislikes the film adaptation. In 2014, he expressed confusion over the movie’s passionate fanbase, stating, “There are many things I don’t understand, but evidently people adore it, and I can’t fathom why I don’t.” He compared the book to a blazing fire and the movie to frozen ice.

The film’s allure largely stems from director Stanley Kubrick’s unique interpretation of King’s novel. Rather than portraying a tragic, albeit flawed, man descending into madness, we witness Jack Nicholson’s character, Jack Torrance, as a pompous, grandiose failure who aspires for literary fame, dragging his discontent family to an isolated ski lodge, leading to violence and suffering. Kubrick’s adaptation is a dark comedy that criticizes the monotony of middle-class life. In his world, fathers are feeble providers, mothers are cheerfully enduring their pain, and children perceive more than their parents do.

By stripping down the story to its core elements – supernatural powers, madness, and claustrophobia – Kubrick invited viewers to explore a wealth of potential interpretations, many of which are explored in the intricate documentary “Room 237.” (Unsurprisingly, King also dislikes this film.) However, if Kubrick’s “Shining” is so cold, why do we continue to revisit it and scrutinize its details, captivated by its meticulous craftsmanship and chilling horror? Perhaps it’s because it’s the only King adaptation that manages to surpass the original work – offering not one, but two perspectives on the author’s remarkable story.

As a movie enthusiast, I can’t get enough of the insightful film analysis from Grierson & Leitch. Don’t miss their thought-provoking podcast and follow them on Twitter for regular updates. You can also visit their website for more in-depth discussions about cinema.

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2025-02-21 18:58