2026 is off to a great start for adaptations of Stephen King’s work, and this week is particularly promising. Following the success of season one of It: Welcome to Derry, the prequel series that aired in late 2023 and early 2024, King’s stories continue to be popular in film and television. While adaptations of his books have always been common, 2025 was an exceptionally big year for them.
Looking ahead to 2026, projects inspired by Stephen King’s work weren’t predicted to be particularly popular, especially with no recent new adaptations. However, the success of 2025 releases has continued into the new year, and another older title is unexpectedly gaining traction on streaming platforms.
Three Stephen King Adaptations Are Dominating Streaming Services
According to the streaming tracker FlixPatrol, three Stephen King adaptations are currently very popular in the US. The newest, The Running Man starring Glen Powell, launched on Paramount+ on January 13th and has quickly become the most-watched show in both the US and Canada. But it’s not the only Stephen King film getting attention right now.
Currently, The Long Walk is the most popular movie on Starz. Since becoming available on January 10th, it’s quickly become a viewer favorite. The film is adapted from Stephen King’s 1979 novel and initially premiered in theaters in September. It was the third movie based on King’s work released in 2025, after The Monkey and The Life of Chuck.
Stephen King’s miniseries, 11.22.63, is currently popular on Netflix. Added to the platform on January 7th, the show has reached number two on Netflix’s Top 10 list, even though it originally aired on Hulu in 2016. While the sci-fi thriller about JFK’s assassination was well-liked when it first came out, it’s now reaching a much larger audience.
Stephen King’s 2026 Streaming Success Helps Redeem Last Year’s Adaptation Worries
2025 saw a total of six adaptations of Stephen King’s work, including four films and two television series. The Monkey premiered in February, and the first season of It: Welcome to Derry concluded in December.
| Title | Release | RT Score |
|---|---|---|
| The Monkey | February 2025 | 77% |
| The Life of Chuck | June 2025 | 80% |
| The Institute | July-Aug 2025 | 64% |
| The Long Walk | September 2025 | 88% |
| The Running Man | November 2025 | 63% |
| It: Welcome to Derry | Oct-Dec 2025 | 81% |
Given the show’s popularity on HBO and HBO Max, a second season of Welcome to Derry is highly likely. Fans of The Institute can also rest easy, as it’s already been renewed for another season on MGM+. It’s encouraging to see more Stephen King adaptations succeeding on streaming services, especially after many struggled to find an audience in theaters.
Although The Monkey was a financial success, earning almost $70 million on a $10 million budget, The Life of Chuck didn’t gain much traction, bringing in only $19 million. The Long Walk appeared to have recouped its costs, but The Running Man, despite high hopes, didn’t perform as well as expected, earning about $68 million from a $110 million budget.
One New Stephen King Adaptation Is Expected To Release In 2026
Custome Image by Yeider Chacon
While 2026 is off to a good start with several Stephen King stories being adapted for streaming, it’s shaping up to be quite different from 2025. Currently, only a potential second season of The Institute is expected to be released in 2026, as the future of It: Welcome to Derry remains uncertain. There aren’t any Stephen King movie adaptations planned for this year, but a popular TV series based on his work is almost here.
Prime Video is creating a TV series based on Stephen King’s Carrie, marking the third time the story has been adapted for the screen. Expected to premiere in 2026, the series will be led by Mike Flanagan and is already generating significant excitement. While drawing from King’s 1974 novel, this adaptation will offer a new perspective on Carrie White’s story for both longtime fans and new viewers. It’s poised to be another major streaming success for Stephen King in 2026.
Read More
- How to Complete the Behemoth Guardian Project in Infinity Nikki
- Disney’s Biggest Sci-Fi Flop of 2025 Is a Streaming Hit Now
- Marvel Studios’ 3rd Saga Will Expand the MCU’s Magic Side Across 4 Major Franchises
- Chimp Mad. Kids Dead.
- ‘John Wick’s Scott Adkins Returns to Action Comedy in First Look at ‘Reckless’
- Oasis’ Noel Gallagher Addresses ‘Bond 26’ Rumors
- The Greatest Fantasy Series of All Time Game of Thrones Is a Sudden Streaming Sensation on Digital Platforms
- ‘I Can’t Say It On Camera.’ One Gag In Fackham Hall Was So Naughty It Left Thomasin McKenzie ‘Quite Concerned’
- 10 Worst Sci-Fi Movies of All Time, According to Richard Roeper
- ‘The Night Manager’ Season 2 Review: Tom Hiddleston Returns for a Thrilling Follow-up
2026-01-16 00:31