Stephen King is the master of horror and suspense. Ever since his debut novel, Carrie, King has continued to both terrify and amaze audiences.
However, his movie and TV adaptations have been lacking. Either failing to capture King's spirit or having a disappointing climax.
Fortunately, not all of King's movies have these issues: fear, disparity, and tragedy shine through these movies, leaving a bittersweet taste in your mouth as you feed your dark side.
15. The Shining
The Shining Trailer
Jack Torrance, a struggling writer, takes a job as the winter caretaker at the world renowned Overlook Hotel. The only company he has is his loving wife, Wendy, and their son, Danny. However, something in the Overlook is hell-bent on tormenting the family into insanity. Danny sees ghoulish visions of the hidden evil of the Overlook. Wendy can't escape the feeling that something is wrong with her husband. And Jack has thoughts of murder.
Watch Kubrick’s only horror movie.
2. Gerald's Game
Gerald's Game Official Trailer
A couple goes on a romantic getaway to rekindle their sex life. However, in the middle of a critical moment during a kinky game, the man has a heart attack and dies. The new widow has to escape the handcuffs while fighting off voices and visions.
A story dedicated to King's wife and her sisters.
3. 1922
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=3E_fT0aTsjI
1922 | Official Trailer [HD] | Netflix
A farmer on the edge of financial ruin murders his wife and drags his teenage son along with him. However, that's just the beginning of the story. 1922 has audiences guessing every second with its grappling story line and stunning visuals. Every man has a dark side, what does it take to let it out?
Even King calls it “Super Creepy.”
4. Misery
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=XHQ9CPRfDsw
Misery (1990) - Official Trailer
After being in a near-fatal car crash, famous author Paul Sheldon is rescued by Annie Wilkes, his biggest fan. Annie takes Paul to her isolated cabin and uses her nurse training to save his life. Everything seems normal until Annie discovers Paul is killing off her favorite character. She traps Paul in his room and forces him to rewrite the book; torturing him until he can rewrite the novel.
Fun Fact: Annie Wilkes was a metaphor for narcotics.
5. The Green Mile
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Ki4haFrqSrw
The Green Mile (1999) Official Trailer - Tom Hanks Movie HD
Paul Edgecomb has worked on Death Row for many years. He's seen a wide range of inmates come and go. But he's never seen anyone like John Coffey, a massive black man convicted of slaughtering a pair of little girls. Coffey has the size and strength to kill anyone, but the demeanor of a tiny kitten, leading Edgecomb to believe Coffey is innocent.
The highest grossing King movie ($286.8 million worldwide).
6. IT (2017)
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=xKJmEC5ieOk
IT - Official Trailer 1
Seven kids are about to face their worst nightmare. In the sleepy town of Derry, Maine, there is a shape shifting monster who comes out every three decades to feed on children. These seven children will need to use everything they have to survive. Their sanity, endurance and will will be tested. Who will live and die when they face their worst nightmares?
A movie seven years in the making.
7. The Shawshank Redemption
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=NmzuHjWmXOc
The Shawshank Redemption (1994) Official Trailer #1 - Morgan Freeman Movie HD
Andy Dufresne is sentenced to two consecutive life terms in prison for the murders of his wife and her lover. However, Andy denies committing the murders. While in prison, Andy forms a strong bond with fellow inmate, Red. The two experience the worst of prison together and learn to adapt.
Director Frank Darabont watched Goodfellasfor inspiration every week while filming.
8. Stand by Me
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=HkFudCvaxtk
Stand By Me - Trailer
After learning that someone has been killed near their homes, four young boys set out to find his dead body. An adventure that starts out as a simple quest becomes more as the boys encounter Mean Junk Man, a marsh of leeches and the most treacherous of all feelings. Everyone wears a mask, even children.
Coca-Cola almost shut down the project. Norman Lear saved it by donating $8 Million.
9. 1408
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=hT1pb58pIjM
Room 1408 Official Trailer!
Mike Enslin is a successful author, known worldwide for debunking the supernatural, until he checks into the Dolphin Hotel. Ignoring all warnings and refusing the bribes offered by the manager, Mike takes room 1408. While he's in the room, he has visions, to the point where he's not even sure what's real or not anymore.
Based on the events at the Hotel Del Coronado in Coronado, CA.
10. Carrie (1976)
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=VSF6WVx_Tdo
Carrie (1976) - Original Trailer
Reclusive teen Carrie White deals with school bullies and abuse from an overbearing, overzealous mom. Things look up for Carrie when she discovers that she has physic powers. To top it off, her crush Tommy Ross has asked her to prom! Carrie feels like she can let her guard down and relax for a single night of fun and teenage hijinks. However, nothing good is permanent. But this teen has had enough and exacts revenge.
Based on Stephen King's first book.
11. Maximum Overdrive
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ggWS4tTzs60
Maximum Overdrive Original Movie Trailer [1986]
Maximum Overdrive tells the story of machines that come alive and go on a murder spree. A group of survivors must fend for themselves against a mass of homicidal trucks while trapped inside a gas station. No one is coming for them, it’s man vs. machine in the ultimate movie for Stephen King clique lovers.
The first adaptation King had complete control over.
12. Firestarter
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=DfcuksWVRt8
Firestarter (1984) - Official Trailer (HD)
A young girl named Charlie McGee begins to demonstrate pyrokinesis abilities. This incredible talent makes her dangerous in the eyes of others. The young girl soon becomes a target for experimentation for the enigmatic agency known only as “The Shop.” Fire consumes all who cross her path. “The Shop” should remember that.
King loved Drew Barrymore’s acting so much he wrote Cat’s Eye for her.
13. Creepshow
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=mi3JCygp3Jg
Creepshow - Trailer
A compendium of five short, but terrifying tales. In one story, a monster escapes from a cell. Another story focuses on a husband getting back at his cheating wife in the most creative way possible. Other stories concern a rural man with a visitor from outer space, and a homeowner with huge bug problems. To top it off, there's even a boozing corpse (that is not a typo). This is a one-of-a-kind movie, not for its premise but for its delivery and wonderland feel. No other movie like this has ever been or will ever be made again.
King carried a Star Wars figure on the set for good luck.
14. Pet Sematary
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=jpjpUOXQZac
Pet Sematary - Trailer
Dr. Louis Creed moves his family to Maine, for a new beginning. There he meets Jud Crandall. After the Creed family’s cat is killed, Jud advises Louis to bury him in the abandoned Pet Sematary. Miraculously, the cat comes back to life! But its personality has changed. Then, when Louis' son Gage dies suddenly, he also buries him there. Despite warnings from Jud, Louis goes through with it and ends up with a terrifying result.
Based on the only book to personally scare King.
15. Dolores Claiborne
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=-bf78hG8XuE
Dolores Claiborne Trailer
Dolores Claiborne works as a housekeeper for the wealthy but heartless Vera Donovan. When Vera turns up dead, the police suspect that Dolores murdered the old woman. Dolores’ estranged daughter Selena, a famous New York journalist, travels to England to investigate the matter for herself. The more Selena learns about the murder, the more she uncovers about her own childhood.
King wrote Dolores with Bates in mind because of her work in Misery.
