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While spooky season is still a ways away, the Master of Horror has proved his terrifying tales to be timeless. Stephen King has long withstood the test of time within the horror genre, with his ultra-cinematic approach to storytelling. The Maine author of over 65 novels has been an integral pillar to the literary and pop culture community and has had outstanding success, with over 400 million books sold worldwide.
You can essentially check out one of his movies anywhere—Netflix, Prime Video, Max, Paramount+, AMC+, The Criterion Channel, and Hulu all carry a mix of King adaptations. But to make it easier for your binge-watching purposes, here are 10 iconic King movie adaptations to check out if you haven’t already.
Scroll to see all our favorite Stephen King movies, ranked from best to worst!
Warner Bros. Entertainment
1. The Shining — Stream on HBO Max
The Shining (based on King's novel of the same name, but with some changes) is the best movie on this list. Any horror fan should watch this one over and over and over again—it's kind of the prototypical pick for the "art horror" that has continued into our modern age with movies like Midsommar or shows like Midnight Mass.
Warner Bros. Entertainment
2. The Shawshank Redemption — Stream on Prime Video
While not a horror film, The Shawshank Redemption is one of the most powerful and emotional King adaptations. It trades in haunted hotels and killer clowns for something more grounded: hope, friendship, and the resilience of the human spirit.
Columbia Pictures
3. Stand By Me — Stream on Paramount+
Based on the novella The Body, Stand By Me captures the bittersweet nostalgia of boyhood and the pain of growing up. It’s heartfelt, honest, and one of the best coming-of-age films ever made—King at his most tender and human.
United Artists
4. Carrie — Stream on HBO Max
Carrie was King’s breakout novel, and the film adaptation cemented his name in pop culture. Sissy Spacek's performance is absolutely iconic, and the climactic prom scene remains one of horror's most unforgettable moments.
Warner Bros. Entertainment
5. The Green Mile — Stream on Apple TV+
This one will definitely break your heart. The Green Mile blends supernatural elements with gut-wrenching drama. Tom Hanks and Michael Clarke Duncan are phenomenal in a story about death, injustice, and quiet miracles.
Warner Bros. Entertainment
6. It — Stream on HBO Max
Whether you prefer the 1990 miniseries or the newer two-part movie, It delivers on both heart and horror. Pennywise is the stuff of nightmares, but at its core, the story is about friendship and confronting your deepest fears.
20th Century Pictures
7. Misery — Stream on Apple TV+
Few villains are as chilling as Annie Wilkes. Misery is a masterclass in psychological tension, with Kathy Bates delivering an Oscar-winning performance. It’s claustrophobic, brutal, and a must-see for suspense fans.
Paramount Pictures
8. Pet Sematary — Stream on Paramount+
This one digs into grief and the cost of trying to cheat death. It’s one of King’s bleakest stories—and one of the most memorable. Sometimes, dead is better.
Warner Bros. Entertainment
9. Doctor Sleep — Stream on Prime Video
This follow-up to The Shining manages to stand on its own while honoring the original. We catch up with a grown-up Danny Torrance as he grapples with his past, his powers, and his pain. It’s eerie, emotional, and unexpectedly moving—a haunting look at healing, with just the right dose of the supernatural.
Netflix
10. Gerald’s Game — Stream on Netflix
One of the more underrated King adaptations, Gerald’s Game proves you don’t need a big cast or flashy effects to get under someone’s skin. It’s raw, tense, and deeply psychological—part survival thriller, part emotional gut punch. Definitely not one to watch alone late at night.
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