Stephen King can rightfully be called the most filmed writer of our time. The total circulation of his books exceeds 400 million copies worldwide. Even Game of Thrones author George RR Martin was amazed by the speed and inexhaustible imagination of the author, who wrote 65 novels, more than 200 short stories, 35 novellas, five popular science books and 15 poetry collections. The fiction section of any bookstore consists almost entirely of his works.
In addition to the unconditional love of readers, Stephen King is also loved by directors because, unlike other writers, his stories are easy to transfer to the big screen. Moreover, despite his title of “King of Horror”, Stephen King did not limit himself to a single genre; He experimented in horror, thriller, science fiction, fantasy, mysticism, gothic and detective genres. Moreover, many viewers were not even aware that he was the one who had a hand in the production of cult films.
We’ve rounded up the best Stephen King adaptations, from popular to lesser-known.
“Monkey”, dir. Osgood Perkins (2025)
Two twin brothers discover their father’s old toy, a wind-up monkey, in the attic. It turned out that a monstrous power was hiding within him, which led to a series of terrible deaths. The heroes decide to get rid of the toy, but it turns out that it is not that easy. The film stars Theo James, Osgood Perkins and Elijah Wood.
“Long Walk”, dir. Francis Lawrence (2025)
The dystopia “Long Walk” is already being called the best Stephen King adaptation of the 21st century. In the story, 50 young people participate in a deadly marathon: The one who reaches the finish line is the winner. You have to walk at three miles per hour without stopping to sleep or eat; You even need to meet your toilet needs while on the move. Participants are accompanied by military personnel who are ready to shoot at any time after three violations.
“The Life of Chuck”, dir. Mike Flanagan (2024)
“The Life of Chuck,” starring Tom Hiddleston and Mark Hamill, is adapted from Stephen King’s novella of the same name in his collection “There Will Be Blood.”
The only thing that worries people in the background of the apocalypse is the unauthorized spam seen on billboards, TV channels, radio broadcasts and even in the sky. Advertising everywhere thanks to Charles Krantz, a bespectacled, smiling clerk. Nobody knows who he is. Maybe he is to blame for the chaos in the world?
“Shining”, dir. Stanley Kubrick (1980)
Jack Nicholson plays Jack Torrance, a hotel caretaker who stays there with his family during low season and slowly begins to go insane.
Many moon conspiracy theorists believe that Stanley Kubrick implied in The Shining that the American moon landing was a hoax. Conspiracy theorists believed the director’s claim that he shot fake footage of the Apollo 11 mission. According to them, out of guilt, he left clues: a hexagonal pattern on the carpet, Apollo 11 written on the boy’s sweater, an eagle statue in the principal’s office, etc.
Doctor Sleep, direction. Mike Flanagan (2019)
Ewan McGregor as Jack Torrance’s adult son in the sequel to Stephen King’s The Shining. Danny uses telepathy to help dying hospice patients, earning him the nickname “Doctor Sleep”. One day, Abra, a “bright” girl, contacts him. Now he must find her and protect her from a group of special child predators.
“Green Mile”, dir. Frank Darabont (1999)
Tom Hanks plays a guard on death row who witnesses supernatural events and discovers the truth behind a brutal murder with the arrival of a special prisoner.
“Telekinesis”, direction. Kimberly Pierce (2013)
High school student Carrie endures bullying from her classmates and cruelty from her God-fearing mother. He believes himself to be cursed due to the telekinetic abilities he has hidden. When the handsome boy of the school invites her to the prom, she accepts the offer, unaware that she will be the victim of a cruel joke. And that would be the last straw.
The mother-daughter duet was performed by Julianne Moore and Chloë Grace Moretz.
“The Shawshank Redemption”, dir. Frank Darabont (1994)
Life-affirming drama starring Tim Robbinson and Morgan Freeman, based on the book “Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption.”
The accountant was accused of murdering his wife and lover and was sent to Shawshank prison, famous for its cruelty towards prisoners. However, the guy manages to both find an approach to his cellmates and prove his innocence.
Children of Egypt series
The first film based on Children of the Corn was released in 1984, and numerous sequels have appeared since then. The last photo was published in 2020.
Nothing ever happens in Nebraska. When the locals decide to get rid of their unprofitable corn fields, the children inexplicably commit a massacre to save them. So who is really worth all this?
“Under the Dome” (2013-2015)
On an ordinary autumn day, a small town in Maine finds itself cut off from the rest of the world by a force barrier of unknown nature. No one can get in or out and planes crash into the dome. What will citizens and government do?
The duology is “O”. Andrés Muschietti (2017, 2019)
Children mysteriously disappear in the town of Derry, Maine. One day, the main character’s younger brother becomes a victim and he blames himself for his death. Along with other outcast children, he will have to overcome his fears and also face the evil clown Pennywise (Bill Skarsgård).
It is “O: Welcome to Derry”. Andres Muschietti (2025-…)
Even before its premiere, the series “It: Welcome to Derry” received high marks from critics, who called the project promising.
In the story, children keep mysteriously disappearing from Derry. One day, a group of students notice something strange and begin their own investigation.
We will show the events before the main line in Andy Muschietti’s films “It” and “It 2”. Pennywise the Clown was portrayed by Bill Skarsgård as before. The screenplay was co-written by Stephen King.
“Dream Catcher”, dir. Lawrence Kasdan (2003)
A long time ago, four friends saved a strange man named Duddits, after which they all gained supernatural powers. Since then, they gather at a forest cabin every year to hunt, but one day they encounter something sinister and inexplicable.
“Pet Sematary”, dir. Kevin Kolsch, Dennis Widmyer (2019)
A family arrives at a rural home with a pet cemetery not far away. The father buries his beloved cat, which died under the wheels of a truck, there upon the advice of a neighbor, but the animal returns soon after death and begins to act strangely.
“Christina”, dir. John Carpenter (1983)
Arnie is 17 years old and loves his red Plymouth, which he affectionately calls Christina. One day, he decides to get in a car with his girlfriend and learns that his car actually has feelings and does not need rivals at all.
“Thinner”, dir. Tom Holland (1996)
A lawyer kills a gypsy woman with his car, but escapes thanks to his connections. While the girl’s angry father curses her and all those responsible, the life of everyone involved turns into a nightmare.
“1408”, dir. Mikael Hofström (2007)
John Cusack plays a horror novelist staying at the Dolphin Hotel, which is rumored to be haunted. Taking the key to the cursed room 1408, he is faced with nightmares while awake. Will he be able to return?
“Eligible Student”, dir. Bryan Singer (1996)
Do you love history as much as high school student Todd Bowden? The young man suddenly learns that an escaped Nazi criminal lives next to him. He demands an account of his darkest and bloodiest crimes in exchange for silence, but a deal with the devil could cost him his life. Will he be able to bring the teacher to justice or will he become his victim? Starring Ian McKellen and Brad Renfo.
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Source: People Talk
Errol Villanueva is an author and lifestyle journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a passion for exploring the latest trends in fashion, food, travel, and wellness, Errol’s articles are a must-read for anyone interested in living a stylish and fulfilling life.
