Stephen King has made a name for himself since his iconic debut novel, Carrie, in 1974, as a living legend of horror who truly changed the genre forever. His prolific career has been incredibly successful, producing 65 novels and more than 200 short stories, which have gone on to sell over 400 million copies, gaining him a legion of loyal fans. Unsurprisingly, his work translated incredibly well to the screen, with many of his works being transformed for both film and television – with many more still to be adapted – creating some of the most iconic horror works in cinematic history.
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Though many of his works have been widely celebrated, some have been overshadowed or flown under the radar, such as Christine and 1408, both of which share many of the trademarks of King’s classic film adaptions. King is a master of combining terrifying supernatural elements with a deep look at human psychology, and the combination of both that truly creates something special. The film adaptions are all faithful retellings of King’s work that showcase and often elevate the source material, producing films and series that deserve more than a second look.
10 The Dark Half (1993)
An Adaption Of The Dark Half (1989)
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The Dark Half RHorrorMysteryThriller
The Dark Half is a psychological horror film directed by George A. Romero, based on Stephen King’s novel. The story follows Thad Beaumont, a successful author who decides to kill off his pseudonym, George Stark, only to find his darker half coming to life and committing a series of brutal murders. Timothy Hutton stars in the dual roles of Thad Beaumont and George Stark. Released in 1993, the film explores themes of identity and the duality of human nature.
Director George A. Romero Release Date April 23, 1993 Writers Stephen King , George A. Romero Cast Timothy Hutton , Amy Madigan , Michael Rooker , Julie Harris , Robert Joy , Kent Broadhurst , Beth Grant , Rutanya Alda Runtime 122 Minutes Main Genre Horror Expand
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The Dark Half is a horror film adapted from Stephen King’s underrated 1989 novel of the same name, written and directed by acclaimed filmmaker George A. Romero (Night of the Living Dead). The film follows author Thad Beaumont (Timothy Hutton) as he attempts to control his alter ego writing personality, George Stark, who is the manifestation of an undeveloped twin Thad had in his brain as a young child. The alternate voice is dark and violent, trying to control the writer and his work, with the film exploring themes of identity and mental duality.
Related Who is the most underrated Stephen King villain?
The King of Horror has written some of the most unhinged and terrifying villains in literary history. There’s a lot of divide over whether Randall Flagg or Pennywise is the worst, but I think that one of the most evil and underrated villains of King’s is the Library Policeman/Ardelia from the novella of the same name. Ardelia could have used all manner of methods to try and return to the living, but I personally think that forcing Sam to reflect on his traumatic childhood assault is much worse than violence. Sam can run and hide from a threat, but he can’t escape his own mind.
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The film features plenty of King’s most intriguing trademarks, including a child growing up and having to confront and fight against issues from their youth that come back to haunt them. This complex psychological undertone forms the basis of many of King’s works, with the film also having impeccable performances, gory sequences, and many darkly comedic moments that make it a multi-layered work. Romero’s talented hands behind the camera add a tense atmosphere that elevates the story, but it fails to reach commercial or critical acclaim.
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9 Firestarter (1984)
An Adaption Of Firestarter (1980)
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Firestarter RHorrorThrillerScience Fiction
Firestarter (1984) is a science fiction horror film directed by Mark L. Lester, based on Stephen King’s novel. It stars Drew Barrymore as a young girl named Charlie who has pyrokinetic abilities, and David Keith as her father, Andy, who possesses telepathic powers. The story follows their struggle to evade a secret government agency intent on exploiting Charlie’s extraordinary gifts for military purposes.
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*Availability in US Director Mark L. Lester Release Date May 11, 1984 Studio(s) Dino De Laurentiis Company , Universal Pictures Writers Stanley Mann Cast Drew Barrymore , David Keith , Freddie Jones , Heather Locklear , Martin Sheen Runtime 115 Minutes Main Genre Horror Expand
Sci-fi horror film Firestarter is a faithful adaption of King’s 1980 novel of the same name that stars a young Drew Barrymore in the titular role. The film’s plot follows a young girl named Charlie McGee (Barrymore) who has developed the power of pyrokinesis – the ability to create and control fire with just the mind – after her parents were both given experimental drugs by a secret government agency in college. The film then explores the dynamics of the family and the issues caused as the agency hunts down the girl in order to complete their experiment.
Firestarter
was remade in 2022, directed by Keith Thomas and starring Zac Efron, Ryan Kiera Armstrong, and Sydney Lemmon.
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The film stars an ensemble cast alongside the breakout role for Barrymore, including stars like David Keith and Martin Sheen, who really add some polish and punch to the supporting roles. The special effects are surprisingly effective and hold up well even to modern standards, with many chilling visuals and terrifying sequences that highlight the horrors that can be unleashed by an outlet unprepared to harness their powers. Firestarter perfectly weaves high-level conspiracy, a family drama, and gritty science fiction to create a brilliant adaption of King’s work
8 The Running Man (1987)
An Adaption Of The Running Man (1982)
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5/10 The Running Man R Sci-FiThrillerAction
Directed by Paul Michael Glaser, The Running Man is a sci-fi action film starring Arnold Schwarzenegger as Captain Ben Richards, a former cop who’s forced to compete in a deadly game show where criminals fight for their lives. The 1987 movie is based on a Stephen King novel under his pen name Richard Bachman.
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*Availability in US Director Paul Michael Glaser Release Date November 13, 1987 Writers Steven E. de Souza Cast Maria Conchita Alonso , Yaphet Kotto , Jesse Ventura , Arnold Schwarzenegger , Richard Dawson Runtime 101 minutes
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Paul Michael Glaser’s The Running Man is a dystopian action film loosely adapted from King’s 1982 novel (published under Richard Bachman). One of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s best films, it sees him star as Ben Richards, a man who is forced by the government to appear in a deadly reality show that sees contestants fight for their lives each week to an audience of millions after being framed for a public massacre. The film, like a lot of King’s work, has multiple layers of social commentary wrapped up in an innovative storyline that keeps the viewer hooked from minute one.
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The film’s satirical take on violence and modern media practices was met with divided opinion, with some arguing the film is also a violent, made-for-profit piece of media. No matter how it is viewed conceptually, the film more than stands up as an entertaining and complete film that is anchored by Schwarzenegger’s incredibly charismatic performance, punctuated with incredible action sequences. The adaption also differs from the novel in the fact that Ben is forced onto the show rather than seeking out the opportunity for monetary reward, a notable difference that definitely changes the narrative’s feel.
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7 Apt Pupil (1998)
An Adaption Of The Apt Pupil Novella In Different Seasons (1982)
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Apt Pupil RThrillerCrimeDrama
Apt Pupil is a psychological thriller directed by Bryan Singer, released in 1998. The film follows a high school student named Todd Bowden who discovers that his elderly neighbor is a fugitive Nazi war criminal and becomes increasingly entangled in the dark legacy of the man’s past.
Director Bryan Singer Release Date October 23, 1998 Writers Stephen King , Brandon Boyce Cast Ian McKellen , Brad Renfro , Joshua Jackson , Mickey Cottrell , Michael Reid MacKay , Ann Dowd , Bruce Davison , James Karen Runtime 111 Minutes Main Genre Thriller Expand
Apt Pupil is a thriller film directed by Bryan Singer, which was based on King’s 1982 novella of the same name. Set in 1980s California, the plot follows the burgeoning relationship between a young high school student named Todd (Brad Renfro) and a secret Nazi war criminal named Kurt Dussander (Ian McKellen), who is living in the same neighborhood under the alias Arther Denker. The two strike up an unlikely friendship as Todd’s obsession with Nazi history and the Holocaust descends into disturbing levels, with hatred and malice growing within them with each encounter.
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Though it’s far from one of King’s most popular novels or film adaptions, its more ‘down-to-earth’, realistic storyline is incredibly captivating to watch. The tension grows throughout the film, and McKellen’s hauntingly realistic portrayal of a Nazi war criminal is exceptional, creating a truly terrifying character who is every bit as cruel and menacing as he was in his previous life. Contrary to many of King’s works, the real horror in the film doesn’t have to be abruptly paranormal, but rather, the humanized version of evil can be just as, if not more effective, in creating something truly scary that lingers after the credits roll.
6 1408 (2007)
An Adaption Of The 1408 Short Story From Everything’s Eventual (1999)
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1408 PG-13Mystery
1408 follows a man who debunks paranormal phenomena, as he checks into the infamous room 1408 at the Dolphin Hotel. His skepticism is put to the test when he encounters real horror within its walls.
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*Availability in US Director Mikael Håfström Release Date June 22, 2007 Studio(s) Paramount Pictures Distributor(s) Paramount Pictures , The Weinstein Company , Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer , Dimension Films Writers Matt Greenberg , Larry Karaszewski , Scott Alexander Cast John Cusack , Samuel L. Jackson , Mary McCormack , Jasmine Jessica Anthony , Tony Shalhoub , Alexandra Silber , Noah Lee Margetts , William Armstrong , Paul Birchard , Margot Leicester , Angel Oquendo , Walter Lewis , Eric Meyers , Holly Hayes , Johann Urb , Andrew-Lee Potts , Kim Thomson , Drew Powell , Isiah Whitlock Jr. , Benny Urquidez , Len Cariou , Ray Nicholas , Paul Kasey , George Cottle , William Willoughby , Thomas A. McMahon , Kevin Dobson , Peter Conboy , Georgie Lee-Robinson , Bernadette Lords , Rob McGillivray , Kate Walsh Runtime 112 Minutes Main Genre Horror Expand
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Based on King’s 1999 short story of the same name, 1408 is a deeply haunting, psychological horror directed by the incredible Swedish filmmaker Mikael Håfström. The film’s plot follows author Mike Enslin (John Cusack), who investigates local paranormal occurrences, as he visits the fictional The Dolphin Hotel in New York after receiving a disturbing warning telling him never to enter room 1408. The film descends into horror and madness as the room takes over, trapping Mike inside and forcing him to experience bizarre and terrifying sequences.
There were four endings created for
1408
. In addition to the ending that appeared in the theatrical release, there were also three other alternative endings shot that goes some way to explaining the versatility and imagination of the creators.
1408 is easily one of King’s most terrifying short stories, creating a claustrophobic nightmare that weaves in elements of psychological trauma and surrealist visuals. The film doesn’t rely on copious amounts of blood, gore, or other acts of violence, but rather the creeping dread and tension created in one’s own mind that can so often be the basis for the best thrilling horrors. Cusack delivers an electric (almost) solo performance that captures a man’s growing disillusionment and desperation, with King’s signature wit and dry sense of humor sprinkled in, that creates an excellent film all around.
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5 Hearts In Atlantis (2001)
An Adaption Of The Low Men in Yellow Coats Novella From Hearts in Atlantis (1999)
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Hearts in Atlantis PG-13Drama
Hearts in Atlantis is a film directed by Scott Hicks, based on Stephen King’s novella. Released in 2001, the story follows a widowed mother and her son whose lives are altered when a mysterious stranger, played by Anthony Hopkins, enters their world, revealing hidden truths and impacting their future.
Director Scott Hicks Release Date September 28, 2001 Writers William Goldman Cast Anthony Hopkins , Anton Yelchin , Hope Davis , Mika Boorem , David Morse , Alan Tudyk , Tom Bower , Celia Weston , Deirdre O’Connell , Timothy Reifsnyder , Adam LeFevre , Brett Fleisher , Terry Beaver , Will Rothhaar , Wes Johnson , Joe T. Blankenship Runtime 101 minutes Expand
A loose adaptation of King’s Dark Tower tie-in Low Men in Yellow Coats from his Hearts in Atlantis collection, Hearts in Atlantis is a mystery drama that stars Hollywood icon Anthony Hopkins with the rising star Anton Yelchin. The film follows a man with psychic abilities named Ted Brautigan (Hopkins), who befriends a young local boy after discovering he is being bullied, whose father passed away, with a mother who is struggling to raise him. The film is one of King’s more poignant works that sees the film delve into childhood, loss, and youthful innocence that never seems to last for too long.
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|
Stephen King’s 10 Most Underrated Movies On This List: |
IMDb Rating: |
|---|---|
|
The Dark Half (1993) |
6.0/10 |
|
Firestarter (1984) |
6.1/10 |
|
The Running Man (1987) |
6.6/10 |
|
Apt Pupil (1998) |
6.7/10 |
|
1408 (2007) |
6.8/10 |
|
Hearts In Atlantis (2001) |
6.9/10 |
|
Gerald’s Game (2017) |
6.5/10 |
|
Storm of the Century (1999) |
7.3/10 |
|
Dolores Claiborne (1995) |
7.4/10 |
|
Christine (1983) |
6.8/10 |
Though with a more personal narrative that delves into subtle character development, it’s not as heart-pumping as some of King’s other horror works, but therein lies its charm. The film’s more methodical pace and more nuanced look at the supernatural elements give much more time to connect with the characters, and all the roles are perfectly played up and down the cast, with Hopkins delivering some of his best work in years. The small-town feel of the visuals combined with the more human narrative creates a beautiful work that still packs a punch.
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4 Gerald’s Game (2017)
An Adaption Of Gerald’s Game (1992)
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8/10 Gerald’s Game NRHorrorThriller
Gerald’s Game is a psychological thriller directed by Mike Flanagan, based on Stephen King’s novel. Released in 2017, it follows the story of Jessie, who, after a secluded encounter goes awry, must confront disturbing hallucinations and buried secrets while handcuffed to a bed in a remote cabin.
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*Availability in US Director Mike Flanagan Release Date September 29, 2017 Studio(s) Netflix Distributor(s) Netflix Writers Mike Flanagan Cast Bruce Greenwood , Carla Gugino , Henry Thomas , Chiara Aurelia , Kate Siegel , Carel Struycken , Adalyn Jones , Bryce Harper , Gwendolyn Mulamba , Jamie Flanagan , Dori Lumpkin , Natalie Roers , Nikia Reynolds , Bill Riales , Chuck Borden , Mike McGill , Charles Dube , Kimberly Battista , Jon Arthur , John Ceallach , Tony Beard , Stu Cookson , Ben Pronsky , Joseph Chadwick Kinney , Charles Adams Runtime 104 minutes Expand
A work that was long deemed unfilmable due to its subject matter and stripped-down, bare-bones narrative, Gerald’s Game, directed and edited by modern horror legend Mike Flanagan, proves to be one of King’s most electric adaptions. Based on King’s 1992 novel, the film follows a woman (Carla Gugino) and her husband (Bruce Greenwood) as they travel to a remote holiday home. The plot turns abruptly as the husband dies of a heart attack during intercourse, with his wife handcuffed tightly to the bed, with no means to get the key, call for help, or escape from her nightmare.
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The brilliance of Gerald’s Game comes down to two names, Flanagan and Gugino, who both deliver in front of and behind the camera. Gugino is a genuine force of nature as her portrayal of Jessie is gripping, exciting, and expansive, as her character breaks down physically and mentally with flashes of her past as she must battle her inner demons as well as her hellish reality. Flanagan’s direction is perfect as he allows Gugino to shine, and the material just inventively flows from the page and onto the screen, creating a masterpiece of minimal cinema that many thought was impossible.
3 Storm Of The Century (1999)
Original Screenplay
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Storm of the Century PG-13FantasyThrillerDramaHorror
Storm of the Century is a made-for-television horror miniseries written by Stephen King. The plot unfolds on Little Tall Island, where a severe snowstorm traps its residents. As they await the storm’s end, a mysterious stranger named Andre Linoge arrives, wreaking havoc and revealing dark secrets. The miniseries features performances by Tim Daly, Colm Feore, and Debrah Farentino. Directed by Craig R. Baxley, it explores themes of morality and collective fear.
Director Craig R. Baxley Release Date February 14, 1999 Writers Stephen King Cast Jeffrey DeMunn , Casey Siemaszko , Colm Feore , Debrah Farentino , Tim Daly Runtime 257 minutes
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Storm of the Century, though technically framed as a ‘miniseries’, is generally viewed as one extended horror film written by King and directed by Craig R. Baxley. The plot examines a small town in America that is haunted and besieged by a mysterious stranger named André Linoge (Colm Feore), who settles in after a generational blizzard takes hold. André makes numerous disturbing demands of the townsfolk, including murder and sacrifice, as the gruesome narrative unfolds and the quiet contemplation of the storm is replaced with a rising sense of dread and doom.
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Unlike almost all of King’s other adaptions to film, Storm of the Century wasn’t based on an original novel, but rather a screenplay that King wrote specifically for the format. This change in writing style allows the horror icon to develop the characters and narrative fully, with Linoge and Tim Daly delivering two standout performances, with the former producing one of the best villainous depictions in any of King’s work. The extended format is ideal for a slow-burning, perfectly paced story that sees the town slowly consumed in a King adaption that deserves so much more attention.
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2 Dolores Claiborne (1995)
An Adaption Of Dolores Claiborne (1992)
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Dolores Claiborne RCrimeDramaMystery
Dolores Claiborne, directed by Taylor Hackford, stars Kathy Bates as the titular character who is accused of murdering her wealthy employer. Jennifer Jason Leigh plays her estranged daughter, who returns to their small town to uncover the truth. The film portrays a compelling narrative of buried secrets and strained relationships, derived from Stephen King’s novel.
Director Taylor Hackford Release Date March 24, 1995 Writers Stephen King , Tony Gilroy Cast Kathy Bates , Jennifer Jason Leigh , Judy Parfitt , Christopher Plummer , David Strathairn , Eric Bogosian , John C. Reilly , Ellen Muth Runtime 132 Minutes Main Genre Crime Expand
Dolores Claiborne is a psychological thriller directed by Taylor Hackford with a screenplay by Tony Gilroy, based on King’s 1992 novel of the same name. The film’s plot focuses on the terse relationship between mother (Kathy Bates) and daughter after the daughter returns to her homeland to see her mother after she is accused of murdering the elderly woman in her care. The film is mostly told through a series of haunting and chilling flashbacks that expose years of generational trauma and abuse and add context to the events that are transpiring in the modern day.
Her character in
Dolores Claiborne
was Kathy Bates’ favorite role in her entire career.
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Bates also starred in one of the most famous King adaptions ever as Annie Wilkes in Misery, creating one of King’s best human villains ever. Bates, again, delivers a true powerhouse performance as she totally embodies the character who has caused such pain, combined with a mature directorial hand and fantastic plot, it creates one of King’s most underrated works. The climax of the film reveals that not all horrors, especially family ones, are supernatural in nature, but oftentimes to do with the nature of our own beings and the issues we can pass on to those closest to us.
1 Christine (1983)
An Adaption Of Christine (1983)
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5/10 Christine RDramaHorrorMysteryThriller
Christine is a 1983 horror film from director John Carpenter. The film was based on the novel by Stephen King, in which an evil car is purchased and starts having a negative influence on its new teenage owner. The film stars Keith Gordon as the main character Arnie, who buys Christine.
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*Availability in US Director John Carpenter Release Date December 9, 1983 Studio(s) Columbia Pictures Distributor(s) Columbia Pictures Writers Stephen King , Bill Phillips Cast Keith Gordon , John Stockwell , Alexandra Paul , Robert Prosky , Harry Dean Stanton , Christine Belford Runtime 110 minutes Expand
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Christine, often referred to as John Carpenter’s Christine, is a supernatural horror adapted by screenwriter Bill Phillips from King’s 1983 novel of the same name. Directed by Carpenter, the film follows the story of teenager Arnie Cunningham and the effect on his life and everyone around him after he purchases a classic Plymouth Fury, which he names Christine. The car turns out to have a mind of its own and develops a jealous and obsessive personality that wreaks havoc on Arnie’s life in a film that blends automotive innovation with supernatural possession in a coming-of-age film that descends into chaos.
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Mike Flanagan, creator of The Haunting anthology series, called Christine one of King’s most underrated films of all, and it’s hard to disagree. The film has expert direction that allows the subtle performances and nuanced narrative to really shine, alongside a brilliant story, intricate and layered performances, and a film with many themes that pull off each one perfectly. The film is a metaphor for the modern age of materialism and cultural obsession, creating a horror film that stands the test of time, earning its cult status reputation and Stephen King’s most underrated film in his entire career.
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