Most Memorable Stephen King Adaptations

When it comes to chilling someone to the very core, no one is more synonymous in the world of horror than Stephen King. Since his first book ‘Carrie’ was published in 1973, King has been responsible for entertaining, unsettling and making the hairs on one’s neck stand up for generations. Killer clowns, corrupt prisons, evil cars, rabid dogs, telekinetic, blood-soaked prom queens, there is no limit to which this writer can terrify.

The same can be said for the numerous amounts of King’s books that have made it to the screen (and not just his horror stories either!). However, some movies are more highly regarded or talked about than others. Perhaps a director truly did the novel justice, a writer took it in a new fresh direction or maybe an actor made one of King’s horrifying characters leap right off the page.

Either way, whether it’s a tale of solitude, suspense or pure terror, we’ll be looking at the most memorable movies (that’s right, specifically just movies for this list!) which were either inspired, written or (in some cases) directed, by the master of horror himself.

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Silver Bullet (1985)

Adapted from Stephen King’s Novel Cycle of the Werewolf, we have Silver Bullet. After victims who have passed (in quite a brutal fashion) start popping up all over a small town, the locals fear this is the doing of some sort of psychotic serial killer. However, young paraplegic, Marty Coslaw (Cory Haim) believes they might have a werewolf on their hands. With the help of his sister Jane (Megan Follows) and their Uncle Red (Gary Busey), the three aim to track down and put a stop to this nocturnal beast’s reign of terror.

Not one of King’s most popular adaptations, but it does a good job at getting involved in the lycanthrope lore, complete with ’80s-style gore and horror to match (as well as some pretty trippy dream sequences).

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Maximum Overdrive (1986)

Maximum Overdrive sees a comet interfere with all the technology on earth. This brings about homicidal consequences as every machine on the planet becomes sentient, electric knives, lawnmowers, even Walkman’s!

Trapped in the middle of this action-packed, AC/DC fuelled rollercoaster, is a bunch of individuals held up at a gas stop diner. Banding together, they must defend themselves against these AI appliances, namely, a great big truck customized with the Green Goblin’s face.

Here we have a rarity, as not only is this movie based on Stephen King’s short story “Trucks”, but it was also written for the screen and directed by King himself!

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Secret Window (2004)

Mort Rainey (Johnny Depp) is successful in writing and unlucky in marriage as we stumble upon him amidst a divorce. After secluding himself in his cabin to take his mind off things and continue writing, Mort gets an unexpected visitor. The stranger in question goes by the name John Shooter (John Turturro), an individual adamant that Mort is guilty of plagiarism.

As Mort’s marriage of ten years comes to an ugly end, all the while being harassed by this extreme stalker, his grip on reality begins to decrease more and more.

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Children of the Corn (1984)

After wandering into a seemingly abandoned town in the middle of Nebraska, Vicky (Linda Hamilton) and Burt (Peter Horton), soon realise there are residents. . . just no adults.

Unfortunately for this couple, these aren’t your usual, happy-go-lucky youngsters. Led by deluded young preacher Isaac, the town’s children follow the belief that everyone over the age of 18 must be sacrificed to appease an entity referred to as “He Who Walks Behind the Rows” in order to secure a successful corn harvest.

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Dolores Claiborne (1995)

This 1992 drama sees big city reporter Selena St. George (Jennifer Jason Leigh), returning to her hometown after her mother, Dolores Claiborne (Kathy Bates) is accused of murdering an elderly woman, Vera, whom she cared for.

After returning to where she grew up, Selena’s past begins coming back to haunt her, especially the “accidental” death of her father which happened eighteen years ago. After being forced to move back into her childhood home with her mother – all the while with the investigation of Vera’s passing ongoing – Selena begins connecting the dots and taps into memories that should have perhaps remained forgotten.

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Cat’s Eye (1985)

Cat’s Eye follows the perspective of a stray cat who is the guide in this anthology comprised of three short tales.

First, we have Quitters, Inc, a story that follows smoker, Dick Morrison (James Woods), who is currently in the process of seeking help from an organisation in a bid to knock his habit. However, it seems this particular business has some rather terrifying methods when it comes to getting people to quit smoking.

Next up we have The Ledge, with an adulterer by the name of Johnny Norris (Robert Hays) who finds himself at the mercy of his lover’s husband, the wealthy Cressner (Kenneth McMillan). After discovering his wife’s infidelities, Cressner – being the gambler he is – makes a bet with Johnny, citing he will let him have his wife IF he can walk the full distance of the ledge that surrounds the outside of his penthouse apartment. Unfortunately for Johnny, Cressner isn’t the fairest of players.

Finally, we have General, the end of the Cat’s journey sees it being adopted by a young girl and her family. Unbeknownst to the parents, this house has a slight infestation problem. Unfortunately, this particular pest is in the form of a pesky Troll who haunts the little girl at night, leaving the Cat AKA General to be who only saviour.

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Needful Things (1993)

After a mysterious man by the name of Leland Gaunt (Max von Sydow) opens a shop in the small town of Castle Rock, it catches the attention of the locals as this store seems to have a little something for everyone. As a matter of fact, Leland has each individual’s deepest desire at his disposal, which he is willing to sell. . . for a price.

Manipulating the entire town to do his bidding, each shopper must pay for their “item” in the form of a favour, a favour of the more sinister variety. This flick certainly makes you wonder, just what you’d be willing to do, for your most needful thing.

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Thinner (1996)

Thinner, is the story of rotund lawyer, Billy Halleck (Robert John Burke) who gets on the wrong side of a Gypsy, only to be cursed with uncontrollable weight loss.

At first, it seems like a blessing in disguise, Billy can go about his usual unhealthy habits and doesn’t just cease to put on weight, quite the opposite, the pounds keep dropping off. However, once his skin begins clinging to his bones and the black magic-induced metabolism is showing no signs of slowing down, he realises he must seek out his curser before it’s too late.

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Cujo (1983)

What if instead of Beethoven being a loveable family pet that always saves the day, he contracted rabies and went on a deranged killing spree? The answer, is Stephen King’s Cujo.

After experiencing some marital problems, Donna Trenton (Dee Wallace) and her five-year-old son, stop by a car shop belonging to the father of young Brett Camber (Billy Jayne). What Donna doesn’t know is that Brett’s St. Bernard isn’t very well (quite the understatement). Not only does Donna have to for her life against this hound from hell, but, for the first time ever, she wants to put a dog down. . . and then some.

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Creepshow (1982)

Creep Show sees the collaboration of two horror titans, Stephen King supplying the screenplay and George A. Romero (Night of the Living Dead) in the director’s chair. This anthology takes us into the pages of a young, twisted boy’s (Joe Hill, Stephen King’s actual son) comic book to tell us five terrifying tales, with a retro graphic novel style to match!

The first story sees a vengeful father returning from the grave on Father’s Day, seeking the birthday cake he was promised by his murdering daughter.

The second tale sees a slightly dull-witted farmer who has an unfortunate encounter with a meteorite that lands on his farm. It isn’t long before this ooze-omitting rock begins taking over the farmer’s entire life. . . literally!

Next up in this sinister piece of literature, we have a husband seeking revenge on his wife and her lover, burying them up to their necks on a beach and letting the tide to the rest. Only, it’s not long before karma and the vengeful undead get the best of the murdering husband.

The fourth story sees a bloodthirsty creature, residing in a crate within a college, feeding on those that get anywhere near it. After getting wind of this beast, it seems a particular college professor knows just what to do with his wife, whom he’s grown rather tired of.

Finally, we have a miserable old millionaire, cut off from the outside world, who also suffers from an insect phobia. It isn’t long before the old geezer’s roosters come home to roost or in this case. . . cockroaches.

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Christine (1983)

This story follows Arnie (Keith Gordon), a nerdish high schooler that stumbles upon a new car (Christine), that isn’t all it appears to be. Whilst rebuilding the car, it soon becomes apparent, it has a mind of its own. . . but in no way should it be mistaken with the likes of Herbie.

As well as people falling victim to this evil automobile, Arnie begins going down a dark path himself, alienating those around him as he and his car become one in the same. A classic Stephen King tale with legendary horror director John Carpenter at the helm.

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The Mist (2007)

After a trip to the local supermarket, following a vicious storm the night before, David Drayton (Thomas Jayne) and his son, find themselves trapped in a supermarket, following the arrival of a sinister mist.

However, this isn’t your average mist, there seem to be various creatures within this sinister smog. Unfortunately for David, things are just as bad in the store itself, the scared civilians slowly become more divided as their emotions and fears get the better of them. A suspenseful, survivalist movie in every sense of the word, not to mention, one of the most jaw-dropping endings of all time.

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The Dead Zone (1983)

The Dead Zone follows the story of Johnny Smith (Christopher Walken), an individual who gets into a car accident, only to awaken – after being in a coma for five years – to find he’s been blessed with psychic abilities. Coming to terms with his newly acquired “second vision” and being able to look into a person’s life with a simple touch, Johnny aids the local law enforcement in their latest hunt for a killer.

No stranger to a telekinetic tale, director, David Kronenberg (Scanners) gives a more dramatic, toned-down interpretation to his usual, over-the-top, gory, body horror-infused cinema.

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The Running Man (1987)

Loosely based on Stephen King’s (AKA Richard Bachman) novel we have, The Running Man. This dystopian, action, sci-fi, sees an alternate 2019, where entertainment has evolved (or devolved depending on how you look at it) to a point where convicts must run for their lives on a television show aptly named, The Running Man.

The story follows the falsely accused, Ben Richards (Arnold Schwarzenegger), fighting for his life against all the game show’s obstacles. As well as this, he must fight against the show’s highly trained/experienced executors, only this time, it seems they may have finally met their match. . . .

Sci-fi, ’80s action, bad guys biting it in outlandish ways and classic Schwarzenegger one-liners, what’s not to love?

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Salem’s Lot (1979)

Initially, a TV show, but has since been converted into a movie format, so for that reason, Salem’s Lot has made the list! We see writer Benjamin Mears (David Soul) return to his hometown in Maine to write a book on the old Marsten house from his childhood. An establishment he believes to have evil properties, not only since seeing a haunting figure in the place when he was young but also, all the sinister goings-on that have been linked to the property over the years since.

Whilst in town, it seems the house’s sinister traits continue to persist. After being rented by local antique dealer Richard K. Straker (James Mason) and his mysterious partner Mr Barlow, the people of Salem’s Lot begin to slowly fall victim. . . to Vampirism.

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Carrie (1976)

Carrie White (Sissy Spacek), is a nervous, social pariah that is often bullied by those around her at school. And if that wasn’t bad enough, she has her overbearing religious mother to deal with at home.

After coming into womanhood, a little later than her peers, Carrie soon realises she is gifted with telekinesis. As time goes on, it soon becomes apparent Carrie might end up getting pushed a little too far by those around her and given her newfound abilities, the consequences could be quite messy.

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Pet Sematary (1989)

After moving to the small town of Ludlow, Maine with his family in a bid for a fresh start, it isn’t long before Doctor Louis Creed (Dale Midkiff) discovers the downside of living next to a busy road, especially if you have a cat.

In a bid to spare his daughter’s feelings, Louis’ neighbour, Judd (Fred Gwynne), lets him in on a little secret, regarding an Indian burial ground with supernatural properties which can bring back deceased pets. However, it’s not long before Louis realises, that what you bury doesn’t come back the same and:

Sometimes… dead is better.

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Stand by Me (1986)

A twist on your average coming of age tale, Stand by Me sees a writer (Richard Dreyfuss) regale us in the time he and his three friends embarked on a journey to find the location of a missing boy’s body.

As well as having run-ins with their older rival Ace (Kiefer Sutherland) and his gang, these four young boys – each with their own unique idiosyncrasies – learn the true meaning of friendship and what separates them. In short, this is a trip they’ll never forget.

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Misery (1990)

Whilst en route to deliver the manuscript for his latest book, famous author, Paul Sheldon (James Caan) gets into a nasty car accident amidst a hectic blizzard. When Paul comes to, it seems he has been rescued by former nurse, Annie Wilkes (Kathy Bates), who coincidentally, just happens to be his biggest fan. . . and then some.

As time progresses, regardless of how much he is recovering, it starts to become pretty clear that Paul isn’t going anywhere. Taking the Florence Nightingale effect to extreme lengths, this is a horrific tale of suspense that everyone should see at some point in their life.

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The Green Mile (1999)

Set during the 1930s, The Green Mile follows the lives of several guards working on death row. After John Coffey (Michael Clarke Duncan) – a man falsely convicted of rape and murder – awaits his execution in one of their cells, it seems none of the guards’ lives will ever be the same again.

The reason being, John isn’t all that meets the eye, not only is this gigantic unit of a man more like a big friendly giant, but he also possesses special abilities, the likes of which the guards have never seen.

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It (1990 & 2017)

Although both adaptations of Stephen King’s It bring something different to the table, they both follow the same overall story structure.

Part One follows a group of friends, also known as The Losers Club, outcasts who join together to celebrate their differences. However, there’s something they all have in common, as well as troubled home lives they are all haunted by a sinister clown by the name of Pennywise AKA It (Tim Curry 1990, Bill Skarsgard 2017).

Part Two joins the members of The Losers Club twenty-seven years after they “defeated” their old foe. Unfortunately, it seems the creature has once again returned to their hometown of Derry, to stalk and consume a new generation. These old friends must reunite to face their biggest fear, one last time.

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The Shining (1980)

After getting a job as the caretaker for the overlook hotel during its downtime over the winter, Jack Torrence (Jack Nicholson) heads to the unoccupied establishment with his family. Where they must remain for several months. . . in complete solitude.

As well as the son, Danny, possessing some eerie type of psychic ability, it isn’t long before cabin fever starts setting in and Jack begins to slowly descend into madness. Although, perhaps there is something truly supernatural at play?

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The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

After being found guilty for the murder of his wife and her lover, banker, Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) is given a life sentence to be carried out in Shawshank Prison.

Shortly after his arrival, it’s not long before Andy is exposed to some unsavoury conditions and individuals (especially the staff). As the years go by, as well as finding a friend in inmate Red (Morgan Freeman), Andy begins to adjust to his situation with more ease. Fuelled by his resistance to having his spirit broken, here we have a true story of hope and what it truly means to be free.

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