From campy to gruesome to terrifying, there’s an adaptation for everyone.
These are the best Stephen King movies.
ThisStephen Kingarticle contains major spoilers.
And for good reason: has any other modern writer inspired as many cinematic classics?
King might even be the best-adapted writer in literary history.
At least its easy for a nerd to think so.
Some people are searching for the next gorefest while others want to be creeped out on a deeper level.
ThinkEscape from New Yorkbut way campier and with Schwarzenegger in a terrible futuristic costume.
Theres plenty of murder, bad dialogue, and a bit of accidental humor.
Some might call it junk food but I call it a delicious four-course meal.
Secret Window
2004 | Directed by David Koepp
King loves writing about writers.
Depp is Mort Rainey, a writer whos just gone through a divorce and is suffering from writers block.
read more: Every Stephen King Movie and TV Series in Development
13.
But dont worry,The Mistis still plenty gruesome.
Frank Darabont directed the movie based on Kings 1980 novella.
and his son, as a mysterious mist envelops the world around them.
Little do they know that this mist brings with it a terrifying threat from another dimension.
A very hungry threat.
The Dead Zone
1983 | Directed by David Cronenberg
The Dead Zonemight be David Cronenberg at his most restrained.
Martin Sheens villainous Senator Greg Stillson is also a sight to see, especially during an election year!
Unlike many of Kings creations on this list,Cujotakes a more realistic direction, however unlikely the situation.
(Its a piece of junk.)
Dee Wallace stars and gives a killer performance in this one.
You might recognize her from other horror classics such asThe Hills Have EyesandThe Howling.
Read more: 10 Best Stephen King Horror Novels
10.
The result is a movie that will like fans of both the books and the Kubrick classic.
You wont see the twist ending coming!
This is just such good trash.
Creepshowis made up of five stories, all from the mind and pen of King.
And yes, the title of that story is a pun.
Its not a horror film or even a thriller.
The film was also responsible for the late River Phoenixs rising star in the 80s.
Read more: 10 Best Supernatural Stephen King Villains
7.
This solid example of psychological torture porn never relents.
And if youve already seen this one, like do yourself a favor and read the novel!
The Green Mile
1999 | Directed by Frank Darabont
I told you Darabont would be back.
Tom Hanks and the late Michael Clarke Duncan star in this supernatural crime drama.
Hanks plays prison officer Paul Edgecomb, whos in charge of death row at a prison.
Further Reading: 10 Best Stephen King Heroes
5.
Part of that has to do with the fact that todays technology allows for better visuals.
read more: It Chapter Two Easter Eggs and Reference Guide
But what makesITespecially good is its cast.
This movie has a lot of heart and plenty of scares.
Plus Bill Skarsgard is a pretty good Pennywise.
Not as good as Curry, though.
Geralds Game
2017 | Directed by Mike Flanagan
Geralds Gameis the best King movie of the last decade.
Bates steals the show, delivering the performance of her career.
If you dont like the monsters or find the supernatural stuff too kitschy, thenMiseryis the one for you.
The Shawshank Redemptionalso stands out as being one of the most hopeful movies to come out of Kings work.
But the idea that hope can push back the darkness was nothing new in his work by that point.
The movie effectively brought another side of the writer to mainstream audiences.
Read more: Stephen Kings 10 Most Terrifying Human Villains
1.
The Shinings greatest power is imagery.
Many of the films most memorable shots have been engrained in movie fans minds.
as he takes an ax to the door to get to his wife (Shelley Duvall).
This is one of Nicholsons greatest roles and among the best movies Kubrick made in his legendary career.
King could do a lot worse.
