Stephen King Movies: Essential Films

Other Watch Lists:
1976 - 20179 Films19h 10m4.5 Average

This curated watch list highlights the most significant and acclaimed Stephen King adaptations across four decades. It includes genre-defining horror films, critically lauded dramas, and culturally important works that showcase the remarkable range of King's storytelling - from The Shining's psychological terror to The Shawshank Redemption's hopeful humanity.

The nine films represent the best and most influential King adaptations, spanning directors like Stanley Kubrick, Rob Reiner, and Frank Darabont. Whether you're drawn to supernatural horror or character-driven drama, this selection captures why King's work has resonated so powerfully with filmmakers and audiences alike.

There is 1 other watch list available - see the link up above.

List not ranked (sorted by Release Date)

1
Carrie poster

Carrie

19761h 38m4.3
Director: Brian De Palma
Cast: Sissy Spacek, Piper Laurie, Amy Irving, William Katt, John Travolta

A shy, tormented teenager discovers she possesses telekinetic powers while dealing with relentless bullying at school and her religious fanatic mother at home. As her abilities grow stronger, the psychological pressure builds toward a devastating climax.

HorrorThriller

Affiliate link - no extra cost

2
The Shining poster

The Shining

19802h 24m5
Director: Stanley Kubrick
Cast: Jack Nicholson, Shelley Duvall, Danny Lloyd, Scatman Crothers, Barry Nelson

A writer takes a job as winter caretaker at an isolated hotel with his wife and psychic son, but the hotel's dark history begins to drive him toward madness.

HorrorThriller

Affiliate link - no extra cost

3
Creepshow poster

Creepshow

19822h4
Director: George A. Romero
Cast: Hal Holbrook, Adrienne Barbeau, Fritz Weaver, Leslie Nielsen, Carrie Nye

A horror anthology film inspired by 1950s EC Comics, featuring five interconnected tales of supernatural revenge, mysterious creatures, and dark comeuppance that blend camp with genuine scares.

HorrorComedy

Affiliate link - no extra cost

4
Stand by Me poster

Stand by Me

19861h 29m4.7
Director: Rob Reiner
Cast: Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix, Corey Feldman, Jerry O'Connell, Kiefer Sutherland

Four Oregon boys embark on a journey to find the body of a missing boy their age, discovering friendship and facing the challenges of growing up along the way. Based on a Stephen King novella, this coming-of-age tale explores the bonds formed during a pivotal childhood adventure.

CrimeDrama

Affiliate link - no extra cost

5
Misery poster

Misery

19901h 47m4.6
Director: Rob Reiner
Cast: Kathy Bates, James Caan, Richard Farnsworth, Lauren Bacall, Frances Sternhagen

After a car accident, acclaimed novelist Paul Sheldon is rescued by a nurse who claims to be his biggest fan, but her obsession takes a terrifying turn when she holds him captive in her remote home.

DramaThriller

Affiliate link - no extra cost

6
The Shawshank Redemption poster

The Shawshank Redemption

19942h 22m5
Director: Frank Darabont
Cast: Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman, Bob Gunton, William Sadler, Clancy Brown

A banker wrongly imprisoned for murder finds hope and redemption through friendship and perseverance during his decades-long sentence at Shawshank State Penitentiary.

DramaCrime

Affiliate link - no extra cost

7
The Green Mile poster

The Green Mile

19993h 9m5
Director: Frank Darabont
Cast: Tom Hanks, David Morse, Bonnie Hunt, Michael Clarke Duncan, James Cromwell

Set on death row in a Southern prison, this supernatural drama follows head guard Paul Edgecomb as he encounters John Coffey, a gentle giant with mysterious healing powers who may be innocent of his crime.

FantasyDramaCrime

Affiliate link - no extra cost

8
The Mist poster

The Mist

20072h 6m4
Director: Frank Darabont
Cast: Thomas Jane, Laurie Holden, Toby Jones, Marcia Gay Harden, Andre Braugher

After a violent storm engulfs a small Maine town in mysterious mist, a father and son become trapped in a grocery store with other residents who discover the fog conceals deadly creatures lurking outside.

HorrorScience FictionThriller

Affiliate link - no extra cost

9
It poster

It

20172h 15m4.2
Director: Andy Muschietti
Cast: Bill Skarsgård, Jaeden Martell, Sophia Lillis, Jeremy Ray Taylor, Finn Wolfhard

Seven outcast children in a small Maine town must confront their fears when they encounter Pennywise, a sinister shapeshifting clown that terrorizes their community.

HorrorThriller

Affiliate link - no extra cost