Ranking Stephen King’s Best Horror Adaptations

From The Shining to The Monkey, the best Stephen King horror films ranked.

Neon Studios is set to bring the highly anticipated dark horror comedy The Monkey to the big screen. Based on Stephen King‘s short story of the same name and produced by horror maestro James Wan (The Conjuring, Saw), The Monkey is the latest project from Longlegs writer-director Osgood Perkins.

Where The Monkey Ranks Among Stephen King Adaptations

Stephen King’s iconic literary career has defined the horror genre for decades, and his singular storytelling style has made his works a natural fit for the big screen. Some adaptations have become cinematic masterpieces, while others have struggled to capture the magic of his books. As we anticipate The Monkey, here’s how it ranks among the most notable Stephen King adaptations.

In The Monkey, audiences are introduced to twin brothers discovering a mysterious wind-up monkey. The eerie toy is linked to a series of tragic deaths that initially tear their family apart, only for the horrors to return 25 years later. Starring Theo James, Tatiana Maslany, Elijah Wood, and Christian Convery, The Monkey is set to hit theaters on February 21, 2025.

1. The Shining (1980)

Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining is regarded as one of the greatest horror films ever made. With its surreal atmosphere, unforgettable performances, and unsettling visuals, the film remains a defining piece of the genre. Although King famously disliked Kubrick’s interpretation, it continues to terrify audiences to this day.

2. Misery (1990)

The psychological horror-thriller Misery showcases a bone-chilling performance by Kathy Bates as Annie Wilkes, a dangerously obsessed fan who holds an author captive. Bates’ Oscar-winning portrayal solidified this film as one of King’s most intense and harrowing adaptations, exploring themes of obsession and power with disturbing realism.

3. IT (2017)

King’s novel IT has had two notable adaptations: the 1990 miniseries and the 2017 big-screen reboot. The latter, directed by Andy Muschietti, successfully modernized Pennywise the Clown, played by Bill Skarsgård, and delivered a blend of nostalgia and terror. It became a box-office phenomenon and remains one of the most commercially successful horror films ever.

4. Carrie (1976)

Brian De Palma’s Carrie remains one of the most powerful adaptations of King’s work. Starring Sissy Spacek in the titular role, the film explores bullying, adolescence, and revenge in a deeply unsettling manner. The blood-soaked prom scene has become one of the most iconic moments in horror history.

5. The Monkey (2025)

Climbing the ranks is The Monkey, a lesser-known King short story transformed into a full-length feature film. With its unique blend of supernatural terror and grotesque horror-comedy elements, the film is generating significant buzz. Theo James plays a twin brother trying to escape his past and the sinister toy monkey that haunts him. If early reactions are any indication, The Monkey has the potential to be a standout among King’s adaptations.

The Legacy of Stephen King Adaptations

From Gerald’s Game and Doctor Sleep to Pet Sematary and cult classics like Salem’s Lot and Dolores Claiborne, Stephen King’s works continue to inspire some of the most memorable horror films ever. With The Monkey set to deliver a fresh take on his storytelling, the legacy of King’s adaptations remains as strong as ever.

Which Stephen King adaptation is your favorite?

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