Regardless of whether you appreciate Stephen King or not, it’s likely that you recognize his creations.
It’s quite difficult to avoid it. Even if you haven’t delved into the horror writer’s narratives, you’ve probably encountered some adaptations on screen, especially given the vast number of them (around a hundred if you include films, sequels, and television adaptations).
For this compilation, we’ve concentrated exclusively on ranking every film adaptation of Stephen King’s work, focusing on originals and remakes (excluding sequels, as the Children of the Corn series alone warrants its own listing).
Some of these movies are poorly made, while others are exceptional. Some you’ve likely watched, while others are unfamiliar. Certain titles you will instantly recognize as Stephen King adaptations (greetings, The Shining), while there may be others you had no idea were based on his writings.
From forgettable B-horror flicks of the ’80s to influential films that have changed cinema, here is the complete ranking of every Stephen King film adaptation made, from the absolute worst to the outstanding — including his latest works, The Monkey, The Life of Chuck, and The Long Walk.
53. Creepshow 2 (1987)
Numerous horror anthology films have been inspired by King’s writings. However, despite a screenplay adaptation by zombie-horror icon George A. Romero, this particular entry ranks among the least favorable. Three of King’s short stories (“Old Chief Wood’nhead,” “The Raft,” and “The Hitchhiker”) are adapted into grim segments by Tales from the Darkside TV director Michael Gornick.
They are excessively gory, which could have led to campy amusement. However, these tales are more vulgar than frightening, indulging in racist portrayals of Native Americans and joyful misogyny that objectifies women before brutalizing them. To sum it up, this film is a troubling blemish on both King’s and Romero’s reputations. — Kristy Puchko, Deputy Entertainment Editor
52. Thinner (1996)
Adapted from King’s 1984 book of the same title, Thinner tells the story of Billy Halleck (Robert John Burke), an arrogant and overweight lawyer whose desire to shed pounds turns into a genuine curse.
This film has not aged well. Beyond the premise that shames those with weight issues, the cursed storyline perpetuates harmful “gypsy” stereotypes, depicting the Romani as cruel, revengeful, and deceitful. Additionally, the film is steeped in misogyny, portraying women either as malicious temptresses or grotesque old hags. Believe us, this one is best left in the shadows. — K.P.
51. Children of the Corn (1984)
King has created a multitude of “creepy kid” tales, but none have achieved the same level of infamy as Children of the Corn. Although it stems from a short story, this horror film directed by Fritz Kiersch has generated nine sequels and a direct-to-DVD remake in 2009.
The original movie revolves around a couple from the city who find themselves in a rural area dominated by murderous children, devoted to a vengeful deity that lurks in the cornfields. While John Franklin leaves an impression as the brooding child-prophet Isaac, Children of the Corn falls short compared to its King counterparts, such as Carrie, Firestarter, and Pet Sematary (both iterations). Over time, its slow-building tension feels increasingly tiresome and mundane, despite moments of gore and religious terror. — K.P.
50. Tales from the Darkside: The Movie (1990)
Although a more accomplished anthology than Creepshow 2, this film is less representative of Stephen King’s oeuvre. Emerging from the success of George A. Romero’s Tales from the Darkside TV series (1983-1988), this film comprises horror shorts from various writers, including Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. King’s contribution, an adaptation of “Cat from Hell,” is delightfully unsettling, centering on a hitman (David Johansen) tasked with eliminating a vengeful feline. Nevertheless, the most captivating segment was crafted by Beetlejuice scribe Michael McDowell. “Lover’s Vow” draws on Japanese folklore to create an entry that is both eerie and alluring.
Among the most star-studded collections of King adaptations, Tales from the Darkside features performances by Steve Buscemi, Julianne Moore, Rae Dawn Chong, Christian Slater, and Debbie Harry, the frontwoman of Blondie. —K.P.