Countless films and television shows have been made centering on the work of Stephen King. This includes the recent HBO hit “It: Welcome to Derry” and the classic “Misery.” This list includes movies from beloved directors such as Mike Flanagan and the late Rob Reiner.
Here are the five adaptations of his novels and short stories based on critical reviews.
Brian De Palma’s Adaptation of ‘Carrie’ Is Considered a Masterpiece
Of all the movies based on King’s work, “Carrie,” adapted from his 1974 novel, has the highest critical rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Currently, the movie holds a 94% rating from 81 reviews. Since its release in 1975, there have been other versions, including the 2013 film directed by Kimberly Peirce.
Bryce Hanson from Horror Movie Talk said in 2023 about the film, “It walks the line between dark comedy, horror, melodrama successfully. The over-the-top cruelty and humiliation portrayed in the film don’t seem ridiculous… because they represent the inner distorted world that every teen experiences in high school.”
Zak Hilditch Made a Work of Art with 2017’s ‘1922’
On Rotten Tomatoes, “1922” is one of two films ranked second with its 92% rating. This one is notable because it’s one of the most underrated among fans of movies adapted from King’s work. “1922” is also one of the prolific writer’s later novels, published in 2010.
It’s worth noting that the classic movie “Stand by Me” also has a 92% rating. This is based on 64 reviews.
Brian Lowry from CNN said of the movie, “[1922] is a credible addition to a filmography where practically every thought the writer commits to paper is, seemingly, deemed fit for the screen.”
The Late Rob Reiner’s ‘Misery’ is a Beloved Classic
“Misery” is one of the first movies that comes to mind when people consider King adaptations. Directed by Rob Reiner, the movie was released in 1990. It holds an impressive 91% on Rotten Tomatoes. It’s based on King’s 1987 novel.
“Gerald’s Game,” which was directed by Mike Flanagan in 2017, also has a 91% rating.
Joe Clay from The Times UK said in 2022, “The genius of Bates’s performance is the delicate balance that can tip without warning from sweetly cheerful to psychotic rage.”
Frank Darabont’s ‘The Shawshank Redemption’ is Also Great
“The Shawshank Redemption” is one of the most talked-about film adaptations of King’s work. Released in 1994, the movie has an outstanding 89% rating on Rotten Tomatoes from critics. It comes from King’s 1982 novella.
Jonathan Romney said of it, “If this is a feel-good movie — and by the end it certainly is — then at least it challenges us to dig deep for those good feelings when everything inside those mausoleum walls is unrelievedly harsh and grey.”
Francis Lawrence’s ‘The Long Walk’
2025 saw several adaptations of King’s work. However, “The Long Walk” is among the best, with an 88% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. King released the novel in 1979 under his pseudonym, Richard Bachman.
Graeme Tuckett said, “One of the strongest thrillers of the year, and one of the best Stephen King adaptations for decades.”
