It's been over a week since the teaser trailer for the new adaptation of Stephen King's "IT" was unleashed upon the world. Having amassed 197 million views in 24 hours, the trailer set a new record with the most views in one day, and proved that everyone is ready for a new Stephen King movie. Although famous and highly nostalgic, the original "IT" miniseries really isn't that great (and I say this as someone who loved it & still enjoys it). It's clearly a dated TV movie that's lacking true horror, and not worthy of being considered one of the better adaptations of King's work. Here's hoping that the new "IT" will be a truly outstanding horror film; the master of horror deserves more great adaptations from his work. In the meantime, and in honor of the new "IT" trailer, these are the ten best Stephen King adaptations that you should check out:
1. "The Shining"
Technically not that great of an adaptation (ask King himself), but there's no denying that this Stanley Kubrick directed film is one of the greatest horror films of all time. If you haven't seen this masterpiece yet, do yourself a favor.
2. "The Shawshank Redemption"
Although he's the Master of Horror, King has shown himself to be quite adept at writing more-straightforward dramatic works; so much so that if someone saw this movie with no prior knowledge about it, they'd never guess that it was adapted from a Stephen King work. Based on a novella in the "Different Seasons" collection, this Frank Darabont directed film accomplishes the rare feat of being better than the source material, and is often in the discussion when it comes to the greatest films of all time (even ranking #1 on IMDB's Top 250).
3. "Misery"
The second King work adapted for the screen by Rob Reiner (better known for films like "This Is Spinal Tap," "The Princess Bride," "When Harry Met Sally"), this claustrophobic and highly suspensful film is guaranteed to get under your skin. James Caan as captured writer Paul Sheldon does stellar work in the film, and Kathy Bates as villain Annie Wilkes is straight-up amazing in this film (in a performance that won her an Oscar). Frankly, the movie is unforgettable...especially thanks to a certain scene with a sledgehammer.
4. "Stand By Me"
This adaptation of novella "The Body" from the "Different Seasons" collection made Stephen King cry. That alone should tell you how powerful it is. This was Rob Reiner's first adaptation of a Stephen King work, and as good as "Misery" is, this is the better film. Another one of King's works that isn't horror, this coming-of-age story is guaranteed to stir up emotions in anyone who watches it, thanks in part to the fantastic performances of all the child actors.
5. "Cujo"
Based on a book that is arguably King's darkest work, in which a woman & her son become trapped in their Ford Pinto by a rabid, bloodthirsty St. Bernard that is very determined to kill them, this 1983 adaptation is unfairly left out of the discussion of the best Stephen King adaptations. This film does a terrific job of translating King's dark and realistic horror story to the screen, with tremendous performances (especially from Dee Wallace), genuine suspense, and the best jump-scare in any King film (as he himself says).
6. "Apt Pupil"
Also based on a novella in the "Different Seasons" collection, this adaptation from Bryan Singer (director of "The Usual Suspects" and some of the "X-Men" films) is one of the more subdued and darkly-natured works based on a Stephen King property. In it, a teenager develops a relationship with a Nazi war criminal in hiding (a scene-stealing Ian McKellen), and things only get darker from there.
7. "The Dead Zone"
Ditching the lengthy book's parallel narrative and subplots to create one clear-cut story, this adaptation by horror auteur David Cronenberg still remains very faithful to the source material, covering the book's major events and effectively capturing it's melancholy feel. Christopher Walken as psychic Johnny Smith is at his best in this movie, as he really makes it seem like his character has the weight of his horrible visions pressing him down.
8. "Carrie" (1976)
Director Brian De Palma brings his trademark mastery of suspense to this adaptation of King's first novel, about a bullied high-school girl who discovers she has pscyhic powers. Nominated for multiple Oscars, this film still holds up after all these years later and still very poignant. Plus, the ending is still just as horrifying as ever. Make sure you watch this one, and ignore the pointless remake.
9. "The Green Mile"
The second Frank Darabont adaptation of a Stephen King work, and the second revolving around a prison, this film features Tom Hanks as a prison guard who encounters a man wrongfully on death row who has supernatural healing abilities (played by Michael Clarke Duncan in an Oscar-nominated role). Full of magical realism and emotion, this film will have you in tears by the end of it.
10. "The Mist"
The third Frank Darabont adaptation of a Stephen King work. This time around, Darabont plays around within the horror genre in adapting this novella about a group of people trapped in a supermarket by a mist full of vicious monsters. A throwback to classic monster movies, this film features amazing visuals and also serves as a great exploration of the human condition. The ending will also, unquestionably, floor you.
Honorable Mentions:
"Dolores Claiborne"
"1408"
"Christine"
"Salem's Lot" (1976)
"The Stand"
"Storm of the Century"
