Stephen King has been terrifying readers for decades, and Hollywood has done its best to bring his nightmares to life on screen. Some adaptations have been legendary, while others… well, let’s just say they didn’t quite capture the King magic. But when done right, his stories turn into some of the most chilling, thought-provoking movies ever made. If you’re in the mood for a good scare, these five Stephen King adaptations—currently streaming on Netflix—are sure to haunt you long after the credits roll.
Gerald’s Game (2017)
Adapted from King’s 1992 novel, Gerald’s Game is a psychological horror-thriller directed by Mike Flanagan. The story follows Jessie, a woman left handcuffed to a bed in a remote cabin after a romantic game with her husband goes horribly wrong. With no way to escape, she’s forced to confront both her past traumas and the horrifying hallucinations that creep in as she fights for survival. The movie has an impressive Rotten Tomatoes score of 91% and an IMDb rating of 6.5/10. If you love slow-burning psychological horror, this one’s for you.
1922 (2017)
Based on King’s novella from Full Dark, No Stars, 1922 is a dark, brooding tale of guilt and madness. The movie tells the story of a farmer who conspires to murder his wife to keep their land, only to be consumed by guilt and a series of horrifying supernatural events. Thomas Jane delivers an unforgettable performance, and the atmosphere is thick with dread. The film holds a Rotten Tomatoes rating of 91% and an IMDb score of 6.2/10. If you like psychological horror that gets under your skin, this is a must-watch.
In the Tall Grass (2019)
Co-written by Stephen King and his son Joe Hill, In the Tall Grass is one of those movies that starts simple and quickly descends into absolute nightmare fuel. It follows a brother and sister who hear a boy crying for help in a vast field of tall grass. Once inside, they realize there’s no way out, and something evil is lurking within. The film plays with time loops, paranoia, and sheer terror. It has a Rotten Tomatoes score of 36% and an IMDb rating of 5.4/10, but don’t let that fool you—if you love eerie, mind-bending horror, this is a hidden gem.
Mr. Harrigan’s Phone (2022)
A more recent adaptation, Mr. Harrigan’s Phone is based on a novella from King’s If It Bleeds. It’s less about jump scares and more about unsettling, creeping horror. The story follows a young boy who forms a bond with an elderly billionaire. After the old man dies, the boy discovers that their connection isn’t completely severed—because when he texts Mr. Harrigan’s phone, he gets a response. The film has a Rotten Tomatoes score of 45% and an IMDb rating of 6.0/10. If you prefer King’s more emotional, slow-burn horror, this one will stay with you.
Also, Read – Mr. Harrigan’s Phone Movie Ending, Explained
The Mist (2007)
One of the most terrifying Stephen King adaptations, The Mist is based on his 1980 novella. When a small town is suddenly engulfed in an eerie mist filled with deadly creatures, a group of survivors takes shelter in a supermarket. But as fear takes over, the real horror becomes the people trapped inside. Directed by Frank Darabont (who also gave us The Shawshank Redemption), this movie is infamous for its gut-wrenching ending. It has a Rotten Tomatoes score of 72% and an IMDb rating of 7.1/10. If you love horror that messes with your head, The Mist is an absolute must-see.
IT (2017)
Adapted from Stephen King’s massive novel IT, this terrifying film brings Pennywise the Clown back to haunt a new generation. Set in the small town of Derry, a group of kids known as the Losers’ Club must face their worst fears when an ancient, shape-shifting evil resurfaces, preying on their darkest nightmares. With a chilling performance by Bill Skarsgård as Pennywise, IT delivers heart-pounding scares, nostalgia, and surprisingly deep friendships. It holds an 85% on Rotten Tomatoes and a 7.3 IMDb rating. If you love supernatural horror with a coming-of-age twist, this one is a must-watch.
King’s stories have a way of creeping into your mind and refusing to leave. Whether you’re in the mood for supernatural terror, psychological horror, or gut-punching suspense, these five movies will deliver. So grab a blanket, turn off the lights, and prepare for some sleepless nights!
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