Whether you’re a fan of Stephen King or not, chances are you’re familiar with his work. It’s hard not to be, considering the sheer number of movies, sequels, and TV shows based on his stories. This list focuses on ranking every Stephen King movie adaptation, from originals to remakes, excluding sequels. From terrible films to masterpieces, some you may have seen before and some you may not even realize were adapted from King’s work. The list begins with “Creepshow 2” (1987), a horror anthology film with adapted stories that rank at the bottom of the list due to their crass and misogynistic content. Following that is “Thinner” (1996), a film that has aged poorly with fat-shaming and racist stereotypes. “Children of the Corn” (1984) comes next, a film about murderous children that pales in comparison to other King adaptations. “Tales from the Darkside: The Movie” (1990) is a better anthology with star-studded appearances, but less of a Stephen King film. “Dolan’s Cadillac” (2009) starring Christian Slater falls flat with stretched plotlines and flat characters. “Mercy” (2014) is a bloated mess that loses the creepy immediacy of the original story. “The Dark Half” (1993) follows a troubled writer with a gruesome start but goes downhill. “The Mangler” (1995) is a ridiculous tale about a possessed laundry machine with dumb storylines and dated effects. “Needful Things” (1993) struggles with too many characters and underdeveloped relationships. “The Night Flier” (1997) is a silly tale about an ancient vampire in a tiny plane, best enjoyed with friends not taking it too seriously. Lastly, “Maximum Overdrive” (1986) is the only movie directed by King himself, known for its over-the-top and ridiculous premise.
