Stephen King isn’t just the king of horror novels—he’s a pop culture juggernaut whose stories have been adapted into films and TV shows for decades. From genre-defining classics to lesser-known gems (and a few misfires), King’s work continues to evolve across screens big and small.
After a massive 2025 that saw the long-awaited release of The Long Walk and The Running Man, 2026 is shaping up to be the year of the series. With The Institute returning for Season 2 and Mike Flanagan’s Carrie adaptation on the horizon, there is plenty to stream.
Below is the up-to-date list of every Stephen King adaptation as of January 2026.
New & Upcoming (2026 Release Dates)
The Institute (Season 2)
- Status: Confirmed (2026 Release)
- Network: MGM+
- Details: Following a breakout first season in 2025, MGM+ has officially announced that The Institute will return for Season 2 later this year. Season 2 is expected to venture into original territory, continuing the story of Luke Ellis and the surviving psychics beyond the events of the novel.
Carrie (TV Series)
- Status: Expected 2026 (Post-Production)
- Network: Amazon Prime Video
- Details: Horror master Mike Flanagan (The Haunting of Hill House) has wrapped filming on this 8-episode limited series. Starring Summer Howell as Carrie White, this adaptation promises to be a faithful, character-driven deep dive into King’s first published novel.
Fairy Tale (TV Series)
- Status: In Development
- Studio: A24
- Details: Originally planned as a movie, King’s massive fantasy epic Fairy Tale is now being developed as a 10-episode series by A24. Paul Greengrass is attached to write and direct.
Just Released (Streaming Now)
If you missed these in theaters last year, they are now available on digital and streaming platforms.
- The Running Man (2025): Edgar Wright’s faithful adaptation hit theaters in November 2025 and began streaming on Paramount+ in January 2026.
- IT: Welcome to Derry (2025): The prequel series exploring the origins of Pennywise is now streaming on Max.
- The Long Walk (2025): After decades in development hell, this dystopian survival thriller finally arrived in September 2025.
- The Monkey (2025): The supernatural horror hit produced by James Wan is available on VOD.
Stephen King Movies in Order (Chronological)
Carrie (1976)
Directed by Brian De Palma and starring Sissy Spacek, this remains one of the most iconic horror debuts in cinema history. It famously earned two Oscar nominations and set the gold standard for King adaptations.
Where to Watch: Streaming on Max / Available to Rent
The Shining (1980)
Stanley Kubrick’s controversial but undeniably iconic take on the Overlook Hotel features a legendary performance by Jack Nicholson. While King famously had mixed feelings about the changes, it is widely considered a masterpiece.
Where to Watch: Streaming on Max
Cujo (1983)
A claustrophobic and intense thriller featuring a rabid St. Bernard. It’s a masterclass in tension, proving that King can turn even “man’s best friend” into a nightmare.
Where to Watch: Available to Rent/Buy
Christine (1983)
Directed by horror legend John Carpenter, this story of a possessed 1958 Plymouth Fury captures the dark obsession of teenage life and the supernatural in a way only King could imagine.
Where to Watch: Streaming on Hulu
Children of the Corn (1984)
This adaptation introduced the world to “He Who Walks Behind the Rows.” Its creepy atmosphere and cult-like setting spawned a massive franchise that continues to this day.
Where to Watch: Streaming on Shudder
Firestarter (1984)
A young Drew Barrymore stars as Charlie McGee, a girl with pyrokinetic powers being hunted by a secret government agency. It remains a classic 80s sci-fi thriller.
Where to Watch: Available to Rent/Buy
Stand By Me (1986)
Based on the novella The Body, this coming-of-age drama is one of King’s most emotional and beloved stories, proving he is just as skilled at drama as he is at horror.
Where to Watch: Streaming on Netflix
Maximum Overdrive (1986)
Notable for being Stephen King’s directorial debut, this cult classic features a world where machines revolt against humanity, fueled by a high-energy AC/DC soundtrack.
Where to Watch: Streaming on Tubi
The Running Man (1987)
Loosely based on the Richard Bachman novel, this Arnold Schwarzenegger vehicle turns King’s dystopian vision into a high-octane 80s action spectacle.
Where to Watch: Streaming on Paramount+
Pet Sematary (1989)
“Sometimes dead is better.” This chilling exploration of grief and the supernatural remains one of the most disturbing entries in the King filmography.
Where to Watch: Streaming on Max
Misery (1990)
Kathy Bates won an Academy Award for her unhinged performance as Annie Wilkes. This psychological thriller about a famous author and his “number one fan” is a tense, must-watch classic.
Where to Watch: Streaming on Max
The Lawnmower Man (1992)
Though only loosely inspired by a King short story, this film is remembered for its early experiments with CGI and virtual reality themes.
Where to Watch: Available to Rent/Buy
The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
Widely considered one of the greatest films ever made, this story of hope and friendship inside Shawshank State Penitentiary has spent years at the top of the IMDb Top 250.
Where to Watch: Streaming on Max
Dolores Claiborne (1995)
Kathy Bates returns to the King multiverse in this dark psychological drama. It’s a powerful exploration of family secrets and the lengths a mother will go to protect her child.
Where to Watch: Available to Rent/Buy
Thinner (1996)
Based on another Richard Bachman novel, this tale of a cursed man who begins to waste away is a blend of body horror and a cautionary tale about greed.
Where to Watch: Streaming on Paramount+
The Green Mile (1999)
Tom Hanks and Michael Clarke Duncan star in this emotional and mystical prison drama. It’s a sprawling, heart-wrenching adaptation that captures the soul of King’s serial novel.
Where to Watch: Streaming on Max
Dreamcatcher (2003)
A blend of aliens, telepathy, and childhood friendship, this film has a “love-it-or-hate-it” reputation but remains a unique entry in the genre.
Where to Watch: Available to Rent/Buy
1408 (2007)
John Cusack stars as a skeptical writer who checks into a haunted hotel room. It is a terrifying, inventive psychological horror that successfully expands on a short story.
Where to Watch: Streaming on Peacock
The Mist (2007)
Directed by Frank Darabont, this creature-feature is famous for having one of the most shocking and controversial endings in cinema history—one that even King himself praised.
Where to Watch: Streaming on Prime Video
Carrie (2013 Remake)
A modern retelling of the 1976 classic starring Chloë Grace Moretz. It utilizes modern visual effects to bring the prom night destruction to life for a new generation.
Where to Watch: Available to Rent/Buy
Gerald’s Game (2017)
This Netflix original proved that “unfilmable” King books can work. It’s a powerful, one-woman survival story that deals with trauma and psychological suspense.
Where to Watch: Streaming on Netflix
It: Chapter One (2017)
The return of Pennywise shattered box office records. This adaptation perfectly captured the “Losers Club” bond and delivered modern scares for a global audience.
Where to Watch: Streaming on Max
1922 (2017)
A grim and atmospheric Netflix adaptation set in Nebraska, following a farmer’s descent into guilt and madness after committing a horrific crime.
Where to Watch: Streaming on Netflix
It: Chapter Two (2019)
The epic conclusion to the Pennywise saga reunites the Losers Club as adults to face their childhood nightmare one last time.
Where to Watch: Streaming on Max
Doctor Sleep (2019)
Directed by Mike Flanagan, this sequel to The Shining brilliantly bridges the gap between Stephen King’s novel and Stanley Kubrick’s film vision.
Where to Watch: Streaming on Max
Firestarter (2022 Remake)
A contemporary update of the 1984 film featuring Zac Efron. It reimagines the story of Charlie McGee for a modern audience with updated effects.
Where to Watch: Streaming on Peacock
Mr. Harrigan’s Phone (2022)
A “tech-meets-haunting” tale from Netflix that explores the bond between a teenager and a billionaire that extends beyond the grave.
Where to Watch: Streaming on Netflix
The Boogeyman (2023)
Based on one of King’s early short stories, this creature-feature successfully turned a simple childhood fear into a modern horror hit.
Where to Watch: Streaming on Hulu
The Monkey (2025)
Produced by James Wan, this supernatural horror centers on a cursed toy that causes chaos. It’s a fun, dark ride that captures King’s quirkier horror side.
Where to Watch: Available on VOD
The Life of Chuck (2025)
A genre-bending drama starring Tom Hiddleston that explores life in reverse. It showcases King’s ability to tell deeply human, non-horror stories.
Where to Watch: Check Local Listings
The Long Walk (2025)
After decades in development, this dystopian survival thriller finally hit screens, capturing the grueling reality of teenage boys walking to their deaths.
Where to Watch: Streaming on Paramount+
The Running Man (2025)
Edgar Wright’s faithful adaptation starring Glen Powell arrived in late 2025, bringing the original Richard Bachman grit back to the big screen.
Where to Watch: Streaming on Paramount+
Adaptations You Might Not Know Are Stephen King
- The Shawshank Redemption – Based on the novella “Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption”
- Stand By Me – Based on “The Body”
- The Running Man – Written under his pseudonym Richard Bachman
- 1408 – Based on a short story from “Everything’s Eventual”
- Apt Pupil – A disturbing tale from “Different Seasons”
Television & Streaming Adaptations
Salem’s Lot (1979)
This two-part miniseries directed by Tobe Hooper (The Texas Chain Saw Massacre) is still considered one of the most terrifying vampire stories ever brought to television. The image of the scratching window remains a horror staple.
Where to Watch: Available to Rent/Buy
It (1990)
Before the movies, Tim Curry’s legendary performance as Pennywise the Dancing Clown haunted an entire generation of TV viewers. This two-part event is a cult classic that paved the way for modern horror miniseries.
Where to Watch: Streaming on Max
The Stand (1994)
This massive, four-part epic captures the battle between good and evil in a post-apocalyptic world. For many “Constant Readers,” this remains the definitive version of King’s most sprawling novel.
Where to Watch: Available on DVD/Digital
The Shining (1997)
Produced as a more “faithful” version of the novel than Kubrick’s film, this miniseries was written by King himself. It features the living topiary animals and the hotel’s actual internal descent into madness.
Where to Watch: Available to Rent/Buy
Storm of the Century (1999)
Unlike most entries on this list, this was an original teleplay written specifically for TV by Stephen King. It’s a chilling, small-town mystery set during a brutal blizzard on an isolated island.
Where to Watch: Streaming on Hulu
Rose Red (2002)
A haunted house miniseries inspired by the Winchester Mystery House. It’s a slow-burn supernatural thriller that explores the “living” nature of an expanding mansion.
Where to Watch: Streaming on Hulu
Kingdom Hospital (2004)
A quirky and eerie 13-episode series based on Lars von Trier’s The Kingdom. King infused the show with his own signature style, blending medical drama with surreal supernatural horror.
Where to Watch: Available to Rent/Buy
Nightmares & Dreamscapes (2006)
An anthology series where each episode is based on a different King short story. It’s a great “sampler platter” of his work, featuring everything from living toy soldiers to world-ending viruses.
Where to Watch: Available to Rent/Buy
Haven (2010–2015)
Loosely based on the novella The Colorado Kid, this Syfy series ran for five seasons and built a massive, dedicated fanbase around the supernatural “Troubles” of a small Maine town.
Where to Watch: Streaming on Prime Video
Under the Dome (2013–2015)
What happens when a town is suddenly cut off by an invisible, indestructible barrier? This CBS series turned King’s high-concept thriller into a multi-season survival drama.
Where to Watch: Streaming on Paramount+
11.22.63 (2016)
Produced by J.J. Abrams and starring James Franco, this Hulu limited series is a high-stakes time-travel thriller about a man trying to stop the JFK assassination. It’s widely cited as one of the best “modern” King adaptations.
Where to Watch: Streaming on Hulu
Mr. Mercedes (2017–2019)
A gritty, hard-boiled detective series based on the Bill Hodges trilogy. It’s less “supernatural” and more “serial killer thriller,” featuring a brilliant cat-and-mouse game between a retired cop and a murderer.
Where to Watch: Streaming on Peacock
Castle Rock (2018–2019)
A psychological thriller series set in the Stephen King multiverse. It weaves together characters and themes from across King’s entire body of work into a brand-new, original story.
Where to Watch: Streaming on Hulu
The Outsider (2020)
This HBO adaptation blends a brutal murder investigation with a terrifying supernatural mystery. It’s a dark, atmospheric series that captures the “dread” of King’s later work perfectly.
Where to Watch: Streaming on Max
The Stand (2020)
A modern reimagining of the epic novel featuring a non-linear timeline and a star-studded cast. It includes a brand-new “coda” ending written by Stephen King himself.
Where to Watch: Streaming on Paramount+
Lisey’s Story (2021)
Written for the screen by King and starring Julianne Moore, this Apple TV+ series is a deeply personal story about grief, memory, and the secret worlds we share with the people we love.
Where to Watch: Streaming on Apple TV+
Chapelwaite (2021)
A gothic horror prequel to Salem’s Lot based on the short story “Jerusalem’s Lot.” It stars Adrien Brody and brings a slow-burn, historical horror vibe to the King universe.
Where to Watch: Streaming on MGM+
The Institute (2025–Present)
This breakout MGM+ series follows a group of kids with extraordinary abilities held captive in a secret facility. Following a successful first season, Season 2 is officially slated for a 2026 release.
Where to Watch: Streaming on MGM+
IT: Welcome to Derry (2025)
Streaming on Max, this prequel series takes viewers back to the 1960s to explore the origins of Pennywise and the “curse” of Derry, Maine, decades before the Losers Club arrived.
Where to Watch: Streaming on Max
Books Still Waiting for a Great Adaptation
Despite dozens of adaptations, several major Stephen King novels are still waiting for the treatment they deserve:
- Duma Key – A haunting tale of creativity, trauma, and the supernatural.
- Insomnia – Ties deeply into the Dark Tower universe but remains untouched.
- The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon – A suspenseful survival story, perfect for a minimalist film.
- The Regulators – A Bachman book that plays with reality in dark, cinematic ways.
- Rose Madder – A dark psychological thriller with themes of abuse and empowerment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Stephen King movie adaptation? While opinions vary, The Shawshank Redemption, Misery, and It (2017) are frequently ranked among the top.
Which Stephen King book has never been adapted? Books like Duma Key and Insomnia have yet to see a screen version.
What is the scariest Stephen King adaptation? The Shining, It, and The Mist are consistently rated as the most frightening.
Stephen King’s Influence on Modern Adaptations
Stephen King adaptations span decades, platforms, and genres—from pure horror to emotional dramas and dystopian thrillers. Whether you’re just catching up or trying to rewatch the classics before The Institute returns, this guide will help you explore every eerie, suspenseful, and unforgettable chapter of King’s screen legacy.
King’s influence reaches far beyond just horror. Filmmakers like Mike Flanagan, the Duffer Brothers, and even Jordan Peele have cited his storytelling as foundational to their creative work. From the small-town dread of Castle Rock to the psychological layering in Doctor Sleep, the King DNA is everywhere in modern cinema.
Bookmark this page—we’ll keep it updated with every new Stephen King adaptation as it drops.
