The Top 10 Best Stephen King Movies

September 6, 2017July 11, 2020 Patrick Sessoms 1408, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Carrie, Cujo, Fred Gwynne, Jack Nicholson, John Cusack, Kiefer Sutherland, Michael Clarke Duncan, Misery, Morgan Freeman, Pet Sematary, Saw, Stand By Me, Stephen King, The Green Mile, The Mist, The Running Man, The Shawshank Redemption, The Shinning, Tim Robbins, Tom Hanks

5. Carrie

Honestly, I think this film should be shown to everyone in their freshman year of high school. We all had to watch Red Asphalt, so why not? Bullies would definitely think twice after seeing it. It was the first of the Stephen King movies to hit the big screen, and to this day it’s still one of the best. It might be a little dated, but the themes are all still relevant. Carrie is about a girl in high school, who isn’t exactly normal. Besides from being psychologically tortured by her mother, she happens to have telekinesis. An ability she happens to discover (and lose control of) after bullies ruin her life. If you’re interested just make sure you don’t accidentally rent the 2013 version.

4. The Green Mile

He’s got the heart of an innocent, the mind of a child, and the body of a juggernaut

This is a painful one to remember because I honestly really miss Michael Clarke Duncan. No one will be able to fill his enormous shoes. The movie is about a mountain of a man who is imprisoned for murder. The guards slowly learn that looks can be deceiving as it turns out he’s quite the gentle giant with remarkable powers. It’s a heart-wrenching film, but it proves a Stephen King movies don’t just stick to creepy horror. Sure there’s the whole darkness in the heart of man destroying beautiful things they don’t understand, but we all know that already. Plus, it stars Tom Hanks, so you know it can’t be that scary.

3. Stand by Me

Who doesn’t love a classic coming of age story? Nothing like good friends on an adventure… To find a dead body. Yeah, King won’t let something go without adding a dark twist. Though as far as Stephen King Movies go, this is a pretty light hearted one. Good friends spend a summer day bonding as they set off to see the “coolest” thing ever. Of course, it doesn’t turn out to be that cool in the end, but that’s the point. King shows us that it’s the outcome that really matters, it’s the journey that gets us there. It’s pretty insightful stuff, almost a feel good movie. Don’t worry Kiefer Sutherland shows up to ruin it.

2. The Shining

Here’s another slightly controversial entry. There’s no arguing that this is an outstanding flick, but King wasn’t a big fan of it. In fact, he supposedly flat out hates it. Now, his opinion is pretty important, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it was right. After all, Stanley Kubrick directed it, and film teachers sure do love him (trust me on that one). So, is it a bad movie? Not at all, it’s a great movie. It might be what King wanted, but that’s kind of how adaptations role. It’s two visions colliding, and one might not agree with the other. If you haven’t seen it, it’s Jack Nicholson at his best and really gets into the nitty gritty of insanity. It’s definitely, one you’ll want to watch.

1. The Shawshank Redemption

I’m glad everyone gets along so well in prison.

Not only is this the best of all of Stephen King’s movies, but it’s one of the best movies of all time. Don’t believe me? Just check out the IMDB top movies. It’s been sitting pretty there at number one since I started using the internet back when dinosaurs roamed the earth. It might have been robbed at the Oscars, but the fans have spoken. While it’s a film about hope, there is plenty of darkness sleeping just below the surface. King really should be proud of the justice Frank Davenport did his work. The movie itself stars Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins, as prison mates who develop an unbreakable bond of friendship. It’s nice to think all prisoners experience a little of that magic.

Honorable Mention: The Running Man

I can’t believe the 80’s knew we would all be wearing this today!

This 1987 “classic” deserves a definite shout out on here. I know you’re thinking, “what an unconventional choice. How bold!” Seriously though, this is not only one of the better Stephen King movies, but it’s probably one of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s as well. It’s a look at a dystopian future, where the well to do watch the have not’s fight for their lives in a gladiatorial-esque televised event against the likes of Buzzsaw, Dynamo, and Captain Freedom. Unfortunately for them, Schwarzenegger is tossed into the mix and they’re faced with the most brutal (and pun-filled) fight for their lives. Besides, it’s fun to look back and laugh at how the 80’s saw the future (it’s set in 2017). The deathmatches don’t start until next year.

There you have it, the best Stephen King movies Hollywood has to offer. Of course, like every list, this is just my take. I’d love to hear what you think though. So comment below if there are any movies I missed or if you think I was pretty spot on. More importantly, though, do you think the new It movie will earn a spot on here?

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