Buzz
This week celebrates a landmark birthday for Stephen King, marking 75 years of one of America’s most celebrated, prolific, and influential authors. While some critics may undervalue his work, his cultural footprint is undeniable. Even if you’ve never opened one of King’s numerous bestsellers, you’ve likely encountered his stories through their screen adaptations. From iconic films like Carrie, The Shining, Stand By Me, Misery, and The Shawshank Redemption to less stellar entries, King’s work has left an indelible mark on cinema.
Among the spectrum of King adaptations—ranging from masterpieces to misfires—lies a fascinating middle ground: films that may not achieve perfection but offer unique elements worth exploring. These movies, whether cult favorites or midnight curiosities, provide engaging and thought-provoking experiences. From monstrous rats to homicidal vehicles, here are some standout examples.
The Running Man (1987)
Based on: The “Richard Bachman” novel The Running Man.
While The Running Man is often regarded as a cult classic, it remains underappreciated in the broader context of Stephen King adaptations. The film follows a police officer wrongfully convicted of murder after refusing to participate in state-sanctioned violence. Forced into a deadly game show, the protagonist, played by Arnold Schwarzenegger, battles for survival in a dystopian future where entertainment distracts from authoritarianism. As a quintessential 80s action film, it delivers thrilling sequences (despite its modest budget). Moreover, its commentary on police brutality and societal complacency remains strikingly relevant. The stellar supporting cast, including a perfectly cast Richard Dawson, further elevates the film.
Where to stream: Digital rental
A Return to Salem’s Lot (1987)
Based on: This sequel features an original story that continues after the events of the first miniseries.
The original Salem’s Lot miniseries stands as an early success in Stephen King adaptations, arriving shortly after Brian De Palma’s Carrie. While King’s work saw a mix of hits and misses in the following years, this sequel, though unconventional and chaotic, offers its own brand of entertainment. Directed by Larry Cohen, the film shifts unpredictably between dark comedy, horror, and gore, creating a bizarre yet captivating experience. The introduction of Samuel Fuller as a no-nonsense Nazi hunter adds a unique twist, and while the movie attempts to critique capitalism, it ultimately revels in its own absurdity. It’s a wild ride that’s as entertaining as it is eccentric.
Where to stream: HBO Max
Creepshow 2 (1987)
Based on: Original King stories (“Old Chief Wood’nhead” and “The Hitch-Hiker”) and “The Raft” from Skeleton Crew.
Horror anthologies have a special charm, and Creepshow 2 delivers with three chilling tales inspired by Stephen King’s work. Adapted by George Romero, the segments vary in tone and effectiveness. The first, featuring a vengeful Native American statue, falls short of its potential, but the remaining two—a deadly oil slick and the haunting aftermath of a hit-and-run—are both gruesome and entertaining. While the film leans into its campy nature, it remains a fun and memorable entry in the horror anthology genre.
Where to stream: Prime Video, Shudder, Tubi, Hoopla, Plex
Needful Things (1993)
Based on: The novel Needful Things.
Castle Rock welcomes a mysterious newcomer, Leland Gaunt (Max von Sydow), who opens a peculiar shop named Needful Things. The store offers items people deeply desire, though not necessarily need, at surprisingly low prices. In exchange, Gaunt requests small favors—often harmless pranks on neighbors. These seemingly minor acts escalate, fueling mistrust and violence among the townsfolk. While the film didn’t achieve blockbuster success, its portrayal of a manipulative figure sowing discord resonates powerfully. Max von Sydow’s performance as Gaunt and Ed Harris as the skeptical sheriff shine, though the repetitive prank-for-item trope weakens the narrative. The explosive finale, however, delivers a satisfying conclusion. An extended version, created for TV, adds depth, suggesting the story might have thrived as a miniseries.
Where to stream: Digital rental
Christine (1983)
Based on: The novel Christine.
John Carpenter’s Christine may not have been a box office hit, but it remains a standout adaptation of Stephen King’s work. The film centers on Arnie Cunningham (Keith Gordon) and his obsession with a 1958 Plymouth Fury, a car with a sinister personality. Despite its unconventional premise, Carpenter crafts a compelling narrative, making the car’s jealousy and possessiveness oddly believable. The climactic showdown, featuring a bulldozer duel, is both thrilling and unexpectedly emotional. While not Carpenter’s finest work, Christine is a testament to his ability to elevate even the strangest concepts into engaging cinema.
Where to stream: Fubo
Pet Sematary 2 (1992)
Based on: This sequel continues with an original story following the first film.
Mary Lambert’s Pet Sematary 2 doesn’t quite achieve the cult status of its predecessor, but it offers its own brand of macabre entertainment. Shifting focus to teenage trauma, the film retains the original’s mix of horror and camp while introducing visual flair and impressive effects. Clancy Brown’s unhinged performance as the villainous sheriff adds a layer of madness, making the film a fun, if uneven, follow-up. While it lacks the emotional weight of the first movie, it delivers plenty of bizarre moments and dark humor, cementing its place as a quirky entry in the Stephen King adaptation catalog.
Where to stream: Digital rental
Storm of the Century (1999)
Based on: An original screenplay by Stephen King.
Often overlooked among the wave of 1990s King miniseries, Storm of the Century stands out as a chilling tale of a small town terrorized by a mysterious stranger, Andre Linoge (Colm Feore). Linoge demands a child in exchange for ending the town’s suffering, forcing residents to confront their darkest secrets. Feore’s portrayal of Linoge is a masterclass in villainy, blending menace with moral ambiguity. King himself has praised this adaptation, and its influence is evident in Mike Flanagan’s Midnight Mass. Set on Little Tall Island, a recurring location in King’s universe, this miniseries offers a unique story unavailable in novel form, making it a must-watch for King enthusiasts.
Where to stream: Hulu
Graveyard Shift (1990)
Based on: The short story “Graveyard Shift” from Night Shift.
Graveyard Shift is a gritty, low-budget horror film that thrives on its raw, unpolished charm. The story follows a group of workers enduring horrific conditions in a decrepit mill, overseen by a ruthless boss (Stephen Macht) who prioritizes profit over safety. When the mill’s infestation of vermin gives way to a monstrous rat, the film delivers a mix of campy horror and social commentary. While its special effects are dated, the movie’s grim atmosphere and underlying critique of labor exploitation make it an intriguing, if flawed, entry in King’s adaptation catalog.
Where to stream: Digital rental
The Lawnmower Man (1992)
Based on: The short story “The Lawnmower” from Night Shift, though King distanced himself from the film.
This 1992 sci-fi horror film explores the potential of virtual reality through a low-budget lens, offering a fascinating glimpse into early 90s technological imagination. Despite its dated effects, The Lawnmower Man exudes a nostalgic charm, with Pierce Brosnan delivering a memorable performance long before his Bond days. A mix of camp and curiosity, it’s a time capsule of retro-futurism worth revisiting.
Where to stream: The Roku Channel, Hoopla
Firestarter (1984)
Based on: The novel Firestarter.
Stephen King’s Firestarter holds immense potential for a modern adaptation, especially in the era of superhero films. The story of a young girl embracing her extraordinary abilities despite fear and oppression resonates deeply. While the 1984 version falls short of fully realizing the novel’s themes, it features standout performances from Drew Barrymore and David Keith. Despite questionable casting choices, the film captures the heart of the father-daughter relationship and the dangers of suppressing power. A better adaptation may come, but this remains a nostalgic entry in King’s cinematic universe.
Where to stream: Digital rental
