Hollywood loves adapting Stephen King stories.
He has a knack for crafting simple premises — what if you woke up and had psychic powers? What if your car had a mind of its own? — and taking them horrifying places.
Not all of them are worth watching, as Will Leitch and Tim Grierson wrote in their definitive ranking of 40 Stephen King movie adaptations for Vulture. But some of them rank among the best works Hollywood has ever produced.
This year is shaping up to be one of King's signature years. His "It" was recently adapted into an acclaimed horror movie. "The Dark Tower" was adapted into a, let's say, less-than-acclaimed one. "Mr. Mercedes" just ended a single-season run on the Audience network. Hulu will air a "Castle Rock" anthology series sometime early next year. Netflix recently released a well-reviewed adaptation of "Gerald's Game" and, on October 20, it will release an adaptation of his novella "1922."
Oh — and he writes, too! In fact, he just released a novel written with his son Owen, called "Sleeping Beauties." His other son, who writes under the pen name Joe Hill, is also a much-loved horror novelist.
With everything King has going on, it's a good time to dive into the movies and TV shows based on his work.
See below for our picks for the 15 best TV and movie adaptations based on King's work.
15. "Under the Dome" (2013-2015)
After "The Stand" (a movie adaptation is in development hell; the TV adaptation hasn't aged well) and "It," King's novel "Under the Dome" is his longest. It was adapted into a TV show over three seasons on CBS. The enthusiasm from critics waned as the season went on, but the first incredible season alone makes it worth the watch.
14. "The Mist" (2007)
When it was announced that Frank Darabont planned to direct another Stephen King adaptation, fans freaked out. His "Shawshank Redemption"ranks among the most beloved movies ever made, and "The Green Mile" has its fans as well. A movie about a creepy mist that attacks a small town would be a new challenge.
"The Mist" proved itself a love-it-or-hate-it movie. Itc split fans and critics, with a 72% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Some were miffed by an altered ending, but most people relished the terror.
13. "Christine" (1983)
Not all critics loved it in its release, but the John Carpenter-directed "Christine" has turned into a cult classic. It's a high school movie about a sentient Plymouth Fury that goes nuts and tries to kill its owner.
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