Top 5 Steven King Book-To-Movie Adaptations
Start writing a post
Arts Entertainment

The Top 5 Movies Adapted From Stephen King's Books

Ranked from their influence over my life and my appreciation for his various works.

212
The Top 5 Movies Adapted From Stephen King's Books
John Robinson/Flickr

5. It (1990)

To start off our list is the 1990 classic TV mini-series starring Tim Curry as the titular character. I chose the original adaptation of it because it was my first entry into the world of Stephen King. At the ripe young age of 7, I saw the rerun on TV, having only clicked on it because I recognized Tim Curry from my favorite film at the time Annie (1982). Needless to say once he appeared on screen I realized my mistake and quickly turned it off. Years later I revisited it and now enjoy this adaptation and the novel in its own right. Maybe it's my young exposure to this version of the story that has put me off from watching the 2017 version. Or maybe I'm just waiting for Chapter 2, coming out in 2019!

4. Stand By Me (1986)

This film is the first Stephen King adaptation I watched all the way through, after all this film is about growing up and childhood curiosity and not killer shapeshifting clowns. This film still holds a special place in my heart as I have always loved the 'kids on a journey for treasure (or in this case a body) with self-discovery really being at the core of their character growth, The Goonies anyone? This film has also changed for me a lot as a viewer over the years as even though I am older every time I watch it, I relate to the main characters more and more.

3. The Shining (1980)

This was the first Stephen King story that I read before I watched the movie, and in this case that might not have been a good choice. Although in both mediums it is a truly horrifying tale, King and Kubrick's versions differ so much that whatever one you consume second is made lesser because of the first. I used to hate this movie in high school because I felt that Kubrick had butchered the real plot and horrors of the haunted hotel, but as I have gotten older I can differentiate between the two and can now finally enjoy them.

2. The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

This is the only King story on this list that I have still not read the novel or in this case novella of but in my defense he has written a lot over his career! Because of that I love this story strictly from its film adaptation as it influences me in all my writing when creating characters. This film serves as a brilliant character study for academics, writers, or just the viewer. But what really makes it for me is the tunnel reveal scene. No other scene has given me such satisfaction as seeing the warden's face when he realizes he has been bested by his own prisoner!

1. Salem's Lot (1979)

This story takes the first spot not only because it's my favorite Stephen King story of all time (I reread it every year during October!) but because I feel that the original tv mini-series does a great job of showing the viewer what makes the story work, the crippling and foreboding fear of an entire town slowly being taken over by vampires. Like Shawshank, King's characters are strong and well defined, making you worried whenever someone else gets turned. And with James Mason perfectly portraying one of my favorite villains of all time Mr. Straker, this classic mini-series is the cornerstone of a good fall horror flick.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

50025
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

31917
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

955379
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

180538
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments