16 Underrated Stephen King Movie Adaptations

This post may contain affiliate links, which helps keep this content free. Please read our disclosure for more info.

“The Mist” (2007)

“The Mist” is a tense, atmospheric horror film based on Stephen King’s novella. Directed by Frank Darabont, the film follows a group of townspeople trapped in a supermarket as a strange mist envelops the area, bringing terrifying creatures with it. Unlike many of King’s adaptations, the story is more focused on the human element, exploring the fear and paranoia that arise in extreme situations.

The film’s ending is unforgettable and has earned a reputation as one of the most shocking conclusions in horror cinema. The blend of supernatural horror and the breakdown of societal order makes it a standout. Though it did not gain wide acclaim upon release, “The Mist” has since gained a cult following, thanks in part to its bold and haunting finale.

 “Dolores Claiborne” (1995)

“Dolores Claiborne” is a psychological thriller directed by Taylor Hackford, featuring Kathy Bates in a powerhouse performance. The film, based on Stephen King’s novel, revolves around Dolores, a woman accused of murdering her wealthy employer. As she confronts past trauma, the film delves into themes of abuse and survival.

Though the film is often overshadowed by King’s more popular works, it stands out due to its strong performances and intricate storytelling. The dynamic between Dolores and her daughter, played by Jennifer Jason Leigh, drives the emotional core of the film. “Dolores Claiborne” is a gripping exploration of a woman’s resilience and the deep scars of her past.

“Sleepwalkers” (1992)

“Sleepwalkers,” directed by Mick Garris, offers a unique and eerie experience, blending horror with a touch of the supernatural. The story focuses on a mother and son who are not quite human and are on a violent rampage in a small town. They feed off the life force of young women, and their bizarre, feline-like powers add an unsettling layer to the film.

While the movie is not as well-known as other King adaptations, it boasts a distinct atmosphere and an unsettling story. The effects may seem dated by today’s standards, but the strange mythology and bizarre nature of the characters still captivate fans of the supernatural horror genre.

“Thinner” (1996)

Based on King’s novel of the same name, “Thinner” is a horror film that explores the theme of retribution. The story follows a lawyer who, after accidentally hitting an elderly woman with his car, is cursed by a gypsy to lose weight uncontrollably. As his body deteriorates, he must race against time to break the curse before it destroys him.

The film, directed by Tom Holland, delivers a darkly comedic look at karma and the consequences of one’s actions. Despite its lower budget and B-movie feel, “Thinner” has a strong following due to its unique premise and unsettling visuals. It stands out as an underrated King adaptation that mixes body horror with moral lessons.

“Dreamcatcher” (2003)

“Dreamcatcher,” directed by Lawrence Kasdan, is a sci-fi horror film based on Stephen King’s novel. The story revolves around four childhood friends who reunite in a remote cabin, only to encounter an alien invasion that threatens their lives. As they battle the extraterrestrial threat, the men must also confront their own past and deep-seated secrets.

Though the film received mixed reviews upon release, it has gained a cult following over the years. The blend of science fiction and horror, combined with the strong performances by Morgan Freeman and Thomas Jane, makes “Dreamcatcher” an underrated gem in King’s adaptation catalog. The film is an ambitious, albeit flawed, exploration of friendship, fear, and the unknown.

 “The Running Man” (1987)

While “The Running Man” is often seen as more of an action film, it remains an underrated Stephen King adaptation. Set in a dystopian future where criminals are forced to participate in a deadly game show, the film stars Arnold Schwarzenegger as the protagonist, Ben Richards. It combines action, dark humor, and social commentary on the media’s role in society.

Though not as revered as King’s other adaptations, “The Running Man” stands out for its satirical take on the entertainment industry. The film’s over-the-top action sequences and bold critique of mass media culture have allowed it to remain a cult classic for fans of both King’s work and 1980s action cinema.

“Carrie” (2002)

This TV miniseries adaptation of King’s classic novel “Carrie” flew under the radar compared to the 1976 Brian De Palma film. Directed by David Carson, it stays more faithful to the source material and provides a deeper look into Carrie White’s troubled life. The story follows a shy teenager with telekinetic powers, who seeks revenge on those who torment her.

While it lacks the same iconic status as De Palma’s film, this version of “Carrie” provides a more nuanced exploration of the character and her tragic fate. The miniseries features a strong performance by Angela Bettis as Carrie, bringing a more grounded and sympathetic portrayal to the role.

“The Shining” (1997)

This made-for-TV adaptation of “The Shining” is often dismissed due to its comparison with Stanley Kubrick’s 1980 masterpiece. However, it holds a special place among fans of King’s work because it sticks closer to the details of the novel. Directed by Mick Garris, this version brings a more faithful representation of the Overlook Hotel and the psychological terror that ensnares its inhabitants.

While it may not have the same cinematic flair as Kubrick’s version, this adaptation offers a more nuanced look at the character of Jack Torrance, played by Steven Weber. The haunting atmosphere and the emphasis on psychological horror make this TV film an underrated King adaptation worth watching.

“Pet Sematary” (1989)

“Pet Sematary” is an early adaptation of Stephen King’s novel, and while it is often overshadowed by other King films, it remains a chilling exploration of grief and the consequences of tampering with life and death. Directed by Mary Lambert, the film follows a family that moves to a rural home near a mysterious pet cemetery, where the dead may be resurrected—at a horrifying cost.

The film is known for its haunting atmosphere and its exploration of the lengths to which people will go to cope with loss. While its themes are unsettling, “Pet Sematary” is often overlooked in favor of other more famous King adaptations, but its unsettling narrative and eerie visuals have earned it a devoted following.

“Storm of the Century” (1999)

“Storm of the Century,” a TV miniseries directed by Craig R. Baxley, is a chilling tale set in a small island town that is hit by an unprecedented snowstorm. As the storm rages, the residents are forced to confront a sinister force that may be connected to the storm itself. The film presents themes of morality, sacrifice, and the supernatural.

Despite being a TV movie, “Storm of the Century” features impressive performances and a tense atmosphere. The plot’s focus on the town’s struggle against the evil force, as well as the moral dilemmas faced by the characters, makes it an engaging and underrated King adaptation.

“The Langoliers” (1995)

Based on King’s novella, “The Langoliers” is a TV miniseries about a group of passengers who find themselves in a bizarre situation after they wake up on a plane to discover that everyone else has disappeared. They soon realize that they have entered a different dimension, and they must figure out how to survive while being pursued by mysterious creatures known as the Langoliers.

Though it may not be as well-known as other King adaptations, “The Langoliers” is a suspenseful and thought-provoking tale about time, perception, and survival. The miniseries’ eerie tone and complex narrative make it an interesting, albeit overlooked, entry in the King filmography.

“The Green Mile” (1999)

While “The Green Mile” is one of King’s more well-known adaptations, it often flies under the radar compared to his other works like “Shawshank Redemption.” Directed by Frank Darabont, the film is set in a 1930s death row prison, where a supernatural inmate with healing powers creates a profound impact on the guards who work there. The film touches on themes of mercy, justice, and the morality of capital punishment.

“The Green Mile” is often appreciated for its emotional depth and stunning performances, particularly from Michael Clarke Duncan, whose portrayal of the gentle giant John Coffey is both heartbreaking and memorable. Despite its critical acclaim, it is sometimes overlooked when people discuss King’s best film adaptations.

“A Good Marriage” (2014)

“A Good Marriage,” based on Stephen King’s novella, is a psychological thriller about a woman who uncovers her husband’s dark secret. The film follows Darcy, played by Joan Allen, who learns that her seemingly perfect husband, Bob, has been living a double life as a serial killer. As the truth unravels, Darcy is forced to come to terms with her knowledge and decide what actions she will take.

The slow burn of tension and the moral conflict at the heart of the film make it a gripping watch. Although “A Good Marriage” did not gain widespread attention, its exploration of betrayal, trust, and justice makes it an underrated adaptation worth watching.

“Graveyard Shift” (1990)

“Graveyard Shift,” directed by Ralph S. Singleton, is based on King’s short story about a group of workers at a textile mill who encounter horrifying creatures lurking in the dark. As they struggle to survive in the claustrophobic, dangerous environment, the workers must confront both the supernatural and their own fears.

The film, while often dismissed for its low-budget aesthetic and dated effects, has an undeniable charm. It offers a mix of suspense and horror that, while not groundbreaking, provides a solid and entertaining experience for fans of King’s work. The film’s setting, atmosphere, and classic monster horror add a unique flavor to the King adaptation lineup.

“In the Tall Grass” (2019)

“In the Tall Grass,” based on King’s novella with his son Joe Hill, is a supernatural horror film about a brother and sister who become trapped in a field of tall grass. As they wander through the maze-like field, they encounter strange forces and must find a way to escape before they are consumed by the dark power at work.

The film blends supernatural horror with existential dread, and though it didn’t gain widespread attention, it offers an intriguing experience. The eerie, claustrophobic atmosphere and the film’s meditation on time and fate make it an underrated King adaptation that leaves a lasting impression.

“The Secret Window” (2004)

“The Secret Window,” starring Johnny Depp, is a psychological thriller based on King’s novella. The film follows a writer, Mort Rainey, who is accused of plagiarism by a mysterious man named John Shooter. As the tension between them escalates, Mort begins to question his own sanity and the reality of what is happening around him.

Though it did not garner much attention at the time, “The Secret Window” is an underrated King adaptation. The film thrives on its suspenseful atmosphere and Depp’s strong performance, as well as its unsettling exploration of paranoia and guilt.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.