Stephen King Shares His Ultimate Top 10 Must-Watch Movies

Horror master Stephen King has revealed his personal top 10 favorite movies, and notably, none of his own film adaptations made the list.

King, whose books like The Long Walk, The Running Man, and It are all headed for new Hollywood adaptations, shared his picks on Twitter, emphasizing that the list was “in no particular order.”

Unsurprisingly, his selections highlight some of cinema’s most celebrated directors, including William Friedkin, Francis Ford Coppola, Martin Scorsese, Billy Wilder, and Steven Spielberg, who appears twice. Legendary actors such as Humphrey Bogart, Richard Dreyfuss, and Robert De Niro also feature prominently.

The list is dominated by films from the 1970s, reflecting the era when King was coming of age and discovering his love for movies.

1. Sorcerer (1977)

Stephen King has named Sorcerer as one of his favorite films, despite its troubled past. Directed by William Friedkin and released in 1977, the movie initially struggled both critically and commercially, largely because it came out just after Star Wars.

The story follows four men tasked with transporting volatile nitroglycerin across treacherous terrain. While it was overlooked at first, the film has since been praised for its gripping tension and ambitious production.

King’s admiration highlights its growing reputation as an underrated classic. Friedkin himself considered Sorcerer one of his most personal and challenging projects. The movie’s electronic score by Tangerine Dream, along with a recent digital restoration, has helped solidify its place in film history, making it a standout on King’s list of all-time favorites.

2. The Godfather Part II (1974)

Stephen King counts The Godfather Part II among his all-time favorite movies, showing his love for classic filmmaking and rich storytelling. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola and released in 1974, the film continues the Corleone family saga, following Michael Corleone as he strengthens his position as the new Don, while also exploring Vito Corleone’s rise from Sicily to New York.

The movie was a critical and commercial triumph, winning six Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director for Coppola, and Best Supporting Actor for Robert De Niro. It is widely regarded as one of the greatest films ever made and is celebrated as a rare sequel that matches or even surpasses the original.

King’s choice highlights his admiration for layered characters, intricate storytelling, and films that leave a lasting mark on culture and cinema.

3. The Getaway (1972)

Stephen King also includes The Getaway (1972) on his list of favorites, starring Steve McQueen and Ali MacGraw. The film tells the story of a couple who pull off a bank robbery and must flee to Mexico while being chased by both the law and rival criminals.

Although it received mixed reviews when it first came out, the movie was a commercial success, earning over $36 million and becoming one of the biggest hits of both McQueen’s acting career and director Sam Peckinpah’s filmography.

4. Groundhog Day (1993)

Stephen King’s favorites list also includes Groundhog Day, directed by Harold Ramis and starring Bill Murray and Andie MacDowell. The film follows a cynical weatherman who finds himself stuck in a time loop, forced to relive the same day repeatedly.

During production, Murray and Ramis disagreed on the tone, with Murray wanting a more philosophical approach and Ramis emphasizing comedy. Despite the creative tension, the movie became a box-office hit, earning over $105 million. Critics praised its blend of humor, heartfelt moments, and deeper themes.

Over the years, Groundhog Day has become a cultural classic, inspiring countless time-loop stories, adding the phrase “Groundhog Day” to the English lexicon.

5. Casablanca (1942)

Directed by Michael Curtiz and starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman, the film tells the story of an American expatriate caught between love and duty during World War II.

Originally considered just another studio release, Casablanca surprised audiences and critics alike, winning three Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director. Over the years, it has become legendary for its unforgettable characters, iconic lines, and timeless theme song, frequently appearing on lists of the greatest films ever made.

6. The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948)

Directed by John Huston and starring Humphrey Bogart, Walter Huston, and Tim Holt, the movie follows two struggling Americans who team up with an experienced prospector in search of gold in the mountains of Mexico.

Shot mostly on location in Mexico, the film was both a critical and commercial hit. It won three Academy Awards, including Best Director and Best Screenplay for Huston and Best Supporting Actor for Walter Huston, and also received the BAFTA for Best Film and the Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture, Drama. Its success cemented the movie as a timeless classic.

7. Double Indemnity (1944)

Directed by Billy Wilder with a screenplay co-written by Raymond Chandler, the film tells the story of an insurance salesman who teams up with a woman to kill her husband for a life insurance payout, all while a sharp claims manager grows suspicious. Nominated for seven Academy Awards, Double Indemnity is considered a landmark in film noir and has influenced generations of thrillers and crime dramas.

8. Jaws (1975)

Jaws (1975) follows police chief Martin Brody, a marine biologist, and a professional shark hunter as they try to stop a man-eating great white shark attacking a New England beach town. Filmed mostly on location at Martha’s Vineyard, the production struggled with malfunctioning mechanical sharks, so director Steven Spielberg often suggested the shark’s presence rather than showing it directly, accompanied by John Williams’ now-iconic suspenseful score.

The film became the first modern summer blockbuster, shattering box-office records and shaping the way Hollywood markets and releases big-action films.

9. Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977)

Another Spielberg favorite, Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977) tells the story of Roy Neary, a blue-collar worker, and Jillian Guiler, a mother whose young son is abducted, as they experience mysterious encounters with UFOs and extraterrestrials. The project had been a longtime passion for Spielberg and included contributions from several writers.

The film is celebrated for its groundbreaking visual effects by Douglas Trumbull and the memorable alien designs by Carlo Rambaldi. It was both a critical and commercial hit, earning over $300 million worldwide and receiving numerous award nominations.

10. Mean Streets (1973)

Rounding out King’s list is Mean Streets (1973), a crime drama directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Harvey Keitel and Robert De Niro. The film follows a group of troubled young men navigating life in New York’s Little Italy, exploring themes Scorsese would revisit throughout his career, such as the Mafia, Italian-American identity, and Catholic guilt. Released by Warner Bros., it earned strong critical praise and cemented Scorsese’s reputation as a key figure in the New Hollywood era. Robert De Niro received multiple awards for his standout supporting role.

What do you think of King’s picks? Share your thoughts in the comments below!