The 15 Best Stephen King Movies, Ranked by Rotten Tomatoes Score

Stephen King is a famous author known for his horror, suspense, and fantasy stories. Many of his books and short stories have been turned into movies. These films have been popular with audiences for many years, starting with the first adaptation in the mid-1970s. While not all of them have been loved by critics, many have received very positive reviews.

This list looks at the best Stephen King movies based on their scores on Rotten Tomatoes. The scores are from critics who review movies. A high score means that most critics liked the movie. This list will count down the top 15 Stephen King movies that have earned the highest ratings.

Christine (1983) – 71%

Directed by horror master John Carpenter, this movie is about a nerdy high school student who buys a vintage 1958 Plymouth Fury. He lovingly restores the car, which he names Christine. He soon discovers that the car has a mind of its own and a very jealous and violent personality.

“Christine” is a fun and stylish horror film from the 1980s. It combines a classic story of a teenager coming into his own with a killer car on the loose.

The Mist (2007) – 73%

After a severe storm, a small town is covered by a strange mist that hides terrifying creatures. A group of people get trapped in a supermarket and must decide how to survive as fear and panic spread among them.

This film is known for its dark and intense story about how people react in a crisis. It has one of the most shocking and memorable endings of any Stephen King movie adaptation.

Doctor Sleep (2019) – 78%

This movie is a sequel to “The Shining.” It follows the adult Danny Torrance, who is still dealing with the trauma of what happened at the Overlook Hotel. He meets a young girl with similar psychic powers who is being hunted by a group that feeds on people like them.

“Doctor Sleep” was directed by Mike Flanagan and is praised for how it connects to the original “Shining” film while telling a new and compelling story. It successfully blends horror with a tale of redemption.

The Green Mile (1999) – 79%

This film takes place in a prison during the 1930s and is told from the perspective of a death row corrections officer. He discovers that one of the inmates, a large but gentle man, has a miraculous ability to heal people.

Like “The Shawshank Redemption,” “The Green Mile” is another prison-set drama based on a Stephen King story. It was nominated for four Academy Awards and is known for its emotional story and memorable characters.

1408 (2007) – 80%

A writer who debunks supernatural events checks into a notoriously haunted hotel room, number 1408. He is warned not to enter, but he is determined to prove that the stories are just myths. Once inside, he experiences a series of terrifying and strange events.

This psychological horror film is based on a Stephen King short story. It stars John Cusack and is praised for its suspenseful and mind-bending plot that keeps the audience guessing.

The Shining (1980) – 83%

Directed by the famous Stanley Kubrick, “The Shining” is a classic horror film. It tells the story of a writer who takes a job as the winter caretaker at a remote hotel. He brings his wife and son with him, but the hotel’s dark history begins to drive him mad.

While Stephen King himself did not like this adaptation, it is considered by many to be one of the greatest horror movies of all time. The film is known for its creepy atmosphere, memorable images, and Jack Nicholson’s intense performance.

Dolores Claiborne (1995) – 85%

This mystery film stars Kathy Bates as a woman who is accused of murdering the wealthy woman she worked for. Her daughter, a successful reporter, returns to their small hometown to uncover the truth about what happened.

“Dolores Claiborne” is a gripping story about family secrets and a mother’s love. The movie is praised for its strong performances, especially from Kathy Bates in the title role.

It (2017) – 86%

This film is based on the first half of Stephen King’s very long novel. It follows a group of young friends in the town of Derry, Maine, who are terrorized by a shape-shifting clown named Pennywise. The friends must stick together to confront their biggest fears.

“It” was a huge box office success and is considered one of the scariest Stephen King movies. The film was praised for its talented young cast and its faithful adaptation of the book’s terrifying scenes.

The Dead Zone (1983) – 89%

Directed by David Cronenberg, “The Dead Zone” is a thriller about a man who wakes up from a coma with the ability to see the future. He uses his new psychic powers to help people, but he faces a difficult choice when he foresees a dangerous politician winning an election.

The film stars Christopher Walken and is known for its serious tone and strong storytelling. It is considered a mature and effective adaptation of the Stephen King novel.

Misery (1990) – 91%

“Misery” is a suspenseful thriller about a famous author who gets into a car accident. He is rescued by a woman who claims to be his biggest fan. She takes him to her remote home to recover, but he soon discovers that she is dangerously obsessed with his work.

Kathy Bates won an Academy Award for her terrifying performance as the nurse Annie Wilkes. The film, directed by Rob Reiner, is considered one of the best adaptations of King’s work and features a tense battle of wits between the author and his captor.

Gerald’s Game (2017) – 91%

For a long time, people thought Stephen King’s novel “Gerald’s Game” was impossible to film. The story is about a woman who becomes handcuffed to a bed after her husband has a heart attack and dies during a game. Left alone in a remote cabin, she must find a way to survive.

Director Mike Flanagan successfully adapted the challenging story for Netflix. The film is a tense psychological thriller that focuses on the woman’s struggle to stay alive and confront her past.

The Shawshank Redemption (1994) – 91%

This movie is often called one of the greatest films ever made. It tells the story of a banker who is wrongly convicted of murder and sentenced to life in Shawshank Prison. Over many years, he forms friendships and holds on to hope.

Though it is not a horror story, “The Shawshank Redemption” is based on a Stephen King novella. The film was nominated for seven Academy Awards and is loved by audiences for its powerful message of hope and friendship.

1922 (2017) – 92%

This Netflix film is based on a Stephen King novella of the same name. It tells the dark story of a farmer who decides to murder his wife with the help of his son. After the crime, his life begins to fall apart in strange and terrifying ways.

Directed by Zak Hilditch, “1922” is a slow-burn thriller that creates a growing sense of dread. The movie is praised for its creepy atmosphere and a strong lead performance by Thomas Jane.

Stand by Me (1986) – 92%

Based on Stephen King’s novella “The Body,” this film is a coming-of-age story about four young friends. They go on a journey to find the body of a missing boy in their small town. Along the way, they learn more about themselves and the challenges of growing up.

“Stand by Me” was directed by Rob Reiner and is praised for its focus on friendship and the difficulties of childhood. The movie shows a different side of King’s writing, moving away from horror to tell a powerful human story.

Carrie (1976) – 93%

The first movie adaptation of a Stephen King book is also the highest-rated. “Carrie” tells the story of a shy high school student who is bullied by her classmates and controlled by her religious mother. After being pushed too far at her prom, she uses her secret telekinetic powers to get revenge.

The movie was directed by Brian De Palma and stars Sissy Spacek in the lead role. Her performance as Carrie White is considered one of the best in horror movie history. The film was a big success and helped make Stephen King a well-known name.