Many know Stephen King, or at the very least, of him. He made a name for himself as a bestselling horror author with his famous works. Due to the critical reception of his novels, many of his books have been adapted into films, and many of these films have become classics, such as the brilliant and the THIS series.
Although many are familiar with Stephen King’s most famous book adaptations, there are certain movies that many don’t know are adaptations of his lesser-known works. Although these films are not as well known as his other renowned works, they are still just as good.
ten Stand By Me shows another side of Stephen King
The 1982 coming-of-age drama film is considered a classic and follows a journey undertaken by four friends, all from different walks of life, to find a rumored corpse. As the four friends venture on their journey, they encounter various dangers and obstacles that get them to know each other, learning more about each other as they go.
Since Stephen King is primarily known for his works in the horror genre, support me is surprisingly out of its realm but still a great watch. Originally published as a novel under the title The bodythe film became one of his most successful book-turned-films.
9 Needful Things is a forgotten Stephen King movie
A film about greed and the mob mentality, Necessary things follows a mysterious man named Leland Gaunt, who moves to a small town and opens an antique store that conveniently sells everything a person could possibly need. However, these items have a price that goes beyond money; this leads to widespread violent interactions between the townspeople which are strongly instigated by the magic items sold by Leland, who is actually the devil.
The 1993 film is an adaptation of Stephen King’s novel of the same name. Although not a well-known novel, the film has developed a cult following over the years. The story was also used as a plot during an episode of rick and morty.
8 The Shawshank takeover was taken from a news
Critically acclaimed 1994 film, The Shawshank takeover, follows Andy Dufresne as he is found guilty of murdering his wife and her lover and sent to prison, despite claiming his innocence. There, Andy experiences the brutal prison system, while planning and executing a daring escape over the span of 19 years.
Because the film is a drama, many might be shocked to learn that the film is an adaptation of Stephen King’s short story. Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption. However, King is usually associated with horror, so it might be new for some to learn of his dramatic work, especially for those unfamiliar with his written work.
seven Thinner was written under a pseudonym
Thinner follows the life of a successful lawyer who, in the course of illicit activities, accidentally kills a person of Roma origin. However, he can brush off the incident due to his wealth, connections, and unethical legal practices. Shortly after, the main character is cursed by a Rom, the victim’s father, and begins losing weight rapidly, leading to deteriorating health and a horrific turn of events.
The 1996 film is based on the book of the same name which Stephen King published under the pseudonym Richard Bachman. While the book garnered favorable reviews, the film did not, and it became one of King’s adapted works that are often forgotten.
6 Misery is an iconic thriller
The 1990 movie Misery is based on the book of the same name and centers on a famous writer, Paul Sheldon, who is rescued and kidnapped by his biggest fan, Annie Wilkes after a snowstorm nearly kills him. As Paul is nursed back to health by the horny Annie, he learns of her dark past and sinister intentions with him.
The film won numerous awards, including an Oscar, the only Stephen King adaptation to win one. The film is also known primarily for its fantastic cast and more realistic horror plot, which has been less associated with King’s work, making it one of his less obvious adapted works.
5 In the Tall Grass was co-written by King and his son
Based on the short story of the same name and written by father-son duo Stephen King and Joe Hill, In the tall grass follows a group of people stuck in a field of tall grass where time works differently. In the area, time loops and the characters must find a way out as they begin to lose their minds.
The 2019 film was released on Netflix to mixed reviews, and although noted in promotional posters, few people knew the adaptation was from one of Stephen King’s works.
4 The Green Mile is a realistic and magical prison story
The green Line is a 1999 drama film based on Stephen King’s novel of the same name and follows the story of a prison guard on death row who meets an inmate convicted of murder. The inmate appears to have abilities as his arrival brings supernatural events.
The Green Mile is one of King’s book adaptations that is not often associated with King’s name due to the serious subject matter. The film was released three years after the book’s original release and received critical acclaim for its themes of healing and the harsh realities of the prison system.
3 The haze shows people at their worst
The 2007 sci-fi horror film follows a man and his son who go out to get supplies after a severe thunderstorm and find themselves trapped in a grocery store once a mysterious thick fog begins to settle in their town. Unknown to the characters, the fog hides deadly creatures that prowl and attack the townspeople.
Mist is based on Stephen King’s short story of the same name and is part of the Dark Forces anthology published in 1980. The film is revered as excellent sci-fi horror, especially with the incredibly dark ending, but is largely unknown that the film is an adaptation of King’s work.
2 Gerald’s game is a real nightmare scenario
A married couple go on vacation to a secluded lakeside home to mend their marriage romance. While engaging in foreplay, the husband suddenly dies of a heart attack, leaving his wife handcuffed to the bed with no way out. As time passes and the woman faces an impending threat known as The Moonlight Man, she deliriously recounts her childhood trauma.
Gerald’s game is a horror film based on Stephen King’s 1992 novel of the same name and follows a different type of horror than what is primarily associated with King. The film garnered positive reviews.
1 Apt Pupil is a scary story in a different vein
Able student is a 1998 thriller that follows college student Todd investigating the events of the Holocaust when he learns of his neighbor’s past as a Nazi concentration camp soldier. Todd blackmails his neighbor into divulging all the information about his war crimes in exchange for not reporting him. Todd and his neighbor are affected by the pseudo friendship that develops between them, altering their lives.
The film is based on Stephen King’s novel, published as part of his different seasons collection. Able student is one of King’s much darker book adaptations and is considered a little-known and often-overlooked commercial failure when examining the famed author’s work.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/LMS4GGRVH5AB5IAHCD22D6S3SA.jpg)