7 Gory Horror Movies That Stephen King Fans Need to Watch (And They Are All Streaming For Free)

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Stephen King is incredibly prolific, having written 65 novels that have had a huge impact on countless writers and filmmakers, especially in the horror genre. Many of his most famous books – including *Carrie*, *‘Salem’s Lot*, *The Shining*, *The Stand*, *The Dead Zone*, *Cujo*, *Christine*, *Pet Sematary*, *It*, and *Misery* – have been adapted into movies and TV shows. So, if you’ve finished watching those and are looking for something similar, it’s likely that almost any horror film owes some kind of debt to Stephen King’s work, given how much he’s created.

Here are seven movies with at least some connection to the works of Stephen King, and they’re all quite violent. If you don’t mind a lot of gore, you’ll probably enjoy them, whether you’re a fan of King’s writing or just a horror movie enthusiast.

1) Abigail

Which Stephen King novel is *Abigail* most like? While the overall feel is different, it shares similarities with *’Salem’s Lot*. Both stories include a vampire who appears as a child-though the vampire in *Abigail* is an old creature stuck in a child’s body, rather than a true child vampire.

Films like *The Lost Boys* and *30 Days of Night* also feature vampires taking over small towns. However, *Abigail* stands out because it’s incredibly gory – arguably as much as any vampire movie. The final act is practically filled with blood.

Stream Abigail on Prime Video.

2) American Psycho

While *American Psycho* might not be the most graphically violent movie ever made, that’s understandable – it features a lot more talking than bloodshed. Still, Jared Leto does get chopped up with an axe at some point, which definitely adds to the gore.

The film *American Psycho* shares similarities with Stephen King’s *The Shining*. Both stories center around a character whose mental state is deteriorating. However, unlike the clear horrors of *The Shining*, it’s left ambiguous whether Patrick Bateman, played by Christian Bale, actually commits the murders he’s known for.

Stream American Psycho on Prime Video.

3) Scanners

In Stephen King’s *The Dead Zone*, Johnny Smith has the ability to see the future and uses it to help others. He attempts to rescue a child from dangerous ice and later exposes the dangerous nature of a man who will eventually become president, learning this man will start a nuclear war.

The characters in *Scanners* possess unique powers, mainly involving the mind. But while some, like Smith, have certain motivations, Darryl Revok, played by Michael Ironside, is far more ruthless – he demonstrates this by shockingly exploding a man’s head during a live broadcast.

Stream Scanners on HBO Max.

4) Piranha 3D

While Stephen King is famous for many types of horror, he hasn’t really written a novel about a classic sea monster. The closest he’s come is a short story called “The Raft,” which is part of the collection Skeleton Crew. He *has* explored the theme of animal attacks, though, and his novel Cujo – about a rabid dog – is arguably the most well-known example of this type of story since Jaws.

If you want a really over-the-top, bloody animal attack movie, check out the silly horror comedy *Piranha 3D*. It doesn’t translate perfectly to smaller screens, but it’s still an enjoyable watch.

Stream Piranha 3D on Prime Video.

5) Terrifier 3

King occasionally enjoys slasher films, such as *In a Violent Nature*, though his own novels aren’t typically simple slasher stories. *Terrifier 3* wasn’t included because of the slasher genre itself, but specifically because the villain is a clown.

Art the Clown isn’t just scary because of his costume. He’s something far more sinister than a simple clown – much like Pennywise, he’s an otherworldly being who uses the guise of a clown to frighten people. While his origins are still unknown (the filmmaker plans to reveal more in the next movie), it’s likely he’s a demon with powers beyond those of a normal person. And, similar to Pennywise, Art has a disturbing and cruel sense of humor.

Stream Terrifier 3 on Peacock.

6) Sleepaway Camp

Both *Sleepaway Camp* and *Carrie* share a common theme: a bullied main character who gets terrifying revenge. However, that’s pretty much where their similarities stop.

Despite its flaws, *Sleepaway Camp* is still worth checking out. It’s one of the better-known slasher films that didn’t quite become as popular as *Friday the 13th* or *Halloween*. While some find the ending problematic by today’s standards, it remains genuinely frightening.

Stream Sleepaway Camp on Prime Video.

7) The Thing

Both *Dreamcatcher* and *The Thing* feature aliens that take control of people. In *Dreamcatcher*, the alien possesses a person’s mind and body. *The Thing* takes it a step further: the alien absorbs and kills its host, then perfectly imitates them. Those around the alien are unaware it’s not human, and are its next potential targets.

While *The Thing* features blood and even a gruesome scene of hands being bitten off, its core is truly unsettling body horror. The film showcases incredibly disturbing and unnatural ways the human body can be twisted and reshaped, and it looks remarkably realistic thanks to the fantastic practical effects created by Rob Bottin.

Stream The Thing on Peacock.

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2025-09-17 00:41