Stephen King Movies and TV Shows on Netflix: Ranked and Reviewed

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Stephen King is widely considered one of the most popular and successful fiction writers in America, and his stories have been made into movies and TV shows countless times. Right now, Netflix has more Stephen King adaptations available than ever before.

I’m really enjoying 11.22.63 on Netflix right now, and it’s amazing to see how popular it is! It got me thinking – it’s not the only Stephen King story they have, actually. There are nine different adaptations available, and it’s incredible to realize they’ve been making movies and shows from his work for nearly 40 years, all the way from the early 80s to everything new coming out now.

Netflix currently has seven movies based on Stephen King novels, with three ranking among his best adaptations – including one original Netflix film. While the selection leans heavily into horror, it’s worth noting that not every movie fully captures the spirit of King’s writing.

However, the two Stephen King series currently on Netflix are considered among the best adaptations of his work ever made for television. Each one excels in its genre – science fiction and horror – and demonstrates how streaming services are opening up exciting new avenues for adapting King’s stories.

9. Firestarter

2022

Look, let’s be honest – Netflix has had some misses when it comes to Stephen King adaptations, and sadly, this 2022 film is one of them. While King’s Firestarter shares some DNA with Carrie, this movie version just doesn’t measure up to the classic adaptation of his debut novel. It’s a real disappointment when compared to what we’ve seen before.

Keith Thomas’s Firestarter doesn’t manage to create any real scares throughout its 94-minute runtime, and the acting from Zac Efron and Sydney Lemmon feels flat. Surprisingly, this new version is even less effective than the already disappointing 1984 film it’s based on.

8. In the Tall Grass

2019

Unfortunately, the movie In the Tall Grass doesn’t live up to Stephen King’s source material. While it has a cool time loop concept and creates a spooky atmosphere, it’s ultimately a predictable and uninspired horror film that doesn’t offer much reason to watch.

While the movie relies heavily on jump scares, it doesn’t offer much beyond that once the initial scary idea is established. Harrison Gilbertson and Laysla De Oliveira give strong performances as the leads, but even their efforts aren’t enough to fix the weaknesses of the story.

7. Mr. Harrigan’s Phone

2022

This horror movie offers a relevant story about our reliance on phones, but it’s a fairly standard Stephen King adaptation that doesn’t leave a lasting impression. While the ending delivers a valuable message, the original novella is more effective at delivering a truly frightening experience alongside that lesson.

Jaeden Martell delivers a strong performance as the main character, and Donald Sutherland is perfectly creepy as Mr. Harrigan. If you’re looking for an enjoyable movie and aren’t concerned with a complex story, ‘Mr. Harrigan’s Phone’ is definitely worth checking out.

6. 1922

2017

The movie version of Stephen King’s short story 1922 is widely considered a true classic, though it was largely overlooked when it was first released on Netflix nine years ago. This disturbing story about a family and a terrible act of violence is captivating, but it may be too intense for some viewers.

Thomas Jane delivers a truly unsettling performance as Wilf James, and Dylan Schmid, despite his young age, is equally impressive as Wilf’s son, Henry. 1922 is a disturbing film and isn’t for everyone, but those who enjoy classic horror with plenty of gore will find it very satisfying.

5. Christine

1983

Custom Image by Yeider Chacon

You know, John Carpenter himself doesn’t really see Christine as a cult classic, which is wild to me. But honestly, so many of us grew up with it and absolutely love it. It’s not quite the masterpiece that Carrie or The Shining are, but it’s a really stylish, retro road thriller, and I think it absolutely deserves to be mentioned alongside those all-time great horror films.

John Carpenter expertly uses his trademark horror techniques, and Keith Gordon gives a truly chilling performance in his first major role as the film’s troubled, car-obsessed protagonist. Viewers who appreciate classic, low-budget horror will also find the movie’s gritty style appealing.

4. Gerald’s Game

2017

Mike Flanagan’s Gerald’s Game is widely considered one of the most unsettling Stephen King adaptations ever made. It’s a masterful psychological horror film that expertly builds suspense and tackles difficult subjects with a minimalist approach.

The film centers around a romantic vacation that quickly turns terrifying, hinting at sexual assault and suggesting even more extreme dangers. Gerald’s Game is widely considered the film that established Mike Flanagan as a truly skilled horror director.

3. 11.22.63

2016

If you didn’t catch it when it originally aired on Hulu, now’s the time to watch Netflix’s new Stephen King adaptation, 11.22.63. Starring James Franco, this thrilling sci-fi drama follows a man who travels back in time to try and prevent the assassination of President Kennedy. It’s a fast-paced story that also beautifully recreates the atmosphere of the early 1960s.

The show isn’t flawless, but it’s consistently captivating and skillfully explores complex ideas about free will and personal responsibility. Plus, Daniel Webber delivers a standout performance as Lee Harvey Oswald, completely dominating every scene he appears in.

2. Castle Rock

2018–2019

As a huge Stephen King fan, I can tell you this two-season show, Castle Rock, is seriously good. It’s a fantastic horror series that immediately grabs you and does a brilliant job of building on everything King has ever created. You can really feel the love and respect the creators have for his work, but it’s not just fan service – it develops into something special all its own. It’s a must-watch if you’re already a King devotee, and a great entry point if you’re new to his universe.

With lavish visuals and strong acting from the entire cast, Castle Rock is a standout achievement in modern streaming television. It manages to exceed expectations, which could have easily been a burden with less skilled creators. The show’s developers, Sam Shaw and Dustin Thomason, deserve the most praise, but it’s no surprise that J.J. Abrams and Stephen King were also involved in its creation.

1. Stand By Me

1986

Director Rob Reiner, known for his classic films, made history by creating the first non-horror movie based on a Stephen King story. That film, Stand by Me, is a beloved coming-of-age story, surprisingly adapted from King’s novella, The Body. It’s a touching but hopeful story about the friendship of young boys, and perfectly complemented by its famous theme song.

The film features strong performances from Wil Wheaton, Corey Feldman, and Jerry O’Connell, alongside an early role showcasing River Phoenix’s incredible talent. Kiefer Sutherland convincingly plays the teenage bully. Director Rob Reiner is known for the supportive way he worked with these young actors, which has become a popular story over the years.

Even though recent events have given these stories a sad new layer, Stand by Me is still a wonderfully heartwarming and classic film. It’s Stephen King’s personal favorite adaptation of his own work, and his fans should definitely watch it on Netflix before it leaves the platform.

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2026-01-16 22:31