7 Stephen King Adaptations You Can Stream Right Now

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Stephen King is widely considered the master of horror, and for good reason. He’s written so many incredibly frightening and memorable stories that have shaped the genre. His work has not only captivated readers but also been successfully adapted into popular movies and TV shows. Classics like Carrie and Misery are prime examples, and even some of his lesser-known works, such as Mr. Mercedes, have found success. Luckily for fans, there’s a wealth of Stephen King adaptations available, especially on streaming services, if you know where to look.

As a huge Stephen King fan, I’m so excited about all the amazing adaptations available to stream this May! I’ve put together a list of seven movies and shows I think you’ll really enjoy – whether you’re already a King enthusiast or just looking for something thrilling and suspenseful. In fact, the very first one on my list might just be the best adaptation of his work I’ve ever seen!

7) Carrie (Kanopy)

Carrie, released in 1976 and starring Sissy Spacek, is widely considered one of the most successful adaptations of a Stephen King novel. The film tells the story of Carrie White, a quiet and bullied teenager, and her difficult relationship with her intensely religious and abusive mother. When Carrie discovers she has telekinetic powers, she takes revenge on those who have wronged her. As King’s first published novel brought to the screen, Carrie is a landmark horror film with a lasting impact on pop culture. It’s available to stream for free this month on Kanopy with a library card.

6) The Institute (MGM+)

You might not be familiar with “The Institute,” a series now streaming on MGM+. Based on Stephen King’s novel, it’s about a teenager who finds himself in a mysterious place filled with kids who have special powers. The show stars Ben Barnes, Mary-Louise Parker, and Joe Freeman, and premiered in 2025. It’s been popular enough to get a second season, which is currently being filmed and will feature Alfie Allen (known from “Game of Thrones”). You can watch the first season anytime on MGM+.

5) Misery (Tubi)

You can stream the acclaimed Stephen King adaptation, Misery, on Tubi this May. Notably, it’s the only King story to ever win an Oscar! Directed by Rob Reiner and starring James Caan and Kathy Bates, the film follows successful author Paul Sheldon, who is rescued from a car crash by his self-proclaimed number one fan, Annie Wilkes. However, Annie’s obsession takes a dark turn when she holds Paul captive and forces him to rewrite his latest novel. Kathy Bates’ performance as Annie Wilkes is unforgettable – she won an Academy Award for it, and it’s widely considered one of the best adaptations of Stephen King’s work.

4) Mr. Mercedes (Peacock)

You might not remember or even know that Mr. Mercedes is based on a Stephen King story. This three-season series, which first aired in 2019, adapts King’s Bill Hodges trilogy (Mr. Mercedes, Finders Keepers, and End of Watch). Brendan Gleeson plays Bill Hodges, a former detective still troubled by an unsolved case involving a mysterious killer dubbed “Mr. Mercedes.” Meanwhile, a disturbed young man named Brady Hartsfield begins to target Hodges. Mr. Mercedes is less about horror and more of a crime thriller, and you can currently watch it on Peacock.

3) 11.22.63 (Netflix)

Stephen King is known for horror, but he also writes science fiction, including the novel 11.22.63. The eight-part miniseries of the same name, based on King’s 2011 book, follows Jake Epping (played by James Franco), an English teacher who gets the incredible opportunity to travel back to the 1960s. His friend Al (Chris Cooper) asks him to try and prevent the assassination of President Kennedy. Many consider this series a hidden treasure among adaptations of King’s work, and it’s consistently praised by critics. It stays true to the source material and features well-developed characters. Even if you’re not a fan of Stephen King or horror, this is a series worth watching.

2) The Mist (Kanopy)

I’m a huge Stephen King fan, and ‘The Mist’ is one of the few adaptations that actually manages to be more unsettling than the source material. It takes place in a small town in Maine after a terrible storm, and it follows a man named David Drayton and his son as they head to the store. But then this incredibly creepy mist rolls in, and suddenly it’s not just about surviving the creatures in the mist, but also the panic and desperation of the people trapped inside with them. The movie really captures the terrifying atmosphere of the book, and honestly, the ending is just devastating – even Stephen King himself said it was a brilliantly heartbreaking twist.

1) The Long Walk (Prime Video)

Based on Stephen King’s novel, 2025’s ‘The Long Walk’ is shaping up to be one of the best adaptations of his work yet. It’s a powerfully made, but very dark and difficult film to watch. The story takes place in a bleak future where fifty teenage boys compete in a walking contest with a huge prize – but the consequence for stopping is instant death. The film doesn’t shy away from showing the brutal reality of this competition, and the deaths are all the more impactful because the characters are so well-developed. While it’s a tough watch, it’s a worthwhile experience, even if you only see it once.

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2026-05-15 06:40