Every Theatrical Remake of a Stephen King Adaptation, Ranked (Including The Running Man)

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Stephen King’s stories continue to be successfully adapted for film and television, proving his work remains relevant even after half a century. While filmmaking techniques have evolved significantly over the past 50 years, the strength of his characters consistently shines through in these adaptations. Often, bringing the supernatural aspects of his stories to life isn’t as important as having compelling characters. Now, with Edgar Wright’s new adaptation of The Running Man – the second time this 1982 novel has been adapted – it’s a good time to consider whether revisiting a King story with a new film can actually improve upon the first adaptation. The results so far have been mixed.

Here are five movies that were the second adaptation of a Stephen King story for the big screen. We’re only including films that were originally made as TV miniseries or movies and then re-made for theaters. For example, the 2024 version of Salem’s Lot doesn’t qualify because it was released on HBO Max. So, how does The Running Man compare to these other theatrical re-adaptations? Let’s take a look.

5) Firestarter

As a big movie fan, I have to admit the 2022 remake of Firestarter just didn’t hold up to the original from 1984 – and honestly, that’s saying something because the first one wasn’t exactly a masterpiece! It felt really flat and wasn’t very exciting to look at, unfortunately. It just didn’t grab me the way the original did.

Compared to other recent Stephen King adaptations, the movie Firestarter feels particularly disappointing. It’s as if everyone involved recognized the film was uninspired and didn’t put much effort into their work. While the Razzie nomination for young Ryan Kiera Armstrong was unfair, the movie as a whole certainly feels like it deserves some negative attention.

Stream Firestarter on Netflix.

4) Carrie

The 2013 version of Carrie faced a tough challenge, as it followed the highly acclaimed 1976 film directed by Brian De Palma – the first movie ever made based on a Stephen King story. Although it doesn’t quite measure up, it’s not a terrible remake; it’s simply average, and could have been much worse.

While Chloë Grace Moretz gives it her all, she doesn’t quite feel right for the role. Julianne Moore’s performance feels overdone, similar to Piper Laurie’s in the original, though Laurie pulled it off more effectively. Overall, the movie seems designed to profit from the ‘Carrie’ name and quickly generate revenue for Sony with a modest $30 million investment. However, Judy Greer as Ms. Desjardin and Portia Doubleday as Chris Hargensen deliver performances that are as strong as those in the original film – they truly shine. Unfortunately, their good work isn’t enough to save the movie, since the story still focuses primarily on Carrie and her mother, Margaret White.

Stream Carrie on fuboTV.

3) Pet Sematary

Okay, so as a horror fan, I actually think the Pet Sematary remake from 2019 is the stronger film. The original from 1989? It’s got a reputation, sure, but honestly, it’s all over the place – trying to be super serious while also being incredibly cheesy. It does have what I consider the greatest scream in movie history, though – even better than Darth Vader’s iconic one!

The 1989 film Pet Sematary is memorable thanks to its campy script and Fred Gwynne’s delightful performance. The 2019 remake, however, feels gloomy and uninspired. While the casting is good – Jason Clarke and Amy Seimetz both try their best – the film seems to be aiming for the same success as It did a couple of years earlier, but falls flat.

Stream Pet Sematary on Paramount+.

2) The Running Man

With a charming performance from Glen Powell and Edgar Wright’s signature visual style, this Running Man is better than the 1987 film with Arnold Schwarzenegger, though it might not stay with you for long after you watch it. The movie quickly picks up pace and maintains a high energy throughout.

This movie is a fun, easy watch – a classic popcorn flick. While it doesn’t delve too deeply into social issues, it’s commendable that it attempts to. More importantly, alongside films like Anyone But You, Hit Man, and Twisters, it clearly demonstrates that Glen Powell has leading-man potential.

1) It & It Chapter Two

We’ve also included newer movie adaptations that were originally miniseries. It’s debatable how much Tommy Lee Wallace’s 1990 It miniseries actually influenced Andy Muschietti’s two It movies. In fact, Muschietti’s films seem to have been more inspired by the movie Stand by Me, also based on a Stephen King story.

Director Muschietti wasn’t particularly impressed with the earlier miniseries adaptation, but it’s still worth mentioning because it, like Stephen King’s novel, doesn’t tell the story in a straightforward order and came out before the films It and It Chapter Two. Although It Chapter Two isn’t as strong as the first movie, it’s good enough to make the two films together a standout success. The young cast, the overall mood, and Bill Skarsgård’s chilling portrayal of Pennywise all came together to create something truly special.

Stream It and It Chapter Two on HBO Max.

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2025-11-15 19:17