The 1990s were another successful decade for Stephen King adaptations after the popular movie releases of the 1980s. Over a dozen films based on his work came out during that time, including critically acclaimed movies like The Shawshank Redemption and more divisive titles such as Thinner and The Lawnmower Man. Currently, Netflix is streaming two of these ‘90s King films, but they represent very different types of horror and will appeal to different viewers.
Netflix added several new titles in March, including the classic Stephen King adaptations Misery and Stephen King’s Sleepwalkers, both available starting March 1st. Misery, directed by Rob Reiner and based on King’s 1987 novel, was a major hit when it came out in 1990 and tells the story of a famous author held hostage by an obsessed fan who forces him to rewrite his latest book. Released in 1992, Sleepwalkers is a different kind of horror film, focusing on a group of ancient, shape-shifting creatures who prey on young women to stay alive.
Misery and Sleepwalkers Highlight the Extreme Highs and Lows of Stephen King’s ‘90s Movie
Stephen King’s films range widely in style and quality, and Misery and Sleepwalkers exemplify this. Misery is considered one of the best adaptations of King’s work, earning high praise from both critics (86% on Rotten Tomatoes) and audiences (90%). Many consider it a standout film of the 1990s, largely due to Kathy Bates’ Oscar-winning performance as the chillingly complex Annie Wilkes and James Caan’s portrayal of a writer held captive. The film expertly builds suspense and explores themes of obsession, fame, and consumerism, which remain relevant today. In contrast, there’s Sleepwalkers.
While not the worst movie ever made, Sleepwalkers doesn’t compare to Misery. This was Stephen King’s first original screenplay for a film, and it’s generally considered one of his weaker efforts, scoring only 29% with critics and 32% with audiences. The plot is messy and doesn’t always make sense, relying heavily on classic B-movie horror tropes. Unlike the polished Misery, Sleepwalkers is a delightfully strange and enjoyable experience if you appreciate over-the-top, campy horror. It’s more of a guilty pleasure – filled with cheesy lines, questionable acting, dated 90s CGI, and plenty of energetic, gory scenes – than a truly good movie, though it does feature some impressive practical effects.
What’s New on Netflix?
Netflix is adding a bunch of popular movies this March! Horror fans can enjoy films like Goosebumps and Zombieland alongside previously available titles. Other new additions include family favorites like Jurassic World, The Lego Movie, and Matilda, as well as the thrilling Sicario.
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2026-03-02 23:42