Stephen King Claims ‘The Changeling’ “Scared the Daylights” Out of Him

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Stephen King often shares his thoughts on movies, and people in the film industry – and his fans – pay attention. He’s praised both well-known favorites like Jaws and Casablanca, and lesser-known films he thinks deserve recognition, such as William Friedkin’s Sorcerer. King has also pointed out several horror movies that even he found impressive, including unique titles like The Descent, Alien, and The Autopsy of Jane Doe.

Many horror fans point to The Changeling as a truly frightening classic, and it’s a film that has inspired countless directors. Released in 1980, this haunted-house story often flies under the radar, even among genre enthusiasts. The film opens with a disturbing car crash and follows a grieving man haunted by a mysterious presence and a chilling enigma. Even after 46 years, The Changeling remains a captivating and psychologically unsettling thriller, earning praise from masters of the genre like Stephen King.

‘The Changeling’ Masters Haunted House Horror

I recently watched The Changeling, and it really got to me. It stars George C. Scott, who I know from Patton, and he plays a man named John Russell who experiences a terrible loss – his wife and daughter die in a car accident, and the movie doesn’t shy away from showing it. After that, he moves across the country to start fresh as a professor, taking up residence in an old house he found through a historical society. At first, it’s just unsettling noises, but things quickly escalate. He’s clearly haunted, with doors slamming on their own, strange voices, and this incredibly creepy ball bouncing down the stairs. It’s seriously unsettling and stayed with me long after the credits rolled.

The Changeling is a successful horror film because it builds suspense slowly and deliberately. As John investigates the history of his new home and its previous occupants, he uncovers a compelling mystery—and a possible death—that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats. The film steadily increases the tension, and even the explanation for the haunting is genuinely frightening. The ending is visually striking and provides a darkly satisfying resolution.

Stephen King Was Rattled by ‘The Changeling’


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Both critics and viewers are praising The Changeling, a horror film currently boasting an 85% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Reviews frequently highlight Scott’s powerful performance as a grieving man and the movie’s genuinely frightening moments. What many fans appreciate is that the film builds suspense through atmosphere rather than jump scares, finding terror in everyday details. Even Stephen King is a fan, famously singling out the movie’s depiction of a bouncing ball as exceptionally scary. He discussed The Changeling at a 2017 event hosted by the British Film Institute, sharing how deeply frightened he was by it.

When it comes to genuinely scary horror movies, I always recommend Peter Medak’s The Changeling, featuring a fantastic performance by George C. Scott—arguably one of his best. It’s not about jump scares or creatures; even something simple like a child’s ball rolling down the stairs was incredibly frightening.

Stephen King might have misjudged George C. Scott a bit – Scott later became known for his role in The Exorcist III – but he perfectly understood what makes The Changeling so effective. There are many haunted house horror films available, but Peter Medak’s 1980 film stands out because it explores deep emotional pain, making the mystery more than just a collection of familiar tropes. If a horror movie can genuinely frighten even Stephen King with its quiet, unsettling atmosphere, it’s definitely worth watching, and The Changeling is a prime example of a truly exceptional film.




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2026-02-12 03:37