Best Movies Based on Stephen King Books - the Horror Film Adaptations

Let's not beat around the bush - Stephen King is and more than likely always will be the biggest horror author in the world. With that kind of popularity there's no doubt that Hollywood will come knocking on his door and adapt his stories for the big screen. There have been several movies based on Stephen King books and short stories. Come to think of it it's hard to find a Stephen King book that hasn't been made into a movie. The films tend to receive a mixed reaction with Stephen King purists not being as accepting of the films usually claiming that too much from the book was left out. There have been some faithful adaptations and here are some of my favorites.

Christine

John Carpenter directs this movie adaptation of the Stephen King book about a car that literally comes alive. A bullied kid buys a beat up 1958 Plymouth Fury and begins to put all his time and energy into the car. Little does he know the car has a sinister secret and the car winds up taking over the kid to the point of possession. Carpenter's skill as a director and songwriter elevates this film above the majority of Stephen King films.

The Dead Zone

Arguably the best Stephen King novel made into a movie. A man wakes up from a five-year coma and discovers that he has psychic powers. His gift helps save lives but also turns up causing problems for him when he sees the future when a new political hopeful is elected President. This gift proves to be more trouble than it might be worth. Backed by the talents of director David Cronenberg and stars Christopher Walken and Martin Sheen, The Dead Zone succeeded where others have failed and was even developed for a TV series that ran for five seasons.

Pet Sematary

One of the scarier entries among the Stephen King adaptations by the particularly creepy performance of the child actor who portrays Gage Creed. A family moves into a farm house in the middle of the country with the main problem being all the tractor trailers that speed down the road. Eventually this leads to tragedy with a father willing to do anything to get his child back. It didn't hurt that Stephen King wrote the script himself.

Silver Bullet

Based on the novella Cycle of the Werewolf, one of only two King stories to feature werewolves (the other was The Talisman), Silver Bullet works as both a horror film and a drama. A handicapped boy does not believe the murders being comitted in a small town are the work of a killer but the doings of a werewolf. The handicapped boy and his sister vow to hunt and kill the werewolf. A very suspenseful and touching story with top-notch performances.

The Mist

The Mist has received mixed reactions from fans. Often cited as one of the best short stories Stephen King has ever written The Mist is about a storm that is unleashed on a small town and the town is invaded by bloodthirsty creatures that live in a thick mist. Maybe it has to do with the fact that I saw the movie before reading the story but I truly love this Stephen King adaptation.

It appears that more remakes of King movies are going to come out in the future. Creepshow, Pet Sematary and It are already scheduled to be remade with nine others either in pre-production or in development. Since King fans won't let him retire it looks like he will be writing even more and even more films will be released.