1.‘The Green Mile’
Frank Darabont hit his second home run with Stephen King adaptations in 1999’s “The Green Mile.” While the supernatural elements are there, the heart of the film is told through prison guard protagonist Paul Edgecomb and inmate John Coffey. It’s a film about healing, mercy and empathy. The horror of this film is not in ghosts or monsters, but the depravity within ourselves. “The Green Mile” touches on subjects of racism and the prison industrial complex. Overall, it’s a story about human goodness and how it struggles to survive in a world so deadset on sending problems to the electric chair.
2. ‘The Shining’
Arguably the most famous Stephen King adaptation — and for good reason — “The Shining”’s focus on isolated terror is haunting yet beautiful in its execution. Legendary director Stanley Kubrick handles the source material perfectly, even improving upon the beloved novel in many ways. Whether it’s the film’s frenetic editing, yet slow pace, or the film’s tight, bold cinematography, Kubrick’s artistic eye adds new found terror to the tale of the Torrances. Jack Nicholson, Shelley Duvall and Danny Lloyd provide outstanding, cinema defining performances against the backdrop of the Overlook Hotel, one of Hollywood’s greatest achievements in production design, adding to the film’s terrifying solitude.
3. ‘Stand by Me’
Rob Reiner’s coming of age classic depicts the simplicity of childhood friendship and the inevitable tragedy of growing up. The story follows four friends as they search for the body of a missing boy in a pursuit of fame, but instead find their own innocence lost. Gordie, Chris, Teddy and Verne may tease each other, but the emotional bond they share breaks masculine molds for something deeper. “Stand By Me” may have many differences from King’s original short story, but it oozes’ 50s King charm and simple Americana. It also establishes King as both a horror aficionado and dramatic master.
4. ‘Life of Chuck’
Sentimental, existential and full of humanity, Mike Flanagan’s “The Life of Chuck” is the best Stephen King adaptation of the 21st century. Split into three stories following the life of Charles Krantz — who dies by age 39 — the film shows how we find the most important lessons in life in the smallest moments. Tom Hiddleston, Mark Hamill and Chiwetel Ejio all turn in career high performances in a story that feels larger than life, yet incredibly personal. Even with the film’s heartfelt moments, it still finds pockets of classic Stephen King horror, discussing the endless march of death and how we must make the most of every moment.
5. ‘IT’
Having released eight years ago, “IT” has solidified itself as both a modern classic, and one of the best Stephen King adaptations of the 21st century. Although the film has a variety of frightening moments — ranging from the flooded basement scene to the memorable projector scene — it stands out the most for its cast of lovable characters such as Richie Tozier, Beverly Marsh and Eddie Kaspbrak and their heartfelt moments, whether it be the Loser Club’s hilarious banter, or their tearjerking blood oath scene. Bill Skarsgård’s pitch perfect performance is just the cherry on top of what is a wonderful movie.