There have been countless adaptations of legendary author Stephen King's books. If you’re a movie lover, chances are you’ve seen at least one movie with the tagline “based on the novel by Stephen King.” These include horror classics like The Shining and Carrie and critically acclaimed dramas like The Shawshank Redemption and The Green Mile. You can safely bet there's a feature-length adaptation for every book King has written.
Besides writing books, King is also prolific with short stories. Although many adaptations have focused on his longer works, there are some great screen versions of his short stories too. You might be surprised to know that these horror movies originated from short stories!
'Creepshow' (1982)
A collection of five tales in one frightening film, Creepshow features two segments adapted from two short stories. "The Lonesome Death of Jordy Verrill" is based on “Weeds” and stars the author himself as a farmer who discovers a meteorite has crashed on his farm. The second segment, "The Crate," is based on the story of the same name about a mysterious crate that contains a deadly creature.
Directed by George A. Romero, Creepshow is a horror comedy with slick visuals that revels in its weirdness. Each segment features something different, and they come together to create a movie that terrifies but also entertains.
'1922' (2017)
Set in 1922, a farmer convinces his teenage son to help him murder his wife and cover up the crime. Soon after, he experiences delusions and becomes harassed by rats that infest his house. His son leaves, and the farmer is slowly driven mad.
Starring Thomas Jane in a compelling performance as Wilfred the tormented farmer, 1922 is based on the short story of the same name. The movie is an intense slow-burn horror of a man’s descent into madness, like the story. It shows how money and greed can cause people to do horrible things.
'The Mangler' (1995)
In an industrial laundry factory, a worker falls into a laundry press known as The Mangler. Other gruesome incidents follow, and a police officer (Ted Levine) is tasked with the case. He soon becomes convinced that a demon possesses the machine and that the laundry’s owner (Robert Englund) is in on it.
Directed by Tobe Hooper, The Mangler is based on the short story of the same name that appeared in Stephen King’s first collection, Night Shift. The movie wasn’t received well by critics, but it’s a gorefest with some funky special effects that are oddly enjoyable to watch. It even spawned two sequels.
'Children of the Corn' (1984)
A couple driving across the Midwest stumbles into the body of a young boy. As they try to get help, they wander into a rural town surrounded by cornfields. They find out that the town is populated by children under the influence of a malevolent entity, and they are targeted to be the next sacrifice.
The evil children trope has never been more effective than in Children of the Corn, based on the short story of the same name. Blending slasher horror, religious fanaticism, and cult rituals, the movie is unnerving in its portrayal of children as villains. It led to an entire franchise and numerous mentions in pop culture.
'Sometimes They Come Back' (1991)
When Jim (Tim Matheson) was a child, he witnessed his brother being killed by a group of teenagers. Those teens then died in an accident later. After 27 years, Jim returns to his hometown to teach at the local high school. To his horror, he finds that those dead teenagers are students in his class.
Based on the short story of the same name, Sometimes They Come Back is reminiscent of Pet Sematary, another Stephen King book. While it's a less dark take on the afterlife, it still hits the mark on the scares. The movie creates a moody atmosphere and sets up some nasty villains for the tortured main character.
'1408' (2007)
Mike (John Cusack) is an author who specializes in investigating paranormal occurrences. Mike checks into room 1408 at a New York City hotel, despite the warnings from hotel manager Olin (Samuel L. Jackson). But he’s not prepared for the horror that awaits him inside.
1408 is a dark psychological horror that leaves you wondering if the scenes are real or in the character’s mind. Based on the story of the same name, there isn’t much blood and gore, but the scares are genuine. Three different endings were shot for the movie, where the main character receives different fates.
'The Night Flier' (1997)
A cynical reporter (Miguel Ferrer) investigates a series of murders occurring at different airports. He thinks the killer is just a deranged man who believes that he’s a vampire. He follows the killer’s trail and eventually discovers the horrifying truth.
The Night Flier is based on the short story of the same name from Stephen King’s collection Nightmares & Dreamscapes. It’s an unsettling horror that comments on the similar bloodthirstiness in the behaviors of vampires and tabloid reporters. The movie makes visiting an airport at night feel dangerous, even fatal.