Stephen King’s 2025 Screen Adaptations Ranked for Rewatch Value
Stephen King’s stories dominated screens in 2025, with new films and series drawing in fresh fans and old hands alike. Which adaptations are worth another look? Find out how they stack up for rewatchability.
2025 saw a flood of Stephen King’s tales making their way to both cinemas and streaming platforms, with punters flocking to see how his stories would play out on screen. From chilling horrors to offbeat dramas, directors both seasoned and new took a crack at King’s work, giving us a mixed bag of hits and misses. Here’s a look at six of the year’s King-inspired releases, ranked by how likely you’ll be to give them another spin.
The Institute: Familiar Territory, Little Spark
Based on King’s 2019 novel, The Institute landed on MGM+ as an eight-part series. The show follows young genius Luke Ellis, who’s snatched away to a secretive facility where kids with special abilities are put to the test. With Ben Barnes and Mary-Louise Parker leading the cast, the series juggles two storylines: the children’s struggle inside the Institute and an ex-cop’s investigation outside. Despite the promising setup, the show treads well-worn ground, echoing themes from Stranger Things, The Shining, and Firestarter. The result? A narrative that feels a bit tired, with little to set it apart from previous King adaptations.
The Institute is available to stream on MGM+ in the U.S.
The Running Man: Big Names, Modest Impact
Edgar Wright’s take on The Running Man had all the makings of a blockbuster: a dystopian setting, Glen Powell in the lead, and a story about a deadly televised competition. But even with Wright’s signature fast-paced editing, the film struggled to step out from the shadow of the 1987 version starring Schwarzenegger. The new adaptation, based on King’s novel (written as Richard Bachman), delivers a strong message about media and corruption, but the execution didn’t quite hit the mark for many viewers. The film is available to rent or buy on Amazon and Apple TV in the U.S.
The Life of Chuck: A Surprising Change of Pace
Mike Flanagan’s The Life of Chuck offers something different from the usual King fare. Rather than leaning into horror, the film explores the life and quiet significance of Charles “Chuck” Krantz, played with warmth by Tom Hiddleston. The story unfolds in reverse, blending supernatural elements with a heartfelt look at humanity. Mark Hamill, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Karen Gillan round out the cast. The film’s structure and emotional punch make it a standout, even if it’s not what you’d expect from a King adaptation. You can catch it on Amazon or Apple TV.
Welcome to Derry: Pennywise Returns to Haunt
Arguably the year’s breakout hit, Welcome to Derry brought viewers back to the eerie town of Derry, Maine, with Bill Skarsgård reprising his role as Pennywise. Set in the early 1960s, the series serves as a prequel to the recent IT films, diving into the origins of the town’s nightmares. Each episode delivered fresh scares and psychological twists, keeping audiences on edge. The show’s strong reception has fans hoping for a second season, with creators hinting at more Pennywise stories to come.
IT: Welcome to Derry is currently streaming on HBO Max in the U.S.
The Monkey: Dark Fun with a Deadly Toy
Osgood Perkins followed up his success with Longlegs by adapting King’s short story The Monkey. The film stars Theo James as a bloke tormented by a cursed toy monkey that brings about gruesome deaths whenever its cymbals clash. With a mix of horror and dark humour, the film keeps things lively and unpredictable, making it a great pick for a night in with mates (though maybe not the family). The film is streaming on Hulu in the U.S.
The Long Walk: Dystopian Drama with Heart
Francis Lawrence’s The Long Walk stands out as a gripping dystopian tale. The story centres on a brutal endurance contest where teenage boys must keep walking or face deadly consequences. The film’s strength lies in its focus on the relationships between the competitors, exploring themes of friendship and survival. Mark Hamill delivers a chilling performance as the contest’s overseer, adding to the film’s tension.
The Long Walk is available to rent or buy on Amazon or Apple TV in the U.S.
With so many King adaptations hitting screens this year, there’s something for every taste—whether you’re after a good scare, a thoughtful drama, or a bit of both.