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Best Stephen King Movies on Netflix: Top 5 Must-Watch Adaptations to Stream – 2024 Update

  • Luke David
  • |
  • September 20, 2024
  • |
  • 3 minute read
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Best Stephen King Movies on Netflix: Top 5 Must-Watch Adaptations to Stream – 2024 Update

Netflix has an exciting collection of Stephen King movies, each filled with horror, suspense, and deeply profound stories.

Here’s a look at some of the best Stephen King movies you can watch on Netflix right now, showing the wide range and creepy charm of his stories.

Key Takeaways
  • Netflix hosts a variety of Stephen King adaptations, each offering different aspects of horror and psychological thriller genres.
  • These films are notable for their direction and performances, particularly "Gerald's Game" by Mike Flanagan and "It: Chapter One" by Andy Muschietti.
  • The adaptations chosen for Netflix streaming focus heavily on psychological depth, exploring characters' inner fears and moral dilemmas.

5. Gerald’s Game (2017) – A Gripping Tale of Survival

Directed by Mike Flanagan, Gerald’s Game delves into a woman’s fight for survival after a romantic getaway turns into a nightmare.

The film is lauded for its intense psychological depth and Carla Gugino’s compelling performance, marking it as a standout adaptation of King’s work.

The plot revolves around Jesse Burlingame, who finds herself handcuffed to a bed with no escape after her husband suddenly dies, encapsulating a chilling fight against time and her psyche.

4. In the Tall Grass (2019) – A Labyrinth of Horror

In the Tall Grass, adapted from a novella co-written by Stephen King and Joe Hill, takes viewers on a disorienting journey into a field of tall grass where time and reality are distorted. 

Directed by Vincenzo Natali, this film explores the eerie and menacing challenges a brother and sister face, making it a compelling watch for those who appreciate a mix of horror and psychological thriller​.

3. 1922 (2017) – A Haunting Tale of Greed and Guilt

1922, a Netflix Original, is based on King’s novella from his collection ‘Full Dark, No Stars,’ which is similar to his newly released You Like It Darker collection.

This film tells the dark story of Wilfred James, a farmer who, along with his son, conspires to murder his wife for financial gain, only to be haunted by her vengeful spirit.

It’s a compelling narrative about the consequences of one’s actions and the psychological horror that ensues.

2. Mr. Harrigan’s Phone (2022) – A Modern Connection with the Dead

This recent adaptation from King’s ‘If It Bleeds‘ collection involves a supernatural twist involving smartphones. 

The plot centers around a young boy, Craig, who maintains a posthumous connection with an elderly friend, Mr. Harrigan, through a phone that was buried with him.

Directed by John Lee Hancock, this film combines elements of friendship, mystery, and eerie supernatural occurrences.

1. It: Chapter One (2017) – A Terrifying Clown Returns

One of the most popular horror novel adaptations, It: Chapter One, directed by Andy Muschietti, is based on King’s famous eponymous book. It chronicles the horror unleashed by Pennywise the Clown every 27 years in Derry, Maine.

The film follows a group of children known as the Losers’ Club who confront their fears to battle this monstrous entity.

Released in 2017, this adaptation is highly praised for its blend of horror and emotional depth​.

Looking for other movies and series to watch on Netflix? Check out some of the upcoming releases in this guide.

Dive into the Best Stephen King Thrillers on Netflix!

Netflix brings you a great selection of movies based on Stephen King’s books. These cinematic tales are full of scares, exciting stories, and deep reflections on our fears.

Whether you’re new to Stephen King’s stories or a longtime fan, Netflix has something for everyone. Enjoy these movies for a scary movie night or a deep dive into stories that make you think and feel.

So, grab some popcorn, find a comfy spot, and get ready to be scared and entertained by some of the best stories from a master storyteller.

Luke David

Luke David

Luke is a writer of many mediums with over 7 years of experience, specializing in copywriting, content writing, and screenwriting. Based in Malaysia, his passion for storytelling began at a young age, fueled by fantastical tales and his love for the horror genre. What began as a hobby then blossomed into a diverse writing career, encompassing poetry, songs, screenplays, and now engaging articles. Luke's work has appeared in notable outlets like MovieWeb, Certified Forgotten, High On Films, and Signal Horizon. His talent for crafting compelling narratives has been recognized by being a Semifinalist at The Script Lab's 2019 TSL Free Screenplay Contest, placing his work among the top 3% of over 5,500 entries.

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