The latest film adaptation of Stephen King's perhaps darkest novel has opened to a perfect 100% review score on Rotten Tomatoes. Since the 1976 publication of Carrie, the number of film adaptations of King's works has been steadily increasing. Some of these films have gone on to become classics, including The Shining, The Shawshank Redemption, Misery, and Stand by Me. If you are a fan of his classics, we shed a spotlight on the new Stephen King films. But what does a classic Stephen King horror film look like? Jump scares aren't Stephen King's primary focus; his work thrives on portraying disturbingly realistic characters, as evidenced in every adaptation. The concepts that run beneath the terror are what really make an impression, more than the fear or his analysis of the human mind. Using supernatural aspects, King emphasises the following: terror, isolation, loss, fixation, and the need to survive. Ghosts aren't usually the main focus of his worlds; instead, he often explores the reactions of regular people when they lose what they know.
Stephen King's novels continue to entice filmmakers due to the complex relationship between human vulnerability and dread they convey. There are, of course, a plethora of Stephen King adaptations in development at the moment. One of them is The Long Walk, which is scheduled for release in September 2025. Francis Lawrence is helming the film adaptation of King's 1979 dystopian book of the same name. It: Welcome to Derry, a prequel series set to debut in October 2025 on HBO, is another project in the works.
Here are the new Stephen King films to watch!
The Long Walk
The plot revolves around a gang of adolescent lads who compete in The Long Walk, an annual, punishing event. There is a minimum walking pace that competitors must maintain in this terrifying sport or risk being shot in the face. As the 16-year-old protagonist Ray Garraty (Hoffman) struggles with weariness, depression, and the mental anguish of seeing the demise of his friends one by one, the contest—enjoyed by adoring spectators—serves as a background. This new Stephen King film has opened to rave reviews! King wrote the novel under the alias Richard Bachman and had it published. In 1988, George A. Romero was supposed to helm the film adaptation, but it never happened. Even when Frank Darabont, whose films include The Shawshank Redemption (1994), The Green Mile (1999), and The Mist (2007), adapted the rights to Stephen King's novels, the project still failed. The adaptation didn't get made until 2023, when Lionsgate Films became involved.
Welcome to Derry!
The twisted past of Derry, Maine, and the terrifying beginnings of King’s most terrifying adversary will be explored in this next HBO series, which features Bill Skarsgård’s return as Pennywise. The story begins in 1962 and spans decades, illustrating how the village experiences cycles of fear when children disappear without apparent reason. Legend has it that every 27 years, the shape-shifting monster rises from its slumber to prey on the youngsters of Derry and their fears. In 2017, the horror film "It" was a smash blockbuster, and in 2019, the prequel “It: Chapter Two” was even more successful. Nevertheless, more information is confidential. If you are a fan of Stephen King horror films, this prequel is the one to watch!
The Running Man
This next Stephen King adaptation takes place in a bleak future, where The Running Man is the most-watched television programme. Competitors, called Runners, face professional assassins in a brutal 30-day running race to the finish. They get closer to a life-changing sum of money with every passing day. Anyone may see this whole battle on television. A working-class father named Ben Richards (Powell), who is desperate to find a cure for his ailing daughter, is persuaded to join the program by producer Dan Killian (Brolin). Everyone is eager to see Richards taken down, as he has become both a fan darling and the most sought-after man. This new Stephen King movie is definitely a must-watch! Arnold Schwarzenegger starred in the 1987 film adaptation of the novel. Despite its iconic status, the film departed from the source material by portraying the protagonist as an ignoble police captain.
Cujo
Roy Lee was attached to produce a new Stephen King adaptation that Netflix announced in March 2025. The terrifying plot centres on a woman and a kid who, when stranded in their automobile, must fight off a vicious, rabid St. Bernard called Cujo. Darren Aronofsky is reportedly in discussions to helm the picture, according to Variety, although no official announcement has been made. Lewis Teague filmed Cujo in 1983, featuring Dee Wallace, Daniel Hugh Kelly, and Danny Pintauro in significant roles.
The Life Of Chuck
The life-affirming film, based on a tale from King's 2020 collection, If It Bleeds, is directed by contemporary master of King adaptations, Mike Flanagan, and it abandons the horror genre. In three parts, this genre-bending tale celebrates our existence and mortality by exploring the life of Charles Krantz. This tale, reminiscent of a comforting embrace, is best experienced up close. Among the many regular collaborators of Flanagan's, the ensemble cast features Tom Hiddleston in the lead role, alongside Annalise Basso, Samantha Sloyan, Jacob Tremblay, Kate Siegel, and Mark Hamill, among others.