10 of the Most Profitable Movies Inspired by Stephen King’s Books
It all started with Carrie, and now his movies have made over $2 billion
We’ve all read some of his 86 books which have sold over 400 million copies worldwide, including 65 novels (seven published under his pen name Richard Bachman). Also, five non-fiction books and approximately 200 short stories.
Many of his books became feature films, television programs, and comic books. According to Fortune, his movies have made over $2 billion in box office sales.
But have you wondered which the most profitable adaptations of his novels are?
It all started with the 199 pages of Carrie, released on April 5, 1974, with a print run of 30,000 copies edition in April 1975 by the New American Library. The paperback edition became a best-seller, especially after the 1976 film adaptation, selling over four million copies.
From then on, 46 became movies or TV series, and you can find at least one in your internet streaming service anytime. However, which are the most watched of them?
Here is a list of ten of the most viewed King’s movies, with the rating, length, genre, a brief synopsis, the director’s name, actors, and box office profits. You will find that many of them are now classics and cult movies.
1. The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
R | 142 min | Drama
This film is based on the book “Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption” by Stephen King. It tells the story of a man named Andy, sentenced to life in prison for the murder of his wife and her lover, despite his insistence on his innocence.
While in prison, he befriends a fellow inmate, and together they work to improve their lives and those of their fellow prisoners. Using his skills as a banker, he helps the prison warden with financial matters and becomes a trusted member of the prison community.
As time pass, Andy is denied the opportunity to prove his innocence. He finds a way to redeem himself, makes the corrupt mayor and guards pay for their crimes, leaves the prison, and helps his friend to find a sense of purpose and meaning in life. Hence “The Shawshank Redemption” is a powerful and uplifting tale of friendship, hope, and the enduring human spirit, becoming one of the most beloved and enduring films of all time.
Director: Frank Darabont | Stars: Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman, Bob Gunton, William Sadler
The movie opened in 1999 and took in a domestic box office total of $136,801,374. The international release totaled $286,801,374.
Watch on Prime Video, rent/buy
2. Stand By Me (1986)
R | 89 min | Adventure, Drama
The 1986 American coming-of-age film based on the novella “The Body” by Stephen King, The film follows a group of boys as they embark on their adventure to find the body of a missing boy in their small town in Oregon while facing challenges and dangers along the way, and learning important lessons about friendship, loyalty and the importance of standing up for what they believe in.
“Stand by Me” is a memorable story that explores the timeless themes of friendship, self-discovery, and the power of shared experiences to shape our lives.
Director: Rob Reiner | Stars: Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix, Corey Feldman, Jerry O’Connell
Opening weekend US & Canada. $242,795; August 10, 1986. Gross worldwide. $52,287,414.
Watch on Paramount+, with Prime Video Channels
3. The Green Mile (1999)
R | 189 min | Crime, Drama, Fantasy
The film, based on the 1996 novel of the same name by Stephen King, tells the story of a group of correctional officers who are tasked with overseeing death row inmates at a prison in Louisiana during the 1930s.
When a particularly unique inmate, sentenced to death for the rape and murder of two young girls, enters, the life and beliefs of the guards about the fairness of the death penalty transform, as the imposing size and fearsome appearance of the convict reveal a gentle, compassionate soul with a mysterious power to heal people.
This powerful film is a moving tale of friendship, redemption, and the enduring human spirit, and it has become a classic of modern cinema.
Director: Frank Darabont | Stars: Tom Hanks, Michael Clarke Duncan, David Morse, Bonnie Hunt
The movie opened in 1999 and took in a domestic box office total of $136,801,374. The international release totaled $286,801,374.
4. It I (2017) and It Chapter Two (2019)
It — I
R | 135 min | Horror
“It” is based on the 1986 novel of the same name by Stephen King, following the story of a group of young kids in Derry, Maine, who are terrorized by an ancient, shape-shifting monster that preys on children. The monster, which takes the form of a clown named Pennywise, has been responsible for several disappearances and deaths in the town over the years. The kids, who call themselves the “Losers Club,” band together to try to defeat Pennywise and stop him from harming any more children.
As they face their demons and the terrifying clown, the kids must also confront the harsh realities of growing up and the dangers lurking in their town. The film is known for its suspenseful atmosphere, terrifying scenes, and strong performances by the young cast.
Director: Andy Muschietti | Stars: Bill Skarsgård, Jaeden Martell, Finn Wolfhard, Sophia Lillis
Theatrical Performance, Domestic Box Office $328,828,874. International Box Office $372,183,872. Worldwide Box Office $701,012,746.
Watch on Prime Video, rent/buy.
— — — — — —
It Chapter Two (2019)
R | 169 min | Drama, Fantasy, Horror
Also based on a novel by Stephen King, this film is the sequel to “It,” and it takes place 27 years after the events of the first movie, with the members of the Losers Club, now grown up and living in different parts of the country, being called back to Derry, Maine to confront Pennywise the clown once again. Pennywise has resurfaced and is terrorizing the town, and the Losers Club must reunite to defeat him once and for all.
They return to Derry and confront the horrors of their past, their demons, and the challenges of adulthood. The film is known for its suspenseful atmosphere, terrifying scenes, and strong performances by the adult cast. It concludes the story of the Losers Club’s battle against Pennywise and the events that transpired in Derry.
Director: Andy Muschietti | Stars: Jessica Chastain, James McAvoy, Bill Hader, Isaiah Mustafa
A huge box office when it opened in the states in 2019, reaching $211,593,228. The earnings jumped to $473,093,228 when it went global.
5. Carrie (1976)
R | 98 min | Horror, Mystery
The film follows the story of Carrie White, based on the novel of the same name by Stephen King. A high school student who is bullied by her classmates and abused by her religious fanatic mother. Carrie possesses telekinetic powers that she is unaware of and has difficulty controlling.
As she becomes increasingly isolated and ostracized at school, Carrie’s powers begin to manifest, and she becomes the target of a cruel prank at the senior prom. As the night descends into chaos, Carrie unleashes her full power and avenges her tormentors.
Director: Brian De Palma | Stars: Sissy Spacek, Piper Laurie, Amy Irving, John Travolta
Theatrical Performance Domestic Box Office $25,878,153, International Box Office $7,921,834, Worldwide Box Office $34,800,000.
Watch on Prime Video, included with Prime
6. Misery (1990)
R | 107 min | Drama, Thriller
“Misery” is a psychological horror film based on the 1987 novel of the same name by Stephen King.
The film follows the story of Paul Sheldon, a successful novelist rescued from a car crash by his number one fan, Annie Wilkes. Annie, a nurse, takes Paul to her remote mountain home to care for him as he recovers from his injuries. However, as Paul begins to regain his strength, he realizes that Annie is not who she seems and has a dark and dangerous obsession with his work.
As Annie becomes increasingly erratic and violent, Paul must find a way to escape her clutches and outwit her before it’s too late. The film is known for its suspenseful atmosphere, tense scenes, and strong performances by James Caan as Paul and Kathy Bates as Annie.
Misery hit theaters in 1990 and grossed $61,276,872.
Watch on Prime Video, included with Prime
7. The Dark Tower (2017)
PG-13 | 95 min | Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Based on the series of novels of the same name by Stephen King, the film follows the story of Roland Deschain, a gunslinger on a quest to save the world from the forces of darkness. Roland is the last of his kind and is sworn to protect the Dark Tower, a mythical structure that holds the universe together and prevents it from being consumed by darkness.
As Roland journeys across a desolate and dangerous landscape, he is pursued by the Man in Black, a sorcerer who seeks to destroy the Dark Tower and bring about the world’s end. Along the way, Roland meets Jake Chambers, a young boy with psychic powers who joins him on his quest. Together, they must confront the Man in Black and protect the Dark Tower at all costs.
Director: Nikolaj Arcel | Stars: Idris Elba, Matthew McConaughey, Tom Taylor, Dennis Haysbert
Theatrical Performance, Domestic Box Office $50,701,325. International Box Office $62,760,202, Worldwide Box Office $113,461,527.
8. 1408 (2007)
PG-13 | 104 min | Fantasy, Horror, Mystery
“1408” follows the story of Mike Enslin, a skeptical and cynical writer specializing in debunking paranormal phenomena. Mike travels to New York City to investigate the Dolphin Hotel, a notoriously haunted hotel room where many guests have died under mysterious circumstances.
Despite the warnings of the hotel manager, Mike decides to stay in room 1408, determined to prove that there is no such thing as ghosts. However, as he spends the night in the room, he is confronted with terrifying and inexplicable events that challenge his skepticism and push him to the brink of madness. Soon after settling in, he confronts genuine terror.
Director: Mikael Håfström | Stars: John Cusack, Samuel L. Jackson, Mary McCormack, Tony Shalhoub
After debuting in 2007, the domestic take was $71,985,628. It went on to earn $132,963,417 worldwide.
Watch on MGM, with Prime Video Channels
9. Pet Sematary (1989)
R | 103 min | Fantasy, Horror, Thriller
The film follows the story of the Creed family, who move to a rural home in Maine near a mysterious pet cemetery. When their young son is killed in a tragic accident, the family’s neighbor, Jud Crandall, shows them a secret burial ground in the woods with the power to bring the dead back to life.
Despite the warnings of Jud and the ominous signs surrounding the cemetery, the family’s father, Louis, decides to bury his son in the ground, hoping to bring him back to life. However, the resurrection does not go as planned, and the boy returns as an evil and dangerous force threatening the entire family.
Director: Mary Lambert | Stars: Dale Midkiff, Denise Crosby, Fred Gwynne, Brad Greenquist
The remake of the original opened in 2019. The gross domestically was $54,724,696. It went on to make $113,118,226 across the globe.
10. Secret Window (2004)
PG-13 | 96 min | Drama, Mystery, Thriller
The film is based on the book “Secret Window, Secret Garden” by Stephen King, who also wrote the screenplay for the film.
In the movie, Mort Rainey is a successful writer who is going through a difficult divorce and struggling with writer’s block. One day, a man named John Shooter shows up at Mort’s remote cabin in the woods, accusing Mort of plagiarizing one of his stories. Shooter becomes increasingly threatening and violent as he demands that Mort admit to the plagiarism and turn over the rights to the story. As Mort tries to prove his innocence and protect himself and his loved ones from Shooter’s threats, he becomes caught in a web of deceit and danger.
Director: David Koepp | Stars: Johnny Depp, Maria Bello, John Turturro, Timothy Hutton
Released in 2004, the movie made $48,022,900 domestically in theaters. Worldwide, it grossed $92,913,171.
Watch on Prime Video, rent/buy
Take Away
For many movie fans, some of the films mentioned could be one of their favorites. Nevertheless, at a friend reunion last week, I discovered that many have yet to see some of them.
I was shocked since I’m a Stephen King ultra fan, not only of his novels but also his 2020 book “On Writing: a Memoir of the Craft.” Part memoir, a masterclass by one of the bestselling authors of all time, which I have a copy by my writing desk.
Please comment on which of King’s movies you like and what is the best adaptation from the book. I’d love to read your comment.
“Why We Crave Horror Movies? People need to watch horror films in order to release the negative emotions within them. Feel enjoyment while watching others be terrorized or killed in horror movies.” — Stephen King
© Copyright Jose Luis Ontanon, 2022