Five to Watch - Movies Based on Stephen King Novels

Stephen King is one of the best and most successful authors ever and he probably is also the writer with the most book to movie adaptations. I decided to select five films, that are based on his stories, that you should definitely see. I will avoid the obvious ones like “The Shawshank Redemption”, “The Shining” “Stand By Me”, “The Green Mile”, “It” or any other well-known film, since most of you have seen them probably more than once. I picked films that are overlooked and underrated and that a lot of people maybe never even saw.

The Night Flier
It’s a substantial film adaptation of Stephen King’s short story about a cynical journalist and a benevolent intern from a tabloid newspaper, who hunts down a dark murderer. A tricky job because the alleged culprit travels by black plane, suffers from a vampire complex and robs his victims on remote airfields. Richly filled with bloody close-ups, ripped open necks and twisted bodies with a finale that will give you sleepless nights.

Apt Pupil
The adaptation of a story from Stephen King’s collector “Different Season”, which also has the more well-known “Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption” and “The Body” (Stand By Me ) in it. Brad Renfro plays a young boy who wants to hear all the stories his neighbor has to tell. The neighbor, portrayed by Ian McKellen, is a passionate former Nazi. It’s a disturbing and provocative film that survives to its intense performances.

Dolores Claiborne
Journalist Selena returns home after years, to meet her mother Dolores, who is accused of murdering her employer. Everyone, including detective Mackey, is convinced of her guilt. Twenty years ago Dolores’ husband died under mysterious circumstances. Then she got away, but Mackey is sure she won’t escape her punishment this time. Jennifer Jason Leigh and Kathy Bates play mother and daughter and play off each other perfectly. Bates is mostly known for her role in another King adapted novel, “Misery”, but in “Dolores Claiborne” she is also really good.

Cat’s Eye
A cat is the red thread in this film with three different stories by Stephen King. The first revolves around a man who enters a smokers’ rehab clinic where unconventional and somewhat shocking methods are used. In the second episode, a man makes a terrifying bet with his wife’s lover. King wrote the third story with young Drew Barrymore (a few years after “E.T.”) in mind. She plays a girl who is sure there is a strange creature behind her bedroom wall. Excellent special effects and of course very exciting.

Silver Bullet
Welcome in 1976 and the peaceful village of Tarker’s Mill. A typical Stephen King town. Eleven-year-old Marty suspects a werewolf among the villagers. His uncle Red is the only one that believes him and together they fight the godless monster. It’s horror with a slight comedic touch, but has a scary atmosphere. The late Corey Haim and Gary Busy star in it.