Currently, it’s an exciting period for fans of Stephen King, as multiple film adaptations based on his works are scheduled for release this year. Known as one of the most revered authors globally, Stephen King has penned over 60 books throughout his more than half-century career. Among his top novels are “Carrie,” “The Shining,” “It,” and “The Dark Tower” series, all of which offer gripping narratives. Interestingly, many of King’s stories have translated exceptionally well to the big screen.
As a cinephile, I can confidently say that no one comes close to Stephen King when it comes to adaptation frequency – he’s only surpassed by the legendary bard, William Shakespeare. With four more movies and shows set to hit screens in 2025, it’s clear we’re in for a King-sized treat this year! Already, ‘The Monkey’ has graced our cinemas, but there are plenty more horror and non-horror projects on the horizon. Interestingly, the best Stephen King adaptations often stray from the terrifying realm of horror, so it remains to be seen which of these upcoming productions will leave a lasting impact. Here is my eagerly anticipated ranking of every Stephen King movie and show slated for release in 2025:
1. The Highly Anticipated Adaptation of ‘The Shining’ Sequel – ‘Doctor Sleep’ 2.0
2. A chilling reimagining of ‘The Long Walk’
3. An intriguing take on the underappreciated ‘The Breathing Method’
4. The dark and mysterious world of ‘The Mist’ revisited
5. A thrilling adaptation of ‘Cell’ that brings the post-apocalyptic horror to life
6. A haunting exploration of ‘The Boat of Courage’
7. A suspenseful adaptation of ‘The Tommyknockers’
8. The supernatural adventure of ‘The Eyes of the Dragon’
9. The gripping drama of ‘Apt Pupil’ revisited
10. A psychological horror tale of ‘The Body’ (Stand by Me)
11. An unsettling take on ‘The Library Policeman’
12. A heart-wrenching adaptation of ‘Pet Sematary’ sequel – ‘The Road to the Pet Sematary’
13. A captivating retelling of ‘The Gunslinger’ prequel, ‘The Dark Tower: The Wind Through the Keyhole’
4. The Running Man Will Be A More Faithful Adaptation Than The Original Movie
The Running Man Will Be The Last Stephen King Adaptation Of 2025
In 1982, Stephen King published “The Running Man” under the pen name Richard Bachman. This novel is set in a dystopian society where Ben Richards, a character in the story, decides to participate in a deadly game show named “The Running Man”. As part of this game, Richards must elude a group of ruthless hunters who are determined to eliminate him. If he can last for 30 days, he will be rewarded with $1 million. Yet, no one has ever come close to surviving that long in the show.
As a devoted cinephile, I’m thrilled about the upcoming movie adaptation of “The Running Man.” Unlike the 1987 version starring Arnold Schwarzenegger which deviated significantly from Richard Bachman’s novel, this new one appears to be more faithful to King’s original work. The film is set to be directed by the brilliant Edgar Wright and boasts an astounding cast that includes Glen Powell, Josh Brolin, Michael Cera, Colman Domingo, Lee Pace, and Emilia Jones. With a director of Wright’s caliber at the helm and such a talented ensemble, I have high hopes for “The Running Man.
At this moment, the film titled “The Running Man” is set for a premiere on November 7, 2025. Given that it’s quite a ways off, a trailer for the movie hasn’t been unveiled yet. Nevertheless, glimpses of “The Running Man” were exhibited at CinemaCon 2025. Thankfully, Ebaster was there to catch a glimpse of footage from the upcoming film, showcasing Powell’s character, Ben Richards, evading hunters and narrowly escaping dangerous situations such as a grenade being thrown into an elevator with him.
3. The Long Walk Is A Long-Awaited Stephen King Adaptation
The Long Walk Was King’s First Dystopian Novel
Approximately two months before the premiere of “The Running Man,” “The Long Walk” is set to be screened in cinemas. Similar to “The Running Man,” “The Long Walk” was another novel published under King’s pseudonym, Richard Bachman, and it too portrays a dystopian America. The film appears to be quite loyal to the source material, and it tells the story of a group of young men taking part in an annual televised competition along U.S. Route 1. If they slow down or fail to maintain a speed of three miles per hour, they are eliminated.
In the trailer for “The Long Walk,” it’s clear that out of 100 young contestants, only one can make it through. The film boasts a talented cast, including Cooper Hoffman, David Jonsson, Ben Wang, and veteran actor Mark Hamill. Given the storyline and the novel it’s adapted from, it seems this movie will be an emotional experience to watch.
Under Francis Lawrence, who previously directed all four films in the widely acclaimed Hunger Games series, steers ‘The Long Walk’. Given that The Long Walk shares many parallels with The Hunger Games, it seems fitting that an adaptation of the latter be produced now, given the enduring popularity of the former in Hollywood. Despite numerous attempts by various filmmakers over the last few decades to adapt The Long Walk, the movie is set to release in theaters this coming September.
2. The Life Of Chuck Is One Of Stephen King’s Most Uplifting Stories
The Life Of Chuck Has Been Getting Amazing Early Reviews
The movie titled “The Life of Chuck” is inspired by Stephen King’s novella bearing the same name, which is included in his collection called “If It Bleeds“. The plot revolves around a character named Chuck who is battling a brain tumor and is on his deathbed. Remarkably, both the novella and the upcoming film are narrated in reverse sequence. Consequently, the movie will be divided into three parts, with the initial part featuring Tom Hiddleston’s portrayal of Chuck, while the subsequent segments depict younger incarnations of the character.
Chuck’s Life is undoubtedly one of Stephen King’s most daring creations, and it appears that this innovative spirit has led to an exceptional film. The movie is set to have a wide cinema release on June 13, 2025, but it first debuted at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2024, where it took home the People’s Choice Award. As we eagerly await its premiere, early reviews for Chuck’s Life have been glowing, with Ebaster’s critic Mae Abdulbaki awarding it a score of 8 out of 10.
It’s no wonder that reviews for The Life of Chuck are so favorable given that it was helmed by Mike Flanagan, who has earned international acclaim as one of the top horror directors globally. Flanagan is known for his work on adaptations of Stephen King novels like Gerald’s Game and Doctor Sleep, as well as creating highly-regarded horror series such as The Haunting of Hill House, The Haunting of Bly Manor, and Midnight Mass. Consequently, it appears that The Life of Chuck is a valuable addition to Flanagan’s filmography and may even rank among the best Stephen King movies ever made.
1. It: Welcome To Derry Will See The Return Of Pennywise The Clown
It: Welcome To Derry Will Explore The Small Maine Town In The 1960s
In the upcoming series titled “It: Welcome to Derry”, viewers can revisit the chilling town tormented by Pennywise the Clown six years after the release of “It Chapter Two”. The creative team behind the “It” movies, including Andy Muschietti, Barbara Muschietti, and Jason Fuchs, are back to delve once more into the eerie world from Stephen King’s 1986 novel. Although King didn’t write an “It” prequel novel, the narrative of the HBO show will draw inspiration from several of the interludes found within the book itself.
In the small town of Derry, Maine, where Pennywise the Clown emerges every 27 years to spread terror, the upcoming show It: Welcome to Derry will take us back to the 1960s, providing a chilling glimpse into Derry’s past. The series promises to explore events like the burning of the Black Spot, which was merely suggested in the films. Since it takes place decades before the first movie, most characters from the films won’t be present, but Bill Skarsgård will reprise his role as Pennywise the Clown for It: Welcome to Derry.
Given that Pennywise is considered Stephen King’s most formidable antagonist, it’s safe to say that It: Welcome to Derry, set to be released this year, promises an exhilarating journey tied to the author. With Pennywise being a central figure, It is also King’s most widely read novel. As it draws inspiration from stories within the book, it’s thrilling to know that the adaptation of It: Welcome to Derry is delving into the source material. Scheduled for a summer release on HBO, this series could potentially match, if not surpass, the movies, which is certainly exciting news for fans of Stephen King.
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2025-05-25 18:31