Thescreescore – A significant piece of horror cinema history is set to vanish from Netflix’s digital shelves, as John Carpenter’s 1983 cult classic, Christine, prepares for its departure. This cinematic adaptation of Stephen King’s chilling novel, ironically deemed "boring" by the author himself, will be removed from the streaming giant on March 1st, leaving fans to ponder its next digital destination.
Directed by the legendary "Master of Horror," John Carpenter, Christine brings to life King’s unsettling narrative about Arnie Cunningham, a socially awkward high schooler who acquires a dilapidated 1958 Plymouth Fury. As Arnie meticulously restores the vintage automobile, the car, christened "Christine," begins to exert a malevolent influence, transforming Arnie into a darker, more aggressive individual. The film masterfully explores themes of obsession, jealousy, and supernatural possession, as those closest to Arnie race against time to uncover Christine’s sinister past and save their friend.
More than four decades after its theatrical debut, Christine is not only exiting Netflix but also simultaneously departing YouTube, where it has been available for free with advertisements. As of now, no new streaming platform has been announced to host the film following its March 1st exit, creating a void for enthusiasts of classic horror and Stephen King adaptations.
Related Post
Upon its initial release in December 1983, Christine garnered a mixed yet generally favorable critical reception, achieving a respectable 72% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics often noted its predictable elements but found it sufficiently entertaining. Financially, the film proved a modest success, recouping its $10 million production budget with a worldwide gross exceeding $21 million. Over the years, however, Christine has transcended its initial reception, evolving into a cherished cult phenomenon among devotees of both King’s literary universe and Carpenter’s distinctive directorial style.
Despite its enduring appeal to a dedicated fanbase, Stephen King famously holds a less favorable view of the adaptation. The prolific author has publicly labeled the 1983 film "boring," placing it alongside Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining as one of his least favorite cinematic interpretations of his work. Even Carpenter, while acknowledging the production as "fun," has expressed that Christine isn’t among his personal favorites for various reasons.
The film’s original release also coincided with a challenging period for King’s horror adaptations on screen. The same year saw Cujo receive a more polarized response than Carpenter’s effort, while subsequent years brought critical dismissals for Firestarter and Children of the Corn. Although Stand by Me later offered a critical resurgence for King’s non-horror adaptations, his horror-centric titles continued to struggle, with films like Maximum Overdrive, Silver Bullet, and Graveyard Shift generally receiving negative reviews.
The current streaming exodus of Christine is particularly noteworthy given its relatively recent appearance on Shudder in February 2025, marking its first dedicated streaming home some 42 years after its premiere. Its quiet departure from that horror-centric platform sometime last year, followed by this move from Netflix and YouTube, suggests that Sony, the rights holder, might be strategically consolidating its control over the property. This could be a precursor to a potential remake; whispers of a new incarnation, involving Blumhouse and Hannibal creator Bryan Fuller, have circulated since 2021, though updates have been scarce. Should development on a new adaptation be gaining traction, Sony might be preparing for a fresh theatrical run, a new streaming deal, or even a special home media release. Alternatively, the departure could simply be a standard expiration of licensing agreements, with new negotiations potentially underway for its future digital availability. For now, the fate of Christine’s streaming presence remains as mysterious as the car itself.
Leave a Comment