Thescreescore – As the nights grow longer and the veil thins, the undisputed king of horror, Stephen King, has emerged from his haunted castle to bestow upon us a curated list of his own cinematic and televised terrors, perfectly tailored for a chilling Halloween binge. Forget aimless scrolling; the master has spoken, and his recommendations offer a diverse tapestry of frights, available across various streaming platforms.
King took to Threads to unveil his personal picks, a blend of recent adaptations and perhaps some overlooked gems from his vast bibliography. The list includes The Institute (MGM+ and Prime Video), 1922 (Netflix), Gerald’s Game (Netflix), Lisey’s Story (Apple TV+), and, with impeccable timing, IT: Welcome to Derry (HBO Max), which premiered just hours after his post. He also encourages viewers to delve deeper into the many other adaptations of his work.
The inclusion of IT: Welcome to Derry, a prequel series based on the interlude chapters of his iconic novel, is a timely treat for horror fans. With Bill Skarsgård potentially reprising his terrifying portrayal of Pennywise, this series promises to plunge viewers back into the nightmarish world of Derry, Maine.
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The Institute, which aired its first season in the summer of 2025, stands out as a more recent adaptation, already greenlit for a second season that will venture beyond the source material. This speaks to the show’s quality and its ability to capture the essence of King’s storytelling.
Mike Flanagan, a name synonymous with quality King adaptations, earns a nod with Gerald’s Game. This 2017 film marked the beginning of Flanagan’s journey through King’s works, followed by Doctor Sleep, The Life of Chuck, and the upcoming Carrie television series for Prime Video.
Perhaps the most intriguing inclusions are Lisey’s Story and 1922, two adaptations that, while well-received, haven’t quite achieved the widespread recognition of some of King’s other works. Lisey’s Story, a 2021 miniseries starring Julianne Moore and Clive Owen, offers a deeply personal and unsettling exploration of grief and memory. 1922, a 2017 film, boasts an impressive 92% critical score on Rotten Tomatoes, proving its worth as a chilling period piece.
King’s willingness to highlight these adaptations, especially considering his famously critical stance on certain past interpretations (we’re looking at you, Kubrick’s The Shining), speaks volumes about their quality and faithfulness to his vision.
Each of King’s recommendations offers a unique flavor of horror. Welcome to Derry delivers classic monster scares with Pennywise, while The Institute explores the chilling potential of human cruelty. Some tales rely on psychological tension, others on visceral thrills, but all promise a gripping and unforgettable Halloween experience. So, dim the lights, grab your popcorn, and prepare to be terrified, courtesy of the master himself.
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