A while ago, my podcast co-host, Lacy Lou and I discussed the ending of the 2013 Carrie remake. While we were discussing it, Lacy asked me where I rank it in the Stephen King movies that I’ve seen. It occurred to me that even though King’s stories have been a big part of my life, I’ve never taken the time to actually rank them. I was originally going to rank all the films I’ve seen, but I decided I wanted to do a Top 10 list instead. I considered all films that were either based on King’s books, or screen-written by King. I hope you enjoy and let me know what films are in your top 10!

10. Gerald’s Game

Synopsis (provided by IMDb.com): A couple tries to spice up their marriage in a remote lake house. After the husband dies unexpectedly, the wife is left handcuffed to their bed frame and must fight to survive and break free.

Gerald’s Game is a beautiful and heartbreaking story. I love the mirroring of our main character, Jessie (Carla Gugino) being physically and mentally trapped in her life. I also love that by being forced to reflect on her past, it helps her future in more ways than one. The execution and dreaded isolation was perfected in this film.

9. Carrie (1976)

Synopsis (provided by IMDb.com): Carrie White (Sissy Spacek), a shy, friendless teenage girl who is sheltered by her domineering, religious mother, unleashes her telekinetic powers after being humiliated by her classmates at her senior prom.

Carrie was the one that started it all! The performances in this film were spectacular. I love a good revenge flick and this film was the ultimate revenge tale. Sissy Spacek and Piper Laurie’s (Margaret White) performances were undoubtedly the best aspects in this film. They helped this movie make horror history!

8. Stand By Me

Synopsis (provided by IMDb.com): After the death of one of his friends, a writer recounts a childhood journey with his friends to find the body of a missing boy.

Stand By Me is a wonderful tale that deals with loss, grief, friendship, and family struggles. It was beautifully written and flawlessly executed. The cast was amazing and even though it’s not a horror film, it’s still pure King. We get to learn about each of these characters and what they have to deal with and in a way, how they all needed this journey. Plus, the revenge story that Gordie (Wil Wheaton) tells is such a blast to rewatch!

7. The Mist

Synopsis (provided by IMDb.com): A freak storm unleashes a species of bloodthirsty creatures on a small town, where a small band of citizens hole up in a supermarket and fight for their lives.

The Mist is a terrifying and grim tale, and it was executed so well! Every scene is a intense struggle. Mrs. Carmody (Marcia Gay Harden) is one of the most underrated villains created by King. The dynamic between the small town members were very realistic. The ending of the film was a complete gut punch, and it was so brilliant and tragic, it messed me up for a long time.

6. Pet Sematary (1989)

Synopsis (provided by IMDb.com): After tragedy strikes, a grieving father discovers an ancient burial ground behind his home with the power to raise the dead.

The Pet Sematary novel was my introduction to King’s work. I fell in love with his writing and I fell in love with this movie. I love the story and I respect the risks it took to tell that story. The tragedy that the characters suffered and the discussions of the concept of death were done really well.

5. Rose Red

Synopsis (provided by IMDb.com): A group of people with psychic powers are invited to spend the night in a haunted house.

To me, this was a perfect haunted house story. It was creepy, it was funny, and it was overall fascinating. There wasn’t a single dull moment to me. I loved learning about each character, and the stories of all of the people affected by Rose Red. It’s become one of my go-to paranormal mini-series!

4. IT Chapter 1 And 2

Synopsis: In 1989, a group of bullied kids band together to defeat a shape-shifting monster who feeds on children. 27 years later, the monster returns and the Loser’s Club must reunite to destroy him once and for all.

Yes, I realize this might be cheating, but although these are separate films, the book they’re based on is one complete story, so let the cheating commence! Pennywise is a legendary villain and Bill Skarsgård perfected the playful eeriness that the role needed. The casting for both films was just too perfect to not mention. Overall, this was a story that I wish didn’t end.

3. Creepshow

Synopsis (provided by IMDb.com): An anthology which tells five terrifying tales inspired by the E.C. horror comic books of the 1950s.

I’m a big fan of anthology films and Creepshow has to be my favorite of all time! It’s jam-packed with a hell of a cast and each story is filled with creepiness and hilarity. It’s a film I know practically by heart and I love all the legends who worked together to bring it to life.

2. Silver Bullet

Synopsis (provided by IMDb.com): In a small town, brutal killings start to plague the close knit community. Marty Coslaw (Corey Haim), a paraplegic boy, is convinced the murders are the doings of a werewolf.

I love small town horror films and Silver Bullet is one of the best. This film was a staple in my childhood before I even realized it. I watched it when I was so young, forgot all about it, then re-experienced it and now it’s an all-time favorite! It has unforgettable moments, a realistic family dynamic, and some very gnarly murders!

1. Misery

Synopsis (provided by IMDb.com): After a famous author is rescued from a car crash by a fan of his novels, he comes to realize that the care he is receiving is only the beginning of a nightmare of captivity and abuse.

Misery has always been my biggest inspiration. I don’t know why, but throwing this movie on always helped me with my writer’s block. This was Kathy Bates (Annie Wilkes) at her best and craziest. It was like she was born for this role. The film brings a terrifying concept that I can’t possibly imagine being in. It’s thrilling from beginning to end, and it’s a tale I’ll never get tired of!