What Movie is the Queen of King?

Halloween is here and the time has come for the chills and thrills this season brings. Therefore, it makes perfect sense for the prequel to Stephen King’s It, It: Welcome to Derry, to be making its premiere this month.

Stephen King is the perfect author for this time of year. The number of horror classics that he has produced over a half-century is unmatched. But as much as he is known for his scary stories, King has also produced many stories grounded in heartfelt reality.

This diversity of material has helped make King the go-to author for many studios. To date there have been 55 theatrical films released based on King’s materials. If you also include other media (television, TV movies, miniseries) the number is closer to 100!

That made me think: which is the best? Now, obviously, everyone is going to have a different opinion on which adaptation did the best job. But there does seem to be a consensus on which are close to the top. And many of these are perfect to watch this October.

So, after checking out the new It prequel series, look at some of these theatrical gems and decide for yourself which is the Queen of King.

It: The movie that threatened to put clowns out of business.

Carrie: Proms and pigs’ blood, a lethal combination.

The Dead Zone: Christoper Walken played psychic Johnny Smith in the movie. The TV show starred the geek from Sixteen Candles.

Misery: Kathy Bates and a sledgehammer, need we say more.

The Mist: My goodness, that ending (which Stephen King didn’t write)!

The Shining: Here’s Johnny! (Stephen King hated this film.)

Pet Sematary: Dead or alive, cats will always be creepy to me.

Cujo: And dogs will always be cute unless bitten by a rabid bat.

And of course, there are several memorable films that show Stephen King can go way beyond the horror genre like:

The Shawshank Redemption: The best movie ever made that no one saw in the theater.

Stand by Me: Four boys, a dead body, and some leeches. I think every Gen-Xer has seen this film.

So, these are some of the top contenders. Of course, you may have your own favorite you think should be on this list. Which title gets your vote for the Queen of King?

All these titles are available for checkout at MCPL.

Happy Halloween!

Pamela M.
Antioch Branch