Stephen King The Monkey movie has quickly climbed to the top of Hulu’s streaming charts, taking the number one spot on the platform’s Top 15 Today list shortly after its release on August 7. The film, which adapts King’s 1980 short story, follows twin brothers who discover a cursed toy monkey responsible for a string of deadly supernatural murders. Despite a crowded 2025 horror slate featuring highly awaited movies like Sinners and Weapons, The Monkey has captured significant attention among horror fans on streaming services.
Directed by Osgood Perkins, known for the horror film Longlegs, The Monkey first debuted in theaters earlier this year in February. The movie quickly earned $68.9 million globally, far surpassing its modest $10-11 million budget and ranking it among the top 10 highest-grossing Stephen King adaptations. On Hulu, it competes alongside titles such as Ryan Coolger’s Hurricane Katrina: Race Against Time documentary, the King of the Hill reboot, and classics like The Devil Wears Prada and Pretty Woman.
Plot Overview: Cursed Toy Monkey Sparks Family Tragedy
The storyline centers on twins Hal and Bill, both portrayed by Theo James, who uncover a mysterious toy monkey hidden in their father’s attic. Soon after, an unsettling series of unexplainable murders occurs, culminating in a tragedy that shatters their family and separates the brothers. Years later, they reunite to confront the malevolent force behind the toy once and for all. Supporting cast includes Tatiana Maslany as Lois, adding depth to the chilling narrative.
Mixed Critical and Audience Reactions Highlight the Divide
The Monkey has experienced varied reception among critics and viewers alike. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a strong 78% approval rating from critics, indicating widespread appreciation for its unique blend of horror and suspense. Stephen King himself praised the movie after attending an advanced screening, describing it as “batshit insane” and expressing admiration for its boldness.
“You’ve never seen anything like THE MONKEY. It’s batshit insane. As someone who has indulged in batshittery from time to time, I say that with admiration.”
—Stephen King, Author
Conversely, audience ratings have been less enthusiastic. On the Popcornmeter, viewers assigned The Monkey only a 56% rating, suggesting that the film’s combination of horror and comedy might not resonate universally with the public. This split reflects ongoing tensions regarding genre blending in horror, perhaps contributing to the polarized feedback.
Director Osgood Perkins Addresses Potential for a Sequel
With The Monkey’s resurgence on Hulu, questions about a sequel have become unavoidable. The original short story by Stephen King offers no continuation, which would mean any follow-up would require new creative development. Despite the film’s moderate fanbase and respectable box office performance, the director Osgood Perkins has expressed reluctance to revisit another Stephen King adaptation, particularly one mixing horror and comedy.
“So, if there was going to be another King thing…honestly, I can’t imagine. It feels so complete. It feels like a move that we made, we landed the plane as it were, and people really dig it, and don’t f*ck with it. Don’t put your head in the tiger’s and lion’s mouth again. We tried something very chancy, because I think everybody knows as soon as you say the words horror and comedy together to people in the business, they say ‘I think not.'”
—Osgood Perkins, Director
Accordingly, Perkins has ruled himself out as a participant in any potential The Monkey sequel, signaling that the project would require a new creative direction if it were to move forward. Nonetheless, the film’s recent popularity boost on Hulu could influence decisions about continuing the story in some form.
The Movie’s Place Among 2025 Horror Releases and Streaming Favorites
The Monkey stands out among a competitive horror lineup for 2025, contending with other adaptations and originals in a year packed with genre content. Its strong box office showing has demonstrated ongoing appetite for Stephen King adaptations, despite varying viewer sentiments. On Hulu, the film’s ability to maintain the top position against well-known films and series highlights its appeal and potential for lasting impact.
As audiences continue to revisit the film on streaming platforms, interest in the story remains strong, prompting speculation about the future of The Monkey’s narrative. Should momentum hold, industry insiders may explore how best to build on this success, either through sequels, spin-offs, or related projects inspired by the eerie premise.
