Stephen King’s Favorite Movies List Reveals Surprising Classic Picks

Stephen King, the renowned novelist and horror legend, has recently revealed his 10 favorite movies on his official X account ahead of the upcoming adaptation of his novel, The Long Walk. King’s list excludes films based on his work, focusing solely on other cinema classics that have influenced or impressed him over the years.

Notable Omissions and Intriguing Selections

King specifically pointed out that four popular movies adapted from his writing—Misery, The Shawshank Redemption, Stand by Me, and The Green Mile—were purposefully excluded to maintain fairness in his selections. Unexpectedly, The Shining, an adaptation often hailed as one of the greatest, did not make the list, likely due to King’s well-documented disapproval of director Stanley Kubrick’s version of his novel. Despite this, The Shining remains a landmark film in horror history.

Classic and Offbeat Titles Highlight King’s Diverse Taste

The 10 films Stephen King named, presented without ranking, include Sorcerer, The Godfather Part II, The Getaway, Groundhog Day, Casablanca, Treasure of the Sierra Madre, Jaws, Mean Streets, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, and Double Indemnity. These selections showcase both highly celebrated classics like Casablanca and The Godfather Part II, alongside more unexpected picks such as Sorcerer and The Getaway.

The Long Walk Adaptation Sets a Release Date

The announcement of King’s favorite movies comes as anticipation builds for The Long Walk, which is slated for release in the United States on September 12, 2025. This upcoming adaptation will add to the long list of King’s works brought to the screen, continuing his influence in the film industry alongside his personal passion for cinema reflected in his favorite movies list.