Stephen King Reveals His 10 Favorite Movies—You’ll Be Surprised

Stephen King, known as the horror master, recently took a moment away from his usual social media commentary to reveal his list of 10 favorite movies. The list, shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, intentionally excludes film adaptations of his own works, providing a unique insight into the movies that inspire him beyond his literary creations.

A Diverse Selection Spanning Decades and Genres

King’s favorite films span primarily the 1940s and 1970s, showcasing his appreciation for classic cinema mixed with some modern touches. The list features a blend of genres and several classics starring Humphrey Bogart, emphasizing King’s admiration for both old Hollywood and groundbreaking narratives. Notably, only a couple of films in the lineup, such as Jaws and Close Encounters of the Third Kind, edge close to horror, reflecting King’s broad taste beyond his usual genre.

Complete List of Stephen King’s Top 10 Favorite Movies

Here is the full list of films Stephen King mentioned, along with where they can be streamed:

  1. Sorcerer (1977) — available on Prime Video
  2. The Godfather Part II (1974) — streaming on MGM+ via Prime Video
  3. The Getaway (1972) — available on Prime Video
  4. Groundhog Day (1993) — streaming on Netflix
  5. Casablanca (1942) — available on HBO Max
  6. The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948) — streaming on Prime Video
  7. Jaws (1975) — available on Netflix
  8. Mean Streets (1973) — streaming on Prime Video
  9. Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977) — available on Prime Video
  10. Double Indemnity (1944) — streaming on Prime Video

Significance of King’s Film Preferences

Stephen King’s favorite movies reveal much about his artistic influences and preferences, highlighting his esteem for groundbreaking storytelling across different film eras. This selection also suggests that his inspiration comes from narratives outside the typical horror genre, offering a broader view of what shapes his creative voice. As fans explore these films, they gain a deeper understanding of the cinematic works that impact one of today’s most prolific authors.