The 2017 Stephen King horror movie, “It,” is experiencing a significant resurgence on streaming platforms as viewers prepare for the upcoming prequel series “It: Welcome to Derry,” which premieres on HBO on October 26. Set in the fictional town of Derry, Maine, the film follows The Losers’ Club, a group of seven outcast children who face the terrifying Pennywise the Clown while grappling with their own fears.
Why the Stephen King Horror Movie’s Streaming Popularity Is Rising
“It” has gained fresh attention on HBO Max, currently ranking fifth on the platform’s Top 10 movies in the United States as of September 30—28 days after reappearing on the chart. Positioned above notable titles such as “Se7en” and “The Cabin in the Woods,” the film’s return reflects growing anticipation for the prequel series. Created by Andy Muschietti, Barbara Muschietti, and Jason Fuchs, the new show is set in 1962 and follows a couple and their son moving to Derry amid the mysterious disappearance of a young boy, connecting to events leading up to the original story’s horror.
The ongoing interest underscores the lasting appeal of the 2017 film, which remains a milestone in horror cinema. Grossing $704.2 million globally, it holds the title of the highest-grossing horror film ever. Critics praised the movie, and it maintains an 85% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, establishing itself as one of the most successful adaptations of Stephen King’s work.
Viewing Trends as Fans Await the Prequel Series
Although audiences are revisiting the original 2017 film heavily, its 2019 sequel, “It: Chapter Two,” is not appearing in HBO Max’s Top 10 despite also being available. This suggests that while many viewers are catching up on the initial story ahead of the prequel, they have yet to focus on the sequel. Since the prequel’s release is still weeks away, there is ample time for audiences to explore the full narrative arc across all productions centered around this franchise.
Key Performers Bringing the Horror to Life
The cast of “It” features Jaeden Lieberher, Bill Skarsgård as Pennywise the Clown, Jeremy Ray Taylor, Sophia Lillis, Finn Wolfhard, Chosen Jacobs, Jack Dylan Grazer, Wyatt Oleff, Nicholas Hamilton, and Jackson Robert Scott. Additional notable actors include Owen Teague, Logan Thompson, Jake Sim, Javier Botet, Tatum Lee, Steven Williams, Stephen Bogaert, Geoffrey Pounsett, Pip Dwyer, Ari Cohen, and Stuart Hughes. Sophia Lillis plays Beverly Marsh, one of the central members of The Losers’ Club, while Bill Skarsgård’s portrayal of Pennywise remains a standout element of the film’s chilling impact.
With “It” climbing the streaming charts once again, the steady interest in Stephen King’s stories shows no signs of waning. The arrival of “It: Welcome to Derry” is expected to further energize audiences and potentially bring new fans into the fold, sustaining the legacy of one of the most iconic horror tales of recent years.
