Nearly a decade after its theatrical debut, the film adaptation of Stephen King’s novel, IT, continues to capture attention as the highest-grossing horror movie ever made. The original release dominated box offices worldwide and remains a defining success in the genre. This resurgence comes as the new spin-off series, IT: Welcome to Derry, prepares to debut next week, prompting renewed interest in the first film, especially on streaming platforms such as HBO Max.
The original IT movie, directed by Andy Muschietti and released in 2017, starred Finn Wolfhard, Sophia Lillis, Jaeden Martell, Jack Dylan Grazer, and Bill Skarsgård, who portrayed the eerie Pennywise the Dancing Clown. Its follow-up, IT: Chapter 2, showed the characters as adults and featured actors like Jessica Chastain, Bill Hader, and James McAvoy. Though the sequel earned less at the box office than its predecessor, it still became the second-highest grossing horror film for a time until The Conjuring: Last Rites surpassed it with nearly $500 million globally. Yet, The Conjuring 4’s recent home release signals a shift, as audiences turn back to IT in anticipation of the new spin-off.
Growing Popularity of IT on Streaming Platforms
Streaming data from FlixPatrol revealed a spike in IT’s viewership on HBO Max, where it ranked as the sixth-most-watched film globally on October 24, trailing behind top titles like James Gunn’s Superman. This surge in popularity highlights the enduring appeal of Stephen King’s original story and its cinematic adaptation. Bill Skarsgård reprises his role as Pennywise in the new series IT: Welcome to Derry, set to premiere on HBO on October 26.
Comparing the Spin-Off Series to the Original Films
IT: Welcome to Derry is positioned as a prequel to the original movies, exploring events that precede the storyline audiences are familiar with. The series features a notable ensemble cast led by Taylour Paige and Jovan Adepo, introducing fresh faces alongside Bill Skarsgård’s return. Although the show has garnered mostly mixed to positive reviews, it has not yet matched the critical acclaim of the films. The original IT holds an 85% certified fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, whereas Welcome to Derry sits at 78%.
Emma Kiely of Collider remarked that the series, in her view,
pales in comparison to what Muschietti was able to do with his movie adaptations.
— Emma Kiely, Collider
Box Office Milestones and Cast Highlights
The original IT remains an extraordinary box office success, earning over $700 million worldwide and becoming one of the most lucrative R-rated horror films ever released. Its sequel followed with more than $470 million in global earnings. The cast of the spin-off broadens the story’s scope with figures like Taylour Paige as Charlotte Hanlon and Jovan Adepo among the leads.
IT: Welcome to Derry will be available to watch on HBO starting Sunday, inviting both longtime fans and new viewers to explore the chilling origins of King’s terrifying mythos and experience the return of Pennywise in a fresh narrative context.
