Stephen King, the master of horror, has shared his top five movie and show recommendations for Halloween, highlighting how his stories and their adaptations remain perfect for the spooky season. His Stephen King Halloween recommendations showcase a variety of films and series that capture the eerie and unsettling mood ideal for October viewing.
Stephen King’s Recommended Films and Series for Halloween
On the social platform Threads, Stephen King listed five adaptations for Halloween, specifying where viewers can stream each title. The selections include The Institute (available on MGM+ and Prime Video), 1922 (Netflix), Gerald’s Game (Netflix), Lisey’s Story (Apple TV+), and IT: Welcome to Derry (HBO Max). Beyond these, King also encourages fans to explore additional adaptations of his works.
Premiere of IT: Welcome to Derry and Its Significance
King’s suggestion to watch the upcoming IT: Welcome to Derry prequel series coincides with the show’s premiere on HBO Max. This series adapts interlude chapters from King’s original novel and stars Bill Skarsgård reprising his role as Pennywise, the iconic and terrifying clown recognized as one of the author’s most infamous characters.
The Institute and Its Continued Storyline
Following the debut of Welcome to Derry, King recommends The Institute, the latest television adaptation among his list. The first season, which aired eight episodes in summer 2025, has already been renewed for a second season that will continue the story beyond the original book, offering fresh content that expands on King’s narrative.
Mike Flanagan’s Impact and Gerald’s Game Inclusion
Gerald’s Game receives mention, marking the beginning of director Mike Flanagan’s collaboration with King’s work. The 2017 film was Flanagan’s first project based on a King story and was followed by acclaimed adaptations such as Doctor Sleep, The Life of Chuck, and the recently filmed Carrie series for Prime Video. Flanagan’s growing body of King adaptations makes Gerald’s Game a notable selection in this list.
Highlighting Underrated Adaptations: Lisey’s Story and 1922
King also points to Lisey’s Story and 1922, which many consider underrated entries among his adaptations. Lisey’s Story was adapted into a 2021 miniseries starring Julianne Moore and Clive Owen, while 1922 is a 2017 film praised with a 92% critical rating on Rotten Tomatoes, reflecting its strong reception. These works spotlight notable but sometimes overlooked corners of King’s wide-ranging adaptations.
King’s Perspective on His Adaptations and Their Legacy
While Stephen King has openly criticized certain adaptations of his work, notably Stanley Kubrick’s version of The Shining, his endorsement of The Institute, 1922, Gerald’s Game, Lisey’s Story, and IT: Welcome to Derry underscores their significance. These selections represent a quality standard among countless adaptations, reinforcing why they remain essential viewing for those interested in experiencing King’s chilling stories this Halloween.
