Stephen King’s acclaimed thriller Misery is set to stream for free beginning October 31, 2025, offering horror fans a chance to revisit this iconic psychological drama. The film, adapted from King’s 1987 novel, will be accessible on the Tubi platform as part of its Halloween lineup.
About the Film and Its Acclaimed Cast
Directed by Rob Reiner, Misery stars James Caan as Paul Sheldon, a writer who becomes trapped following a severe car accident. Kathy Bates delivers an unforgettable performance as Annie Wilkes, Sheldon’s devoted yet dangerously obsessive fan. Bates’ portrayal earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress, the only Oscar win for any Stephen King adaptation to date.
The story is confined largely to a remote cabin where Wilkes cares for Sheldon after his crash. However, when she discovers that Sheldon plans to kill off her favorite fictional character, her care takes a violent turn. Supporting performances include Richard Farnsworth, Lauren Bacall, Frances Sternhagen, and Graham Jarvis, each contributing to the tense atmosphere of the film.
Critical Reception and Legacy of Misery
Since its November 1990 release, Misery has grossed $61.3 million worldwide and holds a 91% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. William Goldman crafted the screenplay, with Reiner and Andrew Scheinman producing. Critics highlighted Kathy Bates’ intense and realistic depiction of Annie Wilkes, establishing the character as one of cinema’s most formidable villains.
The film’s success paved the way for further Stephen King adaptations such as Frank Darabont’s The Shawshank Redemption in 1994, which earned seven Academy Award nominations, and The Green Mile in 1999, which received four Oscar nods, including Best Picture and Best Supporting Actor.
The Importance of Misery’s Availability for Streaming
Making Misery available for free streaming on Tubi strengthens the film’s enduring presence in horror and thriller genres. This release allows new viewers and longtime fans to experience a cornerstone of Stephen King’s legacy without cost, further cementing the story’s status as a classic ahead of Halloween 2025.
