In early 2025, Stephen King film adaptations dominated the entertainment landscape, as Hollywood continued to tap into the prolific writer’s vast library. Among these, The Monkey stood out as an unexpected gem, shifting the classic horror story into a dark comedy, captivating audiences and critics alike with its unique approach and strong performances.
The Surprising Rise of The Monkey on Streaming Platforms
The Monkey premiered in theaters on February 21, 2025, with distribution handled by Neon. Its release on Hulu on August 7 quickly propelled the film into the spotlight, where it climbed to the No. 1 position in the U.S. streaming charts by its second day. Nearly a year later, it remains one of the most enduring and underrated Stephen King adaptations of recent years, combining faithful elements from King’s 1980 short story with inventive twists that rejuvenated the narrative.
The film’s ability to maintain cultural relevance in a crowded market, where many adaptations fade rapidly, underscores its careful balance of homage and innovation, setting it apart from more conventional horror retellings.
A Closer Look at The Monkey’s Plot and Cast
The Monkey tells the chilling tale of twin brothers Bill and Hal, who unearth a sinister drum-playing toy monkey amid their father’s possessions, triggering a series of bizarre and fatal events. Theo James plays both brothers, supported by a strong ensemble cast including Tatiana Maslany, Christian Convery, Colin O’Brien, Rohan Campbell, Sarah Levy, Adam Scott, and Elijah Wood.
As the first Stephen King adaptation released in 2025, The Monkey received largely favorable reviews from critics, boasting a Certified Fresh rating of 77% on Rotten Tomatoes. Audience reaction was more divided, with a 55% approval rating, reflecting mixed feelings towards the genre shift and storytelling style.
Produced on an $11 million budget, the film proved financially successful, grossing $63.7 million worldwide. This impressive performance brought substantial profit to Neon and confirmed the movie’s wide appeal beyond its initial critical acclaim.
The Director’s Vision and King’s Approval
Director Oz Perkins, known for his work on Longlegs, took the helm of The Monkey, steering it away from pure horror towards a blend of dark comedy. This tonal change earned praise from Stephen King himself, demonstrating a rare authorial endorsement for a significant departure from the original atmosphere.
“The thing is, humor and horror are Siamese twins,”
King said,
“They’re very close. I think that it stops being funny when it starts being you.”
– Stephen King
King further complimented the adaptation’s portrayal of the deaths, likening them to cartoonish antics:
“Oz [Perkins] is right when he says that the deaths are like Wile E. Coyote,”
King shared.
“Man, there are a couple of things in this movie that just made me howl. I mean, I just sort of hate myself for howling, but I howled nonetheless.”
– Stephen King
Other Key Stephen King Adaptations of 2025
While The Monkey opened the year, 2025 continued to deliver for King enthusiasts with several high-profile projects. Mike Flanagan’s The Life of Chuck premiered in summer theaters before launching on digital platforms, drawing attention for its haunting storytelling. Meanwhile, MGM+ released The Institute, which remains a strong performer on streaming charts.
The year also revisited King’s classic novels The Running Man and The Long Walk. The Running Man is the second screen adaptation of King’s 1982 novel, following the 1987 Schwarzenegger-led movie. The Long Walk, after years of development struggles, was directed by Francis Lawrence and emerged as one of the year’s most emotionally intense films.
Where to Watch The Monkey Today
Currently, The Monkey is available for streaming on Hulu, offering viewers a fresh perspective on Stephen King’s work marked by its sharp humor and eerie atmosphere. Fans of King’s stories and newcomers alike can experience one of the most distinctive adaptations of the past year.
