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Halloween Day by Day: Top Five Stephen King Adaptations

 

If there is one writer who's indelibly linked to horror, it'd have to be Stephen King.  And when you're as skilled- and prolific a writer as Stephen King, there will inevitably be adaptations of your writing.

So, today, I present you my "Top Five Stephen King Adaptations"!

1.  "The Dead Zone" (1983)-  Directed by David Cronenberg, and starring Christopher Walken, this is one of my favorites.  It is a well crafted, and spooky retelling of the story of a man who becomes psychic after an accident, and whose life get entangled with that of a politician who's fated to destroy the world.

2.  "Misery" (1990)-  One of the most faithful adaptations of a story about a writer who meets his "number one fan" after she rescues him from a car accident.  Starring Kathy Bates, and James Caan, director Rob Reiner gives us a slow burning, tale of horror that keeps you on the edge of your seat.  The sledgehammer scene especially is shudder inducing.

3.  "The Mist" (2007)-  This story of a small town invaded by a strange mist hiding untold horrors is chilling and a fearful examination of what happens when people are isolated amidst a crisis with no leadership.  The ending especially is gut wrenching and horrific.

4.  "Carrie" (2013)-  The second adaptation of the story about a young girl with telekinetic abilities, having to deal with a fanatical mother, and high school bullies... until she's finally had enough.  A great modern take on the book with stunning visual effects, and marvelous acting.

5.  "It" (2017)-  The first part of the most recent adaptation for the story of childhood friends coming together to defeat an ancient evil stalking the children of their small hometown.  A well paced, visually stunning, and definitely scary movie that brings more of the original source material to the screen.

So, there you have it- my "Top Five Stephen King Adaptations"... and yes... you're absolutely right... Stanley Kubrick's version of "The Shining" IS NOT on it...

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