By Shannon McGrew
Stephen King is a powerhouse in the world of horror. With over 60 books and 200 short stories to his name, he’s explored every corner of the genre—from supernatural nightmares to real-world terrors. As we anticipate the latest adaptation of his work, THE MONKEY, let’s look back at some of his most chilling short stories that have made the leap from page to screen.
CHILDREN OF THE CORN (1984)
Director: Fritz Kiersch
Based on the short story of the same name from Stephen King's 1976 collection, "Night Shift."
Plot: When a young couple stumbles upon a rural town, they quickly realize something is off - no adults are in sight. Soon, they uncover the horrifying truth: the town’s children have slaughtered all the grown-ups in the name of a demonic deity.
What began as a single film has become a behemoth franchise with 11 movies spanning generations. Despite being one of the lesser-celebrated franchises, it has carved out a lasting legacy in the horror genre and made us all afraid of kids.
THE MANGLER (1995)
Director: Tobe Hooper
Based on the short story of the same name from Stephen King's 1976 collection, "Night Shift."
Plot: After a series of gruesome deaths at Gartley’s Blue Ribbon Laundry, police officer John Hunton begins to suspect that something far more sinister is at play—something supernatural may be possessing the industrial laundry press.
Featuring killer death scenes and an unhinged performance by Robert Englund, THE MANGLER has secured its place as a cult favorite. While it may not get the same recognition as other King adaptations, it has found a devoted following among the Midnight Movie crowd.
1408 (2007)
Director: Mikael Håfström
Based on the short story of the same name from Stephen King's 2002 collection, "Everything's Eventual."
Plot: Michael Enslin, a skeptic who debunks paranormal phenomena for a living, checks into the infamous Room 1408 at the Dolphin Hotel. What starts as just another assignment quickly turns into a night of pure terror—one he may not escape.
John Cusack delivers a gripping performance as a man unraveling in the face of true terror. With its eerie atmosphere and impressive practical effects, 1408 stands out as one of the best supernatural horror films adapted from King’s work.
THE BOOGEYMAN (2023)
Director: Rob Savage
Based on the short story of the same name from Stephen King's 1976 collection, "Night Shift."
Plot: After suffering a devastating loss, a grieving family finds themselves stalked by a shape-shifting entity that thrives on their pain and trauma.
While many of King’s earlier adaptations lack the modern scares we’ve come to expect, THE BOOGEYMAN proves that his stories still pack a punch. Despite the short story being only 12 pages, the film skillfully expands the narrative, turning it into a chilling, all-encompassing experience.
THE MONKEY (2025)
Director: Osgood Perkins
Based on the short story of the same name from Stephen King's 1985 collection, "Skeleton Crew."
THE MONKEY centers on a cursed cymbal-banging monkey toy that unleashes death and destruction on anyone unfortunate enough to be in its presence.
In the latest King adaptation, Osgood Perkins dives deep into nightmare-fuel territory with a cursed monkey, transforming it into a gripping tale about sibling rivalry, trauma, and breaking free from the haunting grip of the past. And if that wasn’t enough, it delivers more gore than all the previous adaptations combined.
With no end in sight to King’s prolific writing, it’s exciting to imagine what new feats of horror he has in store for years to come. Until then, be sure to check out THE MONKEY when it hits theaters on February 21st.