Stephen Kingfans have a lot to look forward to, as three unique movies based on the author’s work will be released this year. King is the second most adapted author of all time, only behind William Shakespeare, so it’s not necessarily a surprise that several movies based on his novels are coming out this year. However, it is interesting that none of these movies are true horror films. Since the author is known as the “King of Horror,” this is surprising, but also exciting since many ofthe best Stephen King adaptations aren’t horror movies.
Thebest Stephen King booksincludeIt,The Shining, andSalem’s Lot. These have all been adapted into successful horror films, but the author’s non-horror works have also found success. For example,Stand By Me,The Shawshank Redemption, andThe Green Mileare three of the highest-rated King movies. Therefore, even though they’re not based on horror novels, I’m still so excited for theseupcoming Stephen King moviesthat will be released this year.The Life of Chuck,The Long Walk, andThe Running Manwill all be very different from each otherand show the range of the author.
The Life Of Chuck, The Long Walk, And The Running Man Are Next Up For King Adaptations
And They All Represent A Different Kind Of King Story
First up isThe Life of Chuck, which will begin its wide theatrical run on June 11, 2025 and follow Chuck, a man who is diagnosed with a brain tumor and starts reflecting on his entire life. Instead of focusing on horror, this film will tell a very emotional and uplifting story. Then,later in the year,The Long WalkandThe Running Manare two films that will be based on dystopian novels by King. Even though they will both be dystopian movies,The Long WalkandThe Running Manwill likely have very different tones.
2025 Already Produced A Typical King Horror Movie
And It Was A Hit
Based on the premises of the aforementioned movies,it is clear thatThe Life of Chuckmay inspire audiences,The Long Walkwill be a disturbing watch, andThe Running Manmay be a more entertaining action movie that features a bit less tragedy. WhileThe Long Walkmay include some elements of horror, it’s also clear that none of these projects are traditional horror movies. This may disappoint some King fans, but a horror movie based on one of the author’s short stories was already released this year.
The Monkeywas released in February 2025 and was based on a short story of the same name by the author.Reviews forThe Monkey, which follows twin brothers who discover a wind-up monkey which causes the deaths of people around them, were generally positive. Additionally,it was briefly the highest-grossing horror movie of the year until the release of Ryan Coogler’sSinners. Therefore, King fans who prefer his horror stories already received a solid adaptation earlier this year.
This Is An Exciting Time To Be A Stephen King Fan
There’s Something For Everyone, And Even More On The Way
SinceThe Life of Chuck,The Long Walk, andThe Running Manwill all be released this year, now is a very exciting time to be a Stephen King fan. In addition to these projects,It: Welcome to Derrywill be releasing on the small screen this summer. This series, which will air on HBO, will see thereturn of Pennywise the Clown, and adapt some of the chapter interludes that are included inIt, which is one of King’s most popular novels.
Projects based onFairy Tale,Billy Summers,Cujo, andChristineare also in development.
Beyond this year,there are also several very exciting Stephen King projects to look forward to. Mike Flanagan, who directedThe Life of Chuck, will continue adapting King’s work after its release. He is developing aCarrieminiseries, as well as aDark Towershow, which could be the most ambitious King adaption ever. Additionally, projects based onFairy Tale,Billy Summers,Cujo, andChristineare also in development. Therefore, in addition toThe Life of Chuck,The Long Walk, andThe Running Man, these upcoming projects prove that it is a great time to be aStephen Kingfan.
The Life of Chuck
Cast
The Life of Chuck is a film exploring the life of Chuck Krantz, presented in reverse chronological order.
The Long Walk
The Long Walk, set to be released in 2025, follows sixteen-year-old Ray Garraty among fifty boys participating in an annual, harrowing endurance challenge. Governed by strict rules and the ominous consequence of receiving a ticket, the event underscores the chilling reality that only one can emerge victorious from this relentless competition.
The Running Man
The Running Man centers on a man participating in a perilous game show where contestants evade deadly “Hunters” in a global pursuit.
