The best of Stephen King: six adaptations scheduled for release in 2025 that every King of Horror fan should see –

Stephen King fans are gearing up for an exciting year in 2025, as these major adaptations of his works will appear on both the big and small screen. The upcoming adaptations promise to bring to life the chilling, thought-provoking worlds King is famous for, and here’s a closer look at each one.

The Monkey (Feb. 21, 2025)

Directed by Osgood Perkins, this supernatural horror follows two siblings who discover a cursed toy monkey. Every time the monkey’s cymbals collide, someone dies around them. As the deaths continue, they are determined to destroy the toy and end the terrifying cycle. With a talented cast that includes Theo James, Elijah Wood and Tatiana Maslany, The Monkey will be a dark and bloody ride.

Life of Chuck (May 30, 2025)

In The Life of Chuck, directed by Mike Flanagan, Stephen Kings exploration of life and death takes a deeply emotional turn. The film chronicles the life of Charles Krantz (played by Tom Hiddleston), from his death from a brain tumor at age 39 to his childhood in a possibly haunted house. The film unfolds in reverse, adding depth to the character’s tragic and fascinating journey. Early festival reviews have been positive and the film’s terrific cast, including Chiwetel Ejiofor, Karen Gillan and Mark Hamill, only raises expectations.

The Running Man (Nov. 7, 2025)

A remake of King’s iconic dystopian thriller, The Running Man follows a wrongly convicted man who is forced to participate in a deadly game of entertainment. The 1987 version, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, is a cult classic, but this new adaptation directed by Edgar Wright brings fresh energy to the story. Glen Powell shines as the lead actor, with Josh Brolin, Emilia Jones and Michael Cera completing the cast. This adaptation, due out in November, promises to be just as action-packed and exciting as its predecessor.

The Long Walk (2025, not yet released)

Another adaptation that fans are excited about is The Long Walk, a relentless dystopian tale set in a future where young participants in a totalitarian regime must endure a grueling race across the country at a constant pace. Directed by Francis Lawrence, the mastermind behind The Hunger Games series, The Long Walk starred Mark Hamill, Judy Greer and David Jonsson. Filming began in mid-2024 and if all goes according to plan, it should hit theaters in late 2025.

The Institute (2025, to be confirmed)

For fans of King’s more recent works, the TV series The Institute will bring to life the terrifying story of gifted children held captive in a sinister institution. The series, based on King’s 2019 novel, will star Mary-Louise Parker and Ben Barnes. The Institute, which airs on MGM+ (Amazon Prime Video), promises to combine supernatural elements with emotional drama similar to the tone of Stranger Things as it delves into the dark mysteries surrounding the children’s abilities.

IT: Welcome to Derry (2025, not yet released)

Fans of IT will be delighted with the upcoming Welcome to Derry series, directed by Andy Muschietti, who helmed the two It films. In a recent interview, Muschietti revealed that the series will span three seasons, each focusing on a different era of Pennywise’s terrifying existence. The first season, set in 1962, will explore chilling events such as the Bradley Gang Massacre, followed by 1935 in season two and 1908 in the third. These time jumps join Pennywise’s 27-year cycle of terror and offer a deeper dive into Derry’s dark history and the notorious clown’s deadly presence.

With these big projects in the pipeline, 2025 will be an exciting year for Stephen King fans. Whether on the big screen or in the comfort of your living room, there will be plenty of chilling adventures to look forward to.

Which adaptation are you most looking forward to?