For a truly spine-chilling spooky season, look no further than Stephen King’s dual recommendations: surprising film and TV gems he personally adores, alongside a frightening lineup of recent adaptations from his own legendary literary catalogue.
When it comes to the spooky season, who better to consult for the ultimate fright night watchlist than Stephen King? The undisputed master of horror, whose countless novels and short stories have defined generations of terror, has graciously shared his top picks for movies, TV shows, and even a book to immerse yourself in this Halloween.
What’s truly exciting for fans is that King has offered two distinct categories of recommendations: a set of personal, sometimes surprising, external favorites, and a curated list of recent adaptations based on his own celebrated works. This dual insight provides a comprehensive guide for anyone looking to embrace the darker side of entertainment, directly from the source of so much literary dread.
King’s Unconventional Halloween Favorites: Beyond His Own Universe
In a revealing chat with EW, Stephen King, accompanied by his equally talented writer son Joe Hill, unveiled a few unexpected gems that have recently captured his attention. These aren’t his stories, but films and series that have genuinely impressed the seasoned horror maestro, proving his taste remains as sharp and discerning as ever.
Film: The Surprising Delight of Child’s Play Remake
Among his personal film recommendations, King singled out the 2019 remake of Child’s Play, a choice that might surprise many. Initially skeptical, King confessed he “didn’t go see it in the theaters” expecting “just another warmed-over sequel.” However, the film, which features Mark Hamill lending his iconic voice to Chucky, utterly won him over. King “f—ing loved that movie,” praising its smart script and the terrific performances from the entire cast.
He highlighted a scene involving Christmas lights and a ladder, describing it as gruesomely funny. This endorsement from the author known for unsettling narratives like The Shining and It speaks volumes about the remake’s ability to blend humor with genuine horror, creating a truly enjoyable, albeit violent, experience. This particular recommendation was shared during an interview with Entertainment Weekly.
TV Show: The French Terror of Marianne
For television, King pointed fans toward the French Netflix series, Marianne. He described it as “very, very scary,” noting that it carries a distinct “Stranger Things vibe” while also incorporating a touch of his own signature style. The series is known for its intense atmosphere and genuinely unsettling supernatural elements, making it a perfect pick for those seeking a truly chilling binge-watch experience this Halloween.
Book: Leigh Bardugo’s Adult Fantasy, Ninth House
King’s literary recommendation for the spooky season is Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo. He enthusiastically championed it as “like Harry Potter but for grownups.” This dark fantasy novel is praised by King for being “scary, it’s smart, it’s imaginative,” leaving him hoping for more from Bardugo. For readers looking for a captivating and eerie narrative that delves into occult societies and dark academia, King’s endorsement makes Ninth House an essential addition to any Halloween reading list.
The Master’s Own Creations: Stephen King’s Adaptation Picks for Halloween
Beyond his personal favorites, Stephen King also took to social media to guide fans through some of the most recent and impactful adaptations of his own novels. In a post shared on Threads, the author explicitly declared, “Need some Steve King for Halloween? Gotcha covered,” before listing five must-watch films and series based on his terrifying tales. These selections, published just days before Halloween, were detailed by Parade.
The Institute (2025)
Topping King’s list of adaptations is The Institute, an 8-episode thriller series that premiered on MGM+ in July 2025. Based on his novel of the same name, the series follows 12-year-old genius Luke Ellis, who awakens in a mysterious facility filled with children possessing unusual abilities. Featuring a notable cast including Ben Barnes and Mary-Louise Parker, The Institute has already been renewed for a second season, promising more supernatural suspense. All episodes are available on MGM+ and Amazon Prime Video.
1922 (2017)
Next up is the chilling 2017 horror film 1922, an adaptation of King’s 2010 novella. This harrowing story stars Thomas Jane as a rancher who conspires to murder his wife, enlisting his son in the dark deed. The film delves into the psychological unraveling of its characters, providing a grim and unsettling experience perfect for a truly frightful Halloween. 1922 is currently streaming on Netflix.
Gerald’s Game (2017)
Another 2017 Netflix adaptation, Gerald’s Game, earns a spot on King’s list. Directed by horror visionary Mike Flanagan, this psychological thriller thrusts a woman (Carla Gugino) into an impossible and terrifying situation after her husband (Bruce Greenwood) unexpectedly dies of a heart attack while she is handcuffed to the bed. Her fight for survival against her own mind and unseen threats makes for a truly suspenseful watch. You can find Gerald’s Game on Netflix.
Lisey’s Story (2021)
The 2021 mini-series Lisey’s Story, adapted from King’s 2006 novel, is a captivating and often unsettling drama. Starring Julianne Moore as a widow targeted by a dangerous stalker obsessed with her late husband’s work, the series explores themes of grief, memory, and supernatural connections. Consisting of eight episodes, Lisey’s Story offers a deeply personal and unsettling narrative available to watch on Apple TV+.
IT: Welcome to Derry
Last but certainly not least, King highlighted his newest small-screen project, IT: Welcome to Derry. This HBO original series serves as a prequel to the highly successful 2017 film, diving into the origins of the terrifying clown Pennywise (portrayed by Bill Skarsgård) and the creepy Maine town where it all began. The series premiered on October 26, 2025, with a special early release for its second episode on Halloween night, followed by weekly airings. It offers fans a deeper look into the lore of one of King’s most iconic villains.
Beyond the Immediate Picks: King’s Broader Horror Landscape
While his recent recommendations offer plenty to chew on, Stephen King also playfully teased his followers, stating, “You can find other stuff, too. If you’re brave enough.” This nod to his vast body of work reminds fans that his influence on the horror genre extends far beyond these recent selections.
For those looking to delve deeper into his classics this Halloween, a plethora of acclaimed adaptations remain perennial favorites:
- The Shining (1980): A psychological masterpiece that continues to haunt audiences.
- Carrie (1976 and 2013): The quintessential tale of bullied teen telekinesis.
- Children of the Corn (1984): A chilling dive into rural horror and fanatical youth.
- Pet Sematary (1989 and 2019): Exploring the ultimate dread of death and resurrection.
Furthermore, King’s appreciation for horror isn’t limited to his own creations. His broader watchlist includes genre-defining films like Alien (1979), The Exorcist (1973), and Psycho (1960), along with more contemporary series like Dark (2017–2020) and Mindhunter (2017–2019). These titles, often cited as his favorites, highlight his deep understanding and love for diverse forms of cinematic and televised terror.
Embrace the Fear: A Halloween Curated by the Master
This Halloween, whether you’re seeking a surprising new fright from an unexpected source or revisiting the chilling worlds born from his own imagination, Stephen King has truly covered all bases. His recommendations offer a rich tapestry of horror, from psychological thrillers to creature features and supernatural dramas, ensuring that every fan finds something to send shivers down their spine. So dim the lights, grab your popcorn, and prepare for a spooky season curated by the one and only master of horror.
