10 Worst Changes Movies Made From Stephen King's Books

Dec. 19, 2024, 7 p.m.

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10 Worst Changes Movies Made From Stephen King's Books

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Warning: This article discusses violence and suicide.

Stephen King’s books are typically fantastic and compelling, but unfortunately, some of the changes in the movie adaptations ruin the story. Stephen King’s books, which also include short story collections, often make brilliant films. The King of Horror’s ability to craft a gripping narrative is like no other, which is why it’s such a shame when the movies fail to replicate it.

There are several amazing Stephen King movies, and their respective directors do a good job of bringing the story to life. Some titles throw out certain parts of the narrative or characterizations to mix things up, but this doesn’t always work, and the production teams of the upcoming Stephen King movie and TV adaptations need to keep this in mind. Readers are often confused about these changes, especially when it impacts the overall tone of Stephen King’s story.

10 Jack Torrance Freezing To Death

The Shining (1980)

One major change to The Shining’s ending in Stanley Kubrick’s adaptation is how Jack Torrance dies. After Jack tries to track Danny down by trekking through the huge garden maze, only to fail, he ends up freezing to death. But in the novel, Jack’s end is very different. While Jack succumbs to his snowy fate in the film, he fights back against the hotel in The Shining book.

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The novel's climax is a far better ending for Jack, and while he’s still one of Stephen King’s best human villains even after this, his ending in the book offers some redemption. Jack battles against the hotel’s possession long enough to tell Danny to run. Once Danny and Wendy escape, Jack perishes when the Overlook’s boiler explodes.

Considering the influence the hotel has on Jack, this is a more fitting climax for him, and his last moments in the novel paint him as having some remaining humanity.

Checking on the boiler is one of Jack’s responsibilities at the hotel, which is mentioned throughout the book, so it makes sense that this is how his demise comes about. Considering the influence the hotel has on Jack, this is a more fitting climax for him, and his last moments in the novel paint him as having some remaining humanity.

9 Changing Tony

The Shining (1980)

In The Shining movie, audiences are introduced to Tony as Danny’s imaginary friend. The young boy frequently wiggles his finger in order for Tony to communicate through him, which is undoubtedly creepy. However, the execution of the Tony character is one of the biggest differences between The Shining book and movie, and readers are typically confused by this change.

The Shining has a Rotten Tomatoes score of 83%.

In the novel, Tony is a whole separate entity and isn’t a part of Danny’s physical form. In fact, the iconic “REDRUM” scene is completely different in the film because of this. In King’s written version of The Shining, Tony shows Danny the word on a bathroom mirror, rather than Jack shining it into his mind.

Your Rating close 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 star 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star 0/10 Leave a Review Your changes have been saved My List My Favorite Movies My Watchlist Success! 22 9/10 The Shining Stanley Kubrick's horror classic starring Jack Nicholson and Shelley Duvall tells the story of the Torrance family, who move to the isolated Overlook Hotel so that father Jack Torrance can act as its winter caretaker. Stuck at the hotel due to the winter storms, the malevolent supernatural forces inhabiting the building slowly begin to drive Jack insane, causing his wife and psychically gifted son to be caught up in a fight for their lives when Jack is pushed over the edge. Release Date June 13, 1980 Runtime 146 minutes Cast Danny Lloyd , Shelley Duvall Jack Nicholson , Scatman Crothers Director Stanley Kubrick Writers Diane Johnson , Stanley Kubrick

Although the way Stanley Kubrick presents Danny’s imaginary friend doesn’t seem a big deal initially, it alters the narrative more than viewers realize. Tony is an extension of Danny, a future manifestation of him, which highlights how powerful his hidden abilities are. Many find this quite frustrating, especially as Tony proves himself to be a great support for Danny later in the novel, but this is missing from the film.

8 Changing The Protagonist's Mission

The Running Man (1987)

There are several things from King’s book that The Running Man remake must get right, including mistakes that the 1987 adaptation makes. The most notable difference between King’s The Running Man and the ‘80s film is Ben Richards’ main motivation. In the novel, Ben is an impoverished ex-police officer who only accepts his new job role for the sake of looking after his family, especially his gravely unwell daughter.

Arnold Schwarzenegger’s interpretation of the character in the film is overly macho in both appearance and attitude, and Ben’s movie story barely resembles his book counterpart. The events that lead him to working on the titular show are very different. In the book, Ben volunteers after his wife turns to prostitution so they can pay for their child’s medicine.

Your Rating close 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 star 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star 0/10 Leave a Review Your changes have been saved My List My Favorite Movies My Watchlist Success! 8/10 5.5/10 The Running Man Directed by Paul Michael Glaser, The Running Man is a sci-fi action film starring Arnold Schwarzenegger as Captain Ben Richards, a former cop who's forced to compete in a deadly game show where criminals fight for their lives. The 1987 movie is based on a Stephen King novel under his pen name Richard Bachman. Release Date November 13, 1987 Runtime 101 minutes Cast Maria Conchita Alonso , Yaphet Kotto , Jesse Ventura , Arnold Schwarzenegger , Richard Dawson Director Paul Michael Glaser

But in the movie, he is forced into being cast after he escapes from a prison camp, after serving 18 months for a crime he didn’t commit. Cathy’s illness fuels Ben, and although his determination to fight back against a totalitarian society is a great motivator, he has less to lose in the movie. Hopefully, Edgar Wright's The Running Man will differ from Schwarzenegger’s version.

7 The Explosion Is All A Dream

Cell (2016)

Cell is an essential Stephen King story that is better than the movie in several ways. While the film makes strange alterations to King’s book, like ignoring the Raggedy Man, one crucial change that stands out is the ending. At the end of King’s Cell, Clay finally reaches up to his son. Johnny is infected by the Pulse, and in a rather abrupt end to the novel, Clay attempts to fix him with another blast.

However, the movie ending oddly throws out an “it was all a dream” twist, which completely changes the end of the story. In the final moments of the 2016 adaptation, it is revealed that the communications tower explosion scene is simply an illusion, and Clay is actually infected, which leaves him in a sea of mindless figures stumbling around.

Your Rating close 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 star 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star 0/10 Leave a Review Your changes have been saved My List My Favorite Movies My Watchlist Success! Cell Cell is a 2016 science fiction horror film directed by Tod Williams and based on the novel by Stephen King. Starring John Cusack and Samuel L. Jackson, the film follows a graphic novelist who bands together with a group of survivors after a mysterious signal broadcast over the cellular network turns most of humanity into mindless, violent savages. As they navigate a dystopian landscape, they strive to find safety and answers. Release Date July 6, 2016 Runtime 98 minutes Cast Ethan Andrew Casto , Clark Sarullo , Isabelle Fuhrman , Samuel L. Jackson , John Cusack Director Tod Williams

The movie ending is a disappointment compared to the book, and even though King leaves Clay and Johnny’s fate unclear, it works a lot better than the film’s anticlimactic payoff. Clay’s journey feels wasted in the movie, especially as there is little foreshadowing, and it dampens the power of his father-son relationship with Johnny.

6 Alan Pangborn’s Characterization

Needful Things (1993)

Ed Harris is one of four actors who portrays Alan Pangborn, but his version of the character in the 1993 adaptation of Needful Things is quite different from the book character. In the novel, Sheriff Pangborn is down on his luck and trying to restart his life again, following the death of his wife and son in a tragic car accident. The film’s depiction of him, however, paints Pangborn as an enraged and suspicious man.

Your Rating close 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 star 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star 0/10 Leave a Review Your changes have been saved My List My Favorite Movies My Watchlist Success! Needful Things Needful Things is a 1993 horror film directed by Fraser Clarke Heston, based on the Stephen King novel. The story centers around a mysterious shop owned by Leland Gaunt (Max von Sydow) in Castle Rock, Maine. Gaunt's seemingly harmless items bring out the worst in the town's residents, leading to chaos and violence. Ed Harris stars as Sheriff Alan Pangborn, who attempts to uncover Gaunt's true motives. Release Date August 27, 1993 Runtime 120 minutes Cast Max Von Sydow , Ed Harris , J.T. Walsh , Bonnie Bedelia , Amanda Plummer Director Fraser C. Heston

He constantly shouts and is quick to fly off the handle, which is a shame, considering Pangborn’s book character is much more complex and nuanced. While there is a reference to Pangborn losing his family, it’s only brief. Pangborn’s grief is a huge part of his character arc, and while the change in his personality goes against the words of Stephen King’s Needful Things, it could be justified if the movie bothers to properly explain why he is so quick to anger.

5 How The Machines Gain Sentience

Maximum Overdrive (1986)

The 1986 movie Maximum Overdrive is an adaptation of Trucks, from Stephen King’s collection of short stories, Night Shift. Trucks purposefully leaves certain things vague, although this adds to the overall tone of the story. One thing it specifically doesn’t explain is how the machines gain sentience.

Related 10 Horror Movies That Ripped Off Stephen King Stories There are many horror movies that have either ripped off Stephen King's work or have been extremely influenced by his novels and short stories.

Trucks focuses mainly on the survivors and their attempts to stay safe from the various mechanical monstrosities that now roam the streets, and the ambiguity of what causes this makes the narrative even more unsettling. The movie version takes a completely different approach, however, and explains that the machines come to life because of a mysterious comet.

Your Rating close 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 star 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star 0/10 Leave a Review Your changes have been saved My List My Favorite Movies My Watchlist Success! 7/10 Maximum Overdrive Written and directed by Stephen King, Maximum Overdrive is a 1986 horror movie about a group of people who are trapped at a truck stop when all the machines in the world, including trucks, cars, and lawn mowers, become sentient and homicidal. Release Date July 25, 1986 Runtime 98 minutes Cast Emilio Estevez , Laura Harrington , Pat Hingle , Yeardley Smith , John Short , Ellen McElduff , Frankie Faison Director Stephen King

Maximum Overdrive is one of Stephen King’s most criticized adaptations, and the author himself even believes that it’s one of his worst films. This is why this story change is so odd, as King himself is the one to make the alteration to the script. The bizarre and over-the-top science fiction explanation isn’t unusual for King, but the idea is also partially formed, and the lack of further context makes it even more confusing.

4 Burke Is Turned By Barlow

Salem's Lot (2024)

The 2024 remake of Salem’s Lot makes a change to Burke’s fate that does make sense, but it isn’t necessarily a good one. In the movie, Burke is turned by Barlow, rather than succumbing to a heart attack like in the book. Although Burke passing away in a hospital bed isn’t the most dramatic thing, it’s a very human way to die.

Considering how fixated he is on trying to help the others fight against the vampires, it’s a little eerie that he dies knowing that one might arrive at any moment to kill him. This subplot is one of the most notable differences between the 2024 Salem’s Lot movie and book. Burke spends a majority of the story in the hospital, but this doesn’t stop him from being an impactful part of Ben’s team.

Your Rating close 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 star 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star 0/10 Leave a Review Your changes have been saved My List My Favorite Movies My Watchlist Success! 6/10 31 7.6/10 Salem's Lot Salem's Lot is a 2024 remake of the movie of the same name released in 1979. The latest adaptation of Stephen King's 1975 novel stars Lewis Pullman, Makenzie Leigh, and Bill Camp, with Gary Dauberman writing and directing the Max original film. The plot revolves around a writer who discovers a vampire in his hometown of Jerusalem’s Lot upon returning home for inspiration. Release Date September 25, 2024 Runtime 113 Minutes Cast Lewis Pullman , Alfre Woodard , Makenzie Leigh , Bill Camp , Spencer Treat Clark , Pilou Asbæk , John Benjamin Hickey , William Sadler , Jordan Preston Carter , Nicholas Crovetti , Cade Woodward , Kellan Rhude , Debra Christofferson , Rebecca Gibel , Mike Bash , Fedna Jacquet , Avery Bederman Director Gary Dauberman Expand

Not only is Burke’s heart attack completely cut, but he instead is killed by Barlow. In the book, he never arrives at Marsten House, so Burke’s death is a completely fictional addition to the film. This unfortunately pushes Burke to the side, and his character doesn’t feel as important as he does in the book.

3 Stan's Suicide

It Chapter Two (2019)

Although Stan’s suicide is a part of King’s It, the movie It Chapter Two changes the context and reasoning behind his decision to end his life. In the book, Stan’s death is harrowing and deeply profound. His fear of Pennywise is so harrowing that, upon learning that It has returned to Derry, he decides that he’d rather die than face the terrifying villain again.

Stan’s death is used as a way to rile the others up and push them to face their fears, whereas in the book, his demise represents a release from the pain of his childhood.

This moment is not glorified whatsoever. Rather, King depicts Stan’s suicide as a heartbreaking response to trauma and his returning memories. In the movie, however, Stan’s suicide is strangely presented as a noble sacrifice. In his letter, he encourages the other members of It’s Losers Club to fight back against Pennywise, and he states that he knows they need to be involved in the demon’s defeat.

Your Rating close 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 star 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star 0/10 Leave a Review Your changes have been saved My List My Favorite Movies My Watchlist Success! 6/10 6.5/10 It Chapter Two Every 27 years, evil revisits the town of Derry, Maine. It: Chapter Two brings the characters—who have long since gone their separate ways—back together as adults, nearly three decades after the events of the first film. Together, the reunited Losers Club might have a chance to stop Pennywise once and for all. Release Date September 6, 2019 Runtime 169 minutes Cast Bill Hader , Isaiah Mustafa , James Ransone , Jay Ryan , Jessica Chastain , Andy Bean , James McAvoy , Bill Skarsgard Director Andres Muschietti

Although it’s not a huge change, the emotion behind it makes a massive difference. Stan’s death is used as a way to rile the others up and push them to face their fears, whereas in the book, his demise represents a release from the pain of his childhood.

2 Ellie Dies, Rather Than Gage

Pet Semetary (2019)

The debate over whether 2019’s Pet Sematary kills the wrong child is widely debated by many, and while there are pros and cons to both sides of the argument, Ellie dying over Gage definitely alters the narrative in a negative way. In King’s original book, two-year-old Gage is hit by a truck, and Louis buries him at the titular location in order to bring him back.

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A very similar series of events happen in the 2019 movie, except Ellie is brutally killed and reanimated instead. She is around eight years old in the film. However, it’s the Creed siblings’ ages that create a problem. In the book, Ellie is younger, but she’s old enough to have some understanding of the situation.

Your Rating close 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 star 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star 0/10 Leave a Review Your changes have been saved My List My Favorite Movies My Watchlist Success! 6/10 8/10 Pet Sematary The second film based on Stephen King's novel of the same name, Pet Sematary follows the Creed family after they move to a remote Maine town and discover its haunting secret. Despite the warnings of his elderly neighbor, Louis Creed (Jason Clarke) finds himself drawn to the dark power of the pet cemetery in the woods, especially after his family suffers an unthinkable tragedy. Release Date April 5, 2019 Runtime 100 minutes Cast Amy Seimetz , Alyssa Brooke Levine , Maria Herrera , Hugo Lavoie , Jason Clarke , Jeté Laurence , Obssa Ahmed , John Lithgow , Naomi Frenette Director Dennis Widmyer , Kevin Kolsch

She also ends up as the only survivor of her family. But in the film, Gage is too young to understand what happens to his sister. Gage becoming a killer in the book is jarring and causes Ellie to be left alone in the world, but when she’s undead in the movie, her unknowing toddler brother is the only one to make it out alive, which shifts the emotional response of their fates.

1 The Entire Movie

The Lawnmower Man (1992)

The entirety of The Lawnmower Man is changed in the 1992 film adaptation, to the point that it doesn’t resemble King’s short story from Night Shift in any shape or form. In fact, the movie using the same title is insulting, and it’s no surprise that King sued over it. The short story follows a strange man who tends to gardens using a possessed lawnmower, but the film’s story is completely different.

Instead, The Lawnmower Man adaptation is about a scientist who conducts experiments on people using all kinds of strange drugs and virtual reality. The only real connection between the short story and the movie is the character Jobe, who is a gardener, but that’s it.

Your Rating close 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 star 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star 0/10 Leave a Review Your changes have been saved My List My Favorite Movies My Watchlist Success! The Lawnmower Man In the sci-fi movie The Lawnmower Man, a scientist uses virtual reality and psychoactive drugs to enhance the intelligence of a simple-minded gardener, but the experiment goes terribly wrong. Pierce Brosnan stars as Dr. Lawrence Angelo with Jeff Fahey as Jobe Smith. Release Date March 6, 1992 Runtime 108 minutes Cast Jeremy Slate , Pierce Brosnan , Geoffrey Lewis , Jeff Fahey , Jenny Wright Director Brett Leonard

The Lawnmower Man goes from a story about an enigmatic figure who works for an ancient god to a tale about a secret project and test subjects who develop unusual powers. Although several of the Night Shift story adaptations aren’t translated well to the silver screen, The Lawnmower Man is by far the worst. Frankly, it doesn’t deserve to be labeled as an adaptation, as it fails to include even the most basic references to Stephen King’s story.