Stephen King is recognized as a master of the horror genre, having written nearly a hundred books and being one of the most prolific and respected authors of our time. From haunted hotels and mysterious characters to tormented prisoners and possessed beings, King’s works encompass all kinds of terror—both supernatural and psychological—and have inspired countless adaptations. However, being this prolific and having so many adaptations means that some adaptations are better than others.

Netflix boasts a wide collection of titles adapted from Stephen King’s novels and novellas, featuring series and films based on his most thrilling, terrifying, and suspenseful works. If you’re a fan of the Master of Horror, there’s plenty to choose from on this streaming platform. Firestarter, directed by Keith Thomas, is an adaptation of King’s 1980 novel and a new version of Mark Lester’s 1984 film adaptation. The film tells the story of troubled young girl Charlene "Charlie" McGee (Ryan Kiera Armstrong), who has nerve issues and dangerous pyrokinesis, being tracked by a secret government agency. The film also stars Zac Efron, Sydney Lemmon, Kurtwood Smith, Michael Greyeyes, Gloria Reuben, and John Beasley (in his final film role).

The 2022 Firestarter received much harsher reviews than the 1984 adaptation, with critics pointing out its uninspired story and lack of suspense. With a Rotten Tomatoes score of 10%, it is not one of the best screen adaptations of Stephen King’s stories, nor is it one of Blumhouse’s finest productions. However, the film’s campy quality may find an audience among genre fans who are simply seeking escapism.

In the Tall Grass, written and directed by Vincenzo Natali, is an adaptation of the novella of the same name written by Stephen King and his son Joe Hill. The story follows a pregnant young woman and her brother who are drawn into a field of grass by a child's cry for help, only to find themselves lost in a primal fear. The film features Harrison Gilbertson, Laysla De Oliveira, Avery Whitted, Will Buie Jr., Rachel Wilson, and Patrick Wilson. Combining paranormal, philosophical, and mystical themes, In the Tall Grass is both captivating and frightening.

Mr. Harrigan's Phone, written and directed by John Lee Hancock, is based on a novella from King’s collection If It Bleeds. The film follows a young boy named Craig who befriends a successful businessman, Mr. Harrigan, and after Mr. Harrigan’s death, Craig discovers he can communicate with his friend from beyond. Donald Sutherland plays John Harrigan, Jaeden Martell stars as Craig, and Joe Tippett, Kirby Howell-Baptiste, and Cyrus Arnold appear in supporting roles. Mr. Harrigan's Phone is a blend of supernatural horror and coming-of-age drama. Unlike typical horror films, this Netflix movie is more character-driven, diving into the specific character arcs and dynamics between Harrigan and Craig.