Stephen Kingisn’t known as the “King of Horror” for nothing. Having written 64 books, his stories have terrified audiences since his first novel,Carrie, became an immediate hit in 1974. With dozens of film and television adaptations of his work over the years, generations of fans have been introduced to his creative consciousness. Love him or hate him, there’s no denying King’s mark on the horror genre and the contributions he has made in the spheres of literature and entertainment.
One major trademark of King’s beloved works is undoubtedly his cast of original characters.Inspired by his transient childhood, which he spent moving across the country before settling in his beloved Maine, these characters are as unique as his outlandish stories themselves. Many of the on-screen adaptations of his work are known for some character portrayals that have left a cultural impact on the world of horror. Here are the best acting performances in Stephen King movies, ranked.
8Bill Skarsgård as Pennywise - It (2017)
As Pennywise,Bill Skarsgårddelivered a more modern interpretation of the homicidal clown inIt. Almost unrecognizable under caked-on white makeup, the actor brought a creepy, cross-eyed stare to the role, along with an off-kilter voice sure to make an appearance in your nightmares. Pennywise saw somewhat of a resurgence as a horror movie icon, with this stunning portrayal, inspiring Halloween costumes and haunted houses across the nation. It was so effective that Skarsgårddrew upon his experienceas Pennywise to continue to freak out his co-stars on the set ofThe Devil All the Time.
7Fred Gwynne as Jud Crandall - Pet Sematary (1989)
The original adaptation ofPet Sematarycreates an air of scares close to home. The Creed family gets more than they bargained for when father Louis meddles with an ancient burial ground with resurrection powers.Fred Gwynnebrings a down-home feeling and lots of Maine “ayuhs” to his portrayal of Jud Crandall, the well-meaning neighbor to the Creeds. The life lessons that Jud attempts to impart to Louis as the story progresses are ultimately lost on him, but his faithful devotion to what’s best for the troubled family stands out the most. His unfortunate demise at the hands of young Gage, wielding his father’s scalpel, broke moviegoers' hearts.
Related:New Pet Sematary Movie Is Happening at Paramount+ with Director Lindsey Beer
6Finn Wolfhard as Richie Tozier - It (2017)
After charming audiences with his breakout role inStranger Things,Finn Wolfhardwent back to the ’80s again for the 2017 adaptation ofIt. As Richie Tozier, the bespectacled loudmouth of the Loser’s Club, Wolfhard is truly in his element. In an ensemble cast of kid characters, it’s easy to fall into the background, but not for one of the most beloved characters in the film. Swearing up a storm as he defends his friends and battles otherworldly evil, Richie is absolutely the rough-and-tumble comic relief inIt, especially alongside Eddie Kaspbrak (Jack Dylan Grazer).A prequel seriesfor King’s epic story titledWelcome to Derryis in the works with executive producer Andy Muschietti, director of the two-part film series.
5Sissy Spacek as Carrie White - Carrie (1976)
Sissy Spacekstarred as the titularCarriein the 1976 film, bringing a virginal air of innocence to the role before the bullying she receives reaches a breaking point. Spacek, much like her character, described herself as a shy individual, calling the opening shower scene “terrifying"in a New York Post interview. It’s impressive how quickly Carrie goes from unassuming high school girl to harbinger of hell on earth, which is exactly why Spacek deserves a spot on this list. Her wide-eyed stare, a deer-in-the-headlights style gaze, is an image that captures the shock she experiences as the story progresses. As the first to play this role, Spacek paved the way for future female horror performances inspired by the ferocity of her portrayal.
4Jack Nicholson as Jack Torrance - The Shining (1980)
Jack Nicholsoncaptures the impact of insanity in his performance as Jack Torrance inThe Shining. Spurred on by months of isolation at the Overlook Hotel and the influence of ghosts on his already fragile psyche, Jack’s turn is as frightening as it is realistic. Perhaps Nicholson took what he learned from this role to build up his version of the Joker in the 1989Batman. InThe Shining, the audience watches in horror alongside Wendy and Danny as a loving and family-minded father slowly turns into a homicidal monster with a sickening smile. The infamous axe that Jack swung into the bathroom doorwas recently auctioned offfor $175,000.
3Tim Curry as Pennywise - IT (1990)
Tim Curry’s creepy and campy portrayal of Pennywise helped to set the standard for horror movie villains. In the 1990 adaptation ofIt, a two-part made-for-TV miniseries, Curry shines as the story’s otherworldly antagonist. While he has a laundry list of memorable roles – including Dr. Frank N. Furter in Rocky Horror Picture Show – Pennywise is undoubtedly one of the most iconic. This is due to Curry’s malleable acting ability, as he maintains his trademark sense of humor and mirth here amongst the murders that Pennywise commits. As he stays true to his classic clown exterior, he brings with him a flurry of balloons and gag jokes in between the mayhem. Delivering some quotable lines with a mouthful of rotting teeth, this character might just “see you in your dreams!”
Related:Stephen King Says He Isn’t Involved In HBO Max Pennywise Prequel
2John Franklin as Isaac Chroner - Children of the Corn (1984)
The originalChildren of the Cornis an atmospheric salute to the mysteries within Middle America. Among the overgrown cornfields,John Franklin’s performance as puny preacher Isaac Chroner controls much more than just his congregation of creepy kids. With an ancient, angry glare contained in a young face and a small frame, Franklin breathes new life into the mastermind behind the madness. He starred as Isaac at age 23, and hisgrowth hormone deficiency assistedin the believability of the character. Isaac’s spitfire sermons fuel the cult’s inner workings as he leads his devoted followers to worship He Who Walks Behind the Rows. Inspiring several sequels, it’s no wonderChildren of the Cornis known asone of the best'80s horror films.
1Kathy Bates as Annie Wilkes - Misery (1990)
Kathy Bates' portrayal of crazed super fan Annie Wilkes is absolutely one of the best performances within a Stephen King adaptation. Annie gushes with hospitality when her favorite author, Paul Sheldon (James Caan) seemingly falls into her lap after a car accident that leads to him requiring one-on-one care. She’s sickeningly sweet until she isn’t, which is exactly what makes her character work. The infamous ankle-cobbling scene definitely put this performance on the map, making audiences cringe decades later and cementingMiseryas one of the most memorable Stephen King movies.A Film School Rejects articlerightfully called Bates’s portrayal “the face of toxic fandom.”
