Stephen King’s 17 Highest-Grossing Movies – Adjusted For Inflation
Stephen King’s stories have terrified, inspired, and moved audiences for decades. From haunted hotels to killer clowns, his adaptations span genres and generations. Let’s count down the 17 biggest Stephen King movies, adjusted for inflation.
17) The Mist (2007)
Frank Darabont adapted King’s novella into one of the bleakest horror films of the 2000s. The shocking, devastating ending left audiences shaken – even if the box office was modest compared to King’s other works.
Worldwide gross in 2007: $57,189,408
Adjusted for 2025: $88,455,039
16) Doctor Sleep (2019)
The long-awaited sequel to The Shining followed a grown-up Danny Torrance (Ewan McGregor) battling alcoholism and supernatural cults. Balancing King’s book and Kubrick’s film legacy, it became a cult favorite.
Worldwide gross in 2019: $71,856,239
Adjusted for 2025: $90,118,318
15) The Running Man (1987)
Loosely based on King’s novel (under his Richard Bachman pen name), Arnold Schwarzenegger starred in this dystopian action satire about a deadly game show. Over-the-top and campy, it’s now a cult classic.
Worldwide gross in 1987: $38,122,000
Adjusted for 2025: $107,597,858
14) Carrie (2013)
Chloë Grace Moretz starred in this modern retelling of King’s first published novel, with Julianne Moore as her fanatically religious mother. Despite mixed reviews, it still connected with audiences.
Worldwide gross in 2013: $82,409,520
Adjusted for 2025: $113,424,768
13) Dreamcatcher (2003)
A bizarre mix of aliens, body horror, and friendship, Dreamcatcher starred the likes of Morgan Freeman. It divided critics but drew in audiences thanks to King’s name and a strong cast.
Worldwide gross in 2003: $75,685,268
Adjusted for 2025: $131,886,339
12) Pet Sematary (2019)
A modern remake of King’s terrifying tale of grief, resurrection, and consequences. While divisive, it drew strong numbers thanks to its legacy and creepy atmosphere.
Worldwide gross in 2019: $111,809,732
Adjusted for 2025: $140,225,888
11) Carrie (1976)
Brian De Palma’s adaptation of King’s debut novel, remains iconic, with Sissy Spacek’s blood-soaked prom scene etched into horror history. One of the earliest and most successful King adaptations.
Worldwide gross in 1976: $25,886,530
Adjusted for 2025: $145,870,629
10) The Dark Tower (2017)
Despite high expectations, this attempt to adapt King’s sprawling fantasy epic faltered critically. Still, with Matthew McConaughey and Idris Elba, it managed respectable box office numbers.
Worldwide gross in 2017: $113,461,527
Adjusted for 2025: $148,414,440
9) Pet Sematary (1989)
The original adaptation of King’s chilling story about death and resurrection became a cult classic. Its eerie tone and shocking twists helped it reach strong box office success.
Worldwide gross in 1989: $57,469,179
Adjusted for 2025: $148,600,267
8) Misery (1990)
This gripping psychological thriller, starring James Caan and Kathy Bates, showcased King’s ability to terrify without the supernatural. Bates won an Oscar for her unforgettable role as Annie Wilkes.
Worldwide gross in 1990: $61,165,603
Adjusted for 2025: $150,050,676
7) Stand by Me (1986)
A tender coming-of-age drama based on King’s novella The Body. Starring River Phoenix, Wil Wheaton, and Corey Feldman, it became one of the most beloved King adaptations — and proof he could write far beyond horror.
Worldwide gross in 1986: $52,287,766
Adjusted for 2025: $152,966,319
6) Secret Window (2004)
Johnny Depp starred as a writer haunted by accusations of plagiarism in this psychological thriller. Stylish and suspenseful, it performed strongly at the box office.
Worldwide gross in 2004: $92,110,539
Adjusted for 2025: $156,344,874
5) The Shining (1980)
Though famously divisive between King and director Stanley Kubrick, The Shining is now regarded as one of the greatest horror films ever made. Jack Nicholson’s “Here’s Johnny!” remains iconic worldwide.
Worldwide gross in 1980: $45,604,250
Adjusted for 2025: $177,453,426
4) 1408 (2007)
John Cusack and Samuel L. Jackson starred in this haunted hotel thriller, which blended psychological dread with supernatural scares. A surprise hit, it became one of King’s top earners.
Worldwide gross in 2007: $131,263,370
Adjusted for 2025: $203,025,473
3) The Green Mile (1999)
Adapted by Frank Darabont, this emotional prison drama starred Tom Hanks and Michael Clarke Duncan in a story of miracles, injustice, and humanity. It was nominated for multiple Oscars and remains one of the most powerful King adaptations.
Worldwide gross in 1999: $290,701,374
Adjusted for 2025: $559,472,019
2) It: Chapter Two (2019)
The conclusion to Pennywise’s reign of terror brought the Losers’ Club back together as adults. Though not as acclaimed as the first, its scares and spectacle drove massive global success.
Worldwide gross in 2019: $469,566,806
Adjusted for 2025: $588,906,006
1) It (2017)
King’s killer clown dominated the box office with this adaptation of his classic novel. Bill Skarsgård’s Pennywise terrified audiences, while the young Losers’ Club brought heart to the horror. It became the highest-grossing horror movie of all time.
Worldwide gross in 2017: $701,720,047
Adjusted for 2025: $917,891,650
From horror icons to heartfelt dramas, Stephen King’s adaptations prove his storytelling resonates far beyond the page – and the numbers show audiences keep coming back for more.
