Four new Stephen King 2025 movie adaptations are scheduled for release, with excitement running high after the overwhelming success of The Life of Chuck. Following its wide theatrical debut, The Life of Chuck, directed by Mike Flanagan, has become one of the year’s most celebrated films, setting a lofty benchmark for other King movies set to arrive next year.
The Life of Chuck takes a unique approach by unfolding the story of its main character, Charles ‘Chuck’ Krantz, in reverse—beginning with his death and traveling back through his life to his childhood. Building on themes of legacy and life’s meaning, the film departs from traditional Stephen King horror, offering a thought-provoking, emotional narrative. Its story explores both supernatural touches and deeply human moments, much like past favorites The Green Mile and The Shawshank Redemption, which have also won critical acclaim for their sensitive storytelling.
Record Rotten Tomatoes Scores Set a New Bar
The Life of Chuck has drawn widespread praise since its debut, earning an impressive 82% critic score and 88% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes at the time of writing. That Certified Fresh recognition places it among the top tier of movie reviews, underscoring the strength of its reception both with critics and the public.
While numerous adaptations of King’s work have graced screens over the decades, few recent entries have received such strong scores. The last time a Stephen King film surpassed these ratings was in 2017, a standout year for the author’s cinematic legacy. During that period, Gerald’s Game (91%), 1922 (92%), and It (85%) all posted higher critic ratings, though their audience scores—70%, 58%, and 84% respectively—did not match The Life of Chuck’s 88%.
Looking further back, only a handful of films based on King’s books best The Life of Chuck in critic reviews. These include The Shining (83%), Dolores Claiborne (86%), The Dead Zone (89%), The Shawshank Redemption (89%), Misery (91%), Stand By Me (92%), and Carrie (94%). However, strong audience reactions to The Life of Chuck distinguish it within this storied group.
Upcoming Adaptations Face Raised Expectations
The outstanding reception for The Life of Chuck has intensified anticipation for the next Stephen King adaptations premiering in 2025. Among them, The Long Walk and a remake of The Running Man stand as the two most prominent titles aiming to continue this wave of critical momentum. Both projects are expected to vie for acclaim, but neither has been fully unveiled to general audiences yet, making direct comparisons with The Life of Chuck’s initial enthusiasm at the Toronto International Film Festival premature.
This year, The Long Walk has already generated buzz with the release of its trailer, promising a gritty dystopian tale. Meanwhile, trailers for The Running Man have yet to appear, though interest is high due to the talent attached. As the two films gear up for release, fans and filmmakers alike are eager to see if 2025 will rival King’s exceptional run in 2017. While neither film must surpass The Life of Chuck to make an impact, strong performances from both will be essential to cementing another banner year for Stephen King on screen.
The Long Walk: Will the Dystopian Drama Surpass Expectations?
As the next Stephen King adaptation to hit theaters, The Long Walk is under particular scrutiny regarding its Rotten Tomatoes prospects. The novel, beloved by readers, offers a solid foundation for a compelling film. Frances Lawrence, who helms the new adaptation, is no stranger to dystopian cinema, having directed all but the first Hunger Games film and I Am Legend. However, his filmography also includes less favored projects like Constantine, Red Sparrow, and Slumberland, resulting in a mixed track record.
Screenwriter JT Mollner, acclaimed for directing the 2024 hit Strange Darling, brings added prestige to the endeavor. The Long Walk’s cast further strengthens its profile, with performances expected from Judy Greer as Mrs. Garraty, Mark Hamill as The Major, Ben Wang as Henry Olson, and Garrett Wareing as Stebbins. Other high-profile actors joining the project include Licorice Pizza star Cooper Hoffman and Alien: Romulus’s David Jonsson. Mark Hamill, already celebrated for his role in The Life of Chuck, adds further continuity and star power to the King cinematic universe.
The Monkey, another Stephen King movie that marked the start of 2025, reinforced the author’s big year, but The Long Walk is positioned as the next possible breakout. With established talent in both writing and acting, and a director experienced in large-scale genre pieces, The Long Walk aims to be not just a worthy Stephen King adaptation but a highlight of 2025 cinema overall.
The Running Man: Can Edgar Wright Deliver a Standout Remake?
The Running Man, scheduled for late 2025 release, is also generating significant optimism. One of its strongest assets is director Edgar Wright, celebrated for fan favorites including Shaun of the Dead, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, and Baby Driver. Though his latest feature, Last Night in Soho, received mixed reviews, Wright’s distinctive style and command over ensemble casts are expected to bring fresh energy to this adaptation.
This remake boasts a cast led by Glen Powell as Ben Richards, Josh Brolin as Dan Killian, Jayme Lawson as Sheila Richards, and Lee Pace as Evan McCone. Glen Powell’s current prominence in Hollywood and consistently strong performances make him a crucial draw for the project. The 1987 original adaptation of The Running Man did not fully capture the potential of King’s story, leading to some skepticism among fans and critics. However, the new production can learn from the missteps of its predecessor, making the remake an exciting opportunity for critical success.
While The Long Walk appears poised to make a significant impression, The Running Man may have an even better chance of matching or surpassing the critical success enjoyed by The Life of Chuck, thanks in large part to its high-profile creative team and lessons learned from prior adaptations.
Concluding Thoughts: A Defining Year for Stephen King on Screen
As Stephen King’s stories continue to inspire Hollywood, 2025 is shaping up to be a crucial year for his adaptations. The runaway success of The Life of Chuck, boosted by Mike Flanagan’s sensitive direction and standout performances from actors such as Tom Hiddleston and Matthew Lillard, has raised the stakes for all upcoming projects. The Long Walk and The Running Man now carry the weight of these expectations, with notable contributions from Frances Lawrence, Edgar Wright, and a host of acclaimed actors and screenwriters. Whether this next batch of adaptations will match or exceed the recent crowd-pleaser remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—the bar for Stephen King 2025 movie adaptations has never been higher, and both fans and industry insiders are watching closely as these films prepare to leave their mark.
