The Stephen King Misery movie adaptation, directed by Rob Reiner and celebrated for its intense performances, will begin streaming on Peacock starting January 1, 2026. Following the recent passing of Reiner and his wife Michele, fans are revisiting his iconic films, with “Misery” standing out as a major highlight in his filmography and King adaptations.
“Misery” Becomes Available to Stream on Peacock in 2026
Originally released in 1990, “Misery” was Rob Reiner’s second adaptation of a Stephen King novel after “Stand By Me.” The film is widely regarded as a highly faithful and chilling interpretation of King’s 1987 novel, exploring the disturbing dynamic between fame and obsession. In the story, acclaimed author Paul Sheldon is held captive by Annie Wilkes, his self-proclaimed biggest fan, after a car accident leaves him stranded and vulnerable. The intense psychological battle between the two characters captured the attention of audiences and critics alike, leading to a box office gross of $62 million and earning Kathy Bates her first and only Academy Award for Best Actress.
The impactful writing of William Goldman underpins the film’s suspenseful atmosphere, further elevated by the cast, which includes James Caan as Paul Sheldon, Kathy Bates as Annie Wilkes, Frances Sternhagen, Richard Farnsworth, and Lauren Bacall. Over the years, “Misery” has consistently remained one of Reiner’s best-reviewed films, holding a Certified Fresh rating of 91% on Rotten Tomatoes and often being described by critics as a masterpiece in both horror and psychological thriller genres.
The Film’s Plot and Enduring Appeal
The official synopsis of “Misery” captures the gripping and claustrophobic tone of the film. According to the synopsis:
“After a serious car crash, novelist Paul Sheldon (Caan) is rescued by former nurse Annie Wilkes (Bates), who claims to be his biggest fan. Annie brings him to her remote cabin to recover, where her obsession takes a dark turn when she discovers Sheldon is killing off her favorite character from his novels. As Sheldon devises plans for escape, Annie grows increasingly controlling, even violent, as she forces the author to shape his writing to suit her twisted fantasies.”
This story arc pushes the suspense as viewers witness Paul Sheldon’s increasingly desperate attempts to regain his freedom while being subjected to Annie’s unpredictable and violent behavior. The performance of Kathy Bates, portraying Annie’s mixture of devotion and menace, stands at the heart of the film’s reputation for excellence, with James Caan delivering a nuanced portrayal of resistance and fear.
Stephen King’s High Praise for the Movie
Unlike some other film adaptations of his books, such as “The Shining” and “The Lawnmower Man,” Stephen King openly praised Rob Reiner’s version of “Misery.” He considered it superior to his own novel, largely because of the chemistry and skill displayed by Bates and Caan. In a 2025 interview with the New York Times, King shared his thoughts about the film’s standout qualities:
“The combination of Kathy Bates and James Caan was magic, and it had a touch of humor in it that was really missing from the book.”
King’s endorsement has contributed to the film’s legacy, affirming the enduring impact of the adaptation as both a significant achievement for Reiner as a director and a benchmark for King interpretations on screen. Even thirty-six years after its initial release, “Misery” continues to resonate with audiences and critics, confirming its place among the most compelling psychological thrillers in cinematic history.
The Stellar Cast Brings the Story to Life
The strength of “Misery” lies not only in its direction and screenplay but also in the ensemble cast that brought the characters to life. Kathy Bates stars as Annie Wilkes, delivering a performance that is alternately nurturing and terrifying, earning her an Oscar for Best Actress. James Caan plays Paul Sheldon, the vulnerable and determined author who struggles to outwit his captor. Supporting roles feature Richard Farnsworth as Buster, Lauren Bacall as Marcia Sindell, along with Frances Sternhagen, enriching the film’s realistic and immersive atmosphere.
The work of Rob Reiner, William Goldman, and the talented cast made “Misery” a film that stands out as a landmark in both Reiner’s career and in cinematic adaptations of Stephen King’s novels.
What to Expect as “Misery” Joins Peacock
With “Misery” making its debut on Peacock at the start of 2026, new viewers and longstanding fans alike have the opportunity to experience a movie that continues to impress more than three decades after its release. As audiences revisit Reiner’s and King’s compelling collaboration, the film’s tense narrative and exceptional performances by Kathy Bates and James Caan are bound to capture another generation of thrill-seekers. Peacock’s addition of this iconic film to its streaming library represents a significant draw for fans of psychological horror and classic cinema.
