In 2025, the year was dominated by Stephen King 2025 adaptations, with “The Monkey” standing out as a surprisingly strong entry. Directed by Osgood “Oz” Perkins, this film shifted King’s original 1980 horror short story into a dark comedy, quickly gaining both critical praise and widespread audience attention after its release.
The Rise of ‘The Monkey’ as a Streaming Sensation
Released in theaters by Neon on February 21, 2025, “The Monkey” began its journey on the big screen before debuting on Hulu on August 7. The film quickly climbed streaming charts in the United States, reaching the top position just a day after its arrival. Over the course of nearly a year, it cemented itself as one of the most underrated and enduring Stephen King adaptations of recent times, maintaining popularity in an entertainment landscape often marked by fleeting successes.
This adaptation remained faithful to many elements of King’s original text while introducing a fresh tone that blended horror with dark comedy. The combination proved successful in capturing audience interest and making a lasting cultural impact amid numerous other Stephen King projects released during the year.
Plot Overview: What Drives ‘The Monkey’
The storyline centers on twin brothers Bill and Hal, who find a sinister toy monkey among their father’s belongings. This discovery triggers a series of mysterious and deadly events affecting those around them. Theo James played the dual role of the twins, supported by an ensemble cast including Tatiana Maslany, Christian Convery, Colin O’Brien, Rohan Campbell, Sarah Levy, Adam Scott, and Elijah Wood.
As the first Stephen King adaptation of 2025, “The Monkey” drew positive reactions from critics, holding a 77% Certified Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. However, audience opinions were divided, with a 55% approval score reflecting a mixed reception despite the film’s financial success. Produced on a modest budget of $11 million, it grossed $63.7 million globally, proving highly profitable for Neon.
Importantly, Stephen King himself expressed approval of the film’s creative direction, including its tonal shift away from straightforward horror.
The thing is, humor and horror are Siamese twins,
King explained.
They’re very close. I think that it stops being funny when it starts being you.
—Stephen King, author
Oz [Perkins] is right when he says that the deaths are like Wile E. Coyote,
King continued.
Man, there are a couple of things in this movie that just made me howl. I mean, I just sort of hate myself for howling, but I howled nonetheless.
—Stephen King, author
Other Major Stephen King Adaptations of 2025
While “The Monkey” opened the floodgates, 2025 featured several more Stephen King adaptations that kept fans engaged. Mike Flanagan’s “The Life of Chuck,” released during the summer, later became available on digital platforms, drawing attention within the King fanbase. Another notable title was MGM+’s “The Institute,” which maintained strong streaming performance throughout the year.
Additionally, “The Running Man” and “The Long Walk” were introduced in 2025, each bringing its own legacy to the screen. “The Running Man” was adapted for the second time since the 1987 Arnold Schwarzenegger film, while Francis Lawrence finally succeeded in bringing “The Long Walk” to audiences, delivering one of the year’s most emotionally intense films.
Strong Performances and Lasting Impact
The success of “The Monkey” can be attributed to its compelling cast and unique tone. Theo James’s portrayal of the twin brothers Bill and Hal was central to the film’s appeal, supported effectively by Tatiana Maslany as Lois and other talented actors such as Adam Scott and Elijah Wood. Their performances helped bring depth to a story that mixes suspense with dark humor.
The film’s ability to balance horror with comedy, alongside its impressive box office and streaming numbers, signals a meaningful direction for future Stephen King adaptations. Its positive reception from King himself adds further validation to the creative changes introduced by Perkins and his team.
As streaming platforms continue to be key venues for King’s work, “The Monkey” stands as an example of how innovative approaches to adapting classic material can still resonate deeply with both fans and newcomers alike. It also ensures anticipation remains high for upcoming projects based on King’s extensive catalog.
Currently, “The Monkey” is available for streaming on Hulu, offering viewers a chance to experience one of the more unique and overlooked Stephen King films of recent years.
