Stephen King has long held a prominent place in the realm of horror, not only for his terrifying novels such as The Shining and It, but also for his insightful recommendations regarding films and television series. As he continues to pen new works, he remains a trusted voice in the horror community, guiding fans toward content that resonates with his iconic style.
Lenient in his genre preferences yet predicated on horror principles, King’s recommendations are hailed by many eager fans. While numerous epic tales from his bibliography await sequels, viewers can explore his favored series like Cabinet of Curiosities and Midnight Mass to tide them over.
10 Evil (2019-2024)
This Paramount+ Horror Series Recently Concluded
Evil follows a unique cast of investigators linked to the Catholic Church, tasked with dissecting supernatural phenomena ranging from demonic encounters to mysterious prophets. The show has been very well received, noted for its compelling storyline that boasts a commendable 92% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
King commended Evil for being “occasionally very scary”and “thought-provoking,”particularly highlighting the chemistry among the lead actors as a driving force that enhances the viewing experience.
9 Guillermo Del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities (2022)
Del Toro’s Series Showcases His Signature Aesthetic
Cabinet of Curiosities by Guillermo Del Toro offers an anthology of horror narratives drawn from his artistic vision and contributions from fellow filmmakers. Each episode encapsulates gothic horror, harmoniously connected through Del Toro’s exquisite style, garnering praise for its rich attention to detail. The series even clinched a Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Award for Outstanding Production Design.
8 Yellowjackets (2021-Present)
Showtime’s Captivating Dual-Timeline Narrative
Yellowjackets delivers a haunting tale straddling two timeframes: the disastrous 1996 plane crash of a high school girls’ soccer team and their lives 25 years later. As the series unfolds, it graphically depicts their descent into madness and the terrifying lengths they went to for survival, including cannibalism.
This quality series is applauded for its sharply written narrative, with King praising its “sharp characterization and mordant sense of humor”as key elements that elevate the storytelling.
7 Servant (2019-2023)
M. Night Shyamalan’s Exploration of Psychological Horror
In this eerie narrative, a Philadelphia couple coping with their infant’s death bizarrely replaces him with a lifelike doll. The arrival of a live-in nanny complicates their lives as they treat the doll like a real child, leading to a gripping exploration of grief’s horror.
King found the series unsettling yet irresistible, stating, “Two episodes, and I’m hooked.”The series showcases profound emotional depth, making its exploration of grief enthralling.
6 Midnight Mass (2021)
Netflix’s Terrifying Miniseries Explores Blind Faith
Midnight Mass intricately weaves themes of misplaced faith and paranoia in the eerie setting of Crockett Island. The show distinguishes itself through its methodical buildup, enveloping the audience in its tension, as King notes, calling it a “dense, beautifully photographed terror tale”that reaches terrifying heights by its finale.
5 From (2022-Present)
Centered on Boyd Stevens, who juggles roles as both sheriff and mayor, From chronicles his and the Matthews family’s struggle for escape in a strange town. The series has seen critical acclaim, achieving a rare 100% on Rotten Tomatoes. Originally produced by Epix, it transitioned to MGM+ in 2023.
King expressed admiration for the series, suggesting it has been “beautifully handled,”ruminating on the intriguing premise: “Is it possible these people are dead and don’t know it?”The show presents shocking twists that continuously engage viewers.
4 Dracula (2020)
A Grimly Innovative Adaptation of the Classic Tale
Crafted by Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss, Dracula offers a daring reinterpretation of Bram Stoker’s iconic narrative. By shifting focus from Jonathan Harker to Dracula, the series showcases a richly gory tale filled with intrigue and horror.
King remarked on the series’s brilliance, labeling it as “bloody terrific,”underscoring its sharp writing and engaging execution, which rewards viewers with an intense experience despite its brief three-episode format.
3 The Outsider (2020)
An HBO Miniseries Adaptation of King’s Own Work
An engaging combination of crime drama and horror, The Outsider delves into the investigation led by detective Ralph Anderson following the suspicious death of his son. Featuring a remarkable pilot, the series combines a slow burn with impactful revelations.
Despite departures from the original novel, King described it as “one of the best adaptations”of his writing, setting a high standard amidst a landscape of adapted works.
2 Dark (2017-2020)
A German Sci-Fi Thriller with Grim Consequences
Dark, another critically acclaimed series, interweaves science fiction with horror as it explores the themes of time travel and conspiracies amidst a backdrop of disappearing children. Despite being filmed in German, it has garnered a substantial international following.
King praised Dark for its intricate storytelling, highlighting its complexity and its ability to compete with cult classics like Twin Peaks and Stranger Things.
1 Marianne (2019)
A Nightmarish Journey Through a Novelist’s Psyche
Captivatingly chilling, Marianne follows Emma, a novelist whose characters begin invading her reality, with the titular Marianne haunting her dreams. This series stands apart for its genuine and haunting scares that resonate throughout.
Displaying a stunning perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes, King expressed his admiration for the show, acknowledging it as a profound source of fright. He commented, “If you’re one of those sickos—like me—who enjoys being scared, MARIANNE (Netflix) will do the job,”noting its resemblance to his own writing style.
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