Stephen King on Monday named his 10 favorite movies in a post on X, offering a list that spans genres from romance and drama to horror and Western. King said the selections were made “in no particular order” and noted that he excluded films adapted from his own books, such as Misery, The Shawshank Redemption, The Green Mile and Stand by Me.
The list, which Decider published Sept. 9 with streaming-location links, includes Sorcerer (1977), The Godfather: Part II (1974), The Getaway (1972), Groundhog Day (1993), Casablanca (1942), The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948), Jaws (1975), Mean Streets (1973), Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977) and Double Indemnity (1944). The selections highlight performances by actors including Richard Dreyfuss, Humphrey Bogart, Bill Murray and Steve McQueen.
In responses on X, King thanked those who praised the list, writing, “Thanks, but there are so many others. We’re lucky moviegoers!” Decider’s article pairs each title with information on where it is currently streaming, offering viewers immediate options for watching.
King’s announcement arrives as adaptations of his own work continue to reach screens. A new film version of The Running Man, starring Glen Powell, is in the pipeline, and The Long Walk was scheduled to open in theaters on Friday, Sept. 12. Television adaptations tied to King’s work are also forthcoming: HBO Max plans to premiere the IT prequel series IT: Welcome to Derry on Oct. 26.
The choices reflect a mix of classic Hollywood and landmark genre filmmaking. Casablanca and Double Indemnity represent mid-20th century studio-era drama and noir; The Godfather: Part II is widely regarded as a landmark in crime cinema; Jaws and Close Encounters of the Third Kind are often cited among influential blockbusters of the 1970s; Groundhog Day is a frequently referenced modern comedy with philosophical undertones; and Mean Streets and The Getaway reflect gritty 1970s crime filmmaking. Sorcerer and The Treasure of the Sierra Madre are noted for their tense survival narratives and directorial distinctiveness.
King’s noting of the list’s exclusions underscores the cultural impact of film adaptations of his work. Those adaptations — ranging from critical darlings like The Shawshank Redemption to cult favorites such as Misery — have themselves become part of the conversation around King’s influence on contemporary cinema and television. Decider’s roundup provides a practical companion for viewers who want to watch the titles King highlighted.
Readers seeking the streaming details can consult Decider’s published list for platform availability and viewing options.