The newStephen Kingmovie’s critics and audience scores on Rotten Tomatoes are the best his movies have had in years.Stephen King movieshave been a staple of cinema ever since 1976, when Brian De Palma’s horror classicCarrie, adapted from his debut novel, set a strong precedent for films based on his work. Throughout the 1980s, adaptations like Stanley Kubrick’sThe Shining,Cujo,Christine, andPet Sematarykept that momentum going. His work also found success beyond the horror genre, with his short storiesStand By MeandThe Shawshank Redemptioninspiring highly acclaimed films.
In recent years, King adaptations have surged in popularity, withItandIt Chapter Twointroducing his classic story of fear and friendship to a new generation, with the former becoming the highest-grossing horror film of all time.Director Mike Flanaganhas also emerged as one of the most acclaimed adapters of King’s work, particularly withDoctor Sleep, which masterfully bridges the gap between King’s novel and Kubrick’s version ofThe Shining. However,it’s a new King movie that’s been receiving the best reviews his films have had in years.
Life Of Chuck’s RT Critics & Audience Scores Compared To Recent Stephen King Movies
They’re The Best Since 2017
The Life of Chuckstands outamong recentStephen King adaptationswith its impressive 82% score on Rotten Tomatoes from critics, the highest since 2017. That year saw a trio of critically acclaimed King adaptations –It(85%),Gerald’s Game(91%), and1922(92%). Since then, no adaptation has come especially close to matchingThe Life of Chuckin terms of critical reception. Even widely acclaimed films likeDoctor SleepandThe Monkey(both 78%) fall short ofChuck’s critical success.
91%
70%
1922(2017)
92%
58%
16%
44%
85%
84%
57%
33%
62%
78%
89%
35%
Children of the Corn(2020)
11%
38%
10%
47%
46%
51%
24%
61%
65%
56%
82%
87%
The audience score forThe Life of Chuckis even more impressive, landing at 87%, making it the highest-rated King adaptation among audiences sinceDoctor Sleep(89%) in 2019. Compared to other recent adaptations likeThe Boogeyman(65%),Salem’s Lot(38%), andThe Monkey(56%),Chuckhas clearly resonated more with viewers. Its strong reception by both critics and audiences alike highlights it as the standout King adaptation of the past several years, cementing its reputation amid generally mixed results.
Why Life Of Chuck Has Mostly Been A Hit With Critics & Audiences
They’re Loving Its Meditation On Life
The Life of Chuckhas been a hit with criticsbecauseit offers a profound and heartfelt meditation on life, death, and human connection. By blending Stephen King’s signature style with Mike Flanagan’s tender direction, the film provides a unique mix of whimsy, philosophical depth, and emotional sincerity that invites viewers to reflect on mortality with warmth rather than fear. While not flawless, the film’s sincerity and nuanced performances, especially from Tom Hiddleston, make it a memorable and uplifting experience.
While reviews from critics have been slightly more mixed, audiences are widely identifying with its life-affirming messages and themes regarding the fleeting beauty of life. Its reverse chronology is also challenging viewers and sparking reflection and discussion.
The Life of Chuckhas also resonated deeply with audiences because of its emotional core, imaginative storytelling, and powerful performances. While reviews from critics have been slightly more mixed, audiences are widely identifying with its life-affirming messages and themes regarding the fleeting beauty of life. Its reverse chronology is also challenging viewers and sparking reflection and discussion. Many viewers havecompared it toThe Shawshank Redemptionfor its emotional impact, timelessness, and human themes.
2025 Could Still Get Even Better For Stephen King Movies
The Long Walk & The Running Man Are Still To Come
WithThe Long WalkandThe Running Manstill to come,2025 could easily become a landmark year for Stephen King adaptations.The Long Walk, directed by Francis Lawrence, has the potential to connect with both critics and audiences thanks to its dystopian narrative and Lawrence’s proven success withThe Hunger Gamesmovies.
The Life of Chuckis playing in theaters.
Meanwhile,The Running Man, directed by Edgar Wright, brings an entirely different energy, combining his signature sharp style with King’s brutally satirical story. With two visionary directors behind these projects, it’s not unrealistic to expect one, or even both, of these movies to surpassThe Life of Chuckin critical or audience acclaim.
