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GET $100 OFF: As of Oct. 25, you can get an Apple iPad (9th gen) for just $229.99, down from $329.99, at Target. That's a 30% discount and $100 off the list price.
Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Our pick: 10.2-inch Apple iPad (9th gen) $229.99 at TargetIf you’re looking to score a deal on a tablet, you might want to browse Target’s digital shelves.
As of Oct. 25, you can score $100 off the Apple iPad (9th gen), bringing the price down to $229.99. That’s a pretty good deal for a 64GB tablet. (Note: The 256GB version isn’t available in silver but you can get it in space gray for $379.99.)
SEE ALSO: The best tablets: iPads are great, but have you tried literally anything else?This tablet can handle daily browsing, streaming, and almost anything else you’d need a tablet to do. It has a 10.2-inch Retina display with True Tone for natural-looking colors, an A13 Bionic chip, and up to 10 hours of battery life. It’s also compatible with the Apple Pencil (1st gen) and Smart Keyboard.
If you’re willing to spend a bit more, you can get the Apple iPad (10th gen) at Amazon and Best Buy for just $299. The 10th gen has a slightly larger liquid Retina display, an A14 bionic chip, 4K video recording capabilities, and more.
Best Buy's Gaming 3-Day Sale is on right now. Don't miss out on some of the best deals of the event:
Best Buy Gaming 3-Day Sale Picks Best Gaming Deal Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 Gaming Laptop, 14-inch (AMD Ryzen 9 895HS, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1649.99 at Best Buy (Save $350) Get Deal Best Gaming Handheld Deal Lenovo Legion Go Gaming Handheld $599.99 at Best Buy (Save $150) Get Deal Best Gaming Monitor Deal Samsung Odyssey OLED 69 Gaming Monitor $1079.99 at Best Buy (Save $720) Get DealFall is one of the best times to start diving into your favorite games, and what better way to do that than with some fresh new gear? You can pick up some of the hottest laptops, handhelds, monitors and other gaming tech now and save hundreds during the Best Buy Gaming 3-Day Sale, going on right now.
Whether you want to secure a new gaming laptop or you've had your eye on a handheld for some time, now's the time to shop Best Buy for some seriously great deals (they're so good, it's spooky).
But what should you secure from the sale that's actually worth getting? We went through and grabbed some of our favorite goodies you'll want to snatch up from today through Oct. 27. Find our picks below and be sure to secure the bag while it's all still available.
Best gaming deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 Gaming Laptop, 14-inch (AMD Ryzen 9 895HS, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,649.99 at Best BuyIf you've been looking for a reliable gaming laptop, this Asus option is definitely not one to skip out on. Powered by an AMD Ryzen 9 processor backed up with 32GB of RAM and the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 GPU, it can handle all the latest and greatest games with little effort. It boasts a 14-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a backlit RGB keyboard and massive 1TB SSD to hold all your important files as well as multiple games to keep you ready to play on the go as well. Plus, unlike so many other gaming laptops on the market, it comes in white, so that's a fun change of pace as well.
Best gaming handheld deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Lenovo Legion Go Gaming Handheld $599.99 at Best BuyThis solid Steam Deck competitor is a handheld that can take Valve's heavy-hitter on with gusto. It boasts "great specs" and "solid performance" according to Mashable reviewer Alex Perry, plus a "huge display." It has an AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme GPU, 16GB of RAM, and can run all the PC titles you've probably had your eye on over the past few months, all at a 2560 x 1600 setting. It's comfortable, beefy, and capable, so if you want an alternative to the Steam Deck that isn't locked to Steam, this is a great pick.
Best gaming monitor deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Samsung Odyssey OLED 69 Gaming Monitor $1,079.99 at Best BuyA massive gaming monitor is one thing, but one with curvature can keep you immersed in your favorite games. This massive 49-inch Samsung monitor is perfect for whatever you're into, whether that's Call of Duty or Stardew Valley. With a resolution of 5120 x 1440 and a 240 Hz refresh rate, it's the winner if you have enough desk real estate to accommodate it. It's certainly large and in charge, but it actually does look great and performs well too. At $700 off, you might want to pounce on this deal soon — it's a monitor splurge that's actually worth it.
More deals to shop during the Best Buy Gaming 3-Day Sale:Asus ROG Ally Gaming Handheld — $549.99 $2.99 (save $649.99)
Scuf Nomad Wireless Mobile Gaming Controller for iPhone — $79.99 $99.99 (save $20)
Astro Gaming A50 Gen 4 Wireless Gaming Headset for PS5/PS4 — $179.99 $249.99 (save $70)
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless Gaming Headset for PC, PS5 and PS4 - FaZe Clan Limited Edition — $99.99 $189.99 (save $90)
Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora Special Edition — $29.99 $49.99 (save $20)
The Crew Motorfest — $24.99 $69.99 (save $45)
Want to know a secret? You don't really have to wait until Black Friday to score deals. This week has already brought us plenty of exciting discounts on brands like Apple, Google, Samsung, Sony, and more at Amazon. Just stick with us and we'll help you sort out what's actually a good deal and what's worth skipping.
Here are our top picks for the best Amazon deals of the day on Oct. 25. If you missed out on our picks from earlier this week, be sure to take a look. Many of the deals from Oct. 23 and Oct. 24 are still available to add to your cart, including a crazy cheap M2 MacBook Air and a record-low Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max for Prime members.
Our top pick Opens in a new window Credit: Blink Blink Outdoor 4 6-camera system $179.99 at AmazonPet owners, frequent travelers, or any homeowner (or renter) seeking affordable peace of mind should check out this deal on Blink Outdoor 4 cameras. The Blink Outdoor 4 is tough to beat when it comes to budget-friendly security cameras. It works seamlessly with other Alexa-enabled devices, comes with customizable motion-detection zones, offers infrared night vision and two-way audio, and has a battery life of two years. That's why it's one of our top overall picks. As of Oct. 25, you can grab a six-pack of these easy to setup cameras for only $179.99. That's 62% in savings and a new record low. You essentially get six cameras for the price of two.
Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad 10th generation (64GB, WiFi) ¤299.00 at AmazonWhen it debuted in late 2022, the 10th generation iPad retailed for $449, but it got a permanent price drop to $349 when the 2024 iPad Air and iPad Pro dropped in May. Now, as of Oct. 25, you can pick up the base model (64GB, WiFi) for only $299 — the same price drop it received on October Prime Day. It's not the most advanced iPad in the Apple ecosystem, but it's the most affordable current model (aside from the 9th generation iPad). It offers a powerful A14 Bionic chip, a Liquid Retina display, and comes in a variety of fun pastel colors. In our best iPad roundup, Mashable shopping reporter Sam Mangino writes, "It's perfect for someone who wants a portable screen for streaming, playing games, and reading. It's also a nice choice if you're interested in using your tablet as a laptop but don't want to spend a ton of money."
Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro (Intel Core 7 Ultra, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $1,109.99 at SamsungReleased at the beginning of 2024, the Galaxy Book4 Pro is a specced out Samsung laptop with all the bells and whistles. It packs an Intel Core Ultra 7 155H CPU with Intel Arc Graphics, a 3K AMOLED touchscreen, AKG Quad speakers, a new Knox security chip, and 18 hours of battery life. The 14-inch model with 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD is on sale for just $1,109.99 at Amazon as of Oct. 25 — that's $340 in savings and its lowest price on record.
Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirTags (4-pack) ¤79.98 at AmazonFor iPhone users who like to travel, AirTags are a must. You can stick one on your suitcase, keys, purse, guitar case, and anything else you don't want to lose and keep track of its location as long as there's an Apple device with Find My nearby. You'll be able to see where you are in proximity to an item with an accuracy of just a few feet away. A single AirTag typically costs $29, which means it would cost you about $116 to buy four separately. With this four-pack deal, you'll pay just $79.98. That's almost like getting one and a half for free.
None of these deals catching your eye? Check out Amazon's daily deals for even more savings.
GET UP TO 45% OFF: As of Oct. 25, get up to 45% off Amazon's top 100 gift ideas. Shop toys, tech, and more.
Our top picks: Best stocking stuffer deal Apple AirTags $79.98 at Amazon (save $19.02 ) Get Deal Best pet tech deal Furbo 360 Dog Camera + Nanny Bundle $54 at Amazon (save $45 ) Get Deal Best Lego deal Lego Creator 3-in-1 Retro Roller Skate Building Kit $23.95 at Amazon (save $6.04 ) Get Deal Best hardcover book deal Barbie: The World Tour $31.35 at Amazon (save $23.65) Get Deal Best kitchen gadget deal Ember Smart Mug 2 $119.99 at Amazon (save $29.96 ) Get DealAmazon’s Holiday Shop is finally open! And it’s filled with chic, trendy gifts that’ll make you say, “Oooh, I want that.” (It won’t be long before Mariah Carey's timeless holiday hit thaws and blares through the speakers in every drug, grocery, and department store you walk into.)
SEE ALSO: The best gifts under $50 that are great for absolutely everyoneFrom stocking stuffers to top-tier gifts, Amazon’s pulling out all the stops this year. The best part? They even sprinkled in some discounts to help you make the most of your holiday shopping budget.
Here are the best deals on Amazon's top 100 holiday gifts as of Oct. 25:
Best stocking stuffer deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirTags $79.98 at AmazonCheck out our full list of the best stocking stuffers for 2024.
Apple AirTags are some of the handiest tools for keeping track of your keys, luggage, and even your pets. (I put one AirTag on each of my beagle’s harnesses, so I always know where they are.) Right now, you can get a four-pack of Apple AirTags for $79.98 — that’s $19.02 off the original price tag and just seven bucks more than the record-low price we saw in August.
Best pet tech deal Opens in a new window Credit: Furbo Furbo 360 Dog Camera + Nanny Bundle $54.00 at AmazonSpeaking of my beagles, fellow pet parents won’t want to miss this deal: The Furbo 360 Dog Camera + Nanny Bundle is $54. That’s a whopping $45 off the list price, bringing it to its lowest price since September.
This little security camera gives you a 360-degree view of your pets, pushes treats to them via the app, features home emergency alerts (like smoke and intruder detection), and even tells you when they're barking. It’s a great gift idea for anyone working an in-office job, or fur-parents who travel a lot.
The only caveat is that it requires a paid subscription at setup. It’s $6.99 per month (there’s a three-month minimum). If you want to save money in the long run, you can also purchase a yearly or two-year plan.
Best Lego deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Creator 3-in-1 Retro Roller Skate Building Kit $23.95 at AmazonLegos are notoriously expensive. (I buy my dad the racecar sets every year, and those things cost nearly $300.) If you’re trying to score a deal on Legos this holiday season, Amazon’s got the Lego Creator 3-in-1 Retro Roller Skate Building Kit for just $23.95.
SEE ALSO: Finding a gift that kids actually like is tricky. This guide will make it easier.This Lego building kit includes three designs: a roller skate, a radio, and a mini skateboard. It’s essentially three toys in one for less than $25.
Best hardcover book deal Opens in a new window Credit: Mattel 'Barbie: The World Tour' $31.35 at AmazonLast year, Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling starred in what many people, including Mashable’s Film Editor Kristy Puchko, consider “a miracle for a studio movie.” The Barbie movie gave today’s generation something other than “perfect” to aspire to — it gave them the option to choose themselves.
And now you can buy Barbie: The World Tour, a hardcover book filled with iconic looks and accessories from the movie, for just $31.35. If any Barbie fans are on your shopping list, this coffee table book is a must.
Best kitchen gadget deal Opens in a new window Credit: Ember Ember Smart Mug 2 $119.99 at AmazonCheck out our full list of the best tech gadget gifts of 2024.
The Ember Smart Mug 2 is a 10-ounce mug that keeps your beverages (e.g., coffee, tea, hot cocoa) warm for up to 90 minutes without the charging coaster or all day with it. This little gadget is ideal for coffee lovers or anyone who works from a desk all day.
The mug features an auto sleep mode that only wakes up when hot liquid is poured in to prevent unwanted accidents. It also has an LED light that lets you know when your drink is ready.
Right now, you can nab the Ember Smart Mug 2 for $119.99, which is $29.96 off the original price.
Not every artificial intelligence application sounds useful in everyday life, but Anthropic just unveiled one that could be.
Anthropic announced on its website that its "Claude" large language model has gotten an intriguing new feature: computer use. Put simply, this AI can take over your mouse cursor and perform basic computing tasks like clicking and typing. This feature is available now on the Claude 3.5 Sonnet public beta.
SEE ALSO: Anthropic is testing AI’s capacity for sabotageThe feature, which Anthropic itself described as "at times cumbersome and error-prone," has apparently been embraced by companies like Asana and DoorDash. According to Anthropic, Claude's computer use capabilities can perform tasks "that require dozens, and sometimes even hundreds, of steps to complete," presumably without human intervention. For something like Asana, which is software for managing work projects, this could actually be pretty useful and save time.
Of course, all of that sounds great until Claude messes something up and you don't notice until it's too late.
Watching sports keeps getting more complicated. The 2024-2025 NBA season just kicked off and if you cut cable along with the majority of the country, you're going to need a streaming service or two to catch the action live.
Between regional sports networks, blackout games, and national broadcasts, we have a lot to cover. Buckle up, basketball fans. We've got your guide to watching the 2024-2025 NBA season, including all of the best streaming deals.
When does the 2024-2025 NBA season start?The NBA season officially kicked off on Oct. 22 with the New York Knicks taking on the Boston Celtics at TD Garden in Boston. The 82-game regular season wraps up April 13, 2025.
What channels do I need to watch live NBA games this season?During the 2024-2025 NBA season, games will air live on ABC, ESPN and ESPN2, TNT, NBA TV, and of course, regional sports networks. Each team has a regional sports network that broadcasts games live for viewers within that region. If a game isn't on ABC, ESPN, TNT, or NBA TV, it's on a team's regional sports network (more on that below). The NBA playoffs in 2025 will be broadcast on ABC, ESPN, and TNT, while the NBA finals will be live on ABC.
Things are set to get even more complicated next season, as the NBA's new media deals with Prime Video and Peacock will replace TNT. But we'll cross that bridge when we get to it.
If you have cable, you can tune in through your TV provider or on the mobile apps with your cable TV account login for the main networks. Not a cable subscriber? No worries — in 2024, there are plenty of other options. Live TV streaming services serve as cable alternatives with no strings attached, giving you live access to a well-rounded channel selection through your internet connection (rather than a cable connection). With no contract required, you can cancel whenever you wish. Below, we've rounded up our top picks, including the best streaming deals currently available for each.
What is an RSN and which one do I need?Unlike the NFL, which offers national broadcasts of most games with specific in-market choice games, the NBA complicates things with regional sports networks (RSNs). These are essentially sports-specific TV channels dedicated to a local market or geographic area. If you live in the same region as your favorite team, you'll need to know which RSN broadcasts your team's games. Some examples of RSNs are FanDuel Sports Network (which replaced Bally Sports), NBC Sports, and Altitude Sports. Head over to the NBA schedule if you aren't sure which network your team plays on. For a complete list of each team's RSN, see the FAQs below.
If you really only care about your local team, many RSNs offer subscriptions for you to tune in without cable. For example, Fan Duel Sports Network Southeast (which includes Atlanta Hawks and Memphis Grizzlies games) is $19.99 per month or $124.99 for the whole NBA season. Monumental Sports Network (which includes the Washington Wizards) is $19.99 per month or $199.99 per year. A quick Google search for your team's RSN will let you know if there's a separate subscription available. Of course, these RSN subscriptions will not include nationally broadcast games on ABC, ESPN, TNT, or NBA TV.
If you want to watch a team outside of your region, you don't necessarily need to know which RSN said team plays on; instead, you'll want to get NBA League Pass for out-of-network games (more on that below). You'll probably be blacked out from watching a team in a different city anyway (in which case, you can try a VPN).
The best live TV streaming deals for NBA gamesYouTube TV Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube TV YouTube TV Free 10-day trial, then $49.99/mo for your first 2 months (save $46) Get DealBest for: Sweet introductory deal for new subscribers, well-rounded channel lineup
Channels: ABC, ESPN (and ESPN2), TNT, NBA TV, some RSNs
Pricing: Free 10-day trial, then $49.99 per month for your first two months (save $46). $72.99 per month thereafter for YouTube TV Base Plan.
YouTube is one of our favorite live TV streaming services for watching NBA games. It offers every channel you need to watch as many nationally broadcast games (in network) as possible, with over 100 in total. It also offers access to some RSNs depending on your region. Plus, if you're new to the streamer, you can kick things off with a free trial, then a two-month introductory price of $49.99 per month. Afterward, the price will jump back up to $72.99 per month.
Sling Opens in a new window Credit: Sling Sling (Orange + Sports Extra) $31 for first month, then $51/month thereafter for Orange + Sports Extra packages Get DealBest for: Affordability, a la carte channel selection
Channels: ABC (in select networks), ESPN (and ESPN2), ESPN3 (simulcast ABC games) TNT, NBA TV
Pricing: $40 per month (half off first month) for Orange package + $11 per month for Sports Extra = $31 for first month, then $51 per month thereafter
Sling is the best way to watch the most nationally broadcast NBA games for the least amount of money. You'll get access to ESPN, ESPN2, TNT, and NBA TV, as well as ABC in select networks. For those who don't get access to ABC in their region, ESPN3 simulcasts ABC games, so you can still watch live. You'll need the Orange package, which costs $40 per month, plus the $11 per month Sports Extra add-on to access all of these networks through Sling. That brings your monthly total to $51 per month. However, you can slash $20 off your first month to get started. You can also add NBA League Pass to your package for $16.99 per month if you want to watch out-of-market games.
Hulu + Live TV Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu + Live TV Hulu + Live TV (includes Hulu, ESPN+, and Disney+) $59.99/month for 3 months, then $82.99/month Get DealBest for: More than just live sports streaming, more bang for your buck
Channels: ABC, ESPN (and ESPN2), TNT, limited RSNs
Pricing: $59.99 per month for three months, then $82.99 per month
While Hulu + Live TV doesn't include access to NBA TV, it does offer ESPN, ESPN2, ABC, and TNT in its 90+ channel lineup. Not to mention, a subscription also gives you unlimited access to the streaming libraries of Hulu, ESPN+, and Disney+. That's a lot of bang for your buck. Typically $82.99 per month, you can sign up for just $59.99 per month for your first three months through Nov. 19. Plus, new subscribers get a three-day free trial. There are limited RSNs included in the base plan, but you can add on Fan Duel Network for an additional $9.99 per month.
FuboTV Opens in a new window Credit: FuboTV FuboTV 7-day free trial, then $59.99 for the first month (save $20) Get DealBest for: Fans of sports beyond NBA, the most comprehensive channel lineup
Channels: ABC, ESPN (and ESPN2), NBA TV, most RSNs
Pricing: 7-day free trial, then $59.99 for the first month. $79.99 per month thereafter for Fubo Pro plan.
Ideal for sports fanatics of all shapes and sizes (beyond just NBA), FuboTV has the most comprehensive channel lineup of any live TV streaming provider with over 185 channels in its base plan. The downside is it doesn't include TNT, which is set to broadcast 66 games this season. For that reason alone, it's not our top pick for watching NBA games this year, but it's still a solid choice overall. After a seven-day free trial, your first month of the Pro plan is just $59.99 ($79.99 per month thereafter).
DirecTV Stream Opens in a new window Credit: DirecTV DirecTV Stream Starting at $89.99 per month for the Choice package Get DealBest for: Fans who live in same region as their team, more than just watching sports
Channels: ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, TNT, NBA TV, most RSNs
Pricing: $89.99 per month for the Choice package + RSN fee
If you mostly care about your home team, but like to check in with other teams as well, DirecTV Stream's Choice package is a solid option, albeit expensive. The Choice package starts at $89.99 per month (with a $10 discount per month if you sign up for two years) and gives you access to almost every team's RSN (for a fee). The Choice package also includes ESPN, ABC, NBA TV, and TNT. With the hidden fees, it'll likely cost you over $100 per month, which is why it's not our favorite option.
NBA League Pass Opens in a new window Credit: NBA League Pass NBA League Pass Starting at $16.99/month Get DealBest for: Out-of-market games, analysis, highlights, and more
Channels: Everything except national broadcasts on ABC, TNT, and ESPN.
Pricing:
$109.99 for the season (with ads) or $16.99 per month
$159.99 for the season (no ads) or $24.99 per month
$89.99 for just one team for the season
$9.99 per month for students
Similar to NFL's Sunday Ticket, minus the outrageous fee, NBA League Pass gives fans access to live out-of-market games. Plus, you'll get to enjoy games from the NBA's archive, analysis, documentaries, highlights, and more. Local games on NBA TV, as well as nationally broadcast games on ESPN, TNT, and ABC will be blacked out live. You can tune into locally blacked-out games three days after the live broadcast and nationally broadcast games three hours after.
For example: As a Nashville resident, live Memphis Grizzlies and Atlanta Hawks games are blacked out for me.
Max Opens in a new window Credit: Max Max Starting at $9.99/month Get DealBest for: Casual fans, catching games on TNT
Channels: TNT
Pricing:
$9.99 per month With Ads or $99.99 per year (save $19)
$16.99 per month Ad-Free or $169.99 per year (save $33)
$20.99 per month Ultimate Ad-Free or $209.99 per year (save $41)
Max subscribers get access to live NBA games on TNT through the new B/R Sports add-on. It's currently free with your Max subscription for an unspecified limited time. So, casual fans looking to tune into a few NBA games here and there could get by with a Max subscription only.
Whether you're a Stephen King fan or not, chances are you'll be familiar with his work.
It's pretty hard not to be. Even if you've never read any of the horror author's stories, you'll almost certainly have stumbled across some of them on screen, particularly considering there are so damn many of them (somewhere around a hundred when you lump in movies, sequels, and TV shows together).
For this list, we've focused solely on ranking every Stephen King movie adaptation, and specifically originals and remakes (no sequels, because frankly the Children of the Corn franchise alone is long enough for its own list).
Some of these films are terrible, some are masterpieces. Some you'll have seen before, some you won't. Some you'll know straight away are Stephen King movies (hello, The Shining), some you may never even have realised were adapted from the author's work.
From forgettable '80s b-movies to films that have left a permanent mark on movie history, here's every single Stephen King film adaptation ever made, from the very worst to the very best.
51. Creepshow 2 (1987) Credit: New World Pictures / Kobal / ShutterstockSeveral horror anthology movies have been made from King's work. Yet despite an adapted screenplay by zombie-horror legend George A. Romero, this one sits at the bottom of the barrel. Three King short stories ("Old Chief Wood'nhead," "The Raft," and "The Hitchhiker") are transformed into grisly vignettes by Tales from the Darkside TV director Michael Gornick.
They're garishly gory, which could have made for schlocky fun. Except these stories are more crass than creepy, relishing in racist depictions of indigenous Americans and gleeful misogyny that leers at women's bared breasts before ripping them to shreds. Simply put, this one's a gross stain on both King and Romero's filmographies. — Kristy Puchko, Deputy Entertainment Editor
50. Thinner (1996) Credit: Bruce Birmelin / Spelling International / Kobal / ShutterstockBased on King's 1984 novel of the same name, Thinner follows Billy Halleck (Robert John Burke), a pompous and plump lawyer whose wish to lose weight becomes an actual curse.
This movie has aged incredibly poorly. Beyond the fat-shaming premise, the cursed plotline plays into racist "gypsy" stereotypes, which paint the Romani people as vicious, vengeful, and deceptive. On top of all that, there's a decadent slathering of misogyny, which portrays women as sinister seductresses and hideous crones. Trust us, this one is better off left forgotten. — K.P.
49. Children of the Corn (1984) Credit: New World / Angeles / Cinema Group / Kobal / ShutterstockKing has spawned plenty of "creepy kids" stories, but none have been quite as prolific as Children of the Corn. Despite being based on a short story, this Fritz Kiersch-directed horror film has yielded nine sequels and a straight to DVD remake in 2009.
The first film centers on a city-slicker couple that stumble into a rural town overrun by murderous children, who worship a vengeful god that stalks the cornfields. While John Franklin is memorable as the glowering child-prophet Isaac, Children of the Corn pales in comparison to its King siblings, like Carrie, Firestarter, and Pet Sematary (both versions). Over the decades, its slow-burn feels more stale and boring, despite splashes of blood and religious horror. — K.P.
48. Tales from the Darkside: The Movie (1990) Credit: Paramount PicturesThough a better anthology than Creepshow 2, this one is less of a Stephen King movie. Born from the success of George A. Romero's Tales from the Darkside TV series (1983-1988), the film features horror shorts from various writers, including Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. King's entry, an adaptation of the short story "Cat from Hell," is unnerving fun, focusing on a hitman (David Johansen) hired to kill a vengeful cat. However, the most thrilling segment was penned by Beetlejuice writer Michael McDowell. "Lover's Vow" taps into Japanese folklore for an entry as spooky as it is seductive.
Among the most star-studded of King anthologies, Tales from the Darkside boasts appearances by Steve Buscemi, Julianne Moore, Rae Dawn Chong, Christian Slater, and Blondie frontwoman Debbie Harry. —K.P.
47. Dolan's Cadillac (2009) Credit: Moviestore / ShutterstockNot even the presence of a big name like Christian Slater is enough to save this one. Adapted from a short story and very much feeling like an idea stretched awkwardly into a full length movie, Jeff Beesley's screen version of Dolan's Cadillac follows a man intent on revenge after his wife is killed by a human trafficker. The method of vengeance is creative enough to add some originality, but the characters are flat and the tension never really gets there. — Sam Haysom, Deputy UK Editor
46. Mercy (2014) Credit: BlumhouseAnyone who's read King's short story "Gramma" will know that it's an incredibly creepy and effective tale which may well be up there among the author's scariest works. Peter Cornwall's Mercy adaptation, however, is a bloated mess.
There's nothing wrong with the direction itself and screenwriter Matt Greenberg has made a valiant effort of expanding the story for the big screen, but unfortunately the whole thing just feels too stretched. The end result loses the creepy immediacy of the original tale, and replaces it with a fairly long-winded (and not particularly scary) movie about a little boy who's grandmother may be possessed. Just watch Hereditary instead. — S.H.
45. The Dark Half (1993) Credit: Orion / Kobal / ShutterstockNot all Stephen King stories are created equal, and The Dark Half is, in my opinion at least, not one of the horror master's best. So it's perhaps not such a surprise that the movie adaptation falls so far down in this ranking. Following a writer who kills off his pseudonym only to find it coming to life to exact revenge, George A. Romero's The Dark Half has an entertainingly gruesome start before going sharply downhill. You'll find better King adaptations about troubled writers further down this list. — S.H.
SEE ALSO: The best Stephen King books to read depending on your mood 44. The Mangler (1995) Credit: New Line CinemaLet's be honest: Making a good film about a possessed laundry machine was never going to be easy and, sure enough, Tobe Hooper's adaptation of this silly King short story is about as terrible as you'd expect.
Making a good film about a possessed laundry machine was never going to be easy...The Mangler sees officer John Hunton (Ted Levine) investigating the strange goings-on in an industrial laundry, following the death of an elderly worker after she gets pulled into the titular machine and crushed. The story is incredibly dumb, the special effects are ropey and dated, and there's a scene in which Hunton shoots through his own coat in order to free himself from the clutches of the Mangler after it almost gets hold of him, which should go some way to giving you a sense of just how ridiculous this one is. — S.H.
43. Needful Things (1993) Credit: New Line CinemaNeedful Things is a long, sprawling novel with multiple characters and a complicated series of inter-locking connections and relationships. It was always going to be difficult to turn into a movie. W.D. Richter's screenplay, in fairness, does a decent job of streamlining the bulky story, which is all about mysterious character Leland Gaunt (played by an undeniably charismatic Max von Sydow), who arrives in a small town and opens up a store that offers people their heart's desire — for a price. It's an intriguing premise, but there's too much going on here with too many underdeveloped characters that are difficult to care about. — S.H.
42. The Night Flier (1997) Credit: New Line CinemaThere are plenty of Stephen King ideas that, when condensed into a single sentence, sound nothing short of ridiculous. The Mangler is one, and The Night Flier — a tale about an ancient vampire that flies about in a tiny plane killing people — slots comfortably into the same category.
Writer/director Mark Pavia has done a decent enough job expanding the original short story into a feature length film, but unfortunately his starting point is so silly there's only really so much he can do. The Night Flier is the kind of movie that you could probably enjoy with a group of friends if you're not taking it too seriously, but otherwise it's one to skip. — S.H.
41. Maximum Overdrive (1986) Credit: Moviestore / ShutterstockThe first and only movie King directed himself (!) is, somewhat predictably, not all that great. But it's maybe not quite as terrible as the 15 percent Rotten Tomatoes score would suggest, either. Based on the author's short story, Trucks, about people who get trapped in a gas station during a machine-themed apocalypse, Maximum Overdrive sees Emilio Estevez and Laura Harrington attempting to escape a parking lot full of murderous 18-wheelers while an AC/DC-heavy soundtrack thrashes in the background. The movie is predictable, hammy, and dated, but the story doesn't take itself too seriously and there are more than a few fun moments. — S.H.
40. Riding the Bullet (2004) Credit: MPCASomewhere in Riding the Bullet, buried not too far below the surface, is a poignant story about grief and coming to terms with the death of a parent. The problem is it gets lost in all the other stuff.
Based on a King short story of the same name, Mick Garris' adaptation follows troubled college student Alan (Jonathan Jackson) as he hitch-hikes home to visit his sick mother (Barbara Hershey) in hospital. David Arquette has a cameo as George Staub, the strange man who picks him up and gives him a disturbing ultimatum. There are some moving moments in the movie, and the final five minutes are particularly powerful, but unfortunately it's not enough to rescue the drawn-out (and not at all scary) plot. — S.H.
SEE ALSO: 13 of the best Stephen King short stories you've never read 39. Firestarter (2022) Credit: Universal PicturesBased on King's 1980 novel, Firestarter follows a father-daughter duo on the run because of their extraordinary abilities. He (Zac Efron) has the power to bend people's will with his mind; she (Ryan Kiera Armstrong) can set fires telekinetically. So, naturally, they're viewed as unchecked weapons by a sinister organization.
In short, this tale of coming-of-age carnage has no spark.Admittedly, the 1984 adaptation, which starred a young Drew Barrymore in the title role, wasn't all that great to begin with, so a remake shouldn't have been such a bad idea. Regrettably, screenwriter Scott Teems and director Keith Thomas don't bring anything explosively new or all that thrilling to their spin on King. In my review for Mashable, I called it "more pointless than perturbing." In short, this tale of coming-of-age carnage has no spark. —K.P.
38. The Dark Tower (2017) Credit: Columbia PicturesSo much wasted potential. The Dark Tower obviously isn't the worst King adaptation out there, but — particularly for anyone familiar with the books — it may be the most frustrating. The thing is, the author's Dark Tower series is his self-proclaimed magnum opus. It makes The Stand look like a short story. The series is eight books and one novella long, telling the tale of a sprawling battle between good and evil that takes place across multiple worlds, with a huge cast of awesome characters, one of the best endings King has ever written, and the mysterious Dark Tower at the very centre of it all.
SEE ALSO: 10 of the best Stephen King book endingsNikolaj Arcel's movie dips its toe into this world, but that's about all it does. The story feels rushed, and not even the acting might of Idris Elba, Matthew McConaughey, and a strong turn from young star Tom Taylor can rescue it. The key problem is The Dark Tower tries to work in its own right as a standalone movie. But, like the multiverse at the heart of the novels, it's far too vast for that. — S.H.
37. Graveyard Shift (1990) Credit: Graveyard Linc / Kobal / ShutterstockFor the most part, adapted short stories get a hard time of it on this list. Graveyard Shift is no exception, with John Esposito's screenplay taking a brilliantly gory King tale about workers clearing the basement of a rat-infested textile mill and stretching it awkwardly into a full-length movie. But the film is not without its gruesome charm, and although the set-up feels a tad cluttered and the character development isn't great, the action builds to an impressively unpleasant crescendo as the core group goes exploring in the mill's hidden sub-basement (extra points for a fight that takes place in a literal bone pit, and the awesomely grotesque monster itself). — S.H.
36. Dreamcatcher (2003) Credit: ShutterstockOn paper, this one has all the ingredients of a good King adaptation. Co-written and directed by Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back writer Lawrence Kasdan and starring Morgan Freeman and Damian Lewis, Dreamcatcher is an IT-style story that sees childhood friends reuniting as adults after something strange happened to them in the past. Only this time instead of killer clowns, we have an alien parasite. It should be fun, but somehow the story isn't particularly memorable and the characters all feel a little underdeveloped. — S.H.
35. In the Tall Grass (2019) Credit: NetflixKing co-wrote In the Tall Grass with his son, writer Joe Hill, and it's easy to see why Cube director Vincenzo Natali was keen to work on the adaptation: Set almost entirely in a seemingly endless field of grass that traps passers-by, In the Tall Grass is a fun idea that was presumably relatively easy (and cheap) to shoot. The problem is, a fun idea is about as far as this one goes. Once you get beyond the claustrophobic concept, the movie is a little repetitive. Although there are some creepy and disturbing moments, the ending isn't satisfying enough to excuse the film's other issues. — S.H.
34.1922 (2017) Credit: NetflixSet in – you guessed it – 1922, Zak Hilditch's adaptation of King's novella of the same name follows a Nebraskan farmer who convinces his own son to help him murder his wife, with the aim being to stop her selling the farm and moving the family away to the city. Yep, it's a cheerful one. The adaptation captures the same bleakness as the source material, but unfortunately it downplays the creeping presence of rats, one of the story's more disturbing — and intriguing — elements. What's left is a dark, gory tale where the characters are all as difficult to like as they are to care about. — S.H.
33. Cell (2016) Credit: Moviestore / ShutterstockOK, so Cell doesn't quite qualify for "hidden gem" status, but you could certainly make a case for it at least being a bit overlooked. Despite its A-list cast (Samuel L. Jackson and John Cusack star) the film has been largely forgotten, most likely due to the wildly bad reception it received from both critics and the public.
But does it really deserve such an awful Rotten Tomatoes score? I would argue no. It's not a great film but it's certainly not terrible by any means, taking the fun idea of a cell phone-induced apocalypse and creating more than a few tense sequences as our main characters struggle to survive the plague's rabid victims. The characters are a little underdeveloped, sure, and the film loses its way in the third act, but for a casual weekend watch you could do far worse. — S.H.
32. The Lawnmower Man (1992) Credit: New Line / Kobal / ShutterstockThere are probably many things people say to Pierce Brosnan when they spot him in the street and ask for a selfie, but "I loved you in the 1992 classic The Lawnmower Man" is most likely not one of them.
Even calling The Lawnmower Man a King adaptation feels like a bit of stretch, because the movie is so far removed from the original short story it barely even feels like they bothered using the source material (King actually won a lawsuit against New Line Cinema to have his name removed from the movie's advertising, arguing it bore little resemblance to his original short story). The thing is, though, despite the author wanting little to do with it, the movie isn't actually as terrible as its reviews might suggest, telling an entertaining enough Frankenstein-style sci-fi story about a scientist who uses virtual reality to expand his subject's intelligence. — S.H.
31. Firestarter (1984) Credit: De Laurentiis / Paramount / Kobal / ShutterstockIn this incendiary escapade, Baby Drew Barrymore is basically Eleven from Stranger Things way before the Netflix show landed. For the 100 percent fine 1984 adaptation of King's Firestarter, she plays eight-year-old Charlie McGee, whose pyrokinetic abilities come from her parents (David Keith and Heather Locklear) — they, in turn, developed their own nosebleed-inducing telepathic abilities after saying yes to a hallucinogenic trial. Of course, a government agency called The Shop gets wind of Charlie’s fiery powers and wants to use them for their own gain. Like Carrie, Charlie just wants to be treated nicely by society, but it seems the world only sees her as a monster.
Tweet may have been deletedIt’s an utterly OK narrative helped by clever fire and fan-heavy special effects and a solid cast including tiny Barrymore setting cinder blocks and agents ablaze, Martin Sheen in his second King film after The Dead Zone as the head of The Shop, Shaft's Moses Gunn as Dr. Pynchot, Starsky and Hutch star Antonio Fargas as the taxi driver (!), and George C. Scott as diabolical assassin John Rainbird. If nothing else, it's all about that synth-fuelled Tangerine Dream score. — Shannon Connellan, Mashable UK Editor
30. Cujo (1983) Credit: Taft / Kobal / ShutterstockGiven the fact dogs in Hollywood usually come in the form of happy, waggy-tailed companions that may or may not eventually break your heart (looking at you, Turner and Hooch), you'd think a murderously rabid St. Bernard might have been something of a tough sell.
You'd think a murderously rabid St. Bernard might have been something of a tough sell.But in Cujo, it works. Or at least, it does up to a point. Centred around Donna (Dee Wallace) and her son Tad (Danny Pintauro), who become trapped in a sweltering hot car while said murder-hound stalks outside it, Cujo the movie borrows from the claustrophobia and tension that made King's novel such a classic. The problem is it doesn't borrow quite enough of it, and the dog – no matter how good a job makeup may have done – just isn't quite as scary onscreen (the movie is almost 40 years old, of course, so it's bound to look a little dated nowadays). Still pretty fun, though. — S.H.
29. Silver Bullet (1985) Credit: De Laurentiis / Kobal / ShutterstockHe may be an excellent prose writer, but it's probably fair to say that King's screenwriting record is somewhat patchier (hello, Maximum Overdrive). For a werewolf flick that gives off strong b-movie vibes, though, Silver Bullet (based on King's novella Cycle of the Werewolf) is actually pretty entertaining.
The story follows a brother and sister (Corey Haim and Megan Follows) on the trail of a small town monster wreaking havoc through the local community. Gary Busey plays their quirky uncle Red, Everett McGill and Terry O'Quinn have cameos, and despite the not-so-great-by-2020s-standard special effects, you might have a decent time sitting down to watch this one on a Friday night. — S.H.
28. Cat's Eye (1985) Credit: De Laurentiis / Kobal / ShutterstockFun fact: Cat's Eye marks King's first credit as a screenwriter. Tying together the short stories Quitters, Inc., The Ledge, and General, this is one of the better horror anthologies in his filmography, in part because it's darkly bonkers.
Named for a framing device that follows a stray cat through three twisted stories, Cat's Eye begins with James Woods playing a family man who tries to quit smoking through the mafia and their notorious tactics. (Bad news for his unsuspecting wife!) Embracing the very corniest of '80s-era visuals, his internal struggle with addiction is a terrifically nightmarish ride, conducted by a madcap Alan King as a grinning mob boss. The other two stories boast vengeance, more violence, a creepy critter, and Drew Barrymore in her second King role, following 1984's Firestarter. Funky and frightening, this one's a weird, good time. Plus, it's sprinkled with Easter Eggs from the King films that precede it. — K.P.
27. A Good Marriage (2014) Credit: Screen Media FilmsBefore working on this list I thought that the vast majority of King movie adaptations could be easily grouped into the great or the terrible. But it isn't that binary, and films like A Good Marriage are proof.
Based on one of the author's more unpleasant novellas of the same name, Peter Askin's adaptation follows Darcy (Joan Allen), a wife and mother who one day discovers her husband is hiding a horrible secret. The direction, acting, and script are all solid, but A Good Marriage lacks some of its source material's tension as we don't burrow quite as deep into Darcy's fears and anxieties as the book takes us. There are also other movies out there, like The Clovehitch Killer, that arguably do a better job of telling a similar story. — S.H.
26. IT Chapter Two (2019) Credit: Warner Bros.The second part of Andy Muschietti's IT revival (more on the first part later) is also the slightly weaker movie, at least in my personal opinion. It may well be subjective though, because the sections of the novel I always enjoyed the most were those set in the past, during the main characters' childhoods, and the two movies split these sections up entirely, with IT Chapter Two focussing solely on what happens to the Losers' Club as adults.
This tale of friends reuniting to combat an old evil is still a lot of fun, though, with some excellent performances from James McAvoy, Jessica Chastain, and Bill Hader, another disturbing turn from Bill Skarsgård as Pennywise, and an almost show-stealingly grouchy cameo from Stephen King himself. — S.H.
25. Salem's Lot (2024) Credit: New Line Cinema/MaxIT writer Gary Dauberman has a solid take on King's classic vampire novel of the same name, immersing us in a mid '70s world of small towns, drive-in theatres, and the arrival of a vampire hell-bent on turning the population into his personal zombie horde.
"Salem's Lot pays homage to the source material and mini-series (hello, nightmarish window sequence), but it's when the film branches out and does its own thing that it really excels," I wrote in my review for Mashable. "The best example of this is the finale, which — without going into spoiler territory — is a thrillingly chaotic sequence that makes creative use of sunlight and a classic '70s setting to give the movie a fresh and bloody sendoff." — S.H.
24. Christine (1983) Credit: Columbia / Kobal / ShutterstockIf the car in Titane had a less lusty, more murderous origin story, it would probably be Christine. King's 1983 automobile horror novel saw a John Carpenter-directed film version out the same year, and sees a possessed 1958 Plymouth Fury wreaking all sorts of homicidal havoc on its unsuspecting passengers.
The famous "show me" scene in which Christine repairs herself is exceptional, weirdly lascivious, and frankly terrifying screen magic.The legendary Halloween director’s ability to weave tension and fear from seemingly standard car functions — the radio turning on, the headlights blaring, the engine revving — is characteristically outstanding, taking King’s wild high-concept premise and scaring the wheels off you. The famous "show me" scene in which Christine repairs herself is exceptional, weirdly lascivious, and frankly terrifying screen magic. — S.C.
23. The Running Man (1987) Credit: Tri-Star / Kobal / ShutterstockThis one is an odd fit among the rest of King’s screen adaptations. It’s based on a novel the author didn’t even publish under his own name, and just about the only thing the movie has in common with the book is that it’s about a guy named Ben Richards (Arnold Schwarzenegger) trying to escape from a dystopian murder game show.
I don’t really care about the movie’s accuracy to the source material and neither should you. Instead, you have to appreciate it for its defiance of traditional standards, as almost everyone in the cast is famous for something other than acting, including NFL legend Jim Brown, a bunch of pro wrestlers, and '70s game show host Richard Dawson. Every single one of them kills it, thanks to the kind of campy, absurd action filmmaking Schwarzenegger was the face of in the late '80s. Dawson deserves extra credit for turning on his Family Feud energy to schmooze with old women in the audience while being an abusive nightmare to his crew backstage.
The Running Man may not be a cinematic standard-bearer, but it’s still a whole lot of fun to watch Arnold choke a sadistic hockey player out with razor wire before remarking that he was a “pain in the neck.” — Alex Perry, Tech Reporter
SEE ALSO: Books, TV shows and movies recommended by Stephen King 22. Hearts in Atlantis (2001) Credit: Moviestore / ShutterstockOK, we're going to go out there and say this one qualifies for "hidden gem" status. It's a long way from being the best King movie adaptation, sure, but Scott Hick's coming-of-age mystery still packs a heavy punch of nostalgia and features some great acting turns from Anthony Hopkins, Hope Davis, and a young Anton Yelchin. The story follows a lonely 11-year-old boy, Bobby (Yelchin), who befriends a man (Hopkins) who moves into the apartment above him — only to learn he has unusual abilities and appears to be on the run from some shadowy figures.
A side note if you were wondering about the title: The filmmakers presumably went with Hearts in Atlantis because it's the title of the book, but the book itself is actually a collection of five linked stories, the second of which is titled Hearts in Atlantis and is all about college students addicted to the card game Hearts. The movie, on the other hand, is a straight adaptation of the first story in the book, which features absolutely no mention of either Hearts or Atlantis whatsoever. Confusing titles aside, though, this one is worth a watch. — S.H.
21. Secret Window (2004) Credit: Columbia Tristar / Kobal / ShutterstockFeaturing an impressively dead-eyed turn from John Turturro as the villain, Secret Window sees writer Mort Rainey (yeah we know, Johnny Depp is in this) attempting to find solace from his recent divorce in a remote lake house — only for a stranger to show up on his doorstep accusing him of plagiarism. What follows is an unpleasant, escalating cat-and-mouse game which is equal parts horror and psychological thriller, with writer/director David Koepp keeping the tension and dread mounting until the movie's twisty conclusion. — S.H.
20. Apt Pupil (1998) Credit: John Baer/Pheonix/Columbia Tristar/Kobal/ShutterstockIt's difficult to separate Apt Pupil from its own disturbing legacy. The movie was directed by Bryan Singer, who has since faced multiple allegations of sexual misconduct including the allegation that he sexually assaulted 13-year-old extra Victor Valdovinos on the film's set in 1997.
As hard as it is to do, I've tried to assess Apt Pupil here solely on the movie's own merits. The film sees high school student Todd Bowden (Brad Renfro) discovering the real identity of an elderly man in his neighborhood, Arthur Denker (Ian McKellen), a Nazi war criminal in hiding, before proceeding to blackmail him with demands to hear his firsthand accounts of the concentration camps. Like the novella it's based on the film is disturbing, and its characters dark and complex, but the central performances from Renfro and McKellen alone make it worth watching, as does the way the tension builds and builds and builds. — S.H.
19. Carrie (2013) Credit: Sony Pictures EntertainmentCarrie is a King novel so enthralling that it's been adapted repeatedly. Director Kimberly Peirce translated King's '70s-set tale of a tormented telekinetic teen to the 2010s, adding cyberbullying to the high school horrors that Carrie endures before her bloody breakdown at prom. Chloë Grace Moretz and Julianne Moore bring gravitas to the lead roles of the terrifying mother-daughter duo. Advancements in visual effects allow for a third act filled with carnage, gore, and fire. However, while solidly scary, Peirce's remake still can't hold a candle (much less a flaming gas station) to Brian De Palma's Academy Award-nominated 1976 version. — K.P.
18. Pet Sematary (2019) Credit: Paramount PicturesComing out a full 30 years after the first adaption of Pet Sematary (more on that one in a moment), Kevin Kölsch and Dennis Widmyer's version of King's early creepfest stars Jason Clarke and Amy Seimetz as Louis and Rachel, a couple who've just made the terrible mistake of relocating to rural Maine only to discover there's something deeply odd about the forest behind their house. If you're looking to be scared and disturbed this one's a good choice, as what it occasionally lacks in character development it more than makes up for in jump-scares and suspense. — S.H.
17. Dolores Claiborne (1995) Credit: Castle Rock Entertainment / Kobal / ShutterstockNot Kathy Bates' finest outing in a King adaptation (you'll see why shortly), but a fine outing nonetheless. Steering more into psychological thriller territory than horror, Dolores Claiborne follows a widow who's been accused of murdering the elderly woman she was caring for, and her tense relationship with her estranged daughter, Selena (Jennifer Jason Leigh), that's played out via flashbacks.
It's a well-told, well-acted story, but be warned — it's also a dark and disturbing one with monsters that are all too human. — S.H.
16. Pet Sematary (1989) Credit: Paramount / Kobal / ShutterstockWhen we talk Classic King, this is what we're talking about: a quiet small town in Maine, the kind of place that should be peaceful, yet its community end up being ripped asunder by creeping supernatural forces.
When we talk Classic King, this is what we're talking about.In this case, the Creed family move away from the big city to watch their children grow up happy and healthy. When that dream is shattered, a grief-stricken father (Dale Midkiff) takes to a burial ground steeped in local legend, searching for solace. The results are gutting, sometimes literally. With a creeping camera and nightmarish practical effects, director Mary Lambert brought King's creepy prose to grisly life (and even directed the decently disturbing sequel, Pet Sematary Two). Thanks to her, a generation of King fans clung to this creepy cautionary tale that warns, "Sometimes, dead is better." —K.P.
15. Creepshow (1982) Credit: Warner Bros / Kobal / ShutterstockWhat do you get when you take a collection of King's short stories and hand them over to the godfather of the modern zombie, George A. Romero, to direct for the big screen? The all-time classic horror anthology, Creepshow.
Horror is made for anthology films and this one is the standard bearer. The five shorts written by King, in what is also his screenwriting debut, are brilliantly woven together throughout the film via animated scenes portraying a comic book that carry the tales on its pages.
Even if you haven't seen Creepshow, there's a good chance you're familiar with iconic scenes from the film: Leslie Nielsen — yes, the Leslie Nielsen of Naked Gun and Airplane! fame — neck deep in sand awaiting his death in Something to Tide You Over. An undead Jon Lormer rises from the grave and surprises his (remaining) family members with a severed head dressed up with candles and presented like a cake as he exclaims "Happy Father's Day!" And, of course, King himself stars as a dull farm boy who sees his farm and eventually his own body overtaken by an alien mosslike lifeform in The Lonesome Death of Jordy Verrill. — Matt Binder, Tech Reporter
14. The Boogeyman (2023) There's something lurking in the shadows. Credit: 20th Century StudiosOriginally published in a 1973 issue of Cavalier magazine, "The Boogeyman" was a King short story that centered on a haunted man, Lester Billings, unfurling a tale of woe, child death, and a titluar beast to therapist Dr. Harper. However, for A Quiet Place screenwriters Scott Beck and Bryan Woods along with Black Swan scribe Mark Heyman took this premise as a jumping off place, putting the whole of Billings' story in the film's first act. From there, they carve out a sort-of sequel to the short story, focusing on a pair of sisters (Yellowjackets' Sophie Thatcher and Vivien Lyra Blair) who are plagued by a creepy creature that lives in the shadows. Unfortunately for them, this paranormal parasite was brought in by a distressed patient of their father, Dr. Harper (Chris Messina).
While the setup is clever, the execution of this adaptation is even better. Rob Savage, who awed horror lovers with the zoom seance hit Host, creates sequences of scares and suspense that are will give you goosebumps and shiver your spine. Part of the film's success comes from Thatcher and Blair playing the Harper sisters, not as precocious or naive, but as brave and pissed off. They fight hard against the dying of the light and the thing that feeds on it, bringing an exhilarating energy through hellish scenarios. But best of all might be a creature design that is absolutely the stuff of nightmares.
While the movie's plot might be thin — and in some major regards feel like a Babadook imitator — The Boogeyman is nonetheless a stupendously scary treasure in the ever-expanding King collection. — K.P.
13. Doctor Sleep (2019) Credit: Warner Bros. PicturesKing famously loathed Stanley Kubrick's movie adaptation of The Shining. So, modern horror auteur Mike Flanagan (Hush, The Haunting of Hill House, The Haunting of Bly Manor) had a lot to prove with a sequel that would integrate the 1980 psycho-thriller and the 1977 novel's follow-up, titled Doctor Sleep. Some fans have bristled at the changes from the book, but others have cheered how Flanagan translated the mood of King — if not the exact story — into an ambitious, bloody, and deeply unnerving next chapter.
SEE ALSO: 'Doctor Sleep' isn't 'The Shining' and that's the highest complimentEwan McGregor stars as the grown-up but still haunted Danny Torrance. However, the real stars of this film are Kyliegh Curran, as a brave young girl with "the shining," and Rebecca Ferguson as the evil, sexy, and enviably stylish child-killer, Rose the Hat. — K.P.
12. 1408 (2007) Credit: Dimension Films / Kobal / ShutterstockYes, we know there’s another, way more famous haunted hotel movie on King's lineup, but don’t forget to pack your bag for the Dolphin Hotel too. You actually can’t check in any time you like to the titular room number 1408, but if, like haunted hotel reviewer and book author Mike Enslin (a superbly cynical and slowly unhinged John Cusack), you force your way in despite the manager’s warnings (an effortlessly foreboding Samuel L. Jackson), you can never leave.
Director Mikael Håfström does some truly scary things with special effects in this adaptation of King’s short story, and they even shot three different endings, all different to the author’s original. But the real winner of this film is Cusack, whose performance mostly contained to the hotel room itself is unrelentingly compelling. — S.C.
11. IT: Chapter One (2017) Credit: Warner Bros.The IT remake seemed to come at the perfect time, riding high on the coattails of Stranger Things-induced '80s horror nostalgia (Finn Wolfhard even stars) and tapping into the nightmarish memories of a generation who grew up terrified by both the old TV series and the book. As a big fan of the latter I remember being nervous going into this one, but was pleasantly surprised by how Andy Muschietti's adaptation of this tale of small-town evil turned out.
Muschietti's film taps into the awkward highs and lows of adolescence that King's book expertly portrayed.The scares are there, yes (helped along by Bill Skarsgård's theatrically creepy take on Pennywise the Clown), but Muschietti's film also taps into the awkward highs and lows of adolescence that King's book expertly portrayed. — S.H.
10. Gerald's Game (2017) Credit: NetflixHow do you turn a story that's set almost entirely in a single room into a watchable film? Well for a long time, with Gerald's Game at least, you didn't.
The novel came out in 1992, and it was only a full 25 years later that Mike Flanagan's adaptation finally made it to Netflix. King himself previously admitted he thought the book was "unfilmable" when he first read it in college, and it's easy to see why: The story follows Jessie (Carla Gugino), who gets trapped in a remote lake house handcuffed to a bed after her husband unexpectedly dies of a heart attack. Much of the story takes place in her head, but Flanagan's direction — which makes use of flashbacks and imaginary conversations — brings Jessie's internal nightmare effortlessly to life. — S.H.
9. The Mist (2007) Credit: Dimension Films / Kobal / ShutterstockWhile two of writer/director Frank Darabont's King adaptations have risen to the lofty heights of all-time greatest film lists (more on them later), The Mist has flown largely under the radar. It has a decent enough Rotten Tomatoes audience rating, and positive enough reviews, but it appears to have been mostly lost in the shadow of Darabont's earlier work. It's an ill-deserved legacy.
Following a father and son who get trapped in a gas station store with a group of strangers as a weird fog envelops their town, The Mist takes an intriguing premise and spins out a tense popcorn-muncher of a film that's equal parts fun, jumpy and harrowing. It's not a perfect movie – some of the special effects look a little dated here and there – but it's still leagues ahead of most monster movies, and comes complete with a chilling human antagonist and a convincing analogy of the dangers of fundamental religion. — S.H.
8. The Dead Zone (1983) Credit: Dimension Films / Kobal / ShutterstockIt’s hard to imagine that either Stephen King or David Cronenberg would have known how unsettlingly timely The Dead Zone would feel in 2022. The 1983 adaptation of the author's 1979 novel introduces us to Johnny Smith (Christopher Walken) — a provincial school teacher about to marry his sweetheart. After a car accident that almost kills him, Johnny wakes up with the psychic ability to see people’s past and future. It will take him a while to understand that his powers are not just about seeing the future, but about being able to change it. The psychological thriller becomes political when a Trump-like figure is introduced halfway through the film. Add some nuclear anxiety and seen today, The Dead Zone seems here to tell us that we still haven’t learnt our lessons.
SEE ALSO: This 1979 Stephen King novel is a chilling prediction of Donald Trump's riseBut there’s much to be enjoyed about the film outside its political relevance. Starting with the award-worthy performances by Christopher Walken and Michael Sheen, and adding Mark Irwin’s stunning cinematography, Cronenberg’s adaptation is a cinematic feast. To experience The Dead Zone in all its glory, look for the film’s digital restoration. — Teodosia Dobriyanova, Video Producer
7. The Shining (1980) Credit: Warner Bros / Hawk Films /Kobal / ShutterstockStanley Kubrick's The Shining occupies a strange place in movie history. The film has long enjoyed praise from critics, it sits comfortably in the IMDb top 250 movies of all time, and it's probably one of the most famous horror movies ever made. On the other hand, King himself isn't a fan. Yep, really. The author hasn't been shy with his opinions of the movie over the years, describing it as "cold" and calling Shelley Duvall's character Wendy "one of the most misogynistic characters ever put on film."
...the twins in the hallway, the river of blood, "Herrrreeeee's, Johnny!"...So, does he have a point? Well, you could certainly argue that the characters in Kubrick's adaptation are nowhere near as three dimensional as King's; Jack Torrance (Jack Nicholson) doesn't unravel like he does in the book (he's already unravelled to begin with), while Duvall's character comes across as far more helpless on screen. But despite this, The Shining remains undeniably quintessential cinema — it's disturbing, genuinely scary, and features imagery (the twins in the hallway; the river of blood; "Herrrreeeee's, Johnny!") that will burn themselves forever into your brain. — S.H.
6. Carrie (1976) Credit: United Artists/Kobal/ShutterstockThe word "iconic" gets thrown around cavalierly, but Brian De Palma's Carrie truly earns this distinguished adjective. Those who shudder at the very idea of watching a scary movie may not have seen Carrie, but they know the image of a girl in a pretty prom dress, draped in pig's blood. They recognize the howl of Margaret White: "They're all gonna laugh at you!"
Sissy Spacek stars as the titular telekinetic teen girl, a sheepish misfit mocked for her awkwardness and her zealot mother (Piper Laurie). But an act of kindness from a popular girl (Amy Irving) could prove a turning point for Carrie — and on prom night no less! Of course, King isn't much for happy endings. And De Palma's adaptation delivers when it comes to chills, screams, and haunting imagery. It's little wonder Spacek and Laurie each earned Academy Award nods for their riveting and unnerving performances, streaked with agony, ecstasy, and resentment. — K.P.
5. The Green Mile (1999) Credit: Ralph Jr Nelson / Castle Rock / Warner Bros / Kobal / ShutterstockIt's not easy to make a three-hour movie fly by, but Frank Darabont's prison-set thriller is so incredibly tense, emotional, harrowing, and beautiful, that it easily feels half that length.
Taking place in a death row penitentiary in 1935 Louisiana, The Green Mile sees prison guard Paul Edgecomb (Tom Hanks) and his colleagues coming to terms with the miraculous gifts of new inmate John Coffey (Michael Clarke Duncan), a giant of a man who has been sentenced to death for the murder of twin girls. Pretty much every character in The Green Mile is memorable in their own right: there's Paul's towering best friend Brutus (David Morse), their snivellingly sadistic colleague Percy Whitmore (Doug Huchison), troubled prison warden Hal Moores (James Cromwell), and nightmarish inmate "Wild" Bill Wharton (Sam Rockwell). Saying that a movie is a rollercoaster of emotions feels clichéd, but in this case it fits. The story has the ability to shock, and make you laugh, disturb, and – ultimately – bring a tear to the eye. — S.H.
4. The Life of Chuck (2025) Credit: TIFFFirst, he delivered the kinky terror of Gerald's Game, then the child-slaughtering horror of Doctor Sleep. For his third adaptation of King's creepy bibliography, heralded horror auteur Mike Flanagan tackled The Life of Chuck, a 2020 novella with a very different tone than his previous frightening films. Sure, there are scares, death, and even some ghostly business within this curious offering, which won wild praise out of its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2024. But at its core, this is a magnificent movie about the joys in living.
Beginning at what seems like the end of the world as we know it, The Life of Chuck follows a school teacher (Chiwetel Ejiofor) as he grapples with an onslaught of worrisome news, including natural disasters, societal breakdown, and the tragedy of the internet going out for good. Yet he is most mystified by the billboards going up around town of a smiling, bespectacled Charles Krantz (Tom Hiddleston), who appears to be retiring after "39 great years." Who is this mystery man? The Life of Chuck will unfurl his story with wonder, whimsy, grief, and a rousing dance number that makes it a total crowd-pleaser. Co-starring Flanagan collaborators like Mark Hamill, Karen Gillan, Jacob Tremblay, Rahul Kohli, and Kate Siegel, this is a deeply poignant film, and one of the very best King adaptations yet. — K.P.
3. The Shawshank Redemption (1994) Credit: ITV / ShutterstockIt was always going to be near the top of the list, wasn't it? Frank Darabont's adaptation of King's novella Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption has topped so many all-time greatest movie rankings — including its famous number one spot above The Godfather on the IMDb top 250 — that it would've been ridiculous for us not to include it up here. Its place in movie history is well deserved, too. I enjoyed King's novella like I do most of his work, but this is probably one of the rare instances where the film surpasses its source material.
Probably one of the rare instances where the film surpasses its source material.Tim Robbins is perfect as Andy Dufresne, a man who suddenly finds himself behind bars for a murder he claims not to have committed, while Morgan Freeman gives a legendary performance as his prison mate-turned-friend Red. There's some truly unpleasant supporting roles from Mark Rolston as violent inmate Bogs and Clancy Brown as brutal prison guard Captain Hadley. It's a film that'll be watched and studied for decades to come. — S.H.
2. Misery (1990) Credit: Castle Rock / Columbia / Kobal / ShutterstockIs Annie Willkes, played with terrifying (and Oscar-winning) intensity by Kathy Bates, the greatest female movie villain of all time? Very possibly.
Telling the nail-biting tale of best-selling writer Paul Sheldon (the late James Caan), who gets rescued from a car crash by his "number one fan" only to be held hostage, Misery is a horribly tense film that'll have you sweating every time Wilkes leaves the house and Sheldon embarks on yet another doomed escape attempt. There are truly classic moments of dialogue ("you dirty bird") and some scenes (you know the one) that will probably never leave your head once you've seen them. All in all Misery is an excellent thriller, one of two powerhouse King adaptations from Rob Reiner, and one of the greatest suspense movies ever made. — S.H.
1. Stand By Me (1986) Credit: Columbia / Kobal / ShutterstockAlthough some of King's lengthier tomes (i.e. IT) have made excellent movies, you could make a pretty convincing case that it's his shorter novels and novellas that work best on screen. Stand By Me is the perfect example of this.
"I never had any friends later on like the ones I had when I was 12...Jesus, does anyone?"Screenwriters Raynold Gideon and Bruce A. Evans took the author's novella The Body — a coming-of-age tale about four friends who go hunting for a dead teenager while evading the local bullies — and squeezed out every drop of the story's poignancy and humour. It's a tear-jerking snapshot of the anxieties, friendships, highs, and lows of childhood. The novella packed a powerful punch of nostalgia and Rob Reiner's direction channels this in its own way, placing the boys' friendships front and centre, then considering them through a throughful adult lens. "I never had any friends later on like the ones I had when I was 12," the grown up narrator (Richard Dreyfuss) writes at one point. "Jesus, does anyone?"
SEE ALSO: Every single Stephen King novella, rankedKeep an eye out for a young Kiefer Sutherland as the brilliantly unpleasant Ace Merrill, Wil Wheaton as budding writer Gordie Lachance, Corey Feldman as the bold Teddy Duchamp, a young Jerry O'Connell as the sweet Vern Tessio, and of course, the exceptional River Phoenix as Gordie's best friend Chris Chambers. Their performances, like the movie itself, have a well-deserved place in cinematic history. — S.H.
SAVE $300: As of Oct. 25, the DJI Power 1000 portable power station is on sale for $499 at Amazon with the on-site coupon. This 1024Wh solar generator is ideal for camping, RV trips, and home backup power.
Opens in a new window Credit: DJI (Amazon) / Mashable Composite DJI Power 1000 Portable Power Station $499.00 at AmazonWhen you're out in the wild, the last thing you want is a dead battery. That’s where the DJI Power 1000 comes in handy, and it’s currently available at a reduced rate. Normally priced at $799, this portable power station is down to $599, thanks to a 25% discount. Plus, there’s an additional $100 coupon you can clip on the product page, bringing your final price down to $499.
This 1024Wh power station packs a serious punch, offering 2200W of max output power to handle everything from your camping essentials to power outages at home. Its LiFePO4 battery not only provides robust power but also boasts a long lifespan, capable of up to 4,000 charge cycles. This means you’ll get around 10 years of reliable energy — perfect for those who want peace of mind while exploring off the grid.
SEE ALSO: I reviewed the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 and I can't imagine a better social video cameraOne of the standout features of the DJI Power 1000 is its rapid recharge capability. Thanks to DJI’s fast-charging technology, you can juice up from zero to 80% in just 50 minutes using a wall outlet, or in 80 minutes if you opt for a solar panel (sold separately). That’s great for when you’re on the go and need to get back to full power quickly.
Got DJI drones? This power station is designed to play nicely with them. You can pair it with optional charging cables to keep your Mavic 3 or Air 3 batteries ready for takeoff, extending your flight time during those epic drone shoots.
And let’s talk about noise — or rather, the lack of it. The DJI Power 1000 operates at an ultra-quiet 23 dB, which is softer than a whisper. This makes it ideal for serene settings like campgrounds or RV parks where you don’t want a noisy generator ruining the ambiance.
In addition to being quiet, it’s also safe. With 26 SGS certifications and a built-in Battery Management System (BMS), this power station protects against over-current, over-voltage, and other potential issues. Plus, it comes with a three-year warranty that extends to five years if you register, giving you plenty of long-term security.
Save $20: As of Oct. 25, the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K is on sale for $29.99 at Amazon, saving you 40% off its usual $49.99 price. It supports WiFi 6 for smoother streaming and offers access to over 1.5 million movies and TV episodes.
Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon / Mashable Composite Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K $29.99 at AmazonStreaming in 4K has never been this affordable. The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K is down to just $29.99 — $20 off the regular price of $49.99. It's a limited-time deal, so if you've considered upgrading your TV setup, now's a great time to do it. Here's why this little streaming stick might be your next favorite gadget.
The Fire TV Stick 4K offers a cinematic streaming experience right from the comfort of your couch. It supports 4K Ultra HD resolution, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and Dolby Atmos sound. This means you can enjoy vibrant visuals and immersive audio while watching your favorite show or film. You'll feel like sitting in a mini-theater, minus the sticky floors and overpriced popcorn.
SEE ALSO: Apple TV+ joins Amazon Prime Video as an add-onBut what really sets this model apart is its WiFi 6 support. If you're dealing with a busy network, this feature helps ensure your Fire TV Stick 4K delivers a smooth, lag-free viewing experience. Even when multiple devices are connected, you can still stream in 4K without those annoying buffering interruptions.
One of the best perks? Hands-free control with Alexa. You can simply ask your TV to play specific movies, search for shows starring your favorite actors, or even find those elusive action films with epic car chases. Just say, "Alexa, show me thrillers," and you're all set. Plus, if you're into gaming, you can stream Xbox Game Pass titles directly on your Fire TV Stick 4K without needing a console.
Beyond paid subscriptions like Netflix, Disney+, and Max, this streaming stick gives you access to tons of free content. You can browse over 300,000 movies and TV episodes from ad-supported streaming services like Amazon Freevee, Tubi, and Pluto TV. At $29.99, the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K combines power, performance, and affordability. It's a great addition to any TV setup, especially if you want to maximize your 4K screen without breaking the bank.
SAVE UP TO $16: As of Oct. 25, save 20% on the KIWI K4 Boost and KIWI H4 Boost battery head straps for the Meta Quest 3/3S at Amazon. The K4 Boost drops to $55.99 (originally $69.99), while the H4 Boost is down to $63.99 (originally $79.99).
The best battery head strap deals at Amazon Best battery head strap for comfort KIWI K4 Boost $55.99 at Amazon (Save $14) Get Deal Best battery head strap for ventilation Kiwi H4 Boost battery head strap $63.99 (Save $16) Get DealGetting into the world of VR is pricey enough, but keeping your headset charged shouldn’t have to be. Right now, you can save 20% on two of KIWI design’s popular battery head straps for the Meta Quest 3 and Quest 3S, thanks to a coupon deal at Amazon. Just clip the coupon on the product page, and the discount will be automatically applied at checkout.
The KIWI K4 Boost head strap has a built-in battery that extends your playtime by up to three hours. No more frantic sprints for a charging cable mid-game. Its design is all about comfort: the enhanced rear support and thicker padding make long sessions easier on your head and neck. With dual fast charging, you can juice up your Quest and the K4 Boost simultaneously in about 2.5 hours.
For a little more, the KIWI H4 Boost offers a similar battery boost with a few extra perks, like an adjustable front-to-back field of view (FOV) and side ventilation to keep you cool during intense gameplay. It even promises a zero-pressure fit — perfect if you’re tired of feeling like your headset is squeezing your face.
SEE ALSO: The best gaming headset for every platformThese head straps carry on the trend of brilliant build quality from KIWI, so it’s a great time to pick one up and give your Quest 3 or 3S a bit more stamina. If you want the freedom to explore virtual worlds without a low-battery warning or play Beat Saber without the headset wobble, these deals are worth a look. Clip this 20% coupon deal before it's gone.
SAVE OVER $80: As of Oct.25, the Shark Matrix Plus Robot Vacuum is on sale for $349.99 at Amazon, saving you 19% on the list price.
Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark Matrix Plus Robot Vacuum $349.99 at AmazonWe're big fans of robot vacuums here — just take a look at our review of the best models and you'll see why. So we're always on the hunt for robot vacuum deals, big and small. And this Amazon deal on the Shark Matrix Plus Robot Vacuum is one we couldn't ignore.
As of Oct. 25, this model is on sale for $349.99 at Amazon.This is the lowest this vacuum has been priced at since December 2023, so you know you're getting a great deal.
But what's so special about this model? Besides all the obvious pros (no more manual vacuuming), this device doesn't just pick up dirt, it mops your floors too. It uses Sonic Mopping to scrub hard floors 100 times per minute, and if you know it's about to encounter an extra deep stain, head to the app and initiate Matrix Mop to get 50% better stain cleaning in certain spots.
SEE ALSO: I've tested over 20 robot vacuums and these are the best for every budget in 2024This vacuum also boasts an impressive precision matrix grid, meaning it takes multiple passes over dirt and debris to ensure it is all removed. And the smart features don't end there: the CleanEdge Detect system uses blasts of air and corner recognition to remove debris from edges and corners pulling the debris into the cleaning path. Plus, there's no need to manually map out the path for this vacuum, because it uses 360-degree LiDAR vision to learn your space, detect obstacles, and pick up dirt.
Like many high-end vacuums, this machine self-empties, self-charges, and holds up to 60 days' worth of dirt, limiting your work even further. The base is bagless, so both useful and environmentally friendly as it eliminates the need for waste bags.
Convinced yet? Head over to Amazon to grab this deal.
Whether you're exclusively a solo gamer or spend most of your time in online gaming lobbies, having a great gaming headset is only going to enhance the experience. Better immersion and communication are never a bad thing, and I almost always play with one strapped to my noggin.
After spending a few weeks with the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro, I can confidently say that you should look no further if you've been searching for a new gaming headset, because it's the best I've ever used. It sounds great, feels great to wear, and I can't see myself switching headsets anytime soon.
SEE ALSO: Gaming starter kit: All the gear you need to play like a real gamer Next-level immersionThe Razer BlackShark V2 Pro sounds simply divine. No matter what I was playing, the headset made me feel way more engaged than I usually do thanks to not only the crisp audio playback, but also that gorgeous surround sound.
The BlackShark V2 Pro is packed with Razer's patented Triforce Titanium 50mm drivers, which are split into three parts so they can be individually tuned for high, mid, and low tones. And let me tell you, it's for the better — everything sounded incredibly clear and detailed, especially while playing games like Astro Bot and Star Wars: Outlaws, which both have top-tier audio design. Because the headset is also equipped with THX Spatial Audio, you can hear where sounds are coming from with impressive accuracy. Passive noise cancellation is also pretty good, cutting down on a decent amount of outside noise without rendering me completely unaware of my surroundings.
A crystal-clear microphone with one small flawWhen it comes to gaming headsets, the audio on your end isn't the only kind of audio that matters. If you're playing online, you'll want your buddies to be able to hear you loud and clear, or else it could spell "game over" for your squad. I'm happy to report that the BlackShark V2 Pro's microphone quality is great (at least according to my friends whom I've been playing Space Marine 2 with). My teammates consistently said I sounded crystal clear with no noticeable lag on either of our sides.
I did have one small issue with the BlackShark V2 Pro's mic, though. While not a dealbreaker at all, I didn't love the microphone's detachable design, and would've much preferred a retractable style for portability's sake. Sure, it's easy enough to just pop the mic off and stow away the headset itself, but now I'm stuck holding this small appendage with nowhere to put it but... next to the headset, I guess? What do I do with this thing?
Where am I supposed to keep this little mic dongle? Credit: Dylan Haas / Mashable An extremely intuitive headsetI always appreciate a gaming headset with on-board controls that I can play around with on the fly; the BlackShark V2 Pro's are a joy to use due to their intuitive and simplistic nature. You get a button to switch between wireless and wired modes which is super convenient, a volume knob, a mic mute button, and a power button. That's all there is, and it's all you'll need.
This headset has the essentials at hand. Credit: Dylan Haas / Mashable If there was any latency here, I couldn't find itWorst case scenario is when your gaming headset is laggy. If you're playing competitively online, the response times for your audio input and output could be the deciding factor between a win and a loss, so you're going to need something with relatively low latency. The Razer BlackShark V2 Pro has that in spades.
Even when using it in wireless mode (which connects via a nifty little USB dongle), I couldn't pick up on any latency at all, no matter how hard I tried. At least, it wasn't detectable to my naked ear. Neither was it to my online friends. I usually never use my gaming headsets in wireless mode because I often find it to be a more laggy experience than playing with them wired in. However, with the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro, I exclusively use it wirelessly because I just can't tell the difference.
I could wear this all dayI've tried out a lot of gaming headsets, and the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro beats them all by far when it comes to comfort. The headset's FlowKnit memory foam ear cushions are soft and breathable with a padded adjustable headband to match. Even after numerous multi-hour gameplay sessions, I never felt even a hint of soreness. The build quality feels very premium, featuring a durable exterior that I think is going to stand the test of time, as well as steel reinforcement in the headband that doesn't sacrifice flexibility.
Even the overall look of the headset is really nice and streamlined, which isn't something that can be said for a lot of gaming peripherals, in my opinion. It still has a gamer-chic aesthetic, but gives more pilot vibes than Cyberpunk 2077 NPC. Although the exposed wiring on either side of the headband does look kind of cool, it can become frustrating when it gets caught on stuff. At worst, I could see it becoming damaged over time if the wiring keeps getting snagged on random objects (I haven't seen any yet, thankfully), but if you just take care while storing the headset, you should be fine.
Credit: Dylan Haas / Mashable Credit: Dylan Haas / Mashable Battery life is good, not greatWhen in wireless mode, the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro runs off a battery that didn't necessarily impress me but didn't bother me, either. I was able to get about 20 hours on a single charge before switching over to wired mode, which ended up being a pretty seamless experience when using the SmartSwitch button on the side of the headset. No gameplay interruptions when your headset runs out of juice, here.
Is the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro gaming headset worth it?The Razer BlackShark V2 Pro is absolutely worth the buy. Although $199.99 isn't cheap for a gaming headset, the value you get for your money here is just fantastic. The shortcomings are few and far between, and the headset's combination of comfort, quality, and style in one package certainly justifies the investment.
Razer BlackShark V2 Pro $199.99 at AmazonWhen it comes to streaming options, the list goes on and on: Hulu, Netflix, Max, Disney+, Apple TV+, Prime Video, Shudder, Paramount+, Peacock, and more. And that's before you even look at their vast libraries of movies and television within each one!
It can be overwhelming. So, Mashable offers watch guides for all of the above, broken down by genre: comedy, thriller, horror, documentary, animation, and more. But maybe you don't know what you want beyond something new and entertaining. No worries.
SEE ALSO: The best Netflix TV shows of 2024 (so far)Mashable's Entertainment Team has scoured the streaming services to highlight the most buzzed-about releases of this week and ranked them from worst to best — or least to most watchable. Whether you want nail-biting horror, heartwarming comedy, chilling true crime, or a binge-worthy new series, we've got you.
7. TrapM. Night Shyamalan is in fine form in his latest film, Trap, which takes an already out-there concept and spins it into a bonkers fun thriller. Josh Hartnett (Oppenheimer) stars as Cooper, a devoted dad who's taking his daughter Riley (Ariel Donoghue) to the concert of her dreams. There's just one problem: Cooper is also a serial killer known as "the Butcher" — and this whole concert is a trap set to catch him.
SEE ALSO: Josh Hartnett compares his new role in 'Trap' to his character Zeke from 'The Faculty'So begins a delicious cat-and-mouse game where you can't help but root for the mouse, serial killer though he may be. Hartnett's performance is a nonstop blast, as are the many twists and turns offered up by the film's concert-centric premise. Want a series of musical set pieces? Pop star Lady Raven (R&B singer Saleka, who is also Shyamalan's daughter) has got you covered. How about ludicrous ploys to get backstage? Cooper will give you exactly what you want, including a wild-eyed suggestion that he and Riley pop through a trapdoor in what remains one of the funniest film moments of the year. Perhaps most shocking of all is that amid all this chaos, Trap manages to craft a surprisingly compelling story about fatherhood (even if that father is, yes, a serial killer).
As Siddhant Adlakha wrote in his Mashable review, "Trap is practically an ode to his daughters and their teenage years, though it also wrestles with some of the darker implications of fatherhood." Between that, Hartnett's knockout turn, and the tightly wound suspense of the concert scenes, what more could you want? Get on the Trap train, people! — Belen Edwards, Entertainment Reporter
Starring: Josh Hartnett, Ariel Donoghue, Saleka
How to watch: Trap is now streaming on Max.
6. TerritoryTerritory is a land succession drama that takes place on an Australian cattle ranch. This new Netflix series is co-created by Mystery Road's Timothy Lee and Ben Davies, with Wolf Creek's Greg McLean directing. You'll meet the Lawson family, owners of the world's largest ranch, Marianne Station. But what happens when the reign of patriarch Colin (Robert Taylor) ends? Anna Torv (The Last of Us) stars alongside For All Mankind's Michael Dorman, Vikings: Valhalla's Sam Corlett, and Longmire's Robert Taylor.
Mashable's Amanda Yeo described the show as "Yellowstone meets Succession in the Australian outback" in her review, writing, "Contending with such titles, Territory puts in the effort to set itself apart by embracing its distinctly Australian characteristics, making it different enough to be intriguing while still familiar enough to be comfortable." — Shannon Connellan, UK Editor
Starring: Anna Torv, Dan Wyllie, Robert Taylor, Jake Ryan, Clarence Ryan, Michael Dorman, Sam Corlett, Tyler Spencer, Hamilton Morris, and Philippa Northeast
How to watch: Territory is now streaming on Netflix.
5. Inside Out 2Pixar's sequel to 2015's Inside Out is finally streaming, with youngster Riley Andersen's (voiced by Kensington Tallman) anthropomorphic emotions gaining some roommates inside her head. Why? She's starting high school. You remember. Joy (Amy Poehler), Sadness (Phyllis Smith), Anger (Lewis Black), Disgust (Liza Lapira), and Fear (Tony Hale) are joined by Anxiety (Maya Hawke), Envy (Ayo Edebiri), Ennui (Adèle Exarchopoulos), and Embarrassment (Paul Walter Hauser).
As Mashable's Belen Edwards wrote in her review, "Like 2022's Turning Red, which in itself proved a groundbreaking representation of puberty, Inside Out 2 embraces the complexities of this daunting life stage, especially when it comes to feelings of self-worth and anxiety. The result is a frank take on mental health that proves more mature than its predecessor, while also maintaining a well-needed touch of irreverence and Pixar comfort." — S.C.
Starring: Amy Poehler, Phyllis Smith, Lewis Black, Liza Lapira, Tony Hale, Maya Hawke, Ayo Edebiri, Adèle Exarchopoulos, Paul Walter Hauser, and Kensington Tallman
How to watch: Inside Out 2 is now streaming on Disney+.
4. The Remarkable Life of IbelinIn the mood for a documentary this weekend? Then check out The Remarkable Life of Ibelin, which uses World of Warcraft recreations to dive deep into a deceased Norwegian gamer's rich online life.
That gamer is Mats Steen, who died in 2014 from Duchenne muscular dystrophy. His parents Robert and Trude worry that he didn't make any connections while he was alive, as he spent so much time physically isolated and playing World of Warcraft. Yet when they post about his passing on his old blog, a wave of support from Mats' World of Warcraft friends proves he was anything but alone.
Director Benjamin Ree reenacts Mats' in-game conversations with the help of over 42,000 pages of gaming logs, painting a portrait of Mats as someone who was caring, empathetic, and central to his online community. As I wrote in my review for Mashable, the film "serves as a touching tribute to what Mats meant to so many people, as well as the power of the virtual ties that bind us." — B.E.
How to watch: The Remarkable Life of Ibelin is now streaming on Netflix.
3. Late Night with the DevilWriters/directors Cameron Cairnes and Colin Cairnes (aka the Cairnes Brothers) won critical acclaim for their Satanic Panic gem Late Night with the Devil out of the 2023 SXSW film festival and even garnered praise from Stephen King. And now, it's easier than ever to watch at home, as this frightening film has come to Hulu.
Tweet may have been deletedThe Boogeyman's David Dastmalchian plays Jack Delroy, a late-night talk show host who's clinging to relevance. For Halloween, he decides to craft the spookiest lineup he can muster, with one of his guests seemingly possessed by something sinister.
SEE ALSO: 34 bloody excellent Australian horror movies that'll mess you up (and where to watch them)As Mashable's entertainment editor Kristy Puchko wrote in her review, "Paying tribute to '70s horror, Late Night with the Devil is steeped in the era's aesthetic and its emerging moral anxiety, as well as the methodical pacing that draws us in, grabs on tight, and won't let go until that final ghoulish moment." — S.C.
Starring: David Dastmalchian, Laura Gordon, Ian Bliss, Fayssal Bazzi, Ingrid Torelli, Rhys Auteri, Georgina Haig, and Josh Quong Tart
How to watch: Late Night with the Devil is now streaming on Hulu.
2. What We Do in the Shadows, Season 6Everyone's favorite vampire roommates are back for one last hurrah in What We Do in the Shadows' sixth and final season — so consider this your sign to tune in or catch up if you haven't already!
This season brings more bloodsucking chaos to the lives of Nadja (Natasia Demetriou), Laszlo (Matt Berry), Nandor (Kayvan Novak), Guillermo (Harvey Guillén), and Colin Robinson (Mark Proksch). From a new vampire roommate named Jerry (Mike O'Brien) to landing jobs in corporate America to Laszlo's new Frankenstein-esque experiments, Season 6 is a delightful ride — and a reminder of why What We Do in the Shadows has one of the best comedic ensembles on TV. — B.E.
Starring: Matt Berry, Kayvan Novak, Natasia Demetriou, Harvey Guillén, Mark Proksch, Doug Jones, Mike O’Brien, and Kristen Schaal
How to watch: What We Do in the Shadows Season 6 is now streaming on Hulu.
1. Star Trek: Lower Decks, Season 5Created by Rick & Morty writer/producer Mike McMahan, Star Trek: Lower Decks is an animated sci-fi comedy as packed with outrageous action as it is audacious laughs. Far from the strong-jawed drama of most of Star Trek's movies and TV series, Lower Decks plays like a workplace sitcom, covering everything from intimidating alien threats to the thankless clean-up work demanded of the holodeck. In every episode, there's reason to thrill and cackle. And now is the perfect time to begin a binge watch (or rewatch).
SEE ALSO: Even if you're not a Star Trek fan, it's time to get into 'Lower Decks'This week, Paramount+ debuts the start of this sensational show's fifth and final season. Having seen the first five of the 10 episodes promised, I'm freshly in love with this sensational series, and not ready to say goodbye. In my review, I cheered, "Lower Decks didn't only amuse me with its spirited screw-ups and clever turns on sci-fi cliches and Star Trek tropes. It drew me into the world of these characters so intensely that I want more, more, more."
Lucky for us, there's plenty more Star Trek adventures on Paramount+.
Starring: Tawny Newsome, Jack Quaid, Noël Wells, Eugene Cordero, Dawnn Lewis, Jerry O'Connell, Fred Tatasciore, and Gillian Vigman
How to watch: Star Trek: Lower Decks Season 5 debuts with two episodes Oct. 24, with new episodes weekly.
Star Trek: Lower Decks is ending, and I'm not ready.
Created by Rick & Morty writer/producer Mike McMahan, Lower Decks giddily shook up the one-hour sci-fi drama format of the long-running Star Trek franchise. Its focus shifted away from noble captains and their courageous bridge crew going on universe-saving missions. Instead, this workplace comedy embedded audiences in the cramped bunk beds and chaotic inner lives of a band of eccentric ensigns, who barely make it out of their daily tasks alive.
Impulsive and enchanting, Mariner (Tawny Newsome) is the feisty leader of her motley band of friends; she relishes margaritas and role-playing games about Klingon warfare. Her right-hand man is by-the-book brown-noser Brad Boimler (Jack Quaid), who dreams of earning his own captain's chair someday. Meanwhile, Orion badass/unapologetic nerd Tendi (Noël Wells) gave up a life of plundering and piracy to study science aboard the starship Cerritos. Her best bud, engineering cyborg Rutherford (Eugene Cordero), shares her enthusiasm for all things science, as well as a mutual crush that's been achingly unspoken for four seasons and counting. Their energy — which often involves much squealing — is countered by the ever-stoic Vulcan transfer T'Lyn (Gabrielle Ruiz), who has become the series master of deadpan delivery.
Together, they've tackled extraterrestrial beasts, personal catastrophes, the horrors of a holodeck gone wrong, and much, much more. But with their latest season, they set forth on their fifth and final frontier. And it's going to be hard to say goodbye.
Lower Decks kicks off with what could have been for every major character. Credit: Paramount+Season 5 launches with "Dos Cerritos," an ambitious episode in which the Cerritos crew runs into their parallel dimension doubles. Swiftly, audiences are invited to marvel at what might have happened if Billups (Paul Scheer) had risen to his royal destiny or if Mariner ever got promoted to captain. It's a conceit that allows for visual gags through cheeky variant designs, but also shows how far these ensigns have come — and how far they may still have to go.
While Mariner and her captain/mom face a reality in which their roles are reversed, Boimler is caught up in how confident his double is. Maybe it's the beard? To be more like his briefly glimpsed parallel self, Boimler decides to grow facial hair. And props to McMahan, because the evolution from clean-shaven to bold bushiness is charted across the five episodes given to critics through a mounting array of awkward looks. A few stray hairs become a sketchy mustache, with a scraggly goatee on the way. It's funny every time Boimler pops up with truly awful facial hair and unmatched moxie as he goes on a dangerous undercover mission, engages with an ancient alien ritual, and touches down on Starbase 80. Oh, yeah.
Lower Decks Season 5 tackles new terrain. Credit: Paramount+In past seasons, Starbase 80 was established as a punishment station, where Mariner was punted when it was thought she'd betrayed the Cerritos. In episode 5, "Starbase 80?!," we'll finally witness what all the fuss is about — and with a Nicole Byer appearance to boot! Elsewhere this season, Lower Decks will dive deeper into non-Starfleet stories, following up with compelling characters like the Klingon who helped Mariner escape the clutches of the crazed traitor Nick Locarno in Season 4. But best of all, we get to see Tendi doing more pirate action!
SEE ALSO: 'Star Trek: Lower Decks' Season 4 review: This spoofing spinoff is one of the best sitcoms now streamingYes, yes, Lower Decks has been rewriting the history of the Orions, giving them a complexity beyond being merciless plunderers. Still, it's a thrill to watch the Mistress of the Winter Constellation kick butt, but in her own uniquely non-lethal, brainy way! While Season 5 displays how Tendi has grown through Starfleet, it also shows how Rutherford is struggling to cope without her. Unexpectedly, it's his Vulcan buddy who makes a grand emotional gesture to ease his aching heart. And true to this show's form, it's in a way that is delightfully unhinged.
In all these little ways, McMahan's team of writers and animators charts new terrain for their lovable losers, who are getting promotions, life lessons, and hilarious hijinks to an almost overwhelming degree. The series has moved away from focusing on kooky misadventures, carving out an arc of what it means to be a young adult figuring out your path among the stars. And so even amid cartoon violence, much Boimler yelping, and pitch-perfect callbacks, there's an emotional tug to every episode as we draw near to not only the Season 5 finale, but also the series finale.
Lower Decks brought together Trekkies and newbs. Credit: Paramount+I've written before about how Lower Decks became my gateway into really understanding Star Trek. The show's short-and-sweet comedy setup didn't demand I know decades' worth of lore to enjoy the ride. But the more I watched and rewatched, the more I began to venture into other Star Trek series. Partially, this was so I could better enjoy the bevy of Easter eggs nestled in the show's dialogue and background designs by a team who clearly loves this sci-fi franchise deeply (but not too seriously). But a bigger part is that I became as enchanted with Starfleet as Boimler and his friends.
SEE ALSO: Even if you're not a Star Trek fan, it's time to get into 'Lower Decks'I binge-watched Star Trek: Strange New Worlds because I heard they were doing a crossover episode with Lower Decks. How does a live-action drama series cross over with an animated sitcom? The Strange New Worlds episode "Those Old Scientists" answered that with aplomb, then doubled down on its smoldering, sexy approach to Star Trek by offering up a musical episode with "Subspace Rhapsody." From there, I've been trekking all across the franchise's riches on Paramount+.
Lower Decks didn't just amuse me with its spirited screw-ups and clever turns on sci-fi cliches and Star Trek tropes. It drew me into the world of these characters so intensely that I wanted more, more, more. And while Season 5 will only offer 10 episodes, it's nice to know there are plenty of stories beyond in their sister series.
What does the rest of Season 5 have in store? Will Tendi and Rutherford end up together? Will Mariner find the confidence to be the kind of captain she'd like to see in Starfleet? Will Boimler's beard ever come in? And where will the Cerritos leave us? I both can't wait to find out and never want this show to end. Much like Evil, another critically heralded Paramount+ show that recently drew to a close, Lower Decks is a series that is sharply funny, joyously subversive, and rousingly poignant. It's not enough to watch it. You'll want to revisit it. You'll want to explore beyond it. And you'll likely wish there was more Mariner and Boimler mayhem to come.
Star Trek: Lower Decks Season 5 debuts with two episodes Oct. 24, with new episodes weekly.
TL;DR: Use Skoove for AI-powered piano lessons while a lifetime subscription is $119.99 (instead of $299). The sale ends October 27.
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Opens in a new window Credit: Skoove Skoove Premium Piano Lessons: Lifetime Subscription $119.99TL;DR: Avoid holiday stress by getting a Button Remote for your Apple TV/Apple TV 4K, only $34.97 (reg. $39) until October 27 at 11:59 p.m. PT.
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Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Refurbished MacBook Pro (Intel Core i5, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $449.99The worst part about a MacBook is the price. If you can get around that, then they're solid computers that can last quite a while — especially with the creative and multitasking power that comes with MacBook Pros. Even older models are a worthwhile investment, especially if you're looking for a reliable computer for daily tasks that don't take too much processing power.
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