Movie adaptations ofStephen King’s iconic library of horror novels have almost become their own subgenre at this point, withSalem’s Lotbeing the latest to undergo the book-to-movie transition. The 2024 adaptation has been the victim of many delays since filming wrapped in 2022, and consideringWB’s treatment of films like the canceledBatgirlmovie, it was up in the air whetherSalem’s Lotwould even see a proper release at all. But thankfully, theGary Dauberman-directed vampire flick is finally seeing the light of day, where it will take its place among the plethora of memorable Stephen King adaptations before it.
However, this isn’t the first time thatSalem’s Lothas been adapted.The Texas Chain Saw Massacredirector Tobe Hooperhelmed the 1979 TV miniseries, which marked the first time that King’s chilling novel received an adaptation of any sort. This was later followed up by another miniseries in 2004, which starred actorRob Lowe.This makes the 2024 version of King’s story the third rendition the story has seen, but the first to be a proper movie.
Is ‘Salem’s Lot’ Streaming?
Yes! For those eager to get an immediate start on their October horror movie marathons,Salem’s Lotwill be streaming on Max as of Thursday, October 3. Max has been home to many Stephen King projects of the past, so it’s no surprise to see thatSalem’s Lotis being exclusively housed by the streamer.In a week full of exciting streaming releases,Salem’s Lotis likely to be one of the week’s more popular releases, especially with the recent arrival of the spooky season.
Salem’s Lotwill not, however, be the only competition in the crowded streaming space, with several other streamers dropping exclusive horror films this weekend. Netflix is debuting sci-fi horror comedyIt’s What’s Insideon October 4, along with Spanish-language sequelThe Platform 2. Horror streaming serviceShudderwill also be competing with the debut of the seventh entry in the found-footage anthology series,V/H/S/, entitledV/H/S/Beyond, which will also premiere on October 4. Lastly, Hulu will try their hand withSearchlight Picture’sHold Your Breath,also arriving on October 4.
Watch on Max
Is ‘Salem’s Lot’ In Theaters?
Salem’s Lotwill not be receiving a theatrical run, despite initial plans for one. Many previous Stephen King adaptations have faced an exclusive streaming release, so it’s not too shocking to seeSalem’s Lotalso follow this formula. It’s unfortunate news for those who love the theatrical experience, but in a month chock-full of potentially great horror releases hitting the big screen (including but not limited to hotly anticipated sequelsTerrifier 3andParamount’sSmile 2), there will be no shortage of thrills and chills at the cinema.
Watch the Trailer for ‘Salem’s Lot’
The official trailer forSalem’s Lot(which can be viewed above) begins with a suspenseful opening of a young boy running away from something off-screen before introducing viewers toLewis Pullman(Top Gun: Maverick) as author Ben Mears, along with the suspicious town of Jerusalem’s Lot as its vampiric threat. The trailer serves as a great showcase for the ensemble ofSalem’s Lot, including the likes ofSpencer Treat Clark(Unbreakable),Alfre Woodard(12 Years a Slave),Makenzie Leigh(Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk), andBill Camp(Joker). With a cast this strong, the vampire(s) of Jerusalem’s Lot don’t stand a chance.
What Is ‘Salem’s Lot’ About?
The official synopsis forSalem’s Lotreads as follows:
“Author Ben Mears returns to his childhood home of Jerusalem’s Lot in search of inspiration for his next book only to discover his hometown is being preyed upon by a bloodthirsty vampire.”
Are the Other ‘Salem’s Lot’ Adaptations Streaming?
For those wanting to watch the other twoSalem’s Lotadaptations, you unfortunately won’t find them on streaming. The twoStephen King miniseriesaren’t featured on any major streaming services as of writing. However, for those willing to hand over some of their hard-earned cash,both the 1979 and 2004Salem’s Lotminiseries are available to rent on a variety of streaming platforms.
Other Stephen King Adaptations to Watch After ‘Salem’s Lot’
From demonic clowns to resurrected pets, here are some noteworthy Stephen King adaptations to check out afterSalem’s Lot.
‘IT’ (2017)
Seven young outcasts in Derry, Maine, are about to face their worst nightmare – an ancient, shape-shifting evil that emerges from the sewer every 27 years to prey on the town’s children. Banding together over the course of one horrifying summer, the friends must overcome their own personal fears to battle the murderous, bloodthirsty clown known as Pennywise.
The highest-grossing horror film of all time with over $700 million at the worldwide box office, 2017’sITadapts the first half of King’s chilling novel with astonishing results. Featuring an all-star ensemble of young actors includingStranger Things' Finn Wolfhard,the film sees the gathering of the Losers Club, a group of kids in the fictional town of Derry, Maine who encounter and battle a demonic force in the form of an evil clown named Pennywise (Bill Skarsgård). The blockbuster horror film stands as one of the best and most successful Stephen King adaptations to date, even spawning the upcoming streaming seriesWelcome to Derry, soon to premiere on Max.
‘Carrie’ (1976)
Carrie is a horror film directed by Brian De Palma, based on Stephen King’s novel. It stars Sissy Spacek as Carrie White, a shy high school student who discovers her telekinetic abilities. Tormented by her peers and controlled by her fanatically religious mother, played by Piper Laurie, the film follows Carrie’s emotional and psychological struggles leading to a dramatic climax. Carrie solidified its place in the horror genre for its powerful performances and chilling atmosphere.
WhileCarriehas also received several adaptations, it’s the 1976 film directed byBrian De Palmathat reigns supreme as the definitive film version of King’s story. The film follows young Carrie White (Sissy Spacek), an awkward high school girl with a less-than-stellar school life and an oppressive religious fanatic for a mother. However, Carrie soon discovers that she has been gifted with telekinetic powers, which eventually leads her down a path of chaos. Spacek’s performance is unforgettable, and the film’s iconic climax is just as thrilling and terrifying as it is to read in King’s source material, making this easily one of the finest book-to-movie translations of all time.
Watch on AMC+
‘Pet Sematary’ (1989)
Pet Sematary
After tragedy strikes, a grieving father discovers an ancient burial ground behind his home with the power to raise the dead.
While the 2019 adaptation is also a worthy version of the story, it’s the 1989 version of Stephen King’sPet Sematarythat stands out as the superior telling of this haunting tale.Pet Semataryfollows the Creeds, a family whose new home is located near a suspicious cemetery. When the family cat is accidentally killed, father and husband Louis (Dale Midkiff) bury the cat in the cemetery, with regrettable consequences. Of allthe classic Stephen King stories,Pet Sematarystands out as one of the author’s most compelling narratives for its depiction of a family being torn apart by the cruelness of death. This is a Stephen King adaptation that often doesn’t get the appreciation that it deserves (just stay away fromPet Sematary: Bloodlines).
Rent on Prime Video
Salem’s Lot
In Salem’s Lot (2024), writer Ben Mears returns to his childhood town to craft a novel, only to find that its residents are being transformed into vampires. As the sinister forces grow, Ben and a group of allies must confront the malevolent presence threatening to consume the entire community.
