9 Stephen King TV Adaptations That Will Totally Creep You Out

Writer Stephen King is regarded as one of the great masters of suspense (no disrespect to Mr. Hitchcock, of course) and his contribution to entertainment over the five decades has been huge. His thrilling, spooky, and often campy stories have been turned into countless film and TV projects, delighting horror and sci-fi fans alike on screen since "Carrie" got doused in pig's blood back in 1976. King has dozens of TV adaptations to his credit, including current CBS hit "Under the Dome," sowe think now's a great time to look back at a few standouts. Here are 9 creep-tastic Stephen King TV adaptations worth getting scared by. (Spoiler alert: If you live in a small and sleepy New England town, prepare to be extra freaked out.)

'Sometimes They Come Back'

If it's a Stephen King movie, you better believe they're (whoever they are) are comin' back. Based on King's short story, "Sometimes They Come Back" is a 1991 TV movie surrounding a man who returns to his small town and is plagued by ghosts of teens who killed his brother. Teen ghosts are the scariest kind of ghosts, after all. 

'Kingdom Hospital'

Based on Lars von Triar's "The Kingdom," "Kingdom Hospital" was adapted by Stephen King for a thirteen episode TV event. It's about the sinister happenings at a haunted Maine hospital built on a a graveyard -- a plot that's quite the departure from King's usual work. JK, it's like the most Stephen King-y thing ever. 

'Salem's Lot'

This spook-tastic thriller is all about citizens turning into vampires in a small New England town. Watch this 1979 adaptation if you dare...

'The Stand'

This 1994 miniseries based on one of King's most celebrated works follows the aftermath of the spread of a deadly virus. If you need a distraction from this terrifying concept, just focus on Molly Ringwald's epic mid-'90s wardrobe. 

'Nightmares and Dreamscapes'

TNT aired this eight-part anthology of Stephen King's short stories, including "Crouch End" and "The 5th Quarter." Stars like William H Macy, Tom Berenger, and Ron Livingston all participated in the 2006 horror TV event.

'The Tommyknockers'

Welcome to Haven, a sleepy Maine town where Jimmy Smits is a poet who lives with writer girlfriend Marg Helgenberger. Sounds quaint until you learn the town's inhabitants happen to be possessed by a buried UFO. 

'The Dead Zone'

Anthony Michael Hall starred in "The Dead Zone" (USA, 2002-2008) -- a series about a teacher who wakes up after six years in a coma only to discover his life has completely changed and he now has psychic abilities triggered by touch. 

'Trucks'

"Trucks don't drive by themselves." Oh, but they do. Don't underestimate those revved-up killing machines! Trucks develop minds of their own and go on a murderous rampage in a small town in this 1997 TV movie. Not exactly creepy, but still an entertaining thrill ride.

'It'

Nothing is scarier than a creepy clown. And nothing proves that more than the Tim Curry classic "It,"' a 1990 miniseries about a demon who takes on the form of a dancing clown named Pennywise and terrorizes children. We're willing to bet circuses around the world saw a dip in sales after this aired.