Over the years, there have been plenty of Stephen King. With blood-curdling performances and impeccably built suspense, many of these films have lived up to the sheer genius of their source. However, albeit less discussed, there have also been numerous equally thrilling TV shows that drew inspiration from the words of The King of Horror.

Although not all of these small-screen productions obtained the same level of recognition and popularity, many of them shined through the performances of their cast. From legendary disturbing portrayals that ended up becoming regular presences in the viewers' nightmares to charming and more subtle performances that captured the emotional depth that King's characters always possess, there is plenty to see. One thing is certain, some of these acting gems alone have made these already fascinating TV adaptations worth watching.

10 Brendan Gleeson

Bill Hodges - Mr. Mercedes (2017-2019)

Brendan Gleeson delivers an intense performance as Bill Hodges, the bitter, retired detective of Mr. Mercedes. Unlike many traditional crime heroes, but in a similar fashion to most of King's protagonists, Hodges is a deeply flawed individual. However, the actor balances his character between the perfect amount of darkness and vulnerability, making him easy to root for.

Hodges is defeated, haunted by the fact that he was never able to solve the mysterious case of "Mr Mercedes", a killer responsible for claiming 16 lives. However, Gleeson captures the nuances of the tormented man—he is not merely portraying a detective trying to piece together a puzzle, but a lonely and depressed individual looking for a purpose in his life. There is an element of melancholy yet resilience that the actor has been able to celebrate with his layered and sympathetic work.

9 Ben Mendelsohn

Ralph Anderson - The Outsider (2020)

The Outsider is already one of the best horror TV shows based on the work of Stephen King. The performance of Ben Mendelsohn only adds to its genius. Set in a desolate city of Georgia, Mendelsohn plays the role of Ralph Anderson, a tormented detective struggling with the loss of his son years prior, who sets to investigate the mysterious occurrence surrounding the gruesome murder of a young boy.

From quiet despair and suffocating guilt to unraveling skepticism, Mendelsohn delivers a layered and powerful performance that never falls flat.

Ralph is an interesting, albeit emotionally difficult part to delve into, but the actor is able to embody the complexities and contrasting feelings that characterize him. In a horror-like scenario, Mendelsohn leans into the scary supernatural charm of the story with a raw and gripping emotional range, while also maintaining the logical-driven facade required of the character. From quiet despair and suffocating guilt to unraveling skepticism, Mendelsohn delivers a layered and powerful performance that never falls flat.

8 James Mason

Richard K. Straker - 'Salem's Lot (1979)

Salem's Lot might be one of the oldest TV adaptations from Stephen King's books, but the series has gained a cult following over the years, and understandably so. Besides being a captivating journey into the eerie fictional realm of vampires, the series also features one of the most chilling and charismatic performances on television, by James Mason. The actor plays Richard K. Straker, who steals the scene from the book's original villain, the grotesque Kurt Barlow, and becomes the real antagonist of the story.

Despite his sadistic nature, James Mason's Straker hides beneath a calm and polite demeanor, giving life to a villain that is both menacing and enthralling. There is an unsettling charm that Mason brings to the role. Unsurprisingly, the 1979 TV show is the best Salem's Lot adaptation amongst the other created.

7 Steven Weber

Jack Torrance - The Shining (1997)

Everyone re Jack Nicholson's portrayal of Jack Torrance in The Shining; one of the most emotional acting displays in the history of cinema. And there is little doubt about that. However, in 1997, another actor stepped into the shoes of one of King's legendary characters: Steven Weber. With names like Nicholson and Kubrick associated with the original adaptation, Weber had an almost impossible task. However, he delivered a performance that stood on its own merits.

Weber's portrayal was more faithful to the description of Jack in the book. Nicholson gave the role a dangerous and frantic edge from the start.

In the 1997 adaptation, on the other hand, Jack is depicted as a depressed but loving father who is also a recovering alcoholic struggling with his demons. However, there is no hint of the deranged behavior that would later come to define him. Weber embodied the character's conditions as a victim in a frightening albeit deeply tragic way, earning praise from King himself.

6 Lizzy Caplan

Annie Wilkes - Castle Rock (2018-2019)

Lizzy Caplan has proved multiple times to be a versatile actress with an extensive range and ability to bring to life complex and layered characters. Her performance as Annie Wilkes, one of King's most unsettling antagonists, further solidifies her reputation. Taking on a legendary role that earned the original actress who played it, Kathy Bates, an Academy Award was a daring choice, but Caplan lived up to the expectation.

Although Caplan depicted a younger, less threatening version of Annie, she still nailed her mannerisms and frantic demeanor. Her performance captured the villain's erratic and nerve-wracking energy, while also investing her with a vulnerability that made the character more sympathetic to the viewer. Although Bates' interpretation of Annie was probably closer to King's vision, Caplan still crafted a compelling figure capable of being disturbing and unexpectedly tragic. Her performance made Castle Rock a must-watch.

5 Tim Curry

Pennywise The Clown - Stephen King's IT (1990)

Bill Skarsgård's portrayal of "It" might have been one of the most renowned horror performances of the last few years, but Tim Curry was the one who gave King's invention the legendary face that would go on to haunt a generation. And he did so with the sinister charm and talent he notoriously possessed. Although its critical reception was initially divided, the 1990 ABC series is, without a doubt, one of the scariest television productions in history. Curry elevated it to further heights.

Compared to the 2017 performance, which leaned heavily into the monstrous and grotesque nature of Pennywise, the 1990s portrayal read as more human. Curry's previous history as a comedic actor helped him explore the more comical side of the creature, which perfectly matched his role as a clown while also making his actions and behavior even more disturbing. Curry's work turned IT into a cult and is ed today as one of the best performances in Stephen King's adaptations.

4 Gary Sinise

Stu Redman - The Stand (1994)

Written by Stephen King himself and directed by horror filmmaker Mick Garris, The Stand is one of the best TV adaptations inspired by the works of King. Amidst an ensemble cast filled with memorable performances, Gary Sinise still managed to stand out in the role of the reluctant hero at the heart of the story, Stu Redman. Unlike many of King's characters, Stu is not a morally-flawed individual, but someone whose quiet strength and resilience make him special.

He plays into the character's origin as an ordinary man, making his ability to rise to the extraordinary circumstances he is placed in even more impressive.

Sinise, however, avoids having his character fall into the trap of the typical action hero, giving Stu sincerity and realism. He plays into the character's origin as an ordinary man, making his ability to rise to the extraordinary circumstances he is placed in even more impressive. Sinise' Stu has heart, courage, and vulnerability. While The Stand has many strengths, the portrayal of its main character is one of its most interesting and engaging elements.

3 Bill Skarsgård

The Kid - Castle Rock (2018-2019)

Bill Skarsgård did not only pay tribute to Stephen King's genius through his work as Pennywise but also in the TV show Castle Rock, where he, completely stole the scene in his role as “The Kid". Contrarily to his portrayal in It, here we can observe a more subdued, laconic interpretation, although just as haunting. With his vague nickname and the eerie stillness that distinguishes him, Skarsgård's character is an enigmatic presence.

What makes Skarsgård's performance so compelling is the ambiguity he successfully maintains throughout the whole show. "The Kid" is a mystery, an impenetrable figure that both unsettles and intrigues. Despite the silent nature of the character, or maybe because of it, the Pennywise actor shows an impressive range and depth, proving his ability to say a lot even without uttering a single word. If Lizzy Caplan made the second season of Castle Rock worth watching, the real star of the first chapter is Bill Skarsgård.

2 James Franco

Jake Epping - 11.22.63 (2016)

The absurd yet intriguing premise of 11.22.63; a story about a time-traveler who sets on a mission to stop the assassination of John F. Kennedy, is already enough to capture the interest of the viewer. However, James Franco is another reason to watch the series. An accomplished actor, Franco here assumes the pivotal role of Jake Epping, the high school teacher who finds himself drawn into the dangerous time-travel mission.

His portrayal of Jake brings out the complexity of the role, making him a charismatic lead. The character has to balance between his nature as an ordinary small-town man and the extraordinary journey he embarks on. Franco conveys Jake's internal conflict with sincerity and depth. His performance matches the thrilling and intricate nature of the plot, while also honoring the deeply emotional conclusion of the story.

1 Cynthia Erivo

Holly Gibney - The Outsider (2020)

In the case of The Outsider, it is not only one performance that makes the show worth discovering. Ben Mendelsohn is in good company with Cynthia Erivo, who ends up stealing the scene with her role as Holly Gibney. The character, a frequent guest in the stories of Stephen King, had previously appeared and was played by another actress in Mr Mercedes. Erivo’s Holly is a mesmerizing presence: an eccentric and highly observant investigator whose quick wit and unconventional method separate her from the rest.

One of King's most beloved yet controversial characters, Holly is a clever, quirky, and somehow endearing addition to the world of The Outsider. Cynthia Erivo's layered, humorous, and enthusiastic performance contributed to making the show as intriguing as it turned out to be. Furthermore, her chemistry with Ben Mendelsohn was absolutely on point.