Stephen King’s Carrie: The Bestseller That Outshone The Shining

Stephen King’s literary works have long been a rich source for film adaptations, with titles like IT and The Shining often springing to mind. Yet, while many are captivated by the chilling atmosphere of Doctor Sleep or the unsettling narrative of Pet Sematary, there is another tale that has quietly achieved remarkable commercial triumph—Carrie.

Box Office Triumphs: Carrie’s Cinematic Journey

Carrie has the distinction of being adapted for the big screen not once, but twice, with both versions enjoying notable success at the box office. The 1976 adaptation, directed by Brian De Palma, earned critical acclaim and remains a classic of the genre. Sissy Spacek’s portrayal of the troubled protagonist, alongside performances from John Travolta, Amy Irving, and Piper Laurie, left a lasting impression on audiences. The 2013 reimagining, helmed by Kimberly Peirce and starring Chloë Grace Moretz and Julianne Moore, brought the story to a new generation, though it received a more mixed critical response.

According to ratings, the original 1976 film holds a 7.4/10 on IMDb and an impressive 94% on Rotten Tomatoes, while the 2013 version sits at 5.8/10 and 51% respectively. Despite the difference in critical reception, both adaptations contributed to the enduring legacy of King’s debut novel.

Sales Figures: Carrie’s Place Among King’s Bestsellers

First published in 1974, Carrie quickly captured the public’s imagination, selling over four million copies worldwide. The story follows a reserved schoolgirl, tormented by her peers and her domineering mother, who discovers she possesses telekinetic abilities. The narrative, partly told through newspaper articles and interviews, builds towards a dramatic and vengeful climax at her school prom.

While Carrie leads in terms of early sales, other King novels have also achieved significant commercial success. The Dark Tower: The Gunslinger (1982) reportedly surpassed five million copies sold, while The Shining and The Stand have each sold over a million. Pet Sematary and It have also reached multi-million sales figures, but it is Carrie that remains a touchstone for King’s commercial and cultural impact.

New Adaptations: Carrie Returns to the Screen

The fascination with Carrie shows no sign of waning. Following its two successful film adaptations, the story is set to return as a series on Amazon Prime Video. Mike Flanagan, known for his work on Doctor Sleep, will serve as executive producer, showrunner, and writer for the eight-episode project, and is expected to direct select episodes. Flanagan’s previous collaborations with King have been well received, making this new adaptation highly anticipated among fans of the genre.

The original film’s director, Brian De Palma, is celebrated for his work on titles such as Scarface, The Untouchables, and Mission: Impossible. The 2013 version, meanwhile, introduced the story to a younger audience, ensuring that Carrie remains relevant in contemporary popular culture.

Beyond Carrie: King’s Enduring Influence

While Carrie, The Shining, and The Dark Tower have all achieved considerable acclaim, King’s bibliography is filled with other notable works. Revival explores themes of faith and existential dread, while Insomnia delves into the supernatural through the eyes of a man grappling with reality. Salem’s Lot offers a gothic horror narrative centred on a young boy’s encounter with a vampire.

King’s ability to craft stories that blend psychological depth with supernatural elements continues to resonate with readers and viewers alike. His novels remain a fixture in both literary and cinematic circles, with adaptations regularly drawing new audiences to his work.

Watch Carrie (1976) and Carrie (2013) now on FuboTV and MGM+.