Stanley Kubrick’s 1980 adaptation of The Shining is once again the most-watched horror film on HBO Max in the U.S., as Halloween approaches — a strange twist for a movie Stephen King himself dismissed witheringly. The director’s take on the author’s 1977 novel, starring Jack Nicholson and Shelley Duvall, was a commercial underperformer at the time and received a lukewarm critical reception, even earning two Golden Raspberry nominations, one for Worst Actress (Duvall), another for Worst Director (Kubrick). Today, that same film is regarded by many as one of the greatest horror movies ever made, its reputation having aged like fine wine. King, who reportedly found the adaptation cold and emotionally hollow, once compared it to “a big, beautiful Cadillac with no motor inside,” criticizing the lack of warmth and his own characters’ portrayal. He never saw the film as a true reflection of his work. Yet now, decades later, it’s drawing massive viewership during the spooky season, proving that some stories evolve beyond their creators’ intentions. This resurgence comes alongside the launch of Mike Flanagan’s new Carrie series on Prime Video, which has become the third-most-watched title in the U.S. The show, based on King’s 1974 novel, stars Summer C. Howell as the titular telekinetic teenager, with Samantha Sloyan, Amber Midthunder, and Matthew Lillard in supporting roles. Flanagan, known for his deep reverence for King’s storytelling, has reimagined the material with a focus on emotional depth and psychological realism. Collider’s Nate Richard acknowledged that ‘not every deviation works,’ but concluded the series is ‘definitely worth a watch for those who hold the novel near and dear to their hearts.’ The success of Carrie has sparked renewed interest in King’s broader canon, pushing audiences back toward other adaptations. Including the very film King disowned. It’s not just nostalgia at play. There’s a hunger for layered horror that lingers long after the screen goes dark. And while King may have never embraced Kubrick’s vision, the audience has. The film’s slow-burn dread, its unsettling atmosphere, and the way it turns isolation into terror continue to resonate. As streaming platforms gear up for Halloween, it’s clear that some ghosts don’t stay buried. They return, louder, sharper, more relevant than ever.