It: Welcome to Derry isn’t just another horror prequel — it’s one of the most critically lauded Stephen King adaptations in years. According to Collider’s new ranking, the series, which explores the origins of Pennywise in Derry before the events of It and It Chapter Two, has earned a near-perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes. Developed by Andy Muschietti, Barbara Muschietti, and Jason Fuchs, the same team behind the 2017 and 2019 films. The show stars Taylour Paige, Jovan Adepo, James Remar, and Stephen Rider, with Bill Skarsgård reprising his iconic role as the shapeshifting clown. Critics have praised its atmospheric depth and faithful expansion of King’s mythos, even if some noted flaws in plotting and pacing. Still, it is a standout entry in the It franchise, offering a chilling return to the Maine town that birthed one of horror’s most enduring villains. The list also includes Mike Flanagan’s 2026 reimagining of Carrie, an eight-episode miniseries that centers on Summer H. Howell’s portrayal of the telekinetic teen navigating grief, religious extremism, and high school bullying. Flanagan’s version, while not a direct remake of Brian De Palma’s 1976 film, is credited with capturing the emotional core of the original novel while updating its themes for modern audiences. It’s been hailed for its nuanced exploration of fear, anger, and isolation, particularly how those emotions manifest in adolescence today. Then there’s Storm of the Century, a three-part ABC miniseries from 1999 directed by Craig R. Baxley. Based on King’s first screenplay written specifically for television (later published as a novel), it follows a remote island community cut off by a blizzard and terrorized by a mysterious stranger who knows their darkest secrets. Often cited as one of the greatest horror miniseries ever made, it’s praised for its slow-burn tension, strong performances from Tim Daly, Debrah Farentino, Casey Siemaszko, and Colm Feore, and its lasting influence on the genre. Finally, Creepshow. The anthology series revived by Greg Nicotero, rounds out the top tier. A spiritual successor to George A. Romero’s 1982 film, it features two self-contained horror stories per episode, each helmed by different directors. The current season showcases Giancarlo Esposito, Tobin Bell, Tricia Helfer, Keith David, and Ali Larter in standout roles. Its mix of grotesque visuals, dark humor, and genre variety keeps it fresh across seasons. What unites these shows? A commitment to tone, character, and narrative integrity. Qualities that often get lost in big-budget adaptations. As streaming continues to flood the market with King-based projects, this ranking suggests that the best versions aren’t always the flashiest. They’re the ones that let the story breathe. Now, with several other King adaptations still in development, including a rumored LOTR: Shadow of the Past film reportedly under review at Skydance. The real test may be whether studios can learn from what already works.