Stephen King’s Carrie: The Surprising Bestseller With Two Hit Films
Stephen King’s stories have inspired countless film adaptations, but one novel stands out for its box office success and cultural impact. Discover which book outshined The Shining and IT, and why its chilling story keeps coming back to haunt audiences.
When it comes to authors whose work has dominated both bookshelves and movie screens, few can rival Stephen King. While most fans immediately think of IT or The Shining, there’s another King novel that’s quietly become a powerhouse in both publishing and Hollywood. Carrie, King’s debut novel, not only sold millions of copies but also inspired two major film adaptations that left a lasting mark on the horror genre.
Box Office Triumphs: Carrie’s Cinematic Legacy
First published in 1974, Carrie tells the story of a shy, tormented teenager who discovers she has telekinetic powers. The novel’s raw portrayal of bullying and revenge struck a chord with readers, leading to over 4 million copies sold. Hollywood quickly took notice, and in 1976, Brian De Palma brought Carrie to the big screen. Sissy Spacek’s haunting performance, alongside John Travolta and Piper Laurie, turned the film into a classic, earning critical acclaim and a 94% Rotten Tomatoes score.
Decades later, the story returned to theaters in 2013, this time with Chloë Grace Moretz and Julianne Moore. While the remake didn’t reach the same critical heights, it still drew audiences and proved the enduring appeal of King’s tale. Both films found success at the box office, cementing Carrie’s place as a horror staple.
Sales Figures: How Carrie Stacks Up Against King’s Other Works
Despite the fame of titles like The Shining and IT, Carrie’s sales numbers are impressive. According to industry reports, Carrie has moved over 4 million copies since its release. For comparison, The Shining has sold more than 1 million, Pet Sematary over 2 million, and IT more than 2.5 million. Only The Dark Tower: The Gunslinger edges out Carrie, with sales topping 5 million copies.
What sets Carrie apart isn’t just its sales, but the way its story has been retold and reimagined for new generations. The novel’s unique structure, blending narrative with newspaper clippings and interviews, adds a layer of realism that keeps readers hooked. Its themes of isolation, abuse, and vengeance remain as relevant today as they were in the 1970s.
What’s Next: Carrie Returns as a Streaming Series
The fascination with Carrie isn’t fading anytime soon. Amazon Prime Video is developing a new series based on the novel, with Mike Flanagan at the helm as showrunner and executive producer. Flanagan, known for his work on Doctor Sleep, brings a deep understanding of King’s universe to the project. The upcoming eight-episode series promises to explore Carrie’s world in even greater depth, introducing her story to a fresh audience.
With each adaptation, Carrie continues to evolve, reflecting the anxieties and fears of its time. The character’s journey from bullied outcast to a force of nature remains one of King’s most powerful creations, and her story shows no signs of losing its grip on popular culture.
Beyond Carrie: King’s Enduring Influence on Horror
While Carrie, The Shining, and The Dark Tower have all achieved remarkable success, Stephen King’s influence stretches far beyond these titles. Novels like Revival, Insomnia, and Salem’s Lot showcase his ability to blend supernatural terror with deeply human struggles. Each story offers a new perspective on fear, faith, and the unknown, ensuring King’s place as a master of modern horror.
For those looking to revisit the origins of King’s cinematic legacy, both the 1976 and 2013 versions of Carrie are available to stream on FuboTV and MGM+. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to his work, there’s never been a better time to experience the story that started it all.