If you've been meaning to revisit one of Stephen King's most chilling tales, now's the time. Misery, the 1990 psychological thriller that remains the only King adaptation to win an Oscar, is set to leave HBO Max on November 1. With the recent buzz around Prime Video's new Carrie series, fans are flocking to stream King's classics—and this is your last chance to catch this gem on the platform for a while.
Directed by the late Rob Reiner, Misery stars James Caan as Paul Sheldon, a successful novelist who is rescued from a car crash by his self-proclaimed "number one fan," Annie Wilkes, played with terrifying intensity by Kathy Bates. What begins as a rescue quickly turns into a nightmare as Annie forces Paul to write a new novel to bring back her favorite character. Bates' performance earned her the Academy Award for Best Actress, a rare honor for a horror film and a testament to her gripping portrayal.
Interestingly, Misery's Oscar win stands alone among King adaptations. While The Shawshank Redemption received seven nominations, it went home empty-handed. Even Stanley Kubrick's The Shining, now considered a horror masterpiece, failed to secure a single nomination. King's work has often been overlooked by awards bodies, much like Taylor Sheridan's television empire, which enjoys massive popularity but little recognition from major ceremonies.
Despite the lack of awards attention for most King films, Misery was a commercial and critical success. It grossed over $60 million worldwide on a modest $20 million budget and holds an 86% "Certified Fresh" rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics praised the film for its taut direction and the electrifying chemistry between Caan and Bates, with many calling it one of the best King adaptations ever made.
Rob Reiner was on an incredible hot streak during this period, following up Stand By Me, The Princess Bride, and When Harry Met Sally... with Misery, and later delivering A Few Good Men. His ability to blend genres—from coming-of-age to fantasy to romance—showed remarkable range, and Misery stands as a highlight of his career.
If you're in the mood for more King-inspired thrills, you might also want to check out some fast-paced thrillers on Netflix or explore underrated thrillers that deserve your attention. And for those who prefer the written word, classic books worth reading often include King's original novel, which is just as gripping as the film.
Don't miss your chance to watch Misery on HBO Max before it vanishes. Set a reminder, grab some popcorn, and prepare for a masterclass in suspense. And stay tuned for more updates on what's leaving and arriving on your favorite streaming services.
