Stephen King is never shy about sharing his opinions, and when it comes to horror, his word carries serious weight. In a 2017 interview with BFI, the master of the macabre listed his ten favorite films, and one entry stood out as his ultimate pick for supernatural scares: The Changeling (1980). Now, this chilling classic is available to stream for free on Tubi, giving horror fans a chance to see why King holds it in such high regard.
King's praise for the film was effusive: "For supernatural horror, I like Peter Medak's film The Changeling, starring George C. Scott in perhaps his last great screen role. There are no monsters bursting from chests; just a child's ball bouncing down a flight of stairs was enough to scare the daylights out of me." It's a testament to the film's power that a simple, everyday object can be more terrifying than any creature feature.
A Haunted Mansion and a Grieving Father
The story follows John Russell (Scott), a widowed composer who moves to Seattle after the tragic deaths of his wife and daughter in a car accident. He rents a grand, old mansion from Claire Norman (Trish Van Devere), who assures him the house has been vacant for twelve years. But John soon discovers he's not alone. Strange occurrences begin almost immediately: loud banging, water taps turning on by themselves, and a hidden attic revealed by a shattered window. Most disturbingly, he encounters the ghostly image of a drowned boy in a bathtub.
Determined to uncover the truth, John and Claire investigate the mansion's history. They initially believe the spirit is a young girl who died on the property in 1909, but a séance reveals a far more sinister story. The spirit is actually Joseph Carmichael, a sickly six-year-old who was murdered by his father in 1906. The father, driven by greed, replaced Joseph with an orphan—the "changeling"—to inherit a vast fortune. Now, Joseph's restless spirit seeks justice.
A Detective Story Wrapped in Horror
What makes The Changeling so remarkable is its blend of supernatural horror and gripping mystery. As John digs deeper, he uncovers a conspiracy that leads to a U.S. Senator and a shocking confrontation. The film's horror is built on atmosphere and tension rather than jump scares or gore. Director Peter Medak uses clever camera angles and unsettling imagery—like the red rubber ball bouncing down the stairs or a dusty wheelchair that comes to life—to create a sense of dread that lingers long after the credits roll.
But it's the emotional core that truly sets The Changeling apart. John, still grieving his own family, finds a kindred spirit in Joseph's plea for help. His quest to bring peace to the boy becomes a way to cope with his own loss, and George C. Scott delivers one of his most powerful performances. The film's climax raises a haunting question: should the Senator, who knew nothing of his father's crimes, pay for them? The answer is as terrifying as any ghost.
For fans of horror movies based on books, The Changeling is a must-watch. It's also a perfect example of supernatural storytelling done right. And if you're looking for more scares, check out modern horror gems or dive into books for Stephen King fans.
Stream The Changeling for free on Tubi and see why Stephen King calls it the best supernatural horror film of all time.
