10 Underrated Movies Based On Stephen King Stories

Apt Pupil was released in 1998 and directed by Bryan Singer. Starring Ian McKellen and Brad Renfro, the film follows teen Todd Bowden who learns that a former Nazi is living in his town under a fake name. Rather than turning him in, Bowden implores the ex-SS officer to regale him with horrific stories of his time in the war.

A complex film, Apt Pupil explores dozens of themes and is worthy of multiple viewings to truly appreciate the depth of its writing and dialogue. McKellen is always excellent but shows a new side to his acting skills with this spine-tingling performance and Renfro does an admirable job of portraying a highly disturbed and suggestible kid who gets in way over his head.

As with many other of the best King adaptations, tension and suspense builds up over the course of the film to a final dramatic crescendo. Apt Pupil received middling reviews and failed to recoup its budget at the box office, but it's still more than worthy of a watch for King fans.