Misery, the Only Stephen King Movie to Win an Oscar, Arrives on Netflix

Kathy Bates' Oscar-winning performance as Annie Wilkes in the 1990 psychological horror classic is coming to the streaming platform.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Rob Reiner's 1990 psychological horror film Misery, based on the Stephen King novel, is coming to Netflix on March 1. The film stars Kathy Bates as Annie Wilkes, a deranged "number one fan" who holds novelist Paul Sheldon (James Caan) captive after rescuing him from a car accident. Bates won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance, making Misery the only Stephen King adaptation to ever win an Oscar.

Why it matters

Misery's Oscar win was notable, as the Academy has historically overlooked horror performances in major acting categories. The film's success also helped cement Stephen King's status as one of the most adaptable authors in Hollywood, with over 100 of his works having been adapted for film and television.

The details

Misery was written by William Goldman and directed by Rob Reiner. It was released in theaters on November 30, 1990 and went on to earn $61.3 million at the box office. The film was praised for its unique take on the horror genre, blending psychological thrills with dark humor.

  • Misery will be available to stream on Netflix starting March 1, 2026.
  • Kathy Bates won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in Misery on March 25, 1991.

The players

Kathy Bates

An American actress who won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of Annie Wilkes in Misery, making it the only Stephen King adaptation to ever win an Oscar.

James Caan

An American actor who starred as novelist Paul Sheldon, the captive of Bates' character Annie Wilkes, in Misery.

Rob Reiner

An American actor, filmmaker, and producer who directed the 1990 film adaptation of Misery.

William Goldman

An American novelist, playwright, and screenwriter who wrote the screenplay for Misery, based on the Stephen King novel.

Stephen King

An American author known for his prolific work in the horror genre, including the novel Misery which was adapted into the Oscar-winning film.

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What they’re saying

“I'd like to thank the Academy, I've been waiting a long time to say that. I would like to congratulate all the nominees this evening, especially those in this category — their work continues to humble and inspire me… I would like to thank my family, my friends, my mom at home and my dad, who I hope is watching somewhere. I would like to say thank you, thank you very much.”

— Kathy Bates, Best Actress Oscar Winner (Academy Awards Ceremony)

“Kathy Bates and James Caan's performances were magic. The film also brought a touch of humor that wasn't present in my original novel.”

— Stephen King (Various Interviews)

What’s next

Misery's arrival on Netflix on March 1, 2026 is sure to introduce the classic horror film to a new generation of viewers. Fans of Stephen King and psychological thrillers will no doubt flock to the platform to revisit Kathy Bates' Oscar-winning turn as the deranged Annie Wilkes.

The takeaway

Misery's Oscar win for Kathy Bates' performance was a landmark achievement, as the Academy has historically overlooked horror films in major acting categories. The film's success helped cement Stephen King's status as one of Hollywood's most adaptable authors, with over 100 of his works having been brought to the screen.