From closet monsters to circus terrors, Stephen King’s It has haunted multiple generations in film and television. This guide presents every It adaptation in clear chronological order, explaining how each version relates, what changes, and why it matters. You will find concise, evergreen details that help you decide which version to watch first and how the pieces fit together. Below is a factual comparison, followed by a narrative walkthrough designed for long-term usefulness and clarity.
It Adaptations at a Glance
Below are the principal screen adaptations of It, ordered by release date. Use this table to quickly compare runtime, format, and the source material each covers.
| Title | Year(s) | Format | It Portion Covered | Source Basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| It | 1990 | Television miniseries (2 parts) | Entire novel (1985) | Stephen King novel It (1986) |
| It Chapter One | 2017 | Theatrical feature film | First half of novel (1985), ending 1989 | Stephen King novel It (1986) |
| It Chapter Two | 2019 | Theatrical feature film | Second half of novel (1985), 1989–2016 | Stephen King novel It (1986) |
1990 It Miniseries: The Complete Story
The 1990 It miniseries is the first and, for many years, the only screen adaptation of King’s novel. Released as a two-part television event, it covers the entire book in roughly four hours. This version emphasizes childhood trauma and small-town dread, with practical effects defining the creature design. While its production values differ from the 2017 films, it remains the only adaptation to adapt the full scope of the source novel, including the adult return that forms the latter chapters. Watch this first if you want the complete It experience in narrative order.
2017–2019 Theatrical Duology: A Modern Retelling
The 2017 theatrical films reimagined It for a new generation, splitting the story into two parts. Chapter One follows the Losers’ Club in 1988, focusing on setup, character bonding, and the origin of Pennywise. Chapter Two jumps forward to 2016, uniting the now-adult losers for a final confrontation. These films prioritize sleeker visuals, heightened action, and expanded roles for female characters compared to the book. Together, they form a continuous narrative that ends differently than the novel, omitting the adult portion covered by the 1990 series.
It in Chronological Order: Which Should You Watch First?
If your goal is to follow the story as it unfolds in time, begin with the 1990 miniseries to experience King’s full novel in sequence. Alternatively, start with the 2017 Chapter One for a modern, leaner introduction, then watch Chapter Two to see the payoff. Below is a simple choose-your-path recommendation based on viewing priorities.
- Watch in release order:
- It (1990 miniseries)
- It Chapter One (2017)
- It Chapter Two (2019)
- Watch by narrative timeline:
- It Chapter One (1988–1989 events)
- It Chapter Two (2016 events)
- It (1990 series includes both periods in one package)
Key Differences Between Versions
Each adaptation makes distinct creative choices that affect pacing, tone, and content. Understanding these differences helps you choose the version that matches your preferences, whether you value book fidelity, atmosphere, or modern spectacle.
| Aspect | 1990 Miniseries | 2017 Chapter One | 2019 Chapter Two |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scope | Entire novel | First half of novel | Second half of novel |
| Visual approach | Practical effects, atmospheric TV budget | Modern CGI, stylized horror | Large-scale set pieces, heightened action |
| Character focus | Balanced across the Losers’ Club | Bill and detailed origin | Richie and adult dynamics |
| Ending divergence | Stays closer to the book’s conclusion | Original finale for cinematic closure | |
Which Version Best Matches Your Intent
Your viewing goal should guide the order you choose. Casual viewers seeking a modern, tightly paced introduction may prefer the 2017 duology first. Horror enthusiasts interested in creature design and psychological dread might start with the 1990 miniseries. Completionists aiming to experience every adaptation can watch all three in release order, noting where the films condense or reframe events. All three remain widely available on streaming or physical media, making it easy to follow whichever path fits your schedule.
Beyond the Main Adaptations
While less prominent, other It-related projects occasionally surface, including stage readings and international miniseries references. However, the three main versions outlined above represent the core, canon adaptations tied directly to King’s novel. Staying focused on these ensures clarity and avoids confusion from unofficial or derivative material that does not contribute to a coherent viewing sequence.
Wrapping Up
Understanding It adaptations in order comes down to format, fidelity, and narrative priorities. The 1990 miniseries delivers the full novel, while the 2017 films offer a modern split with distinct but connected stories. Choose based on whether you value complete storytelling or a contemporary, character-driven approach. Either way, this guide gives you a durable framework for exploring one of Stephen King’s most enduring horrors, organized for lasting usefulness.