How Many IT Movies Are There? Every Film and Series (2026)
Are you one of those scratching your head and asking, "how many It movies are there?" Exploring King's initial novel, we unveil the cryptic world of It and the bone-chilling narrative it offers, that would later spawn not just an extraordinary cinematic universe, but also etch an indelible mark on pop culture. A detailed analysis of King's triumphant storytelling, the inception of iconic characters, and the horror-filled childhood that formed the initial basis for the films will definitively answer your pressing question. Get ready for a spine-tingling journey as we unravel the universe of It and chart the path that led from the solitary book to a multitude of film adaptations that have kept audiences gripped for decades.
The First “It” Mini-Series (1990)
Moving onto the mini-series journey of It, it was in 1990 that the first "It" mini-series was broadcast. Accomplishing the difficult task of translating Stephen King's horror masterpiece into a televised format, it became a benchmark for horror mini-series, achieving both ratings success and cultural significance. Despite a limited budget and constraints of broadcast television, the mini-series masterfully captured the essence of the sinister world Stephen King created.
Key aspects that elevated the 1990 "It" were the remarkable casting choices, loyal handling of key plot details, and the overwhelming viewer reception. Most notable was Tim Curry's portrayal of Pennywise, the murderous clown, which terrified viewers to the point of creating a lasting impact. Like a pact from the Losers Club, fans kept the horror legacy alive, making this mini-series a cult favorite and setting creative expectations for future adaptations of King's work.
"It" (2017)
The 2017 iteration of the famed horror tale "It" found a new generation of fans, while also satisfying many who harbored nostalgia for the original book and mini-series. The adaptation maintained a number of similarities the King's novel as well as the 1990 mini-series but wasn't afraid to chart its own course and introduce unique elements. From the chilling vista of Derry, Maine being brought to life, to the younger versions of the 'Losers Club,' this version struck a chord with viewers around the globe.
In terms of reception, "It" (2017) was a bonafide hit both with critics and audiences. The casting for the film, particularly of the young stars like Bill Skarsgard as Pennywise and Finn Wolfhard as Richie, was praised widely. Their performances, coupled with director Andy Muschietti's vision, crafted a film that was both terrifying and engaging, leading to an overwhelming box office success that surpassed many expectations.
Exploring significant elements of the plot, one finds a careful mix of the source material and new embellishments. Several changes were made, including the emphasis on individual character fears. The intricate details of the filming location and production also played a significant role in shaping the film’s atmosphere, creating an eerie and gripping depiction of King’s most terrifying creation. From the creepy house on Neibolt Street to the ominious town of Derry, all elements coalesce to make "It" (2017) an unforgettable entry in the horror film genre.
"It Chapter Two" (2019)
Despite the passage of time, the terror continues in "It Chapter Two." This 2019 film acts as a sequel to the 2017 adaptation, with the narrative picking up where its predecessor left off. The town of Derry, still haunted by the nightmarish clowns, is brought to life once more, with the characters, now as adults, returning to confront their childhood fears. The casting is exceptional, featuring renowned actors who effectively portray their characters' transition to adulthood, reinforcing the gripping plot.
While the storyline maintains its spine-chilling charm, the film also provides insights into the characters' psychological and emotional development. This depiction of the characters as adults offers a more profound understanding of their experiences, adding depth to the overall narrative. Each scene unravels the actors' expert performances and convincingly portrays the haunting darkness that has seeped into the town of Derry and their lives.
Moviegoers' reception towards "It Chapter Two" was generally positive. The box office response was also striking, reflecting the enduring appeal of Stephen King's menacing tale and the continued allure of the terrifying Pennywise to audiences worldwide.
Each cinematic component, right from the spine-chilling score to the haunting cinematography, works in harmony to create an immersive viewing experience. The film solidifies its place as a vital part of the "It" legacy by presenting a fresh perspective on the horror genre while paying homage to Stephen King’s original masterpiece. It also offers valuable inspiration for creating engaging video content.
How Many IT Movies Are There in 2026?
As of October 2026 there are still two IT movies: It (2017) and It Chapter Two (2019). Add the 1990 two-part TV miniseries and HBO’s prequel series It: Welcome to Derry, which premiered on October 26, 2025, and the screen story of Pennywise runs to four productions. HBO renewed Welcome to Derry for a second season on August 17, 2026, set in 1935; no premiere date has been announced, and no new IT movie has been announced either (Variety, Aug 17, 2026).
If you’re counting every film ever made rather than one franchise, that’s a different (and much bigger) question, and we answer it in how many movies are there in the world.
Make Your Own Short Horror Film With AI
What makes IT work on screen isn’t the budget. It’s a simple formula: a small town, a group of kids, one recurring monster and a fear that is personal to each character. That formula scales down well, which is why short horror is one of the easiest genres to try with AI tools. Here’s a practical way to make an original two-to-three-minute horror short in CinemaDrop.
Start with an original idea, not Pennywise. Build your own monster and your own town. AI tools will happily imitate famous characters, but the rights to them belong to someone else, and an original creature is more interesting anyway.
Write the script. Story Builder is designed to turn a one-line idea into a script, storyboard and images in one pass, or you can work step by step in the Script Wizard, which offers genre, format and style options.
Lock your characters and location. Turn your hero, your monster and your setting into Elements (a Character Element can hold up to four reference images), then @-tag them in each shot prompt so they stay recognizable from shot to shot.
Plan the scares shot by shot. Horror lives in the storyboard: a wide establishing shot, a slow push-in, a reaction close-up, then the reveal. Generate a still for each shot first so you can fix the pacing before spending credits on video.
Animate and add sound. Turn the strongest frames into short video clips (video generation needs a Basic plan or higher), then add sound effects and music per shot (music generation needs the Plus plan). Sound does most of the work in horror.
Export and edit. CinemaDrop exports your storyboard assets as a ZIP (Basic plan and up), so do the final cut in your usual editor.
Need a premise? Our short film ideas list has horror prompts you can adapt into an original story.
Speculations and Rumors for Future “It” Movies
While there is no definitive word from filmmakers or King himself on the possibility of additional films, some believe that it's only a matter of time before another story from this universe hits the silver screen. After all, the rich universe that King has created in his novels provides ample source material for cinematic adaptations. Many fans speculate that the success of the two recent films have paved the way for more. If you want to plan your own horror short, our guide on how to write a movie script is a good first step.
At times, sequel or prequel rumors are sparked by several comments from the directors of the latest It films, who have hinted at the possibility of exploring the origins of the monstrous entity known as Pennywise.
It's worth noting that while some rumors are based on insider information, comments from filmmakers or extrapolations of King's work, others are pure fan speculation. Until a new It movie is officially announced, the answer to how many IT movies are there remains two movies, plus the 1990 miniseries and the Welcome to Derry TV series. Yet, the rumors and speculations continue to thrive, displaying the anticipation surrounding this horror franchise and the iconic Pennywise.
