It has been free to watch on BBC iPlayer- but not for much longer

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It has been free to watch on BBC iPlayer- but not for much longer(Image: BBC)

A top-rated film adaptation of one of Stephen King’s most popular novels is leaving free streaming in a matter of days.

Starring James Caan and Kathy Bates, the 1990 release has an impressive 90 per cent rating from audiences while critics gave it a generous 86 per cent score. It has even been described by fans as “the best horror film of all time.”

Misery centres around an author named Paul Sheldon (Caan) famed for his romance novels. After a serious car crash, he finds himself in the care of former nurse Annie Wilkes (Bates) who also happens to be a devoted fan of his work.

When Annie learns of Paul’s plans to kill off one of her favourite characters she decides to keep him as her prisoner, even torturing her former hero as she attempts to make him change the story.

Kathy Bates plays obsessed fan Annie Wilkes in the hit adaptation

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Kathy Bates plays obsessed fan Annie Wilkes in the hit adaptation (Image: BBC)

Meanwhile Paul attempts to escape her home, despite becoming almost totally immobile as a result of one of the particularly grisly torture methods Annie inflicts on him in a now infamous scene.

The title is currently available to stream on BBC iPlayer entirely for free. However, would-be viewers will have to act fast as there are now just days left to watch it on the platform. It is scheduled to be removed on March 31.

“One of the best King movie adaptations. A great film to watch annually in the winter,” one viewer shared. Another added: “This movie is flat-out brilliant. Easily one of the best psychological horror flicks I’ve ever seen right up there with Psycho and The Shining. Kathy Bates? Absolutely phenomenal. If you love thrillers, you have to watch this.”

The film leaves BBC iPlayer at the end of March

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The film leaves BBC iPlayer at the end of March(Image: BBC)

A third gushed: “I don’t think I have ever been that anxious watching a film. The films totally works in his psychological horror aspect.”

Meanwhile a fourth said: “This is one of my favourite horror movies. I simply must see it again. The tension you feel is so real when you watch it.”

The revered adaptation was helmed by the late Rob Reiner who at the time was best-known for his work on comedy films like This Is Spinal Tap and When Harry Met Sally. For those who miss out on watching it free, it can also be viewed on Prime Video with a subscription.