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Carrie (1976 film)

Carrie is a 1976 American supernatural horror film directed by Brian De Palma and adapted by Lawrence D.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Carrie is a 1976 American supernatural horror film directed by Brian De Palma and adapted by Lawrence D. Cohen from Stephen King’s 1974 novel of the same name. It stars Sissy Spacek as Carrie White, a bullied teenager who develops telekinetic powers and uses them after a traumatic prom-night prank. The film is the first entry in the Carrie franchise.

Plot

The film follows Carrie White, a shy high school student who is bullied by classmates and controlled by her deeply religious mother. After a humiliating prank at the senior prom, her telekinetic powers are unleashed.

Production

Carrie was directed by Brian De Palma and written by Lawrence D. Cohen, who adapted Stephen King’s novel for the screen. The cast includes Sissy Spacek, Piper Laurie, Amy Irving, Nancy Allen, William Katt, Betty Buckley, and John Travolta.

Release and reception

The film was released in 1976 and became the first entry in the Carrie franchise. It is widely regarded as a major horror film and one of the best-known Stephen King adaptations.

Legacy

Carrie led to later film and television adaptations of King’s novel. The 1976 version is especially noted for its climactic prom sequence and its influence on horror cinema.

Key facts

  • The film is adapted from Stephen King’s 1974 novel Carrie.
  • Sissy Spacek plays Carrie White, the title character.
  • The story centres on bullying, strict religious control, and telekinesis.
  • Brian De Palma directed the film from a screenplay by Lawrence D. Cohen.
  • It is the first film in the Carrie franchise.
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Canadian context

The film has been widely circulated in Canada through English-language film distribution and remains a recognizable part of North American horror cinema.

Frequently asked questions

What is Carrie about?
It is about a bullied teenage girl who develops telekinetic powers and uses them after a cruel prom prank.
Who directed Carrie?
Brian De Palma directed the 1976 film.
Who plays Carrie White?
Sissy Spacek plays Carrie White in the 1976 film.
What book is Carrie based on?
It is based on Stephen King’s 1974 novel Carrie.
Is Carrie part of a franchise?
Yes. The 1976 film is the first film in the Carrie franchise.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carrie_(1976_film)
    Supports: Director, screenplay, cast, adaptation, plot, and franchise position.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/Carrie-film-by-De-Palma
    Supports: Basic identification of the film, Stephen King source novel, and Sissy Spacek’s role.
  3. Wikipedia — https://www.wikia.com/wiki/Carrie_(franchise)
    Supports: Franchise context and later adaptations.