Entertainment • Film

Children of the Corn

Children of the Corn is an American horror film franchise based on Stephen King’s 1977 short story of the same name.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Children of the Corn is an American horror film franchise based on Stephen King’s 1977 short story of the same name. It began with a 1984 feature film and expanded into a long-running series of sequels and reboots, making it one of the most durable screen adaptations of King’s work. The franchise includes 11 films, with the latest released in 2020.

Origin

The franchise originated with Stephen King’s short story, first published in 1977 and later collected in Night Shift. The first feature adaptation, released in 1984, established the series’ core premise and setting.

Film series

The series expanded into multiple sequels and reboot-style entries across several decades. Sources describe the franchise as comprising 11 films in total, including the 1984 original and later remakes or reimaginings.

Story elements

The films are typically set around the rural town of Gatlin, Nebraska, where children are drawn into violence and cult-like behavior. A recurring supernatural force, "He Who Walks Behind the Rows," is central to the mythology.

Reception and legacy

The 1984 film became the basis for a long-running horror franchise that continued primarily through home-video releases. The series is notable as one of the longest-running screen franchises based on a Stephen King short story.

Key facts

The franchise is based on Stephen King’s short story "Children of the Corn".
The first feature film was released in 1984 by New World Pictures.
The series includes sequels, direct-to-video entries, and reboots.
The 2020 film is described as the third adaptation of the story and an eleventh installment in the film series.
The fictional town of Gatlin, Nebraska, is central to the story.

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Canadian context

The franchise has circulated widely in Canada through home video, streaming, and television distribution, and it is part of the broader Canadian audience’s exposure to Stephen King adaptations.

Frequently asked questions

What is Children of the Corn?

It is a horror film franchise based on Stephen King’s short story, beginning with a 1984 movie and followed by multiple sequels and reboots.

How many Children of the Corn films are there?

The franchise is described in the sources as having 11 films.

What is the first Children of the Corn film?

The first film is Children of the Corn, released in 1984.

Is Children of the Corn based on a book?

It is based on Stephen King’s short story "Children of the Corn," first published in 1977 and later collected in Night Shift.

What is the story about?

The films focus on children in a rural Nebraska town who are influenced by a malevolent entity and turn against the adults in their community.

References

Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Children_of_the_Corn_(film_series)
Supports: States that Children of the Corn is an American film series based on Stephen King’s short story and began in 1984.
Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Children_of_the_Corn
Supports: States that the original short story was first published in 1977 and later adapted into films.
Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Children_of_the_Corn_(1984_film)
Supports: Identifies the 1984 film as a supernatural slasher set in Gatlin, Nebraska, involving "He Who Walks Behind the Rows."
Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Children_of_the_Corn_(2020_film)
Supports: Describes the 2020 film as a reboot, the third adaptation of the short story, and the eleventh installment in the series.
Looper — https://www.looper.com/1687466/children-of-the-corn-movies-in-order/
Supports: Lists the franchise’s 11 titles and release order.