Recommended Free Tools
The film was Misery (1990), Rob Reiner’s adaptation of Stephen King’s novel. It joined HBO Max on September 1, 2025, so the original “coming soon” wording is now historical. The thriller remains notorious for its “hobbling” scene and for Kathy Bates’ Oscar-winning performance as Annie Wilkes.
What movie did the headline describe?
Misery is a 1990 theatrical adaptation of Stephen King’s 1987 novel, directed by Rob Reiner and written by William Goldman. Rotten Tomatoes classifies it as horror, mystery and thriller. The film runs 1 hour 47 minutes, is rated R and opened theatrically on November 30, 1990. Its principal cast includes James Caan as novelist Paul Sheldon and Kathy Bates as Annie Wilkes, with Frances Sternhagen, Richard Farnsworth and Lauren Bacall in supporting roles.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
![Misery - Collector's Edition [Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51ax8wI2cXL._SL160_.jpg)
|
Misery - Collector's Edition [Blu-ray] | $14.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Misery (4K UHD) | $30.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
![Misery (FP/BD) [Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51C6hnp57mL._SL160_.jpg)
|
Misery (FP/BD) [Blu-ray] | $14.98 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
![Misery [Blu-ray/DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51Sm8WdwReL._SL160_.jpg)
|
Misery [Blu-ray/DVD] | $24.89 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
![Stephen King Double Feature (Misery / Carrie) [Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/516WjraISLS._SL160_.jpg)
|
Stephen King Double Feature (Misery / Carrie) [Blu-ray] | $14.98 | Buy on Amazon |
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
See the film’s current listing and credits on Rotten Tomatoes and its cast-and-crew page.
Why the 91% figure needs a date
The 91% Rotten Tomatoes figure belonged to 2025 coverage surrounding the streaming announcement; it should not be treated as a permanent score. Rotten Tomatoes’ current listing displays 86% from 156 critics and 90% audience approval. Aggregator scores can change as reviews are added, removed or reclassified.
#1 Best Overall
That is why a precise description is: “When the 2025 announcement was published, Misery was being described as a 91%-rated film on Rotten Tomatoes.” The historical score was also reported in IMDb’s 2025 news item.
What is Misery about?
Paul Sheldon survives a serious car crash and is rescued by Annie Wilkes, who says she is his biggest fan. Annie takes him to her isolated home to recover, but Paul soon realizes that he is not a guest. He is a captive, physically unable to leave and dependent on Annie for care.
Rank #2
- From the mind of Stephen King, the master of horror behind Carrie, The Shining, The Stand and It, comes the terrifying psychological thriller that won the Academy Award for its iconic, bone-shattering performance by Kathy Bates (Dolores Claiborne)
When Annie learns that Paul has killed off Misery Chastain, the heroine of his novels, she forces him to write a new story that restores the character. The resulting struggle is a contained psychological thriller about authorship, entitlement, coercive control and survival—not a supernatural King story. Its danger comes from confinement and Annie’s unpredictable behavior.
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallSpoiler warning: What is the disturbing scene?
Spoiler warning: The scene most associated with the film is Annie’s sledgehammer attack on Paul’s legs, an act intended to make escape impossible. It is commonly called “hobbling.”
Rank #3
- Factory sealed DVD
The moment is difficult to watch because the violence is deliberate and intimate, directed at an already injured and helpless victim rather than presented as a fast action sequence. Rotten Tomatoes’ retrospective discussion identifies Annie’s decision to “hobble” Paul as one of the film’s defining moments; read it in “Misery Is Still the Most Terrifying Treatise on Toxic Fandom”.
The movie does not show a literal on-screen amputation. The film’s sledgehammer attack differs from the novel’s more extreme mutilation, so the two versions should not be described as identical.
Rank #4
Why the thriller remains effective
A simple conflict with constant pressure
Paul must outthink his captor while being unable to run, fight effectively or control the conditions of his own recovery. Every small act of resistance risks provoking Annie.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Kathy Bates makes Annie unpredictable
Annie can seem nurturing, funny and almost childlike before turning threatening or violent. Her apparent affection is inseparable from her belief that Paul owes her the story she wants. Bates’ performance won the Academy Award for Best Actress, an achievement highlighted by Rotten Tomatoes’ profile.
James Caan keeps the danger personal
Caan gives Paul an accessible survival perspective: he is frightened, injured and angry, but still trying to preserve his judgment and his identity as a writer.
Confinement replaces supernatural spectacle
Most of the tension comes from the isolated house, Paul’s restricted mobility and Annie’s mood changes. Reiner’s restrained approach lets the performances and power imbalance carry the horror.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.When did it arrive on HBO Max?
Misery was listed among HBO Max’s September 2025 additions for Monday, September 1, 2025. The date is documented in Rotten Tomatoes’ September 2025 streaming guide.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →That announcement confirms the historical addition, not permanent availability. Catalog rights vary by country and can expire. Check the current Max listing before subscribing or planning a viewing; the available listing does not establish that the film remains on Max now.
Where can you watch it?
| Option | What the evidence establishes | Important limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Max | HBO Max listed the film for September 1, 2025. | Current inclusion is unconfirmed and may vary by territory. |
| Fandango at Home | Rotten Tomatoes currently directs viewers there for a purchase option; visit Fandango at Home. | Price and rental terms were not established here. |
| Apple TV | The U.S. listing identifies the 1990, 1-hour-47-minute film; see Apple TV. | Availability and pricing vary by country and can change. |
Who should watch Misery?
- Viewers who want a psychological thriller rather than supernatural horror.
- Stephen King fans interested in a grounded adaptation built around captivity and toxic fandom.
- Anyone drawn to concentrated suspense and major lead performances.
Use caution if you are sensitive to coercive control, captivity, threats, orthopedic injury or violence against an immobilized victim. The premise is intentionally claustrophobic, with few locations and a sustained power imbalance.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
