<P> It premiered in Los Angeles on September 5, 2017, and was theatrically released in the United States on September 8, 2017 . Upon release, the film set numerous box office records and has grossed over $666 million worldwide . Unadjusted for inflation, it is the highest - grossing R - rated horror film of all - time, the highest - grossing horror film internationally, the second highest - grossing horror film overall after The Sixth Sense and the second highest - grossing R - rated film of all time (after Deadpool). It is also the highest - grossing horror film of 2017, the highest - grossing R - rated film of 2017 and the 9th highest - grossing film overall of 2017 . It received positive reviews, with critics praising the performances, direction, cinematography and musical score, and many calling it one of the best Stephen King adaptations . </P> <P> A sequel, It: Chapter Two, is scheduled to be released on September 6, 2019 . </P> <P> In October 1988, stuttering teenager Bill Denbrough gives his seven - year - old brother, Georgie, a paper sailboat . Georgie sails the boat along the rainy streets of small town Derry, and is disappointed when it falls down a storm drain . As he attempts to retrieve it Georgie sees a clown in the sewer, who introduces himself as "Pennywise the Dancing Clown". The clown entices Georgie to come closer, then severs his arm and drags him into the sewer . </P> <P> The following summer, Bill and his friends (loudmouth Richie Tozier, hypochondriac Eddie Kaspbrak, and timid Stan Uris) run afoul of bully Henry Bowers and his gang . Bill, still haunted by Georgie's disappearance and the resulting neglect from his grief - stricken parents, discovers that his brother's body may have washed up in a marshy wasteland called the Barrens . He recruits his friends to check it out, believing his brother may still be alive . </P>

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