<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 grossed $700 million worldwide . Unadjusted for inflation, it is the highest - grossing horror film and the third highest - grossing R - rated film of all - time (after Deadpool and The Matrix Reloaded). It received positive reviews, with critics praising the performances, direction, cinematography and musical score, with 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, 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, Richie Tozier, Eddie Kaspbrak, and Stan Uris, run afoul of older 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 investigate, believing his brother may still be alive . Ben Hanscom learns that the town has been plagued by unexplained tragedies and child disappearances for centuries . He is targeted by Bowers' gang, after which he flees into the Barrens and meets Bill's group . They find the sneaker of a missing girl, while a member of the pursuing Bowers Gang, Patrick Hockstetter, is killed by Pennywise while searching the sewers for Ben . </P>

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