Top 10 Best Stephen King Books

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and ghouls, gather 'round the flickering firelight as we prepare to embark on a journey through the dark and twisted corners of the human imagination. In the shadows that lurk just beyond the edge of our periphery, there dwells a man who has made it his life's work to tap into the abyss, to harness the power of our deepest fears and to reflect them back upon us in the most terrifying ways imaginable. That man, my friends, is the maestro of macabre himself, Stephen King.

For over four decades, this master of the dark arts has been weaving his sinister web of stories, taking our deepest fears and anxieties and spinning them into gripping, chilling tales that linger long after the final page has been turned. From the haunted hallways of the Overlook Hotel to the mist-shrouded streets of Castle Rock, King has created a world teeming with monsters both human and supernatural, a realm where nightmares are as real as the pages that contain them.

And so, dear reader, as the clock's hands draw ever closer to the witching hour, we invite you to join us as we delve into the top ten best Stephen King books. Prepare to venture into the heart of darkness, to witness unspeakable horrors and spine-tingling suspense, all borne from the twisted mind of a man who has dedicated his life to the art of terror. Together, we will explore these masterpieces of malevolence, from the early days of a fledgling writer to the seasoned wordsmith who has come to define the genre of horror for a generation.

Take a deep breath, steel your nerves, and say a silent prayer, for we are about to embark on a journey through the chilling, the supernatural, the bone-chilling realms of the best Stephen King books. May the fates have mercy on our souls.
The Top Ten
1 It A horror novel about a shape-shifting creature that terrorizes a group of childhood friends and reappears when they are adults

I always claimed that horror never scared me. "It can't be real," is what I would always say. I was obsessed with horror. I plowed my way through Goosebumps and eventually up to some scarier stuff, even some horror movies that were a bit tricky but never really scared me that much. I brushed it off, figuring I had what it took to read any book without getting scared.

And then when I was 13, I started the longest, greatest, and most terrifying book I'd ever read, It. I wasn't scared at the beginning, but the way King writes, it builds and builds until you can't take it anymore. You start to actually worry about what's going to happen, and you get anxious and worried. And I'll say, it scared me. And I loved every second of it. It is my favorite book ever written, and if you can work up what it takes, I recommend this book to anyone who is willing to accept that this book will scare them.

Top 6 Stephen King Books:

1. It
2. The Stand
3. Night Shift
4. Misery
5. Pet Sematary
6. 11/22/63

2 The Shining A chilling tale of a family isolated in a haunted hotel during the winter

My first King book and my favorite. This and Misery both creeped the heck out of me, and I think this is a slight bit better than Misery. The Stand was good, but not my kind of book. This just creeped me out, especially when I read it at eleven in the night! Great job, King!

One of the best books that I've ever read, and I've read many books. It's not as scary as people made it sound, but it definitely is a bit creepy. Overall a great book, and I definitely recommend it.

Nerve-racking! The creepiest part for me was red rum, murder. The aspect of Jack being a sort of abusive and ex-alcoholic who just wants to do good for his family but never succeeding is sad.

3 The Stand A post-apocalyptic epic where survivors of a deadly pandemic face the ultimate battle between good and evil

One of the best, if not THE best, apocalyptic novels of all time. Well-written from start to finish, with a sobering and unsettling description of the collapse of humanity by a man-made virus, memorable characters, and a deliciously evil villain. For anyone who wants to start reading books by Stephen King, this is a must-read, along with "The Shining" and "It".

This is by far my favorite Stephen King novel and one of the best novels ever written! The character development is superb, and even though it is quite long, I was disappointed to finish it because reading it is such a treat!

Such a well-written novel with an intense storyline and in-depth characters that keeps the pages turning. This is a book that will keep you thinking long after you've finished it.

4 The Green Mile A supernatural drama set on death row, where a guard discovers an inmate with miraculous healing powers

My parents and I were watching The Current War. It is about Edison and Westinghouse, and it does not show the man getting killed by the electric chair. So, I asked my mum what movies do show a person getting killed by the electric chair, and she told me about The Green Mile and mentioned it is a book as well as a movie. Mum let me read the book, but she has not let me watch the movie. It is great!

This book has great character development and a fantastic storyline. It makes the reader realize that capital punishment has no place in modern society.

It was just awesome, and just because it is Stephen King doesn't mean it has to be all horror, and that's why I think this book should be in the top ten!

5 Misery A psychological thriller about a famous author who is held captive by an obsessed fan

Should be one of my top five.

5. The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon (very well written but surprisingly underrated).
4. Firestarter (suspenseful and intense, great book).
3. It (incredibly long but worth it. It is scary and filled with detail).
2. Christine (really well written and feels real, which makes it scarier).
1. Misery (the creepiest and one of the best books ever written, in my opinion. 10 of 10 stars).

Annie Wilkes, sawing away at poor author Paul Sheldon's foot, cutting off his thumb, and running over a park ranger with her lawnmower, is not a lady you want to mess with.

I think it's one of his most unique books, to be honest. It's also one of the most realistic, which I personally find a bit more terrifying than a clown hiding in a sewer.

6 'Salem's Lot A horror novel about a writer who discovers that his hometown has become infested with vampires

The best place and time to read this book is when you are alone at home in a stormy winter night, and you just know what true horror is. The terror oozes from the pages and collects at your lap, spiralling down to your legs to cover you and hold you breathless. The best vampire book ever.

This and Pet Sematary are my favorites from King, a great horror story that gradually builds in creepiness and intensity, until you are engrossed in the darkness of Salem's Lot. Get the illustrated edition if you can, as it has some great bonus stories.

This was the first Stephen King book I read years ago, and it scared me to death. It also made me a lifelong fan of King's writing. I've read most of what he's written, and this is still my favorite.

7 11/22/63 A time-travel novel centered around a man trying to prevent the assassination of President John F. Kennedy

I started reading this book when I was 13 and never ended up finishing it. I picked it up once again, but now 18, and I couldn't put it down. This book's central plot is Jake going back in time to stop Kennedy's assassination. However, I found that the side plots (killing Frank Dunning, George/Jake and Sadie) just as intriguing and felt compelled to continue reading. This book got me through 2 weeks of work and I never wanted it to end. By far, King's best work!

I started reading King not too long ago. I read The Stand first and followed with the Dark Tower Series, It, and a couple of others. The Stand was my favorite book by King, up until now. Like many of the other comments, I couldn't put this book down. Excellent characters and story. This is a must-read.

Perfect from start to finish. I hesitated buying it, originally having heard it wasn't his typical format. Didn't I feel stupid! I made the mistake of "typecasting" one of the greatest storytellers of my generation. 11/22/63 = edge of your seat, heart-wrenching, and thought-provoking ride you will not want to get off of.

8 Pet Sematary A horror novel exploring the consequences of resurrecting the dead through an ancient burial ground

This is literally the best Stephen King book I've ever read! I couldn't put it down, and the ending was so unexpected and incredible! A lot of people think that The Stand is his best, but I think it's boring, probably because I'm 12, but this was my favourite. I haven't watched the movie, but I heard it's bad, so don't judge the book by the movie.

This book almost made me cry, and I was literally chanting for Louis not to do what he did. It wasn't really scary until the last 30 pages, and in those 30 pages, I was trembling. This book was close to Misery, but I think this is better. Please read it. My favourite book by Stephen King. I've only read 6 and 1/2 of his books, but so far, this is my favourite!

I totally agree with the positive comments you made about this book, guys. Actually, it's much more than a horror book. To me, it's the most moving novel of Stephen King. It's full of emotions, and I detected a lot of tenderness and love in it.

9 Carrie King's debut novel about a bullied high school girl with telekinetic powers who takes revenge on her tormentors

Carrieta White, the creepy girl who is relentlessly bullied, is also psychologically abused by Margaret White, her mentally ill mother. If only Chris and Billy didn't pour that bucket of pig blood on her, hundreds of lives would be saved.

A novel about a friendless girl with telekinesis who takes her final revenge upon the world. Stephen King's first book!

I have been bullied, and this book really helped me with it (I didn't kill anyone). It just showed me I wasn't alone.

10 Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption A novella about the wrongful imprisonment of a banker and his quest for justice

Not many people know that this was a short story written by him in Different Seasons. It's one of the most beautiful stories (and movies) ever written.

Well, the novella from Different Seasons was called Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption.

Awesome story. More people should read this to "get busy living."

The Contenders
11 Cujo A horror novel about a rabid Saint Bernard dog terrorizing a small town

I remember going to my local supermarket with a small book stand and purchasing this. Read it in my room every day and finished it a week later. It was a great page-turner that you didn't want to put down, no matter what you had to get up for. The second King book I read was this one, and it doesn't disappoint.

Genius, sad, and unique. It takes some time to get rolling, but when it does, you are completely engrossed in the story. One of the best books I've ever read. Highly recommended.

This book should be in the top 2! It's the best book I have ever read!

12 The Dark Tower I: The Gunslinger The Gunslinger: The first book in the Dark Tower series, introducing Roland the gunslinger and his pursuit of the mysterious Man in Black

"The Gunslinger" is a little different from other Stephen King books, but it's still probably his best book. Even King admitted that. Also, this book "ties in" with other Stephen King books like the Avengers movies, which is pretty cool.

The Gunslinger has to be higher. I'm only sixteen, and I've read all seven Dark Tower books. I have to say that the first is the best. Nothing can beat that end palaver between Roland and Walter. The entire book is just so enlightening.

I can't believe The Dark Tower I is 12. It's the beginning of a legend. It should be, at least, at 5, or even 1. The Gunslinger introduces us to the most amazing adventures of our lives and, more importantly, introduces us to our beloved Roland Deschain, the guy that we all want to have as a friend. It's awesome, it's perfect.

13 Insomnia A novel about an insomniac who develops supernatural abilities and becomes entangled in a cosmic conflict

Quite possibly King's most imaginative plot. It's creepy and effective.

14 Under the Dome A science fiction novel where a small town is suddenly trapped under a mysterious, invisible barrier

This is the best book ever written. I mean that from the bottom of my heart. The characters and pacing are perfect. This needs to be number one.

A real page-turner from start to finish.

The best book of his, in my opinion.

15 Dolores Claiborne A psychological thriller centered on a housekeeper accused of murdering her employer

Another thing I love about Dolores Claiborne is that it doesn't feature undead creatures, rabid dogs, or other typical monsters. It presents a scenario that could actually happen, highlighting that the real monsters in this world are people.

This is a really good read. The movie is also fantastic.

Dolores is one of Stephen King's best characters.

16 The Dead Zone A psychological thriller about a man who gains psychic powers after waking up from a coma

The first Stephen King book I ever read, and possibly my pick for the best for sentimental reasons. I love "It" and "The Stand" and so many others, but there is a true tragic arc to this novel that makes the reader truly care about what happens, even though it's practically foreordained.

One of the most valuable and memorable books I have ever read. Not only an emotional rollercoaster, but the science fiction takes you on a crazy ride that captivates your attention. Definitely my favorite by King.

The main character, John Smith, is just your average American who can see the future. It's a great story that keeps you intrigued from beginning to end.

17 The Long Walk A dystopian tale where 100 boys participate in a brutal walking contest with deadly consequences

It's a bloody shame that more people don't know about this masterpiece. This book will leave you thinking long after you've finished the last page. Though she may not admit it, the author of the Hunger Games took inspiration from this book (as well as King's "The Running Man" and the notorious, but incredible, "Battle Royale"). It makes me wonder why the Hunger Games is so poorly written. But I digress.

This book is an incredible psychological thriller. The characters were flawless. My favorites were Stebbins and McVries. Best of all is the inherent knowledge that no matter how much the boys try to socialize and hide from the truth, they are essentially competing for their lives, and 99 of them will inevitably die. This factor adds so much tension.

Please, even if you are not a fan of Mr. King's works, give The Long Walk a chance. It has made me a more insightful person, and I hope that it will have the same effect on you.

18 The Dark Tower VII: The Dark Tower The Dark Tower: The final installment of the Dark Tower series, where the gunslinger Roland reaches his ultimate destination

The ending contains the most glorious moment I've ever read in a book, although it goes on to a completely frustrating ending. I highly recommend it.

The final battle was really anticlimactic, but the ending itself? That was mind-blowing and fit the series perfectly.

Best series, most captivating characters I have ever met and grew to love. The movie is sacrilegious and an insult to this masterpiece.
Jeanine

19 Mr. Mercedes: A Novel A Novel: A psychological thriller and the first book in the Bill Hodges Trilogy, featuring a retired detective trying to catch a mass murderer

From start to finish, I didn't know where this book was going. It was a hell of a ride, and I enjoyed every part. A completely different and refreshing book, not only by King but in the genre also.

A very enjoyable read, and not the typical horror story of King's earlier novels. Along with 11/22/63, it just proves that King has not lost his touch after all these years.

I love this book! Stephen King made this book amazing from start to finish. It's an amazing mystery detective book written by him.

20 Christine A horror novel about a haunted car that possesses its owner

It should not be as low as this. It's both hilarious and horrifying in turn. King's skills are so good that after a while you see Christine as a breathing, evil thing that has every right to live on this damn earth, not a simple car. There is a scene where Leigh wakes up in the middle of the night just to see Christine growling outside the windows on the snowy night and if this does not horrify you, you are a zombie...

This was the first King book I ever read. My favorite King trait is how he makes you fall in love with one of his characters, and then they die.

It's sad that Arnie dies at the end. This would have never happened if it wasn't for Christine.

21 The Running Man A dystopian novel set in a totalitarian future, where a desperate man participates in a deadly game show

I challenge Hunger Games fans to read this. Then again, they're so easily satisfied by poor writing, they probably won't be able to appreciate it, let alone comprehend its quality. This book is THE ORIGINAL dangerous reality TV show story. Even though The Long Walk is my favorite book by Mr. King, I love it to the end.

I just finished reading 'The Running Man' a few days ago and really, putting it at 28 is drastically underrating it! It might become one of my all-time favorite books.

Amazing book that I can't put down if I start it again! 'The Hunger Games' holds nothing against this book. I cry, scream, and laugh while reading this. I love it.

22 Finders Keepers The second novel in the Bill Hodges Trilogy, featuring a young boy who discovers a buried treasure with dangerous consequences

I finished Finders Keepers today, and I thought it had some spooky yet extremely humorous moments which I loved.

This was the first King book that truly captivated me from start to finish.

23 Gerald's Game A psychological horror novel about a woman who accidentally kills her husband during a bondage game
24 Night Shift A collection of 20 short stories, showcasing a variety of horror and suspense themes

This book has multiple stories in one, which is totally awesome. Stephen King is so creative, one reason I like him so much!

25 The Dark Half A psychological thriller about a writer who battles his murderous alter ego come to life
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