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The best Stephen King books, ranked
A definitive ranking of the prolific King of Horror’s novels and short stories.
Published on September 8, 2023
It
Stephen KingTopping the list of the best Stephen King books is the manifestation of every child’s worst nightmare and the source material for many TV and film adaptations, “It” starring Pennywise the terrifying clown. Amid the horror and gore, King captures the magic of childhood, lifting the reader’s spirit high with the shielding power of friendship in the face of evil. “It” is one of King’s longest novels (second only to “The Stand”), and the first to take place in the unsettling fictional town of Derry, Maine.
Misery
Stephen KingThis novel is said to be one of King’s favorites, and fans of psychological horror are sure to agree. Famous author Paul Sheldon is kidnapped by a demented fan who demands another novel — one reviving a popular character that Paul recently killed off. It’s hard to decide what’s more frightening about “Misery” — the near-unbearable suspense or the no-holds-barred gore. Readers may notice tie-ins with other King novels, including “It.”
Different Seasons
Stephen KingThree of the four novellas in King’s first short story collection inspired hit films (including “The Shawshank Redemption” and “Stand By Me”) and as the title suggests, each story takes place in a different season of the year. Readers have long praised these short stories for their fantastic characterization and, despite the notable absence of ghosts and demons, there are plenty of human monsters lurking in the shadows.
Pet Sematary
Stephen KingIt’s the novel King himself found utterly terrifying. “Pet Sematary” pushes the boundaries of the horror genre, bringing every parent’s worst nightmare to life in a shocking combination of trauma and loss, the dead and undead. It’s worth a read even if you’ve seen the 2019 film adaptation, which strays from the source material in a few different ways.
Lisey's Story
Stephen KingYet another favorite of the author, “Lisey’s Story” is the closest King gets to the romance genre, exploring the unbreakable bond between husband and wife, artist and muse. To come to terms with her late husband’s legacy as an author, as well as his childhood trauma, Lisey enters Boo’ya Moon, the dream world he created for writing inspiration. But Boo’ya Moon soon becomes her refuge, protector, and only remaining link to their relationship.
Dark Tower I: The Gunslinger
Stephen King“The Dark Tower” series has long been described as King’s magnum opus, with many screen adaptations including the 2017 blockbuster film starring Idris Elba and Matthew McConaughey. It requires some prior King knowledge to fully appreciate, which is why we’ve placed this book towards the end of the list. Once you fall in love with King’s style, enter his fantasy western universe with book one, “The Gunslinger.”
The Green Mile
Stephen KingTake a short break from the gore and horror to read “The Green Mile,” originally published in monthly installments. In a story full of drama and magical realism, Paul Edgecombe is a prison guard at Cold Mountain Penitentiary, charged with overseeing death row inmates, including the kind and gifted John Coffey. At roughly 500 pages, this novel is accessible by King standards. The 1999 movie adaptation stars Tom Hanks, Sam Rockwell, and the late Michael Clarke Duncan.
The Outsider: A Novel
Stephen KingThis dark and wild ride of a thriller has been adapted into a series on HBO starring Jason Bateman, Cynthia Erivo, and Ben Mendelsohn. The unsettling story begins when a seemingly straightforward investigation into a monstrous crime reveals supernatural forces at work.
Full Dark, No Stars
Stephen KingSimilar to “Different Seasons,” King opts to explore the dark side of humanity with the barest hint of supernatural powers at play. Each of these four short stories is dark and heavy and explores the repercussions of revenge and retribution. What makes “Full Dark, No Stars” utterly horrifying is that the plot lines are all extremely relatable, and it’s not a far cry for the reader to be able to imagine themselves in the characters’ shoes.
Cujo
Stephen KingDog lovers, beware! Cujo, a 200-pound St. Bernard, is your typical family dog until he’s bitten by a rabid bat. The ferocity he unleashes on those he encounters, including neighbor Donna Trenton and her son, Tad, is beyond anyone’s wildest fears. King intersperses suspense and horror with glimpses of small-town life and family turmoil.
Needful Things
Stephen King“Needful Things” explores how far people will go to get their heart’s desire. Leland Gaunt opens a curiosity shop called Needful Things, where residents of Castle Rock, Maine can find the objects of their dreams. But the price is costly, and things get violent as the townsfolk lose their humanity. The novel largely focuses on Sheriff Alan Pangborn — who refuses to buy from the shop — and his girlfriend, Polly Chalmers. The movie, on the other hand, downplays their perspectives, especially Polly’s.
The Dead Zone
Stephen King“The Dead Zone” is notable for many reasons, including being King’s first bestseller and the first in a long line of his novels set in the fictional town of Castle Rock, Maine. After years in a coma, Johnny Smith wakes with a newfound ability to see people’s pasts and futures. After a politician shakes his hand, Johnny must decide if he should interfere with an impending disaster. Plenty of psychological thrills with a fantasy twist.
Mr. Mercedes: A Novel
Stephen KingThis 2015 Edgar Award-winning detective story offers a noirish cat-and-mouse plot and a terrifying sociopath of a killer. “Mr. Mercedes” diverges from typical King fare, but it’s no less satisfying.
Holly
Stephen KingWhen a distraught mother contacts the Finders Keepers detective agency about her missing daughter, Detective Holly Gibney agrees to the job despite a recent personal loss. At the core of the mystery is an elderly married couple no one would suspect of evil intent, but who prove cunning and shrewd. Fan-favorite character Holly, first introduced to readers in King’s “Mr. Mercedes,” is a vulnerable and brave heroine in this character-driven mystery that unfolds during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Institute: A Novel
Stephen King“The Institute” won an Audie in the Thriller/Suspense category in 2020. A shadowy, Deep State organization abducts kids with special powers. Imprisoned in a creepy facility, the teens are tortured to exploit and enhance their psychic abilities. No one has ever escaped, but 12-year-old prodigy Luke is determined to get out — or die trying.
Doctor Sleep: A Novel
Stephen KingThis sequel to the classic “The Shining” achieves what follow-ups rarely do: It delivers just as well as the original source material in frights and imagination. “Doctor Sleep” takes place decades after the original story, with a much older Danny Torrence still haunted by past events and present troubles. The adaptation for “Doctor Sleep” was a well-received sleeper hit compared to the movies “It Chapter Two” and “Pet Sematary,” which came out the same year.
Finn
Stephen KingKing’s taut psychological short story about the kidnapping and torture of an innocent young man is at once darkly humorous and utterly chilling. “Finn” is a cutting commentary on the dangerous consequences of toxic masculinity, conspiracy theories, and the glorification of spy games.
The Long Walk
Stephen KingThis is one of King’s earliest novels (published in 1979 under his pseudonym, Richard Bachman). It explores both psychological and physical torment to the worst degree. In a dystopian America, Ray Garraty and 99 other teen boys compete in The Long Walk, a grueling test of endurance. The last boy standing wins whatever his heart desires — but the losers must pay the ultimate price.