15 Best Stephen King Books to Read in 2025
Discover the best Stephen King books with our top picks, including horror and suspense favorites like It and The Shining.
Discovering the best Stephen King books is like opening a box of popcorn: you can’t stop! We focus on spine-chilling stories, unforgettable characters, and emotional depth. We balance the terror with moments of absurd humor. We promise a thrilling ride through King’s unique world without spoilers. Strap in for an unforgettable journey through the master’s mind as we reveal the best Stephen King books.
On this list:
15 Carrie by Stephen King
It all starts with Carrie White, a girl many of us can relate to. Awkward, bullied, but with a twist – she has telekinetic powers! We adore the underlying themes of high school drama and horror combined.
14 Misery by Stephen King
This one’s downright terrifying for any writer. Paul Sheldon gets trapped by his number one fan who isn’t, let’s say, sane. We love how it blends horror with real-world fear.
13 The Shining by Stephen King
The Shining takes us to the Overlook Hotel, where Jack Torrance spirals into madness. It’s a chilling reminder that even serene places can be terrifying. The slow build-up is impressive.
12 Salem’s Lot by Stephen King
Vampires in a small town, and not the sparkly ones. ‘Salem’s Lot provides an eerie look at how darkness can lurk anywhere. It’s compelling until the last page.
11 The Stand by Stephen King
At over 1,000 pages, The Stand is no small feat. But trust us, it’s worth it. A gripping tale of good versus evil, with characters so well-developed that you’ll feel like they’re your friends.
10 It by Stephen King
We used to think clowns were fun until we met Pennywise. ‘It’ captures the innocence of childhood and the terror of facing real-life monsters. A thick read, but terrifyingly fun.
9 Pet Sematary by Stephen King
Pet Sematary explores the lengths we go to for love and the consequences thereof. Creepy pets and unsettling vibes make it thrilling and spine-chilling.
8 The Dead Zone by Stephen King
Talk about an accident changing your life forever. Johnny Smith gains psychic abilities after a coma and faces moral choices we found compelling.
7 Christine by Stephen King
A haunted car named Christine causes havoc. It’s both thrilling and strange in the best possible way!
6 Cujo by Stephen King
A rabid dog in a deadly hostage situation. Cujo is both terrifying and saddening. We couldn’t put it down!
5 Doctor Sleep by Stephen King
The sequel to The Shining doesn’t disappoint. Danny Torrance, all grown up, still faces paranormal challenges. Brilliant continuation for fans.
4 11/22/63 by Stephen King
Time travel and historical fiction blend seamlessly. Jake Epping tries to stop JFK’s assassination. The suspense never fades.
3 The Green Mile by Stephen King
A prison guard learns about a miraculous inmate. It’s a fantastic look into humanity and kindness.
2 Under the Dome by Stephen King
A whole town under a mysterious dome. The tension, characters, and plot twists pull you in completely!
1 The Dark Tower: The Gunslinger by Stephen King
This book blends fantasy, horror, and western genres. Roland’s quest for the Dark Tower captivates us deeply. It’s the starting point for an epic journey with thrilling parallels.
