7 Best Stephen King Books to Read in 2025
Looking for the best Stephen King books? Here's our take on classic spine-tinglers that'll keep you up all night.
Finding the best Stephen King books feels like trying to find a needle in a stack of skulls. Yet, here we are on a mission to sift through the maze of thrillers and chills. We look for spine-tingling plots, unforgettable characters, and, of course, the hair-raising atmosphere that only the best Stephen King books can deliver. We’ve tackled the monarch of macabre’s top titles to guide you through the labyrinth. Hold onto your seat and expect a twisty ride.
On this list:
7 Carrie by Stephen King
Carrie blew our minds! This was King’s debut novel and is a real banger. This book grabs you by the collar with its wild intensity. It’s a mix of horror and teenage drama. Great start for those who love creepy tales.
6 The Shining by Stephen King
Remember that time we stayed in that spooky hotel? Well, ‘The Shining’ made it seem like a cozy retreat. This book is a masterclass in building suspense and scares.
5 Misery by Stephen King
Ever had a nightmare about being trapped? ‘Misery’ takes that fear and cranks it up a notch. It’s intense, gripping and loaded with suspense.
4 The Stand by Stephen King
We tried reading ‘The Stand’ during a global pandemic. Talk about timing! This is an epic tale of good vs evil with lots of twists and turns.
3 It by Stephen King
Clowns! Who knew they could be so terrifying? ‘It’ is a rollercoaster ride of horror and childhood nostalgia. Don’t blame us if you have nightmares.
2 Pet Sematary by Stephen King
We had pets as kids, and thank goodness they were less creepy than the ones in ‘Pet Sematary.’ This book taps into fear and loss like nothing else.
1 The Dark Tower: The Gunslinger by Stephen King
This one wins our top spot for the best Stephen King books. The reason? It beautifully combines fantasy, horror, and western genres into one epic saga. ‘The Dark Tower: The Gunslinger’ is the first in a series that takes you on an unforgettable journey through King’s imagination. It’s not just a book but a world that pulls you in and keeps you hooked from start to finish. The characters are rich, the setting is vivid, and the storytelling is simply magical. If you’re looking to get lost in a story that will entertain you for hours, this is the one to pick up. Plus, it’s the gateway to a whole series that will keep you occupied for a long time.
