13 Best Stephen King Books Reviewed for 2025

Stephen King books bring thrills. Our top picks include 'The Shining' for horror and 'Misery' for suspenseful storytelling.

Carrie coverThe Shining cover

We love a good chill down the spine, so we look for thrilling plots when picking the best Stephen King books. We focus on stories that keep our hearts racing, characters that stay with us long after the last page, and worlds so vivid we almost expect to find them outside our windows. Whether you’re a seasoned King fan or a curious newcomer, our list of the 13 best Stephen King books promises to deliver the ultimate reading experience. Get ready for a journey that will make you laugh, cry, and check under your bed!

On this list:

13 Carrie by Stephen King

Carrie cover

  • Genre: Horror
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 1974
  • Pages: 199

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The debut novel about a shy girl with telekinetic powers. We loved the shock and horror in this book.

12 Salem’s Lot by Stephen King

  • Genre: Horror
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 1975
  • Pages: 653

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Vampires in a small town made for a thrilling read. It’s chilling and keeps you up at night.

11 The Shining by Stephen King

The Shining cover

  • Genre: Horror
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 1977
  • Pages: 659

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A haunted hotel and a family’s descent into madness. The suspense and horror are unmatched.

10 Pet Sematary by Stephen King

Pet Sematary cover

  • Genre: Horror
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 1983
  • Pages: 405

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A pet cemetery with sinister secrets. It’s horrifying and deep; you’ll think twice about burying pets!

9 It by Stephen King

It cover

  • Genre: Horror
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 1986
  • Pages: 1138

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A group of kids face a terrifying clown. Perfect blend of terror and coming-of-age story.

8 Misery by Stephen King

Misery cover

  • Genre: Thriller
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 1987
  • Pages: 320

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An obsessed fan kidnaps her favorite author. We cringed and gasped in this thrilling story.

7 The Dark Tower: The Gunslinger by Stephen King

The Dark Tower: The Gunslinger cover

  • Genre: Fantasy
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 1982
  • Pages: 224

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An epic start to the Dark Tower series. Fantasy and adventure rolled into an unforgettable quest.

6 The Green Mile by Stephen King

The Green Mile cover

  • Genre: Drama
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 1996
  • Pages: 400

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A unique tale of prison, redemption, and the supernatural. Emotional and captivating.

5 11/22/63 by Stephen King

11/22/63 cover

  • Genre: Science Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 2011
  • Pages: 849

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A gripping story about time travel to prevent JFK’s assassination. Suspenseful and intriguing.

4 Doctor Sleep by Stephen King

Doctor Sleep cover

  • Genre: Horror
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 2013
  • Pages: 531

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A sequel to The Shining, exploring Danny Torrance’s journey with a creepy cult. Suspenseful!

3 The Outsider by Stephen King

The Outsider cover

  • Genre: Crime
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 2018
  • Pages: 576

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A horrific murder shakes a town. King expertly blends crime and horror in this one.

2 Under the Dome by Stephen King

Under the Dome cover

  • Genre: Science Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 2009
  • Pages: 1074

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A small town trapped under a dome. It’s a thriller with unforgettable characters and constant tension.

1 The Stand by Stephen King

The Stand cover

  • Genre: Fantasy
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 1978
  • Pages: 1152

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A post-apocalyptic epic of good vs. evil. A masterpiece with a huge cast of characters.

Steve Peterson Cartoonified
Steve Peterson

Hi there! I'm Steve Peterson, a passionate reading enthusiast who loves nothing more than getting lost in a good book. My love for literature spans across genres, from thrilling mysteries and gripping fantasy to thought-provoking non-fiction.

I hope my reviews help you find the perfect next book to dive into!