2024: Best 9 Stephen King Most Famous Books Reviewed

Explore stephen king most famous books. Each masterpiece reveals his magic, from The Shining's horror to It’s chilling thrill.
Carrie coverThe Shining cover

Welcome to our thrilling journey into the spine-chilling world of Stephen King. Choosing the 9 best ‘stephen king most famous books’ proved both exciting and horrifying, just like his novels. We focused on stories that capture his unique flair for suspense, horror, and tapping into the human psyche. Our list features a tantalizing mix of gory classics, mind-bending thrillers, and chilling tales that are guaranteed to keep you up at night. Brace yourself as we guide you through the mind of the King of Horror himself.

On this list:

9 Carrie by Stephen King

Carrie cover

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

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We picked ‘Carrie’ because it’s where Stephen King got his start. It’s classic King, showing the horror of high school and telekinesis. The book hits home with the story of the outcast girl who gets pushed too far. A real page-turner that brings thrilling chills.

8 The Shining by Stephen King

The Shining cover

  • Genre: Horror, Thriller
  • Formats: Hardcover, Kindle
  • Year released: 1977
  • Pages: 447

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‘The Shining’ makes the list for its terrifying hotel setting and haunted family dynamics. We loved the tension and psychological horror. If you like creepy hotels, this will have you sleeping with the lights on.

7 Salem’s Lot by Stephen King

  • Genre: Horror
  • Formats: Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 1975
  • Pages: 439

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We chose ‘Salem’s Lot’ for its vampires and small-town vibes. The eerie ambiance and the slow crawl of terror through the town keep readers hooked. It’s perfect for those who love classic vampire tales.

6 Misery by Stephen King

Misery cover

  • Genre: Thriller, Horror
  • Formats: Hardcover, Kindle
  • Year released: 1987
  • Pages: 368

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‘Misery’ is for those who like their horror without all the supernatural stuff. We enjoyed the sinister relationship between a writer and his ‘number one fan.’ The suspense is killer, in more ways than one!

5 It by Stephen King

It cover

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

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‘It’ grabbed our attention with its terrifying clown and the bond between childhood friends. We got scared and nostalgic. This book’s a hefty read but full of rich storytelling and scares.

4 The Stand by Stephen King

The Stand cover

  • Genre: Fantasy, Horror
  • Formats: Hardcover, Kindle
  • Year released: 1978
  • Pages: 823

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We picked ‘The Stand’ for its epic good versus evil plot. This post-apocalyptic tale showcases King’s knack for character development. You feel like you are on the journey with the characters.

3 Doctor Sleep by Stephen King

Doctor Sleep cover

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

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‘Doctor Sleep’ revisits Danny from ‘The Shining,’ years later. We liked how it ties up old threads while weaving new ones. It’s a must-read continuation that gives fans more of what they love.

2 Pet Sematary by Stephen King

Pet Sematary cover

  • Genre: Horror
  • Formats: Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 1983
  • Pages: 374

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This one made the list for its creepy factor. We got chills from the story of the burial ground with sinister powers. Pet Sematary is a spooky tale that sticks with you.

1 The Dark Tower: The Gunslinger by Stephen King

The Dark Tower: The Gunslinger cover

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

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As the best one, we pick ‘The Dark Tower: The Gunslinger.’ It’s the start of King’s magnum opus, a blend of Western, fantasy, and horror. Reading it is like solving a puzzle while riding a roller coaster. King’s creativity shines, and the world he creates is immersive and intriguing. It’s the perfect pick for anyone wanting to explore Stephen King’s famous books with a journey that hooks you and doesn’t let go. We believe it represents King at his most imaginative and it’s a series that keeps on giving. You start with one book, and suddenly, you’re deep into an epic saga.

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!