Stephen King is renowned for his horror, supernatural and science-fiction novels all over the globe. So it’s no wonder that so many of his books have been adapted into movies and T.V. series (and have done so well on-screen). However, it’s not just his mind-blowing brilliance with the plot that makes him a favorite among the readers. His specialty is in his storytelling technique, the way he manages to make even loose ends feel completed and satisfying. And in this article, we have given the top books by Stephen King that are best-selling worldwide.
P.S. I will say this before – his all-time best-selling novel is The Shining. So now that that’s out of the way, let’s continue with the list.
P.P.S. The books have been arranged in alphabetical order.
So, let’s start. Here are the best selling books by Stephen King :
#1 Bill Hodges Trilogy
About the Book
Title: Bill Hodges Trilogy
Genre: Thriller, Horror, Mystery, Adult
Publisher: Scribner
Type: Series
No. of Books: 3
Books in it: #1 Mr. Mercedes, #2 Finders Keepers, #3 End of Watch
Goodreads rating: 4/5
People, primarily unemployed, were waiting for the job-fair opening when someone in Mercedes ran over them – killing eight and wounding fifteen others. It’s been months since the killer escaped the crime scene, and Bill Hodges, an ex-cop, has struggled to cope with his depression. He is about to kill himself when a phone call changes his plans. The killer is back in action, and this time his madness can kill thousands of people. Unless Hodges and his team can do something about it. A race against time, Bill Hodges is a series that only gets better with every book.
Why do we recommend this book?
To have a look inside a psychopath’s mind wasn’t pretty, but then again, I wasn’t expecting pretty when I picked up one of Stephen King’s books. It’s sickening, it’s terrifying, and it’s genius. I loved how the last book neatly tied up both the previous cases and without a doubt, the series became one of my favorite mystery books.
To buy/gift Book 1 of Bill Hodges trilogy, Mr. Mercedes, click the below link:
#2 Carrie
About the Book
Title: Carrie
Genre: Horror, Thriller, Fantasy
Publisher: Pocket Books
Type: Standalone
Pages: 253
Goodreads rating: 3.9/5
Carrie White is a shy, friendless, and bullied high school girl from an abusive religious household. Though she lives as an outcast, humiliated by her classmates every day, her will to survive helps her withstand it. Even though Carrie has telekinetic powers that are too strong, frightening, but fascinating, she doesn’t misuse them no matter how much she is abused. But every person has a threshold, a limit to how much they can handle, and for someone like Carrie, whose powers know no bounds, crossing the boundary could very well destroy everything in her path. Even herself.
Why do we recommend this book?
Everyone has seen this movie, and if you haven’t, what are you waiting for? Chloë Grace Moretz is amazing in this! Still, if you ever hear someone say that the film was better than the book, you automatically know that they are lying. The graphics and the audio don’t hold a candle to Stephen King’s writing that exemplifies the torment and horror of (and by) Carrie. A classic, Carrie is undoubtedly one of the best horrors works ever to grace the world.
To buy/gift Carrie by Stephen King, click the below link:
#3 Firestarter
About the Book
Title: Firestarter
Genre: Horror, Thriller, Sci-Fi, Fantasy
Publisher: Signet
Type: Standalone
Pages: 403
Goodreads rating: 3.9/5
Years ago, Andy McGee participated in a science experiment dealing with the ‘Lot 6’ drug that gave him and his future wife special abilities. The Shop, the organization that experimented, didn’t expect the two test subjects to end up married and with a daughter. They didn’t expect that daughter to be born with even more potent abilities. And now they want her. As Andy and his daughter, Charlie, live a life of runaway fugitives, the two soon discover more about their own powers. And coming to the same conclusion repeatedly – The Shop should never get their hands on Charlie’s powers because it has the potential to become the worst weapon of destruction.
Why do we recommend this book?
The writing is a little more complex here, but it’s sci-fi. What else can you expect? At times, it does feel like Carrie, but it also appears vastly different from King’s other books. The ending was rushed, but aside from that, it’s a book worth investing your time in.
To buy/gift Firestarter , click the below link:
#4 It
About the Book
Title: It
Genre: Horror, Thriller, Fantasy
Publisher: New English Library
Type: Standalone
Pages: 1116
Goodreads rating: 4.2/5
The small town of Derry is terrorized by It, known as Pennywise, the dancing clown. It feeds on young children, waking up every 27 years for 12-16 months at a time. It is told in the third person, alternating between two time periods in its narrative – 1957 and 1984. The book follows the Losers Club, who each encounters the It, and tries to protect their town and its kids from him while planning to take him down. The book deals with deep themes like childhood trauma, its life-long effect, and the power of memory.
Why do we recommend this book?
Well damn. I accept that I watched the movies before reading the book, and truthfully I wasn’t sure I even wanted to read it (because the movie was so good, and the book looked so long). But who is to stop a nerd from reading a super hyped book? I wanted to see just how different the book and the movie were, and I can honestly say that neither of them disappointed me. Of course, the depth of the book and how dark it got can’t even be compared to the movie. But then again, didn’t we already know it?
To buy/gift It by Stephen King, click the below link:
#5 Misery
About the Book
Title: Misery
Genre: Horror, Thriller, Adult, Psychological
Publisher: Viking Press
Type: Standalone
Pages: 370
Goodreads rating: 4.2/5
Paul Sheldon is a best-selling writer of a victorian era romance series that features Misery Chastain as its central character. An accident leads him to become stranded in a remote town where he meets Annie Wilkes, a former local nurse, who nurses him back to health. She is also a big, devoted fan of the Misery series, which Paul finds fortunate. But is it? Even when she refuses to take him to hospital, gets him addicted to painkillers, and keeps him from leaving his room? Something is really wrong with this woman, but would Paul be able to unearth her secrets before his life gets wholly ruined?
Why do we recommend this book?
I get wanting to keep your favorite writer close and succumbing to the temptation of asking for their drafts and spoilers, but this is overkill! It’s not his best work, and the horror element isn’t as profound, but when the scares do appear, they are a sight to behold. (I had creeps – legit goosebumps – shortly after we passed the halfway mark). Definitely, a must-read if you are a King’s fan. Don’t even imagine keeping him captive and forcing him to write a sequel, though!
To buy/gift Misery by Stephen King, click the below link:
#6 Pet Sematary
About the Book
Title: Pet Sematary
Genre: Horror, Thriller, Fantasy
Publisher: Scribner
Type: Standalone
Pages: 580
Goodreads rating: 4/5
Nominated for a World Fantasy Award for Best Novel in 1984, Pet Sematary follows the story of Louise and his family, who have recently moved to a house near the small town of Ludlow. Lousie makes a friend in Jud, whom he considers a father figure, who shows him the Pet Cemetary (misspelled ‘Sematary’), where the town’s children bury their deceased pets. But there is a far more sinister secret lurking behind the Sematary, and it’s when Louside discovers it that his life goes downhill in the form of true terror that he could have never expected. “Cause what you bury, is what you own. And what you own… always comes home to you.”
Why do we recommend this book?
Excuse me, but what the hell was that? Reading this book confirmed why even Stephen King himself was scared of this book. According to him, this book is his re-telling version of ‘The Monkey’s Paw” by W.W. Jacobs, a horror short story first published in 1902. I am not ashamed to say that I had to take multiple breaks between reading this book (I finished this book in 4 months, no joke). I had recurrent nightmares the first two days after I picked this up. It’s recommended for horror fans, but just know that it’s not a book that you could re-read.
To buy/gift Pet Sematary by Stephen King, click the below link:
#7 ‘Salem’s Lot
About the Book
Title: ‘Salem’s Lot
Genre: Horror, Paranormal, Fantasy,
Publisher: New English Library
Type: Standalone
Pages: 483
Goodreads rating: 4/5
Stephen King’s second published novel, ‘Salem’s Lot, is about Ben Mears, a writer who returns to his hometown, Jerusalem’s Lot, to write his next book. He wishes to write about the long-abandoned Marsten House, where he had a traumatic experience as a child. Now though, it has been purchased by Kurt Barlow. But Barlow’s arrival shortly starts a series of misfortunes where several people of the town disappear. Something is going on in the small town in the shadows of the night, but are Ben and his friends strong enough to combat this danger?
Why do we recommend this book?
King has confessed that ‘Salem’s Lot is his favorite book, an ode to small towns, for which he has a ‘cold soft spot’. Dracula inspired him, and that’s how you know it’s gonna be pretty awesome. Sure it’s pretty straightforward, and there aren’t many plot twists (and yes, it’s longer than necessary), but it’s still one of his well-written, well-thought books. Give it a try!
To buy/gift Salem’s Lot by Stephen King, click the below link:
#8 The Dark Tower Series
About the Book
Title: The Dark Tower
Genre: Fantasy, Horror, Sci-Fi, Adventure
Publisher: Plume, Signet, Pocket Books, New English Library
Type: Series
No. of Books: 7
Books in it: #1 The Gunslinger, #2 The Drawing of the Three, #3 The Wastelands, #4 Wizards and Glass, #5 Wolves of the Calla, #6 Song of Susannah, #7 The Dark Tower
Goodreads rating: 4/5
Expanding upon King’s multiverse (and linking together many of his other novels), The Dark Tower series follows Roland Deschain, the last living member of a knightly order known as Gunslingers. In his quest to find the Dark Tower, a mysterious, fabled building said to be the nexus of all universes (where apparently an infinite number of parallel worlds rotate), to save his world that is coming undone in the worse ways possible. He makes friends along the way who come together to form the Ka-tet of Nineteen and Ninety Nine. Some of his other works that get referred to in this series (implying that they share the same universe) are Cell, The Stand, The Shining, Salem’s Lot, and Insomnia.
Why do we recommend this book?
Each book is better than the last one, especially as we learn more about Roland, his origins, and his past. All the side characters (who really don’t feel ‘side’) are so cool, and the whole world-building is so fascinating – it really makes you wanna be a part of their world (my time is already messed up, what would an impaired time flow matter to me?). And yeah, I do have a crush on Roland Deschain. On another note, you won’t see that ending coming.
To buy/gift Book 1 of The Dark Tower series, The Gunslinger, click the below link:
#9 The Dead Zone
About the Book
Title: The Dead Zone
Genre: Horror, Fantasy, Sci-Fi
Publisher: Signet/New American Library
Type: Standalone
Pages: 402
Goodreads rating: 3.9/5
Johnny Smith had an accident that rendered him in a comatose state for four years. When he woke up, he realized a part of his brain was seriously damaged, turning it into a dead zone. But it also leads him to develop special powers (as if to compensate for the damage), which turns out to be more work than expected. He experiences brief flashes of the future when he touches someone, and after helping some people, he becomes a sort of reluctant hero. But the dangers posed by a serial killer and a rising politician terrorizing his small town have Smith decide to fully embrace his powers and become a hero in the true sense of the word.
Why do we recommend this book?
Like many of my fellow King fans, I, too, feel that The Dead Zone is often underappreciated for his best-selling books. Nevertheless, this novel is so weird, creepy, and thought-provoking, leaving amazing lessons in its wake, and honestly, people need to stop sleeping on this masterpiece.
To buy/gift Dead Zone, click the below link:
#10 The Green Mile Series
About the Book
Title: The Green Mile
Genre: Horror, Fantasy, Thriller
Publisher: Penguin Signet
Type: Standalone (Serialized novel)
Pages: 592
Goodreads rating: 4.5/5
A serial novel initially released in six volumes, The Green Mile was later republished as a single-volume work. Prison guard Paul Edgecombe has seen his share of oddities while working the Mile. But he’s never seen anyone like John Coffey. A man with the body of a giant and mind of a child, condemned for a crime terrifying in its violence and shocking in its depravity. In this place of ultimate retribution, Edgecombe is about to discover the terrible, wondrous truth about Coffey. The novel includes 6 parts – The Two Dead Girls and The Mouse on the Mile. Coffey’s Hands, The Bad Death of Eduard Delacroix, Night Journey, Coffey On the Mile – all his previous installments combined.
Why do we recommend this book?
I will give just one little cent of my thought (which you would actually find to be valid/justified within the first few chapters yourself) – I would die for Coffey, no joke. I would do it. This book is tagged horror because of how real it all actually feels. Despite the fantasy component, it still retains the true face of the society that we all are currently a part of, from which we need to save precious people (like Coffey). This novel is so hauntingly sad that I won’t forget it (or stop recommending it) for ages.
To buy/gift Book 1 in The Green Miles series, click the below link:
#11 The Shining Series
About the Book
Title: The Shining
Genre: Horror, Thriller, Fantasy, Classics
Publisher: New English Library
Type: Series
No. of Books: 2
Books in it: #1 The Shining, #2 Doctor Sleep
Goodreads rating: 4.2/5
King’s third published book, The Shining, was adapted into a film in 1980 following its worldwide success, as was its sequel, Doctor Sleep. Overlook Hotel is an isolated, haunted resort hotel that has gotten its new winter caretaker – Jack Torrance. He is a recovering alcoholic with anger issues who wish to reconnect with his family and give him the motivation to write his next play. Jack’s 5-year-old son Danny has psychic abilities, unbeknown to either of his parents. While the winter snowfall leaves the Torrances cut off from the outside world in the isolated Hotel, Danny soon realizes that his abilities make the supernatural activity of the Hotel more powerful. As it grows in strength, would Danny be able to defeat the Hotel?
Why do we recommend this book?
A classic horror, The Shining is King’s number one best-selling book. And it deserves to be so. Making the protagonist a young child who is more mature than his age because of his abilities was a genius decision by Stephen King. He accepts that the inspiration to write this book came from his personal experience at a hotel (this is why I hate them). While the concept of a haunted house/hotel isn’t anything new, King still manages to bring a fresh twist to it.
To buy/gift Book 1 in The Shining series, click the below link:
#12 The Stand
About the Book
Title: The Stand
Genre: Horror, Fantasy, Sci-Fi
Publisher: Doubleday Books
Type: Standalone
Pages: 1152
Goodreads rating: 4.3/5
When a man escapes from a biological testing facility, he sets a deadly domino effect in motion, spreading a mutated flu strain. As the survivors struggle with accepting the leadership of one of the two emergencies – Mother Abigail, the good, and Randall Flagg, the evil – the world around them quickly goes to health. A novel about the breakdown and rebirth of civilization, The Stand is one of King’s most complicated novels to trudge through because of its immense, ever-growing characters, who are to decide the faith of all of humanity.
Why do we recommend this book?
When we say it’s complicated, we mean it’s complicated. When you think we have finally got our central characters, King brings in another bunch and messes up your head. This novel is long, but ironically, you need to read it in one-sitting/without significant breaks. Otherwise, you would literally forget everything (my brain erased half the characters when I took a week’s break – I will not forgive myself for that).
To buy/gift The Stand, click the below link:
#13 Under The Dome
About the Book
Title: Under the Dome
Genre: Horror, Sci-Fi, Thriller, Fantasy
Publisher: Scribner
Type: Standalone
Pages: 1074
Goodreads rating: 3.9/5
The small town of Chester’s Mill, Maine, is inexplicably and suddenly sealed off one day from the rest of the world by an invisible force field. No one can fathom what this barrier is, where it came from, and when, or if, it will ever go away. The novel is told in alternating perspectives, multi-character pov about how the town’s inhabitants deal with the calamity of being suddenly cut off from the outside world by an impassable, invisible glass dome-like barrier that transformed the town into a domed city, especially when the internal sources themselves are trying to use this phenomenon to their own advantage.
Why do we recommend this book?
You all, the way the show absolutely destroyed the book…this book is a creep, dark, and filled with power plays of both humans and the supernatural world. It was usually different from what King wrote, but nevertheless a well-received, appreciated change. The concept was terrific, and the characters were amazingly engaging (even the horrible ones). Definitely recommended for fantasy horror lovers (you guys know we don’t have many good books in that genre).
To buy/gift Under the Dome, click the below link:
P.S: Some books recommended here are available on Kindle Unlimited. If you have subscribed to it, then you can read these books for free. Check out this article: Is Kindle Unlimited Worth It?
SO, to conclude, here is the list of the Best Selling Books by Stephen King (Horror Reads):
| 1 | The Bill Hodges Trilogy by Stephen King | Buy Box-set |
| 2 | Carrie by Stephen King | Buy Now |
| 3 | Firestarter by Stephen King | Buy Now |
| 4 | It by Stephen King | Buy Now |
| 5 | Misery by Stephen King | Buy Now |
| 6 | Pet Sematary by Stephen King | Buy Now |
| 7 | ‘Salem’s Lot by Stephen King | Buy Now |
| 8 | The Dark Tower series by Stephen King | Buy Box-set |
| 9 | The Dead Zone by Stephen King | Buy Now |
| 10 | The Green Mile series by Stephen King | Buy Box-set |
| 11 | The Shining by Stephen King | Buy Box-set |
| 12 | The Stand by Stephen King | Buy Now |
| 13 | Under the Dome by Stephen King | Buy Now |
Do read books on this list of best-selling books by Stephen King. You will horrifyingly love them.
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