I'd recommend 'Children of the Corn'. It has a very creepy premise. The idea of a town ruled by murderous children is both disturbing and fascinating. It really shows King's ability to create a sense of unease.
Another good one to start with is 'Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption'. It's not as horror - focused as some of his other works. It tells a powerful story of hope and friendship in the prison setting which was later adapted into a very successful movie.
You could start with 'The Man Who Loved Flowers'. It's a relatively short and accessible story that showcases King's ability to create a sense of unease and surprise. It has a simple premise that quickly turns into something more sinister.
One must - read Stephen King novel is 'The Shining'. It's a classic horror story about a family staying in an isolated hotel during the winter. The psychological horror and the slow build - up of tension are really engaging. Another great one is 'It'. It features a terrifying clown named Pennywise who preys on children. The story jumps between different timelines, which makes it even more interesting.
You could start with 'It'. It has a great blend of horror, friendship, and coming - of - age elements. The story of the Losers' Club and their battle against Pennywise is both terrifying and engaging. Plus, it gives you a sense of King's ability to build a large and complex story over a long period of time.
I would recommend starting with 'The Shining'. It's a classic and has been made into a well - known movie. The story is easy to follow and the scares are immediate. You'll quickly get a sense of the horror that Stephen King can create.
Among the top Stephen King short stories, 'All That You Love Will Be Carried Away' is interesting. It delves into the mind of a traveling salesman who is on the verge of something dark. King uses his signature style to build up the character's inner turmoil. 'The Jaunt' is also a good one. The concept of teleportation and the horror that lies within it is a unique take. It makes you think about the price of technology. 'Umney's Last Case' has a bit of a meta - feel. It blurs the lines between reality and fiction in a very King - esque way.
I would recommend starting with 'Carrie'. It's one of his earlier works and a great introduction to his style of horror. Another good one is 'The Green Mile'. It has elements of the supernatural but also a lot of heart. And 'Misery' is also a great choice. It's a tense thriller that shows how far a deranged fan can go.
I'd recommend starting with 'The Tommyknockers'. It has a great blend of mystery, sci - fi elements, and King's typical small - town horror feel. It's not as complex as some of his other works, so it's a good entry point into his sci - fi world.
I would recommend 'The Mist'. It has a great sense of atmosphere and tension. The idea of being trapped in a supermarket with a strange mist outside filled with unknown and terrifying creatures is really gripping.
I'd recommend starting with 'Carrie'. It was his first published novel and it gives a great introduction to his style of mixing the ordinary with the supernatural. It's about a high - school girl with telekinetic powers who gets bullied and then takes revenge in a terrifying way.
You could start with 'The Body'. It's a coming - of - age story with King's signature touch of the macabre. It follows a group of boys on a journey to find a dead body, and it delves into themes of friendship, growing up, and mortality. It also has a very relatable and engaging narrative that will draw you into King's world.