'Misery' is quite messed up. The idea of an obsessed fan holding an author captive and torturing him is horrifying. Annie Wilkes is a character that you love to hate, and the power dynamic between her and Paul Sheldon is so wrong and disturbing.
One of the most messed up Stephen King novels is 'Pet Sematary'. The idea of a burial ground that brings things back to life in a distorted way is truly disturbing. The family's grief and the consequences of using the cemetery are just nightmare - inducing.
Many would say that 'Carrie' is a must - read. It's a powerful story about bullying and the consequences of it. 'The Stand' is also highly praised. It's a long and detailed exploration of humanity in the face of a major catastrophe. 'Pet Sematary' is another favorite. The concept of the cursed burial ground is both creepy and fascinating.
Definitely 'Carrie'. A bullied high - school girl with telekinetic powers who finally snaps. The prom scene where she unleashes her wrath is iconic. The build - up of her being an outcast, constantly tormented, and then the explosive revenge she takes is both shocking and terrifying. It also shows how ordinary people can be pushed to the extreme and do extraordinary and terrifying things.
Probably 'Pet Sematary'. It's a classic horror story that really gets under your skin. The idea of a burial ground that brings things back wrong is both creepy and fascinating.
It's hard to say which is the most famous, but 'The Shining' is extremely well - known. It has been adapted into a movie that has also become a classic in the horror genre. The novel's exploration of isolation, family breakdown, and supernatural horror has made it very popular.
Some of Stephen King's works that are considered novellas include 'The Mist'. It has a relatively shorter length compared to his full - length novels but still packs a powerful punch in terms of story and atmosphere. Another one is 'Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption'. It's a novella that was later adapted into the well - known movie. '1922' is also a novella which delves deep into the psyche of a man haunted by his actions in a rural and desolate setting.
Definitely 'The Shining'. The haunted hotel, the ghosts, and Jack's psychological breakdown are all elements that make it so scary. Then, 'It' is very frightening. Pennywise the clown is a terrifying antagonist that haunts children. 'Pet Sematary' is also quite scary with its dark take on resurrection.
In my opinion, 'It' is extremely scary. That clown, Pennywise, is just so menacing and the idea of a shape - shifting evil that lurks in the sewers of a town is really terrifying. 'The Shining' is also very frightening. The haunted hotel and the slow descent into madness of the main character are quite spooky.
One more is 'Carrie'. It was his first published novel. It tells the story of a high - school girl with telekinetic powers who is bullied and then takes revenge. It's a great exploration of the power of the outcast and the consequences of bullying.
For me, 'Salem's Lot' is really frightening. The vampires in this novel are not the glamorous kind. They are brutal and they slowly take over the town of Jerusalem's Lot. The way King builds the tension as the town falls under their control is masterful.