I would recommend 'The Mist'. It's a classic. The sense of isolation and the unknown that the characters face in the mist is truly terrifying. The creatures that lurk in the mist are so well - described that it's easy to picture them in your mind. It also has some great character development considering it's a short story.
Definitely 'Children of the Corn'. It's a story that has been adapted into movies but the original short story is a gem. The whole idea of these cult - like children in a small town is very spooky. King creates a sense of dread from the very beginning, and the mystery surrounding the cornfields adds to the overall horror.
I highly recommend 'All That You Love Will Be Carried Away'. It's a different kind of horror. It's more about the inner turmoil of a man on the verge of suicide. The way King weaves in the idea of the 'keepers of the secret' and the strange things the man finds in motel rooms is both poignant and disturbing. It shows that King can create horror in different ways beyond just the typical scares.
Definitely 'The Shawshank Redemption'. It's a powerful story about hope and friendship in the face of a corrupt prison system. 'The Mist' is also a great one. The way it plays on our fears of the unknown in a claustrophobic setting is really effective. And 'Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption' which is the basis for the famous movie. It has all the elements that make King's work so great - complex characters, a sense of hope in a dark situation, and a great plot.
I would recommend 'The Boogeyman'. It's a relatively straightforward horror story that effectively builds tension. It's about a man who believes that a creature from his childhood nightmares is still after him. It has that classic Stephen King feel of exploring the fears that lurk in the dark corners of our minds.
It's hard to say which one is the most popular as it varies from person to person. However, 'The Man in the Black Suit' is often highly regarded. It has a classic Stephen King feel with a young boy having a terrifying encounter with a sinister figure in the woods.
Definitely. 'The Jaunt' is a must - read. It has a unique concept about teleportation and the horrors that lurk within that process. It'll make you think twice about the idea of instant travel.
Well, 'Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption' is quite famous. It gives a deep look into the lives of the inmates in Shawshank prison. Also, 'The Body' is really good. It's about a group of boys going on a journey to find a dead body, exploring themes of friendship and growing up.
I would recommend 'The Boogeyman'. It's a short but extremely effective story. The idea of a monster in the closet is a very primal fear for many people. King takes this simple concept and makes it truly terrifying. The way he describes the protagonist's fear and the unseen presence in the room is bone - chilling.
Among horror fans, 'The Shining' is extremely popular. The idea of being trapped in an isolated and haunted hotel is really spooky. Then there's 'It'. The concept of a shape - shifting monster that can take different forms to scare kids is classic King horror. Also, 'Pet Sematary' is a favorite. The idea of bringing the dead back to life with a horrible twist is very appealing to horror lovers.
In the best collection, 'Survivor Type' is quite interesting. It's about a man stranded on an island and the extreme lengths he goes to in order to survive. 'Cemetery Shift' is also good. It has a spooky setting in a textile mill with some really eerie happenings.
Well, 'Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption' is a gem from his collection. It gives the backstory to the movie 'The Shawshank Redemption'. And 'The Body' is also excellent. It's about friendship and coming - of - age in a very King - like way, full of both heart and a touch of darkness.
For me, 'The Mist' has a disturbing ending. The decision that the main character makes at the end, in the face of such hopelessness, is both tragic and disturbing. It's a very dark and unexpected way to end the story.