Well, 'It' is definitely a top Stephen King story. The way it jumps between the past and present, and how the Losers' Club battles the shape - shifting Pennywise is really engaging. 'The Stand' could also be considered one of the top. It's a post - apocalyptic story that shows the battle between good and evil in a world decimated by a plague. And 'Pet Sematary' is great too. The idea of an ancient burial ground that brings the dead back in a very wrong way is quite spooky.
Well, 'The Man in the Black Suit' is often considered among the top. It tells a terrifying encounter of a boy with a devil - like figure. 'Survivor Type' is also quite well - known. It's a disturbing story about a shipwrecked doctor who resorts to extreme measures to survive. These stories are great examples of King's ability to create horror and suspense in a short form.
One characteristic is the vivid and often grotesque imagery. In 'The Man in the Black Suit', the description of the titular character is really spine - chilling. His short stories also tend to have a moral or a lesson, although sometimes it's very subtly presented. For instance, 'Quitters, Inc.' has a commentary on addiction and the lengths people will go to overcome it. And they are all very engaging, making the readers keep turning the pages to find out what happens next.
Most of them are known for their ability to create intense fear. For example, in 'The Mist', the sense of claustrophobia and the unknown threats make it really scary. They often have ordinary settings turned into places of horror, like the small town in 'Children of the Corn'.
Some of his well - known short stories that could be in the top 5 might include 'The Mist', which creates a terrifying post - apocalyptic - like atmosphere in a supermarket surrounded by a strange mist filled with dangerous creatures. Another could be 'Children of the Corn', with its creepy cult of children in a rural town. 'Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption' is also a great one, which was later adapted into the famous movie. It tells the story of a man's journey in prison and his hope for freedom.
Often, his short stories have a sense of the ordinary turned extraordinary. Take 'The Jaunt'. It starts with a seemingly normal family trip through a teleportation device, but then things go horribly wrong. His use of setting also adds to the atmosphere. In 'Strawberry Spring', the college campus setting during a foggy time enhances the feeling of unease.
Some of his well - known short stories that might be in such a top 10 include 'The Mist'. In this story, a group of people are trapped in a supermarket by a mysterious mist filled with terrifying creatures. Another could be 'Children of the Corn', which tells a spooky tale about a cult of children in a small town.
Some of the highly ranked Stephen King novels include 'The Shining'. It's a classic with its terrifying story of a family in an isolated hotel. The psychological horror and the build - up of tension are masterfully done. Another top - ranked one is 'It'. The story of a group of kids facing an ancient evil in the form of a clown has captured the imagination of many readers. And 'Misery' is also very popular. The idea of an obsessed fan holding a writer captive is both disturbing and engaging.
The top 15 Stephen King novels are filled with many amazing works. 'Salem's Lot' is a great vampire story that creates a very spooky atmosphere. '11/22/63' is interesting as it involves time travel and the events surrounding JFK's assassination. 'The Dark Tower' series is also a significant part of his works, which combines elements of fantasy, western, and horror in a complex and engaging way.
Some of the top ones often include 'The Shining'. It's a classic horror story about a family in an isolated hotel with a haunted past. Another is 'It', which features the terrifying Pennywise the Clown. 'Carrie' is also highly regarded, a story of a bullied girl with telekinetic powers.