it just shows how you can be a mediocre writer and if you have backing of a good publishing house and it's advertising arm (and you got in in the late 70s) you could truly corner a market. BUT EVEN MORE THAN THAT it shows how americans have absolutely no taste in literature
yesterday bought "long walk" and im only hhalf way in, but its the first book in YEARS that keeps me thinking about the it and makes me kind of obsessed to read more and more. his writing style is soo good and i am really excited to read more books of him
I’ve been a King fan since I was 11, and have read everything he has written. The Long Walk is in my Top 3 and still haunts my thoughts decades later x
I’ve recently read my first book by Stephen King; Billy Summers and thought it was absolutely brilliant and left me wanting to read more of his work, and this is how I came across your channel. To say you’ve ranked it at 49 tells me there’s a hell of a lot more by SK that I need to discover! Liked and subscribed!
What a list! I'm at the age of 18 and I'm just starting to get into Stephen King and I'm completely obsessed. I've been following your channel for some time now and i think you do an amazing job! I've only read Misery(being my fav one), Pet Semetary and Salem's Lot so far and I have The Shining, The Outsider and The Stand coming up next. I'm really looking forward to get invested into The Dark Tower seires at some point. Keep up the good work!
Thanks for this Ranking bc I have some Stephen King books my parents gave me and I didn't know what to start off with and I just finished the first book for the Dark Tower, personally I already love it. One of the first book series I actually am invested in! Can't wait to read more of Stephen King's Bibliography!
Love to see other listings of King. I've only read a little more than half his books so I'm excited to fill in my list reading them, but The Stand is definitely my favorite book he has written. I have no problem with where you rank it.
I actually appreciate your honesty about The Stand. It's in my top 5, but too many people give passes to things that they don't love just because they're "supposed" to love it. Cormac McCarthy is my favorite writer by a mile. I'm not enjoying his latest book at all. If you would of asked me two months ago if the man was capable of writing something I didn't love, then I would of told you no. Just because you love the writer doesn't mean you have to love everything by them.
I just read Pet Semetary. Wow I can’t believe I waited 10 years leaving this on my TBR But also I can appreciate the story much more now that I’m in my 30s
I have to admit, I squealed with joy when I realized that Dead Zone is your number one! I was thinking through the whole video "when is my favorite going to show up, people always rank it around the middle" but it's number one! Wohoo!!
Hey there! Just seen this video, nice work you did ranking them all! I've been reading King for the last couple years (I have still like 75% of his work to go), and I must say that Rose Madder, although a compelling premise for me, its execution was too... beating-around-the-bushy performed, so I struggled to keep up with it, though the finale is great. I'd say my faves so far are The Shining (currently finishing it), and I did love Different Seasons, highlighting Apt Pupil, omg that one.
As a massive King fan who has also read every book this was a great watch but I absolutely LOVED Fairy Tale. That was the biggest shocker for me here, the rest of your ranking is pretty much similar to me
I didn't even care about your list spots. I was just super entertained listening to your thoughts on each book. This was fantastic!! Cool video. Watched in one sitting haha
Fun vid! I’m a King novice but have enjoyed ‘Salem’s Lot and Apt Pupil and am LOVING 11/22/63 right now in the middle. Can’t wait to get to some of your other favs!
I'm not a Stephen King fan, mostly because supernatural stories don't interest me (but also his writing style), so Roadwork is one of the few I've read and the only one I really like. Not just because it's not supernatural, but also because it's by far the most minimalist in terms of style that I've seen from him. Glad it's at the bottom of the list since I started watching just to see where it would rank and you saved me quite a bit of time, haha. If you or anyone else would care to point me to another non-supernatural novel with similar stripped-down writing compared to his usual style, I'd love to give it a try.
The Regulators was the first King/Bachman book I ever read and I loved it to me, it's the truest essence side of King's crazy side but actually performed well, lots of nostalgia & the Stephen King drinking game with this one it's just great fun & such a unique story -Under The Dome was also amazing.
Looking forward to 19 reasons to read Charlie the Choo Choo...the real number 1 on your list, hah! Wonderful job Dave- your hard work is appreciated. Been following your journey for quite some time and you've made me quite a King fanatic. Keep up the great work.
Wow, I've never seen anyone else ever have Wizard & Glass be their least favorite DT book and The Wastelands be their favorite DT book (not counting Insomnia) besides me, but glad to see now that I'm not the only one, lol. You did lose me though on where you ranked The Stand. But seriously, great job on the ranking list.
I am currently going through the DT series following your reading list. I am in the Stand and in my perspective, I think it's the best of the series so far. Drawing was incredible and wild, but Stand is just really well written, dense, but well written. Excited to keep going through the series.
My #1 is Wizard and Glass: the plot and writing hit all the right buttons for me. My current #77 is Black House: the only King book that I wanted to DNF several times throughout while reading. An absolute slog for me. LOL I'm also not a huge fan of The Stand, but do have some love for it. The first third of book (until the groups get settled in Vegas and Boulder) is excellent and my justification ranking it in the high 30's. Keep up the great content. It's much appreciated and always entertaining.
Thank you! And, objectively, I can totally see that with Wizard and Glass…it’s an incredible book, just not for me. And I agree on the Stand’s opening too…some of his scariest stuff!
Great video! I can't wait for the new year to see your opinions on the adaptations. I have to say I really don't understand the 'Salem's Lot hype. The vampires never really did anything for me. I genuinely found the True Knot scarier. Oh and Christine is a top 5 book for sure, that ending had me in tears.
Congratulations on catching up to the King and reviewing all his work. It has been a blast watching for the past to years. My list but I haven't read that many 1 Salem's lot 2 The Shinning 3 The long walk 4 Different seasons 5 Needful things 6 Carrie 7 The stand 8 Rage 9 Roadwork 10ish Firestarter (DNF just didn't like it) Misery (reading this one about a 100 pages in and It's great) On writing (It's great especially for amateur writers like myself. Just didn't feel right on the list.)
Great List... I'm glad that when you mentioned Wizard and Glass you added that objectively it's a good book... I've almost been nervous to reread it because it is arguably my favorite King book and don't want to dissapoint myself now at an older more cynical age 😂... My top 5 are... 1. Pet Sematary 2. Wizard & Glass 3. Different Seasons 4. Needful Things 5. Night Shift.
I'm just getting into the stephen king world, I've read a handful in my life, but I've started reading his books in publication order. Only on salems lot so a long ways to go, but I'm enjoying it so far! My favorites are carrie and misery.
Current top 10 and bottom 5 (I've not read all of his books, got about 20 or so left to go) Favourites... 1. The Stand 2. It 3. Dark Tower VII - The Dark Tower 4. 11/22/63 5. Needful Things 6. Salem's Lot 7. Under the Dome 8. Dark Tower II - Drawing of the Three 9. The Green Mile 10. Dark Tower III - The Wastelands. Just bubbling under - Duma Key, Pet Sematary, Misery, The Shining Least Favourite 5 1. Rage 2. Lisey's Story 3. Later 4. Gerald's Game 5. Elevation Just bubbling, er, over - Cycle of the Werewolf, Carrie, Tommyknockers, Cell.
Hey I really liked this video keep up the good work!! I’ve been looking for a channel that mainly focuses on Stephen King so this is perfect. I’m new to the Stephen King fandom but I’m trying to read all of his books. I started Misery yesterday and it’s pretty good so far. I’m gonna buy the Bachman books with Rage in it so I’m super excited.. my ranking for the 5 I’ve read is 1. It 2. Carrie 3. The Body 4. The Shining 5. Later I liked the Shining but it got pretty slow at times, but It and Carrie are amazing. I’m 50 pages into Misery but it’s pretty good so far!
Great video! You did a wonderful job ranking them. It is so hard to do with so many books! My personal favorites (of all that I have read so far) are 11/22/63 and Duma Key!
I’m doing your dark tower reading list(with a couple of deviations thanks to the limitations of my local library) and so far Insomnia is my favorite. Thanks again
the case with fairy tale seems to be you either love it or hate it. i’m 15 and i’ve started reading king not too long ago and i’m already obsessed with his works. i’ve read the shining and pet semetary and i fucking loved them, although fairy tale is so unbelievably different to them. i’m only half way through it so far and i love it, i’m so hooked with the story of charlie and rades. i’m not as hooked as i was at the beginning with the relationship of mr bowditch and charlie but i’m certainly looking forward to the rest of the book. i guess it does just depend on what you like to read but i can see myself enjoying this one a lot!
Really appreciate this full list - a really thoughtful one - in less than a half hour. I feel like needful things didn’t get much love for a long time but now so many people are talking about it! It’s definitely in my top 3. Dead Zone is right there too. Great list! Also, I need to know if we can order that sweatshirt anywhere?
My all time favorites are Dolores Claiborne Billy summers The gunslinger Rose madder The wastelands Wizard and glass The talisman Insomnia Eyes of the dragon Needful things
Did I miss the Cell in the list? I know a lot who don’t like it but I loved it. Also, loved the rankings (most of it). Subscribing to the newsletter :)
I just finished The Dead Zone and i cried soooo much!! This book was a random choice and i went into it blindly and i was so happy to experience John Smith..
Been about a few months now. I'm almost done reading all of his works with the Dark Tower series to finish! Just about to start SoS Anyway top video. Never easy to rank things like this and I'd bet in a year there would be slight changes For me. Duma Key much higher. I'll not mention The Stand and the Dead Zone was my second ever read for King and would make my top 5 easily. Not that I've tried to do what you just did for us! Keep em coming
Wow. Regulators above The Stand? I appreciate your courage in making this list! Seriously, though, I love seeing people’s differing opinions on iconic works like this. Great video. Loved your thoughts.
I'm a Stephen King fan but I really didn't like The Stand. I'm so relieved to see that someone else out there agrees with me because it seems like everyone else loves it. It has some good moments - as you said the first few 100 pages were pretty good, in particular the scene where Larry Underwood walks through the tunnel in the dark was scary as hell. However, at a certain point the plot was just dragging and dragging and I felt like it wasn't going anywhere. I think people like the book because they find characters (their backstories, motivations, development etc.) interesting, but for me, the plot has to be there as well, and it just wasn't there for this book. I gave up after 700 pages or so and I'm glad I did because I would've been VERY disappointed with the ending if I would've read all 1,200 pages.
@@ck2352 did you enjoy the other 11? I read pet sematary, the shining, the long walk, different seasons, Salem’s lot and I enjoyed them all to varying degrees, the stand was the only one I really didn’t like. I’m going to read IT next but I’m worried that long Stephen King books just might not be for me
@@chillwill120 Here are my top 5 favorites #1 IT #2 The Shining #3 Salem’s Lot #4 Misery #5 Pet Semetary Gerald’s Game was ok, Night Shift had awesome spooks to the short stories…. etc. The fact that IT is just 60 pages shorter means a whole lot to me, why?? Because I never wanted IT to end; not so much with The Stand.
My first King book was Skeleton Crew. Read it in Jr. High and became a King fan at the time. The Stand was the only King book I read more than once. But I haven't read even remotely close to a majority of King's books. This was a good list though. Well done!
Excellent ranking vid. Happy to see your 'top' picks are similar to my own. :) #1 Pet Sematary (My first King - read way back in 1984!) #2 Dead Zone (Actually re-reading at the moment - Johnny has just 'come back' and is still in hospital) #3 11/22/63 (I'm a big buff on JFK, so this was always going to interest me) #4 The Tommyknockers (Guilty pleasure) #5 Different Seasons (King's best story collection - Two exceptional films) Look forward to checking out more of your stuff - Best Wishes! 🥸
first time watching your vids and this is a stunner, well done! some of your editions are really bonkers, as in: where did you even get those? amazing collection. i agree with some, disagree with others. my fave is IT, least favorite... i think 11/22/63.
@@DaveReadsKing well, I thought the Under the Dome edition you showed was kinda weird with... I don't know, was that a picture from the show? overall, most are just spectacular. :)
@readablesbykane ha! Those UK Under the Domes are weird for sure…not from the tv show though, that one was a first edition paperback. They released a few covers, each with a confused-looking white person of varying ages looking up at the sky! Very odd!
"The Dead Zone" was the first King book I ever read. I read it in 1981 while in the army stationed in what was then West Germany. But now, "it's in the dead zone."
Also, GREAT video by the way, fantastic choices, I think I agree with you on the whole, but I fucking hate Lisey's Story and Insomnia! Bottom ten for me hahah. That's what I love about it all, each one of us has different preferences and King has something for everyone. I'd probably replace Lisey and Insomnia with Drawing of the Three and Skeleton Crew.
I haven't read all his books, as some just don't appeal to me, but I've read most. My top 5 in no order IT The Stand Under the Dome Wolves of the Calla 11/22/63
Your King tastes are very similar to mine. I've only maybe read 20 or so of his books but The Dead Zone is my favorite. I read it as a kid and found it boring, because I had come into it off that high from IT and Cujo and wanted more scary. But as a grown man, it's just perfect.
@@DaveReadsKing thanks for the video! I'm slowly working my way through King's bibliography and this gave me some inspiration on where to order the ones I haven't read yet.
Hey Dave this was a good video and I can't wait to see more from you when it comes to Stephen King and UA-cam you are the best Stephen King UA-camr I love Stephen King but I'm just a kid so I can't read all of his books but the books I've read Are The Shining The Green Mile The Dead Zone and Dr sleep I love Stephen King
You definitely should check out this UA-cam channel called a great underTaking it focuses on everything king from his books to his tv/movie adaptations from the best to the worst
@@DaveReadsKing you are very welcome and yes you are right now that I have grown up a little bit my brother said I am at the age where I can start reading Needful Things So I guess that's good
I love these videos! So happy we are getting your list! I am hoping to do something similar once I finish all of his works... currently have read 26! This is my current List: 26 - Geralds Game 25 - Dark Tower #1 (need to reread after finishing the series) 24 - Thinner 23 - Carrie 22 - Fairy Tale 21 - Misery (Need to reread) 20 - DT # 6 19 - DT # 7 - The Dark Tower 18 - The Talisman 17 - The Outsider 16 - DT # 4 Wizard and Glass 15 - Revival 14 - DT # 5 Wolves of the Calla 13 - Doctor Sleep 12 - Billy Summers 11 - The Wastelands 10 - The Drawing of the Three 9 - The Long Walk 8 - Pet Sematary 7 - The STAND 6 - Black House 5 - The Green Mile 4 - Salems Lot 3 - Christine 2 - The shining 1 - IT
I need to read Christine, kinda left it until now because others say it's garbage. But if it has the Dave seal of approval... By the way, would love to see a short story ranking video. Curious where they all sit for you.
Oh Christine is ace, totally worth it! As for a short story ranking, it’s already on my list…just need some time to plan it, as there is a lot to get through!
What I keep rereading: Drawing of the Three, Rose Madder, The Long Walk, Carrie, The Shining. I'm one of the Fairy Tale lovers. :) I got into SK because my dad liked his books. I was about 12 and we were on vacation. He had brought The Shining. I started it, then my dad said, no, I polled a lot of adults and we think you should wait on this one. Ok, fine. He later said, "read this one paragraph" from a short story. It was the laundry machine eating someone, then getting up and walking away. He said that's what you're getting into. He had a book of 4 novels: Carrie, The Shining, Night Shift, and Salem's Lot. That's where I officially started.
Insomnia and From a Buick 8 are both, in my opinion, excellent books - the former especially, and it is a key part of the Dark Tower. And Dreamcatcher has a core four of incredible friends that are among some of the best he’s written - in spite of how it goes off the rails. And, even when it does, it is far from boring!
My Top 10 1. It 2. Night Shift 3. 11/22/63 4. The Shining 5. The Green Mile 6. Needful Things 7. The Long Walk 8. The Stand 9. Christine 10. The Gunslinger I actually enjoyed Roadwork quite a bit. Compared to others (Cell, The Tommyknockers, Dreamcatcher) at least I can still remember what was going on lol
Well, one of my first ever videos was my picks for a Stephen King starter kit - exactly for questions like this! ua-cam.com/video/Hse6mYi-YfQ/v-deo.html For a short, sharp answer here though, you won’t go wrong with either Night Shift (short stories) or ‘Salem’s Lot 👍 enjoy!
Wow, you did it, congratulations! I really like this list. Happy that Keyhole is not at the very bottom. 😂 And happy that Lisey's Story is so high up there. Did you include Just after Sunset? Maybe I've missed it.
Thank you! As for Just After Sunset, I think I placed it at 34, above Doctor Sleep and below Revival 🙂at least, that's where it is on the list I made the video from, whether my addled brain remembered to mention it while recording is another thing 😂
When you hit N° 3 I tried to guess the next 2 books. IT was obviously one and then I thought "oh, it's Desperation!". Turns out it wasn't and I've got Alzheimer's. I find it increible that you have read everything that SK has published. Nice video!
Some big ones there! Obviously I disagree on The Stand and The Talisman (but that’s just me), but whole-heartedly support Insomnia and Duma Key making the list! Thank you for sharing 😊
@@DaveReadsKing My favourite DT book for sure! 🤠 The best thing about these videos for SK lovers, how polarized certain books can get!!! We do share 3 top 5 books though 😁
Haha, I'm currently reading Joyland and I'm loving it, but I got to #5 and thought wow he's putting it so high, this is great. Albeit... #25 sounds good - (agreed its noticeably better than The Colorado Kid)
Your welcome
1. 27:32
2. 27:14
3. 26:50
4. 26:27
5. 25:28
6. 25:12
7. 25:06
8. 25:00
9. 24:48
10. 24:35
11. 24:18
12. 24:05
13. 23:57
14. 23:44
15. 23:25
16. 23:06
17. 22:59
18. 22:51
19. 22:40
20. 22:34
21. 22:13
22. 21:56
23. 21:38
24. 21:27
25. 21:10
Bonus 26:04
26. 20:56
27. 20:44
28. 20:25
29. 20:14
30. 19:42
31. 19:22
32. 19:00
33. 18:45
34. 18:28
35. 18:05
36. 17:50
37. 17:39
38. 17:32
39. 17:10
40. 16:50
41. 16:40
42. 16:14
43. 16:00
44. 15:52
45. 15:41
46. 15:29
47. 15:15
48. 14:51
49. 14:32
50. 14:15
51. 13:38
52. 13:22
53. 13:02
54. 12:56
55. 12:35
Bonus. 19:54
56. 11:38
57. 11:03
58. 10:28
59. 9:57
60. 9:14
61. 8:53
62. 8:26
63. 8:05
64. 7:56
65. 7:20
66. 7:08
67. 6:50
68. 6:36
69. 6:14
70. 5:56
71. 5:39
72. 5:28
73. 5:24
74. 5:04
75. 4:47
76. 4:29
77. 4:13
This is going above and beyond, thank you!
Hilarious that every single King ranking video has wildly different rankings. Shows how iconic King is.
Absolutely - and what a wide-ranging bibliography he has
it just shows how you can be a mediocre writer and if you have backing of a good publishing house and it's advertising arm (and you got in in the late 70s) you could truly corner a market. BUT EVEN MORE THAN THAT it shows how americans have absolutely no taste in literature
@jerkchickenblog who’s the mediocre writer? This video is about Stephen King, and he - imo - is one of the best there’s ever been
I think it shows what an amazing author he is that so many would rank his works so differently. Loved your unique take.
Totally agree! Something for everyone 😊
I agree but IT usually seems to be no.2 and no.1 is something personal
yesterday bought "long walk" and im only hhalf way in, but its the first book in YEARS that keeps me thinking about the it and makes me kind of obsessed to read more and more. his writing style is soo good and i am really excited to read more books of him
Nice! I love the Long Walk!
I love the Long Walk too. In my top 5 so far. Haven’t read even close to all. I listened to it while walking my dog. Very apropos
I’ve been a King fan since I was 11, and have read everything he has written.
The Long Walk is in my Top 3 and still haunts my thoughts decades later x
So interesting because I hate "The long walk". It was a long torture for me!
I’ve recently read my first book by Stephen King; Billy Summers and thought it was absolutely brilliant and left me wanting to read more of his work, and this is how I came across your channel. To say you’ve ranked it at 49 tells me there’s a hell of a lot more by SK that I need to discover!
Liked and subscribed!
Wonderful! Thank you and welcome to the world of reading Stephen King!
Elevation over The stand was a very interesting moment lol
Lol *whatever* came right after The Stand was going to be interesting 😂
Stand ranking is the hottest take this year
I don’t know, give the recent ‘Firestarters’ episode of The Losers’ Club podcast a listen for my views on Wizard and Glass 😂
Read that comment during an ad break right before he ranked it!
When he said Fairy Tale at 77 my jaw dropped. This is one of my favorites. Just shows King has flavors for everyone
Exactly! 🙌
I didn’t like Fairy Tale and I wanted to. Oh well.
@tranceightseven same!
Just finished listening to it. REALLY liked it. Glad he has so many for us to choose from.
What a list! I'm at the age of 18 and I'm just starting to get into Stephen King and I'm completely obsessed. I've been following your channel for some time now and i think you do an amazing job! I've only read Misery(being my fav one), Pet Semetary and Salem's Lot so far and I have The Shining, The Outsider and The Stand coming up next. I'm really looking forward to get invested into The Dark Tower seires at some point. Keep up the good work!
I wish I was 18 again, and reading King for the first time.
Thank you - you've got some great ones coming up!
Misery is such a simple plot with no supernatural monsters and yet is one of the most terrifying stories I’ve read.
Absolutely - so tight, claustrophobic and intense!
Read Running man and Thinner.
Thanks for this Ranking bc I have some Stephen King books my parents gave me and I didn't know what to start off with and I just finished the first book for the Dark Tower, personally I already love it. One of the first book series I actually am invested in! Can't wait to read more of Stephen King's Bibliography!
Awesome! Enjoy!
One of the most entertaining ranking lists I've watched! Gonna subscribe rn
Thank you! Much appreciated 😊
I loved Duma Key also. So underrated. If I was to do a top five
5. The Green Mile
4. Duma Key
3. Christine
2. Misery
1. 11/22/63
That’s a pretty solid top 5!
Interesting take
Love to see other listings of King. I've only read a little more than half his books so I'm excited to fill in my list reading them, but The Stand is definitely my favorite book he has written. I have no problem with where you rank it.
👍👍👍
I've been following you on Instagram for quite a while, and had no idea you had a UA-cam channel 😂
Hello 👋😂 maybe I should mention it more on my Instagram 😅
@@DaveReadsKing maybe I just don't pay attention lol
I’ve just started reading Stephen King in the last year. Thank you for the list ! It’ll help me figure out which one I should read next
Nice! I also made a Stephen King starter kit a while ago, which might help too: ua-cam.com/video/Hse6mYi-YfQ/v-deo.html
I actually appreciate your honesty about The Stand. It's in my top 5, but too many people give passes to things that they don't love just because they're "supposed" to love it. Cormac McCarthy is my favorite writer by a mile. I'm not enjoying his latest book at all. If you would of asked me two months ago if the man was capable of writing something I didn't love, then I would of told you no. Just because you love the writer doesn't mean you have to love everything by them.
Totally - especially with someone like King who has almost 80 books...they can't all be bangers
Like the Stand. Not one of his best. Give it 4 stars. Put it about 25 in a King Top 50.
Yes it does! Shame on you! I’m going to write him and tell him you were bad mouthing his latest work! That’ll teach you!
@@dionst.michael1482 😂 Who, Cormac McCarthy? Might be a problem now.
Stella Maris? The Passenger or both?
Thanks Dave. Ive Been Waiting for these for about a decade.
Ha! Hope it was worth the wait!
I just read Pet Semetary. Wow I can’t believe I waited 10 years leaving this on my TBR
But also I can appreciate the story much more now that I’m in my 30s
It’s such a powerful one - glad you liked it!
THE STAND is a Bloated Borefest, I couldn't get past page 300, and that's the 740 page 1978 version. Great Ranking!😀
😂 thanks!
I have to admit, I squealed with joy when I realized that Dead Zone is your number one! I was thinking through the whole video "when is my favorite going to show up, people always rank it around the middle" but it's number one! Wohoo!!
I just recently read the dead zone I absolutely enjoyed it I'm also a fan of the movie adaptation but not the tv series
@@angelaholmes8888 I like the movie as well, I have not watched the TV series though : )
@@Friedphesh I hope you will enjoy the tv show when you watch it
Yesssss! 🙌🙌
I saw the movie when i was a little kid maybe 6 and to this day i remember it vividly. Havent read the book yet
Your Carrie comment made me laugh out loud. Love it. Was surprised you didn't use the ending as the primary reason to put The Stand so far down
When it comes to the Stand, there’s lots more than just the ending that I’m not into 😂
Hey there! Just seen this video, nice work you did ranking them all! I've been reading King for the last couple years (I have still like 75% of his work to go), and I must say that Rose Madder, although a compelling premise for me, its execution was too... beating-around-the-bushy performed, so I struggled to keep up with it, though the finale is great. I'd say my faves so far are The Shining (currently finishing it), and I did love Different Seasons, highlighting Apt Pupil, omg that one.
That’s a pretty good pair at the top of your list! Hope you enjoy digging into the rest of his bibliography 😊
Glad to see Under the Dome getting some love! Great vid!
Thank you!
I think you were spot on with your description of "The Stand"
Thanks - you’re part of a very small club 😂
As a massive King fan who has also read every book this was a great watch but I absolutely LOVED Fairy Tale.
That was the biggest shocker for me here, the rest of your ranking is pretty much similar to me
Fair enough! Really glad you liked Fairy Tale - it did nothing at all for me once they landed in Empis
I didn't even care about your list spots. I was just super entertained listening to your thoughts on each book. This was fantastic!! Cool video. Watched in one sitting haha
Nice, thanks! I recorded it in one go too - racing the fading light 😂
Fun vid! I’m a King novice but have enjoyed ‘Salem’s Lot and Apt Pupil and am LOVING 11/22/63 right now in the middle. Can’t wait to get to some of your other favs!
Nice! Enjoy!
I'm not a Stephen King fan, mostly because supernatural stories don't interest me (but also his writing style), so Roadwork is one of the few I've read and the only one I really like. Not just because it's not supernatural, but also because it's by far the most minimalist in terms of style that I've seen from him. Glad it's at the bottom of the list since I started watching just to see where it would rank and you saved me quite a bit of time, haha. If you or anyone else would care to point me to another non-supernatural novel with similar stripped-down writing compared to his usual style, I'd love to give it a try.
😂 happy to help.
As for other stripped down ones…er…The Colorado Kid could be one for you. Elevation too, and all four in Different Seasons maybe
The Regulators was the first King/Bachman book I ever read and I loved it to me, it's the truest essence side of King's crazy side but actually performed well, lots of nostalgia & the Stephen King drinking game with this one it's just great fun & such a unique story -Under The Dome was also amazing.
There’s a Stephen King drinking game? What are the rules??
Yeah, I don't like the ranking of The Stand, but to each his own! I would have a really hard time ranking all of these. Respect!
Yeah I totally would had found it to be difficult to rank all books
Thanks so much. I know my thoughts on The stand are a bit spicy, but you have to go with your gut
Looking forward to 19 reasons to read Charlie the Choo Choo...the real number 1 on your list, hah! Wonderful job Dave- your hard work is appreciated. Been following your journey for quite some time and you've made me quite a King fanatic. Keep up the great work.
Thank you so much!
Wow, I've never seen anyone else ever have Wizard & Glass be their least favorite DT book and The Wastelands be their favorite DT book (not counting Insomnia) besides me, but glad to see now that I'm not the only one, lol. You did lose me though on where you ranked The Stand. But seriously, great job on the ranking list.
Thanks! Solidarity on the Wizard and Glass rating 😂
I recently got into Stephen King and my mom just found her old collection of his books. She’s letting me read them and I could not be any more excited
Oh awesome! Enjoy!
I am currently going through the DT series following your reading list. I am in the Stand and in my perspective, I think it's the best of the series so far. Drawing was incredible and wild, but Stand is just really well written, dense, but well written. Excited to keep going through the series.
Nice! And thank you for using my list too, that means a lot 💖
@@DaveReadsKing yeah I thought it was a nice list and I’m following it! Great way to explore the world and get to the Tower the long way around
My #1 is Wizard and Glass: the plot and writing hit all the right buttons for me. My current #77 is Black House: the only King book that I wanted to DNF several times throughout while reading. An absolute slog for me.
LOL I'm also not a huge fan of The Stand, but do have some love for it. The first third of book (until the groups get settled in Vegas and Boulder) is excellent and my justification ranking it in the high 30's.
Keep up the great content. It's much appreciated and always entertaining.
Thank you! And, objectively, I can totally see that with Wizard and Glass…it’s an incredible book, just not for me. And I agree on the Stand’s opening too…some of his scariest stuff!
Great video! I can't wait for the new year to see your opinions on the adaptations. I have to say I really don't understand the 'Salem's Lot hype. The vampires never really did anything for me. I genuinely found the True Knot scarier. Oh and Christine is a top 5 book for sure, that ending had me in tears.
Yeah the true knot are scary and christine is a great read
Nice! RE The Lot, I think most of the power of that me is actually the dark atmosphere and the messed up town…the vampires are a nice bonus!
You showed 20+ Stephen King books that I've never even heard of and I cannot wait to add em to my list.
Excellent! Happy hunting and happy reading!
Really cool video I just finished under the dome and I always come to your channel to figure out which book to read next.
Nice, thank you!
No prob you rock
Great job! Of the 6 I've read, Doctor Sleep is my favourite.
Nice! And you’ve still got so many more to discover!
Congratulations on catching up to the King and reviewing all his work. It has been a blast watching for the past to years.
My list but I haven't read that many
1 Salem's lot
2 The Shinning
3 The long walk
4 Different seasons
5 Needful things
6 Carrie
7 The stand
8 Rage
9 Roadwork
10ish Firestarter (DNF just didn't like it)
Misery (reading this one about a 100 pages in and It's great)
On writing (It's great especially for amateur writers like myself. Just didn't feel right on the list.)
The long walk and needful things are great but so underrated
That’s a cracking top five!
@@angelaholmes8888 agree. The long walk is a masterpiece. Top of my king re read list.
Great List... I'm glad that when you mentioned Wizard and Glass you added that objectively it's a good book... I've almost been nervous to reread it because it is arguably my favorite King book and don't want to dissapoint myself now at an older more cynical age 😂... My top 5 are...
1. Pet Sematary
2. Wizard & Glass
3. Different Seasons
4. Needful Things
5. Night Shift.
That’s a pretty great top 5!
Some I would add on your top 20 would be Hearts in Atantis (low men in yellow coats!!) Also, 1922, amazing stories there, Loved the Mist as well
Hearts was close to making my 20…it’s so good!
I'm just getting into the stephen king world, I've read a handful in my life, but I've started reading his books in publication order. Only on salems lot so a long ways to go, but I'm enjoying it so far! My favorites are carrie and misery.
Oh nice! You’ve got some *great* times ahead of you!
Current top 10 and bottom 5 (I've not read all of his books, got about 20 or so left to go)
Favourites...
1. The Stand
2. It
3. Dark Tower VII - The Dark Tower
4. 11/22/63
5. Needful Things
6. Salem's Lot
7. Under the Dome
8. Dark Tower II - Drawing of the Three
9. The Green Mile
10. Dark Tower III - The Wastelands.
Just bubbling under - Duma Key, Pet Sematary, Misery, The Shining
Least Favourite 5
1. Rage
2. Lisey's Story
3. Later
4. Gerald's Game
5. Elevation
Just bubbling, er, over - Cycle of the Werewolf, Carrie, Tommyknockers, Cell.
Nice - even with the inclusion of 2 of my favourites in your bottom 5!
I have about 15 books to go and your list is eerily similar to mine
Hey I really liked this video keep up the good work!! I’ve been looking for a channel that mainly focuses on Stephen King so this is perfect. I’m new to the Stephen King fandom but I’m trying to read all of his books. I started Misery yesterday and it’s pretty good so far. I’m gonna buy the Bachman books with Rage in it so I’m super excited.. my ranking for the 5 I’ve read is
1. It
2. Carrie
3. The Body
4. The Shining
5. Later
I liked the Shining but it got pretty slow at times, but It and Carrie are amazing. I’m 50 pages into Misery but it’s pretty good so far!
You’ve started with a good five…and so many more still to discover! Welcome to being a Constant Reader!
Great video! You did a wonderful job ranking them. It is so hard to do with so many books! My personal favorites (of all that I have read so far) are 11/22/63 and Duma Key!
Thank you! Those two are both excellent 👌
My all-time favorites are Revival, Different Seasons, Blaze, If It Bleeds, Misery, 11/22/63, and The Dead Zone. My number 77: Lisey's Story.
Love some of those top choices - bottom choice breaks my heart a bit but it’s *your* choice and I totally respect it!
The dead zone and revival are really great
I’m doing your dark tower reading list(with a couple of deviations thanks to the limitations of my local library) and so far Insomnia is my favorite. Thanks again
Excellent! I'm a huge Insomnia fan too 🙂
Love how different your list is from most others. Dead Zone is also my number one.
*insert the Paul Rudd saying look at us gif right here* 😊😊
I’ve read only maybe 6 King books but THANK YOU for rating Wizard and Glass so low! It stops the story dead. Waste Lands was such a better read.
You’re welcome! We’re part of a very small club 😂
the case with fairy tale seems to be you either love it or hate it. i’m 15 and i’ve started reading king not too long ago and i’m already obsessed with his works. i’ve read the shining and pet semetary and i fucking loved them, although fairy tale is so unbelievably different to them. i’m only half way through it so far and i love it, i’m so hooked with the story of charlie and rades. i’m not as hooked as i was at the beginning with the relationship of mr bowditch and charlie but i’m certainly looking forward to the rest of the book. i guess it does just depend on what you like to read but i can see myself enjoying this one a lot!
Nice! Hope you enjoy the rest of it!
Really appreciate this full list - a really thoughtful one - in less than a half hour. I feel like needful things didn’t get much love for a long time but now so many people are talking about it! It’s definitely in my top 3. Dead Zone is right there too. Great list!
Also, I need to know if we can order that sweatshirt anywhere?
Needful things is so underrated
Totally
Thank you very much! The sweatshirt is from www.ka-tet19.net/ - it’s so comfy…their stuff is awesome
My all time favorites are
Dolores Claiborne
Billy summers
The gunslinger
Rose madder
The wastelands
Wizard and glass
The talisman
Insomnia
Eyes of the dragon
Needful things
Nice!
@@DaveReadsKing thanks 🙂
Any chance of an old king vs new king discussion?
That is a cool idea - I’ll add it to the list!
Big Driver is soo good. Really got in my head and went to bed thinking about it.
Yep - I think everything in Full Dark No Stars gets under the skin, a really underrated collection
Did I miss the Cell in the list?
I know a lot who don’t like it but I loved it.
Also, loved the rankings (most of it). Subscribing to the newsletter :)
It’s there - quite low down 😂 and thanks for subscribing!
Looking forward to the movies ranking as well. Sounds great. This is definitely my favourite book tube channel. Keep it up.
Thanks!
Thank you for including Storm of the Century…one of my favorite stories!
Yes! Such a good one!
I just finished The Dead Zone and i cried soooo much!! This book was a random choice and i went into it blindly and i was so happy to experience John Smith..
Yes!!! Welcome to The Dead Zone Lovers Club!
@@DaveReadsKingI’ve not read that for 40 years - it must have been one of the first Stephen King books I ever read. I’ll check it out again
Been about a few months now. I'm almost done reading all of his works with the Dark Tower series to finish! Just about to start SoS
Anyway top video. Never easy to rank things like this and I'd bet in a year there would be slight changes
For me. Duma Key much higher. I'll not mention The Stand and the Dead Zone was my second ever read for King and would make my top 5 easily. Not that I've tried to do what you just did for us!
Keep em coming
Oh and to add. So far Wastelands is my fave DT book and I agree with your thoughts on Insomnia which I read exactly when you recommended 🙂
Thank you!
@@mickeyb4551 Nice!
Wow. Regulators above The Stand? I appreciate your courage in making this list!
Seriously, though, I love seeing people’s differing opinions on iconic works like this. Great video. Loved your thoughts.
Thanks!
I'm a Stephen King fan but I really didn't like The Stand. I'm so relieved to see that someone else out there agrees with me because it seems like everyone else loves it. It has some good moments - as you said the first few 100 pages were pretty good, in particular the scene where Larry Underwood walks through the tunnel in the dark was scary as hell. However, at a certain point the plot was just dragging and dragging and I felt like it wasn't going anywhere. I think people like the book because they find characters (their backstories, motivations, development etc.) interesting, but for me, the plot has to be there as well, and it just wasn't there for this book. I gave up after 700 pages or so and I'm glad I did because I would've been VERY disappointed with the ending if I would've read all 1,200 pages.
Yes! You are not alone in not being that into The Stand 😂 welcome to the club!
I finished the Stand last week, my 12th novel by King, and I was so bored. I feel I forced myself through pages 400-1154…
@@ck2352 did you enjoy the other 11? I read pet sematary, the shining, the long walk, different seasons, Salem’s lot and I enjoyed them all to varying degrees, the stand was the only one I really didn’t like. I’m going to read IT next but I’m worried that long Stephen King books just might not be for me
@@chillwill120 Here are my top 5 favorites
#1 IT
#2 The Shining
#3 Salem’s Lot
#4 Misery
#5 Pet Semetary
Gerald’s Game was ok, Night Shift had awesome spooks to the short stories…. etc.
The fact that IT is just 60 pages shorter means a whole lot to me, why?? Because I never wanted IT to end; not so much with The Stand.
@chillwill120 it doesn’t feel like a long one - it absolutely flies and is wonderful throughout
My first King book was Skeleton Crew. Read it in Jr. High and became a King fan at the time. The Stand was the only King book I read more than once.
But I haven't read even remotely close to a majority of King's books.
This was a good list though. Well done!
Thank you!
Been waiting for this one! Thank you!!!! 🤘🔥🚬🔪🎈
You’re welcome - enjoy!
Excellent ranking vid. Happy to see your 'top' picks are similar to my own. :)
#1 Pet Sematary (My first King - read way back in 1984!)
#2 Dead Zone (Actually re-reading at the moment - Johnny has just 'come back' and is still in hospital)
#3 11/22/63 (I'm a big buff on JFK, so this was always going to interest me)
#4 The Tommyknockers (Guilty pleasure)
#5 Different Seasons (King's best story collection - Two exceptional films)
Look forward to checking out more of your stuff - Best Wishes! 🥸
That’s a pretty good top five! Well, maybe less so number 4 😂
Excellent! Very excited for this video!
Ace - enjoy!
first time watching your vids and this is a stunner, well done! some of your editions are really bonkers, as in: where did you even get those? amazing collection. i agree with some, disagree with others. my fave is IT, least favorite... i think 11/22/63.
Thank you! Which editions in particular caught your eye?
@@DaveReadsKing well, I thought the Under the Dome edition you showed was kinda weird with... I don't know, was that a picture from the show? overall, most are just spectacular. :)
@readablesbykane ha! Those UK Under the Domes are weird for sure…not from the tv show though, that one was a first edition paperback. They released a few covers, each with a confused-looking white person of varying ages looking up at the sky! Very odd!
The ending to Revival blew my head off. Crazzzzy
Heck yes! 🤯
The first King I ever read was the Dead Zone. Made me a fan...
Heck yes!
"The Dead Zone" was the first King book I ever read. I read it in 1981 while in the army stationed in what was then West Germany. But now, "it's in the dead zone."
Love that book so much!
25:21 made me laugh! It's like I just asked Moss from the IT Crowd why Misery is so great! XD
Also, GREAT video by the way, fantastic choices, I think I agree with you on the whole, but I fucking hate Lisey's Story and Insomnia! Bottom ten for me hahah.
That's what I love about it all, each one of us has different preferences and King has something for everyone. I'd probably replace Lisey and Insomnia with Drawing of the Three and Skeleton Crew.
Thank you! And, yes, he definitely does have something for everyone - it’s mad how much he’s written, and how much of it is really great
I haven't read all his books, as some just don't appeal to me, but I've read most. My top 5 in no order
IT
The Stand
Under the Dome
Wolves of the Calla
11/22/63
That’s a pretty solid five!
Your King tastes are very similar to mine. I've only maybe read 20 or so of his books but The Dead Zone is my favorite. I read it as a kid and found it boring, because I had come into it off that high from IT and Cujo and wanted more scary. But as a grown man, it's just perfect.
Totally - it’s such a mature book…wild that it came so early in his career too. Thanks for the comment!
@@DaveReadsKing thanks for the video! I'm slowly working my way through King's bibliography and this gave me some inspiration on where to order the ones I haven't read yet.
@@Joshmosis2.0 excellent - happy to help!
The stand at 56 is wild
, love the honesty
😊 just speaking my truth!
This was recommended by the algorythm, great stuff mate, i think im gonna finally read pet cementery
Nice! And welcome, glad you liked the video!
Interesting list and liked the placement of The Stand, and 90% of the list, but I loved Wizard and Glass and Cujo.
👍👍
Hey Dave this was a good video and I can't wait to see more from you when it comes to Stephen King and UA-cam you are the best Stephen King UA-camr I love Stephen King but I'm just a kid so I can't read all of his books but the books I've read Are The Shining The Green Mile The Dead Zone and Dr sleep I love Stephen King
You definitely should check out this UA-cam channel called a great underTaking it focuses on everything king from his books to his tv/movie adaptations from the best to the worst
OMG thanks I will
Thanks so much! You’ve still got plenty of time to read everything!
@@DaveReadsKing you are very welcome and yes you are right now that I have grown up a little bit my brother said I am at the age where I can start reading Needful Things So I guess that's good
I love these videos! So happy we are getting your list! I am hoping to do something similar once I finish all of his works... currently have read 26! This is my current List:
26 - Geralds Game
25 - Dark Tower #1 (need to reread after finishing the series)
24 - Thinner
23 - Carrie
22 - Fairy Tale
21 - Misery (Need to reread)
20 - DT # 6
19 - DT # 7 - The Dark Tower
18 - The Talisman
17 - The Outsider
16 - DT # 4 Wizard and Glass
15 - Revival
14 - DT # 5 Wolves of the Calla
13 - Doctor Sleep
12 - Billy Summers
11 - The Wastelands
10 - The Drawing of the Three
9 - The Long Walk
8 - Pet Sematary
7 - The STAND
6 - Black House
5 - The Green Mile
4 - Salems Lot
3 - Christine
2 - The shining
1 - IT
Can't argue with that top 10 - this King guy is really good, isn't he??
I remember almost nothing about Tommyknockers. I have that in common with King himself.
The legend is that it’s Cujo he doesn’t remember writing. The Tommyknockers just needed a strong editor!
Regardless of whether or not you agree with this tier list the human moment at 7:50 makes it worth it. I lol'd irl. Thanks for that.
Ha! I’d forgotten about that! My arms were so tired after recording that video 😂
I need to read Christine, kinda left it until now because others say it's garbage. But if it has the Dave seal of approval... By the way, would love to see a short story ranking video. Curious where they all sit for you.
Oh Christine is ace, totally worth it! As for a short story ranking, it’s already on my list…just need some time to plan it, as there is a lot to get through!
Great stuff again. Top 5 King: 1/ The Green Mile. 2/ It. 3/ the shining. 4/ Dolores Claiborne. 5/ joyland.
All bangers!
What I keep rereading:
Drawing of the Three, Rose Madder, The Long Walk, Carrie, The Shining.
I'm one of the Fairy Tale lovers. :)
I got into SK because my dad liked his books. I was about 12 and we were on vacation. He had brought The Shining. I started it, then my dad said, no, I polled a lot of adults and we think you should wait on this one. Ok, fine. He later said, "read this one paragraph" from a short story. It was the laundry machine eating someone, then getting up and walking away. He said that's what you're getting into.
He had a book of 4 novels: Carrie, The Shining, Night Shift, and Salem's Lot. That's where I officially started.
A terrific four to start properly with! Thanks 😊
Thanks for your ranking. I hope to read every King book someday.
You’re welcome - thanks for the comment!
you sure??? most his books are really boring
@@LilMissSmartyPants.922 I've heard people claim that before. I don't agree.
@@Smlmusic2650 try reading dreamcatcher, insomnia or "from a buick 8" and see what you say than...
Insomnia and From a Buick 8 are both, in my opinion, excellent books - the former especially, and it is a key part of the Dark Tower. And Dreamcatcher has a core four of incredible friends that are among some of the best he’s written - in spite of how it goes off the rails. And, even when it does, it is far from boring!
Glad the wind through the keyhole is in the bottom and rightly so
Hi Angela! Fancy meeting you here lol
@@agreatundertaking yes indeed 😅
Yeah, that boom was so ‘meh’ for me
My Top 10
1. It
2. Night Shift
3. 11/22/63
4. The Shining
5. The Green Mile
6. Needful Things
7. The Long Walk
8. The Stand
9. Christine
10. The Gunslinger
I actually enjoyed Roadwork quite a bit. Compared to others (Cell, The Tommyknockers, Dreamcatcher) at least I can still remember what was going on lol
That’s a great 10!
56?!?!?!?!?! *raaaaaaage*
Honestly tho, great video. Helped me pick out which King book to buy and read next.
Nice! Happy to help 😊
Great review!
I've never read King, but am thinking of starting soon. Do you have any opinions on where to start?
Thanks
Well, one of my first ever videos was my picks for a Stephen King starter kit - exactly for questions like this! ua-cam.com/video/Hse6mYi-YfQ/v-deo.html
For a short, sharp answer here though, you won’t go wrong with either Night Shift (short stories) or ‘Salem’s Lot 👍 enjoy!
Wow, you did it, congratulations! I really like this list. Happy that Keyhole is not at the very bottom. 😂 And happy that Lisey's Story is so high up there. Did you include Just after Sunset? Maybe I've missed it.
Thank you! As for Just After Sunset, I think I placed it at 34, above Doctor Sleep and below Revival 🙂at least, that's where it is on the list I made the video from, whether my addled brain remembered to mention it while recording is another thing 😂
@@DaveReadsKing Oh yes, you're right. Agree that it's also a great one.
I definitely put song of susannah at the top when it comes to the dark tower series along with wizard and glass and the wastelands
Nice! Another Susannah fan!
My first SK book is Fairy Tale. I suppose the only way is up up up
Awesome list!
😂 yep!
This list is bonkers I love it
Why, thank you!
I've read 10 books by him.
My top 5 list
5. The eyes of the dragon
4. Carrie
3. The stand
2. IT
1. The Gunslinger
Nice! And loads more excellent ones to come!
I’m currently on Misery and I’m loving it
Excellent - that one is a cracker!
When you hit N° 3 I tried to guess the next 2 books. IT was obviously one and then I thought "oh, it's Desperation!". Turns out it wasn't and I've got Alzheimer's. I find it increible that you have read everything that SK has published. Nice video!
Thank you!
I have only read 3 stephen king books so far, but I am going to read them all.
My top 3
The stand
Salem's lot
Under the dome
All fantastic books!!
You’ve picked a really solid opening trio!
I agree with you on The Stand, my number 1 is IT
Nice!
My top 5:
5. The green mile
4. Insomnia
3. The talisman
2. Duma Key
1. The stand
Some big ones there! Obviously I disagree on The Stand and The Talisman (but that’s just me), but whole-heartedly support Insomnia and Duma Key making the list! Thank you for sharing 😊
"At 58 'Wizard and Glass'"... that's when I stopped 🤣 I took a peek at the top 5 though... Nice #1! 👌
Thanks…curious as to why you stopped though? Is W&G your favourite?
@@DaveReadsKing My favourite DT book for sure! 🤠 The best thing about these videos for SK lovers, how polarized certain books can get!!! We do share 3 top 5 books though 😁
@TonyPchan yep! Everyone’s list is totally different
Haha, I'm currently reading Joyland and I'm loving it, but I got to #5 and thought wow he's putting it so high, this is great. Albeit... #25 sounds good - (agreed its noticeably better than The Colorado Kid)
Haha! Yeah, my bad!