Stephen King's literary journey began in the 1970s, a decade that produced some of the most iconic horror and suspense novels of all time. While his short stories appeared in magazines as early as the 1960s, it was the 1970s that saw his first novels hit shelves, and he hasn't slowed down since. With over 50 years of prolific output, tackling King's bibliography can be daunting, but breaking it down by decade helps. Conveniently, King published seven novels in the 1970s, and while one is a clear outlier, the rest range from great to near-perfect. Here's how they stack up.
7. Rage (1977)
Rage is the least known of King's 1970s books, and for good reason—King himself pulled it from publication. Written under his Richard Bachman pseudonym, this psychological thriller follows a student who takes his teacher and classmates hostage. It's a disturbing read, more grounded in real-world terror than supernatural horror. While it has its moments, the story loses steam and feels underdeveloped, making it the weakest of the decade. Still, it's a fascinating early glimpse into King's darker impulses.
6. 'Salem's Lot (1975)
Ranking 'Salem's Lot this low feels almost criminal, but it's a testament to the strength of King's 1970s output. His second novel is a slow-burn vampire tale set in a small Maine town, and it's a masterclass in building suspense. King populates the town with believable characters, then ruthlessly puts them in danger, creating a sense of unpredictability that keeps readers on edge. It's a classic that paved the way for his later epics.
5. The Dead Zone (1979)
The Dead Zone is a high-concept thriller that blends the supernatural with political intrigue. Johnny Smith wakes from a coma with the ability to see the future through touch, and he uses it to catch a serial killer and then to confront a politician who could trigger a nuclear apocalypse. While the serial killer subplot feels a bit tacked on, the novel's exploration of fate and free will is compelling. It's one of King's strongest sci-fi efforts, and it's easy to see why it was adapted into a successful film and TV series.
4. The Long Walk (1979)
Another Bachman book, The Long Walk is a dystopian nightmare where teenage boys must walk until only one remains, with any slowdown punished by death. It's a brutal, relentless story that builds dread from the first page. The premise is simple but devastatingly effective, and it's widely considered the best of the Bachman books. The recent film adaptation finally brought this story to the screen, but the book remains a harrowing experience.
3. Carrie (1974)
Carrie is the novel that started it all, and it remains a landmark in both horror and coming-of-age fiction. King's debut tells the story of a bullied teenage girl with telekinetic powers who wreaks havoc on her tormentors. It's a raw, emotional, and terrifying read that established King's ability to blend supernatural horror with real-world pain. Carrie is not just a great debut; it's a timeless classic that still resonates today.
2. The Shining (1977)
The Shining is arguably King's most famous novel, and for good reason. It's a psychological horror masterpiece that explores addiction, family, and the supernatural. Jack Torrance's descent into madness at the Overlook Hotel is chilling, and the novel's slow-burn tension is unmatched. While the film adaptation is iconic, the book offers a deeper, more disturbing look at the characters and the hotel's malevolent influence. It's a must-read for any horror fan.
1. The Stand (1978)
At the top of the list is The Stand, King's sprawling post-apocalyptic epic. This is the book where King's ambition truly soared, as he crafted a massive cast of characters and a battle between good and evil that spans the entire country. The story of a superflu wiping out most of humanity and the survivors' struggle to rebuild is both epic and intimate. The Stand is not just King's best 1970s novel; it's one of the greatest works of American fiction in the latter half of the 20th century. It's a monumental achievement that set the standard for everything King would write after.
For more on King's upcoming projects, check out our ranking of every upcoming Stephen King movie and show. And if you're in the mood for more literary rankings, see our list of the 20th century's most influential books.
