Stephen King's endings have long been a topic of debate among readers. Some argue he struggles to stick the landing, while others defend his ability to deliver powerful conclusions. Regardless of where you stand, there's no denying that King has crafted some truly memorable final lines. These closing sentences can leave a lasting impression, whether they're haunting, hopeful, or thought-provoking.
In this ranking, we celebrate the best of King's final lines, focusing on the literal last words of his novels. We'll explore why these endings work, how they tie into the larger story, and what they reveal about King's storytelling genius. Spoilers ahead, of course.
10. The Dark Tower: The Gunslinger (1982)
The opening line of The Gunslinger is legendary, but its closing line deserves recognition too. As the first book in King's epic Dark Tower series, it sets the stage for an expansive journey. The final line reads: "The gunslinger waited for the time of the drawing and dreamed his long dreams of the Dark Tower, to which he would some day come at dusk and approach, winding his horn, to do some unimaginable final battle." This line not only hints at the sequel, The Drawing of the Three, but also foreshadows the series' ultimate conclusion, making it a fitting end to the beginning.
9. Cujo (1981)
Cujo is often dismissed as a simple creature feature, but it's actually a deeply tragic story. The titular dog, infected with rabies, becomes a victim rather than a villain. The novel's final line reflects this sadness: "Its bones, so far as I know, still remain there with the bones of those small animals unlucky enough to have tumbled into that place before it." It's a poignant reminder of the innocent lives lost, including the young boy Tad, and the senselessness of the tragedy.
8. Misery (1987)
Paul Sheldon's ordeal at the hands of Annie Wilkes is harrowing, but his survival and eventual return to writing is a triumph. The final line captures his cathartic release: "The hole opened and Paul stared through at what was there, unaware that his fingers were picking up speed, unaware that his aching legs were in the same city, but fifty blocks away, unaware that he was weeping as he wrote." It's a long, flowing sentence that mirrors Paul's newfound creative flow, contrasting sharply with the novel's abrupt opening.
7. The Long Walk (1979)
King's dystopian novel about a deadly walking contest ends on a bleak note. The winner, Ray Garraty, is psychologically shattered, and the final line leaves readers unsettled: "And when the hand touched his shoulder again, he somehow found the strength to run." Is it a supernatural force, or just his imagination? Either way, the implication that he might collapse from exhaustion is chilling, making the ending even more disturbing.
6. The Stand: The Complete and Uncut Edition (1990)
The expanded edition of The Stand gives Randall Flagg a more prominent role, and its ending is no exception. The epilogue shows Flagg persisting, suggesting evil never truly dies. The final line, while not as iconic as others, reinforces the cyclical nature of good versus evil, leaving readers with a sense of unease.
5. Pet Sematary (1983)
Few King novels are as bleak as Pet Sematary. The final line, "Darling," spoken by the resurrected Gage, is simple yet devastating. It encapsulates the novel's themes of grief, denial, and the horrifying consequences of tampering with death. The word hangs in the air, leaving readers with a chill that lingers long after the book is closed.
4. The Shining (1977)
While the film adaptation is iconic, the novel's ending offers a different kind of resolution. The final line, "And the world moved on," is a quiet, almost resigned acceptance of the events at the Overlook Hotel. It's a subtle nod to the cyclical nature of time and the idea that life goes on, even after unimaginable horror.
3. It (1986)
It is a massive novel, and its ending is equally expansive. The final line, "And the world moved on," echoes the same sentiment as The Shining, but in a different context. It's a bittersweet farewell to the Losers' Club, who have grown up and moved on, yet still carry the memories of their childhood battle with Pennywise. The line is both hopeful and melancholic, a fitting end to a story about friendship and loss.
2. The Dark Tower (2004)
The final book in the Dark Tower series has one of the most debated endings in literature. The final line, "The man in black fled across the desert, and the gunslinger followed," is a perfect loop, bringing readers back to the beginning. It's a bold narrative choice that suggests the journey is eternal, and it's a line that rewards careful readers who have followed Roland's quest from the start.
1. The Stand (1978)
The original ending of The Stand is a masterclass in apocalyptic storytelling. The final line, "And the world moved on," is simple, yet profound. It captures the resilience of humanity and the cyclical nature of history. After the epic battle between good and evil, the world continues, and that's both comforting and terrifying. It's a line that stays with you, and it's the best final line King has ever written.
These final lines are just a few examples of King's ability to craft memorable endings. Whether you love or hate his conclusions, there's no denying the power of his closing words. For more on King's work, check out our ranking of the greatest novels since 1990 or explore the best fantasy TV shows for more recommendations.
