Stephen King, a prolific author whose career began in the 1970s, produced an impressive array of novels during the 1980s. This decade saw the release of 16 of his works, including titles written under his pseudonym, Richard Bachman, and collaborations like the one with Peter Straub. As King continues to dominate popular culture with recent film adaptations, his 1980s novels remain a significant part of his literary legacy. Below is a ranking of these novels, assessing their impact and storytelling.
16. The Tommyknockers
Opening the list is The Tommyknockers, a lengthy narrative where residents of Maine are driven to madness by a buried object. While the book ventures into science fiction, a genre where King often struggles, it lacks the cohesion found in his better works. Despite some intriguing moments, it ultimately feels tedious, making it a challenging read for many fans.
15. Thinner
Next is Thinner, a novel that explores the consequences of a curse placed on a lawyer. Although the premise holds potential, the execution falls flat, resulting in a story that feels stretched despite its relatively short length of approximately 300 pages. The narrative drags at points, making it one of King’s lesser works.
14. Roadwork
Another entry under the Bachman pseudonym, Roadwork presents a troubled protagonist facing a series of misfortunes. While the novel attempts to address themes of personal crisis, it doesn’t quite reach its full potential. Comparisons to films like Falling Down indicate its somewhat better execution in visual storytelling.
13. Christine
Though generally well-received, Christine ranks lower than expected due to its unwieldy narrative. The story of a possessed car and its impact on two teenage boys presents an exciting concept. However, the execution feels unfocused, leading to disappointment despite some engaging segments.
12. The Dark Tower: The Gunslinger
The inaugural book in King’s ambitious The Dark Tower series, The Gunslinger has a complex publication history. Initially released in the late 1970s, the 1982 version is less coherent than its later revisions. While it introduces a fascinating universe, its choppy structure places it lower on this list.
11. The Running Man
Released in a climate that seems eerily prescient, The Running Man is set in a dystopian future where a high-stakes game show dominates society. The novel’s themes resonate in today’s world, making it a significant companion to another Bachman work, The Long Walk. Its fast-paced narrative helps it stand out, despite some inherent flaws.
10. Firestarter
Despite being a compelling read, Firestarter ranks just outside the top tier. This story of a young girl with pyrokinetic abilities revisits themes from King’s earlier work, Carrie. While engaging and exciting, it merely scratches the surface of the truly outstanding works that follow.
9. The Dark Half
In The Dark Half, King delves into the duality of authorship, exploring themes of identity through the lens of a writer confronting his pseudonym. The narrative is high-concept yet remains engaging, with a digestible length that prevents it from becoming unwieldy. Although it doesn’t end as strongly as it begins, it maintains a solid grip on the reader.
8. Cycle of the Werewolf
A lesser-known entry, Cycle of the Werewolf is often considered more of a novella. Each chapter highlights a different month, showcasing a werewolf attack with every full moon. This unique structure, combined with classic horror elements, makes it a standout despite its brevity.
7. Cujo
Rounding out the bottom half is Cujo, a harrowing tale of a dog infected with rabies. The grounded horror in this novel contrasts sharply with the supernatural elements of other King works. Its relentless pace and suspense create a gripping experience that captivates readers from start to finish.
As the 1980s remain a pivotal decade in Stephen King’s career, these novels illustrate his evolving narrative style and thematic concerns. Each title, whether a critical success or a relative misstep, contributes to the rich tapestry of his literary legacy.
