A list of popular horror novels could include 'The Exorcist' by William Peter Blatty, 'Pet Sematary' by Stephen King, and 'The Haunting of Hill House' by Shirley Jackson. These novels have gained wide acclaim for their ability to send shivers down the spines of readers.
One of the most popular is 'The Shining'. Its movie adaptation also contributed to its fame. People are drawn to the psychological horror of a family being haunted in an isolated hotel. Another popular one is 'Dracula'. The vampire concept has been so influential in horror culture. And 'Frankenstein' is also well - loved as it was one of the early works that explored horror in a scientific way.
I think 'It' is very popular. With its large cast of characters and the terrifying Pennywise, it has a huge following. 'The Exorcist' is also a popular one. The idea of demonic possession scares a lot of people. And 'Pet Sematary' is popular too. Its dark themes and unexpected twists make it a favorite among horror fans.
One of the most popular is probably 'Dracula'. It has been adapted numerous times, which shows its wide appeal.
One of the most popular is also 'The Shadow over Innsmouth'. It has a great story that unfolds gradually, revealing the secrets of the strange town of Innsmouth. The themes of isolation and the unknown are really well - explored here.
A really popular one is 'It' by Stephen King as well. The shape - shifting monster that preys on children's fears and the bond among the group of kids who fight it is a great story. The clown, Pennywise, has become an iconic horror figure. The book is full of jump - scares and psychological horror.
I think 'Pet Sematary' by Stephen King is very popular. It plays on the idea of bringing the dead back to life, but with a very dark and twisted outcome.
Many of them play with the sense of the unknown. For example, they might have settings like abandoned asylums or old, haunted houses where there are things lurking in the shadows that the characters (and readers) don't understand at first.
Many of them would likely play on the psychological fears of the readers. This could include things like the fear of losing one's mind, or the fear of being alone in a menacing situation. They might also use elements of the supernatural in a way that was believable within the context of the story, blurring the lines between the real and the otherworldly. This was a time when horror was exploring different ways to terrify its audience, and these novels from 1976 were part of that exploration.
There are many. 'Annihilation' by Jeff VanderMeer is quite popular. It's about a group of scientists exploring a strange and dangerous area called Area X. 'The Ritual' by Adam Nevill is another one. It follows a group of friends on a hiking trip in Sweden that turns into a nightmare. Also, 'Bird Box' by Josh Malerman, where people must avoid looking outside or they'll be driven to madness by some unseen horror.
One characteristic is the use of the unknown. For example, in 'Alien', the alien creature is something we don't fully understand, which creates fear. Another is the sense of isolation, like in 'The Thing' where the characters are stuck in an Antarctic base with a deadly shape - shifter.