Ranker Best Horror Novels: Which Ones Should I Read First?

I'd recommend 'Persepolis' by Marjane Satrapi. This graphic novel is a memoir of the author's life growing up in Iran during the Islamic Revolution. It offers a unique and personal perspective on a significant period of history. The black - and - white illustrations are beautiful and help bring the story to life. Also, 'The Sandman' series by Neil Gaiman is a must - read. It has a richly developed world filled with all kinds of mythical and magical beings, and the stories are both dark and enchanting.

One of the best existential horror novels is 'The Call of Cthulhu' by H.P. Lovecraft. It creates a sense of cosmic horror where the protagonist discovers the existence of a terrifying, ancient being. Another great one is 'House of Leaves' by Mark Z. Danielewski. Its unique formatting and the story of a house that defies the laws of physics add to the existential dread. 'We Have Always Lived in the Castle' by Shirley Jackson also fits. The isolation and the strange family dynamics create an atmosphere of unease and existential horror.

One underrated horror novel is 'The Ruins' by Scott Smith. It has a really creepy premise. A group of tourists visit an ancient Mayan ruin, and things start to go horribly wrong. The sense of isolation and the unknown is what makes it so terrifying. Another is 'The House Next Door' by Anne Rivers Siddons. It's about a haunted house that affects the lives of those around it in very disturbing ways. And 'The Fisherman' by John Langan. It combines elements of Lovecraftian horror with a unique and haunting story about fishing and the supernatural.

Another great one is 'Locke & Key'. It combines horror with mystery. The story is set in a large, old house with keys that have strange powers. There are all kinds of spooky creatures and secrets to uncover.

One of the top Japanese horror novels is 'Ring' by Suzuki Koji. It's a classic that introduced the world to the terrifying Sadako. The story is centered around a cursed videotape. Once you watch it, you'll receive a call saying you'll die in seven days. It's really creepy and has been made into a very successful movie series.

A really good coming of age horror novel is 'Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children' by Ransom Riggs. It's about a boy who discovers a strange home full of children with special abilities. He has to grow up fast as he uncovers the secrets and the horror within. 'The Wasp Factory' by Iain Banks is also worth reading. It's a disturbing and thought - provoking story about a young man's life and the strange and often horrifying things he experiences. And 'The Graveyard Book' by Neil Gaiman is a unique take on the genre. A boy is raised in a graveyard among the ghosts, and as he grows, he learns about the world of the living and the dead.

I also recommend 'Uzumaki' by Junji Ito. This manga is filled with disturbing and nightmarish imagery. It tells the story of a town obsessed with spirals, and the horror unfolds in a very slow - burning yet terrifying way. The art is detailed and really adds to the overall sense of unease.

Another is 'Rosemary's Baby' by Ira Levin. This classic horror novel delves into the idea of a cult surrounding a young woman's pregnancy. The slow build - up of paranoia and the sense of something sinister lurking in her apartment building makes it a must - read. It shows how the cult subtly influences Rosemary's life without her fully realizing it at first.

One of the best is 'The Shining' by Stephen King. It's set in an isolated hotel with a haunted past. The slow build - up of the horror as the main character, Jack, descends into madness is truly terrifying. Another great one is 'Dracula' by Bram Stoker. The classic vampire tale with the eponymous count is full of suspense and dread. Then there's 'It' also by Stephen King. The shape - shifting Pennywise the clown preys on children's fears in the town of Derry.

Another great one is 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson. It combines mystery, crime, and a strong female lead. The story is set in Sweden and involves a journalist and a hacker investigating a decades - old disappearance. It has a gritty atmosphere and a really engaging mystery to solve.