Similarities between them are quite a few. They both tend to set their stories in small - town America, which provides a familiar yet disturbing backdrop. Both Lovecraft and King are masters at creating a sense of impending doom. Their works often feature characters who are ordinary people thrust into extraordinary and terrifying situations. Moreover, the idea of an overarching, dark force that pervades the world is present in both their writings.
Stephen King often incorporates Lovecraftian elements like the sense of an incomprehensible, vast and malevolent cosmos. For example, in some of his works, there are ancient, otherworldly entities that defy human understanding, much like Lovecraft's Cthulhu. These elements add a sense of dread and mystery to King's stories.
The presence of an otherworldly, often malevolent entity that defies human comprehension is a key factor. For example, in 'Pet Sematary', the force that brings the dead back in a wrong way is such an entity. It's something that goes against the natural order and induces a sense of dread.
Stephen King's 'It' also has some Lovecraftian elements. The shape - shifting entity 'It' that lurks in the sewers of Derry and has been there for centuries, preying on the fears of the townspeople, is like a Lovecraftian horror that is beyond human understanding.
Some of Stephen King's stories that are considered very Lovecraftian include 'The Mist'. In 'The Mist', there are elements of cosmic horror similar to Lovecraft's work. The unknown creatures lurking in the mist create a sense of dread and the feeling that there are forces beyond human comprehension at play.
I think 'The Tommyknockers' could also be considered quite Lovecraftian. It involves strange, otherworldly forces at work in a small town. There are elements of a hidden, ancient, and perhaps malevolent power that gradually reveals itself, much like how Lovecraft often dealt with the revelation of terrifying, unknowable entities. The characters in the novel are slowly affected by this strange force in ways that are both physical and psychological, creating a sense of unease and horror.
King incorporates Lovecraftian elements in multiple ways. He often plays with the concept of the unknowable. His characters are faced with things that are beyond their comprehension, such as strange dimensions or entities that don't follow the laws of nature. The use of archaic and esoteric knowledge is also a key part. There are often references to old and forgotten tomes or cults that hold secrets that are better left alone. Moreover, the feeling of being overwhelmed by forces greater than oneself is a common thread. His protagonists are often ordinary people who are suddenly thrust into a world of Lovecraftian horror, and they have to grapple with their own sanity as they face these overwhelming and often indescribable threats.
Sure. 'The Tommyknockers' is one. It has a sense of an alien influence on a small town, which is a common Lovecraftian trope. The people in the town start to change in strange ways due to this influence, and there's a feeling of a greater, malevolent power at work.
For me, 'It' is the most terrifying. The idea of a malevolent clown that can appear in different forms and feed on fear is just spine - chilling. Pennywise lurking in the sewers and coming after kids is nightmare fuel.
Some of the highly ranked Stephen King novels include 'The Shining'. It's a classic with its terrifying story of a family in an isolated hotel. The psychological horror and the build - up of tension are masterfully done. Another top - ranked one is 'It'. The story of a group of kids facing an ancient evil in the form of a clown has captured the imagination of many readers. And 'Misery' is also very popular. The idea of an obsessed fan holding a writer captive is both disturbing and engaging.