Stephen King. The name alone sends shivers down spines and conjures images of evil clowns and haunted hotels. For decades, he’s been the undisputed “King of Horror.” But as with all reigns, we wonder who might carry the torch next. Who has the chilling vision and skillful prose to become the new sovereign of scares? Let’s explore ten amazing writers who are already terrifying readers and could very well be heir to the horror throne.
10. Stephen Graham Jones
If you crave horror that pushes boundaries, Stephen Graham Jones is your author. This incredibly productive Blackfoot Native American writer, with over twenty-two novels before hitting 50, crafts stories that linger. Think of titles like Mongrels, The Only Good Indians, and My Heart Is a Chainsaw – they practically dare you to open them. Even Stephen King himself praised Jones’s recent work, The Babysitter Lives, calling it genuinely scary, especially for an audiobook experience. Jones’s unique voice will leave you wanting more sleepless nights.
9. Joe Hill
Sometimes, talent runs in the family. Joe Hill, born Joe Hillstrom King, is the son of the horror legend himself. Wanting to carve his own path, he wrote under a pseudonym for a decade, proving his skill independently. And skilled he is! A New York Times Bestselling author, Hill has given us gripping reads like Horns, 20th Century Ghosts, and The Fireman. His work has earned him a Bram Stoker Award, and you might know his stories NOS4A2 and Locke & Key from their popular TV adaptations on AMC and Netflix. The horror apple didn’t fall far from the tree here.
8. Grady Hendrix
A self-proclaimed Stephen King enthusiast, Grady Hendrix has read all of King’s works—a massive undertaking! This New York Times bestselling author shot to fame with his unique novel Horrorstör. Hendrix has a knack for memorable, often lengthy, titles like The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires and The Final Girl Support Group, both of which are heading to your screens soon. His novel How to Sell a Haunted House explores how family and the past can be the most haunting things of all. Hendrix blends horror with sharp wit and nostalgia.
7. Tananarive Due
Tananarive Due made a significant impact on the horror scene back in the ’90s and continues to be a powerful voice. She won an American Book Award for The Living Blood and is known for her African Immortals series, beginning with My Soul to Keep. You might have seen her in the documentary Horror Noire: A History of Black Horror. Due also teaches a course on Black horror at UCLA, highlighting works like Jordan Peele’s Get Out, and even co-wrote an episode for Peele’s The Twilight Zone. With multiple Bram Stoker Award nominations, she’s a force in modern horror.
6. Neil Gaiman
From the eerie charm of Coraline to the sprawling dark fantasy of The Sandman, Neil Gaiman is a master storyteller. This renowned British author created The Graveyard Book, uniquely winning both the Newberry and Carnegie medals. His comic series The Sandman has captivated a new audience with its hit Netflix adaptation. Gaiman’s writing is wonderfully versatile, leading to numerous screen adaptations like Good Omens, American Gods, and Stardust. He’s even a proponent of sharing scary stories through his ‘All Hallows Read’ initiative.
5. Alma Katsu
What’s scarier than the real-life horror of the Donner Party? Alma Katsu takes that chilling history and weaves in supernatural dread in her novel The Hunger. This Asian-American author from Alaska is building an impressive collection of historical horror tales, including the Faustian Taker Trilogy, The Deep, and Red Widow. A finalist for both the Bram Stoker Award and Locus Award, Katsu knows how to blend historical fact with terrifying fiction. Her novel The Fervor promises more psychologically creepy thrills.
4. Joyce Carol Oates
A true master of the literary craft, Joyce Carol Oates published her first novel even before Stephen King and stands in a league of her own. With an astounding 58 novels, hundreds of short stories, and numerous poems, she’s one of the most versatile and prolific writers working today. Oates has won the Bram Stoker Award and countless other accolades, even being a Pulitzer Prize for Fiction finalist five times! From the disturbing depths of Zombie to family sagas like We Were the Mulvaneys, her range is incredible. Her book Babysitter shows she continues to delve into dark, thrilling territory.
3. Chuck Palahniuk
Prepare to be shaken. Chuck Palahniuk, the mind behind the cult classic Fight Club, is known for his transgressive fiction that pushes readers to their limits. His work is experimental, edgy, and unforgettable, often leading to sleepless nights for his fans. Novels like Lullaby, Haunted, Damned, and Invisible Monsters are filled with shocking twists and dark satire. Palahniuk is also a master of the disturbing short story; his piece ‘Guts’ is infamous for reportedly causing readers to faint. He definitely has a claim to the horror throne with his fearless approach to storytelling.
2. Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Silvia Moreno-Garcia burst onto the literary scene, especially gaining wide acclaim with her New York Times Bestseller, Mexican Gothic. This Bram Stoker-nominated novel showcased her talent for blending gothic horror with unique cultural settings. Born in Mexico, Moreno-Garcia has also penned award-winning novels like Velvet Was the Night and Gods of Jade and Shadow. Critics and readers alike adore her fresh voice. Her novel The Daughter of Doctor Moreau reimagines a classic tale against the backdrop of nineteenth-century Mexico, proving her versatility and captivating style.
1. Josh Malerman
You almost certainly know Josh Malerman’s work, even if you don’t know his name. His debut novel, Bird Box, became a cultural phenomenon when its Netflix adaptation shattered viewing records, complete with viral memes. This New York Times bestselling author followed up with chilling tales like Goblin and the Bird Box sequel, Malorie. His novel Daphne reimagines the slasher genre, focusing on a brutal, enigmatic figure stalking a high school basketball team. Malerman knows how to tap into our deepest fears and keep us on the edge of our seats.
Stephen King’s shadow looms large over the horror genre, and rightfully so. His contributions are legendary. Yet, as we’ve seen, the future of horror is bright and brimming with diverse, talented voices. Whether it’s through boundary-pushing narratives, fresh takes on classic tropes, or explorations of deeply personal fears, these ten authors are crafting nightmares that will keep us awake for years to come. The throne may be singular, but the kingdom of horror has many thrilling new architects.
Who do you think has what it takes to be the next titan of terror? Are there any other authors you’d add to this list? Leave your comment below and let us know your favorite contemporary horror writers!
