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The 30 greatest book series of all time.

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British writer J.K. Rowling signs copies of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" for public school ... [+] children at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood on October 15, 2007.

From fantasy bodies of work to epic sagas, the vast world of literature contains classic books that have had a significant impact on popular culture, people, and places. Many of these books, which have become series, have captured the hearts and imaginations of readers of all ages worldwide and remain some of the most intriguing—and lucrative—pieces of literature ever to be published. This article compiles a list of the 30 greatest book series of all time, highlighting the plots and characters that have fascinated us, annoyed us, or made us thoroughly loathe them.

Top Book Series

This article covers a range of genres from fantasy to science fiction, and rankings are based on specific factors, including critical acclaim, commercial success, mass appeal, and cultural impact among readers of all ages over the years. From J.K. Rowling’s magical wizarding world to George R.R. Martin’s epic to C.S. Lewis’s magical musings, these series and their authors have earned reputations as the world’s literary elite.

30. The Expanse Series By James S.A. Corey

James S.A. Corey is the joint pen name of authors Daniel Abraham and Ty Franck, and their The Expanse Series is a space opera body of work that sends readers to an otherworldly reality powered by escapism. In this futuristic reality, humanity is colonized by the solar system, giving rise to a complex web of conspiracy, political intrigue and the discovery of alien technology. The nine-book series, was originally published in 2011, and adapted into a hit TV show The Expanse, which adapted six out of the nine books in the series.

Who should read: Readers who are intrigued by epic space stories with complex characters, intricate plotting and high-stakes conflicts will be entertained by this series. It is available at Hachette Book Group .

29. The Southern Reach By Jeff VanderMeer

Jeff VanderMeer’s The Southern Reach Trilogy is set in the horrifying and surreal backdrop of Area X, an isolated location that has been isolated from the rest of civilization for years. The series follows a team of scientists and explorers as they venture into the heart of this mysterious territory. As they venture out deeper into Area X, they begin to experience strange physical transformations that challenge their understanding of reality and their own identities. There is no official television adaptation of The Southern Reach Trilogy, however, the first novel in the three-part series, Annihilation , was adapted into a film in 2018.

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Who should read: Readers who enjoy atmospheric and immersive storytelling, as well as those who appreciate horror stories will be drawn to this series. It is available at Macmillan Publishers .

28. Mistborn By Brandon Sanderson

Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn Trilogy is proof that magic, intrigue and revolution can collide in ways that breathe life into stories. Sanderson tells the story of Vin, a young street thief with a troubled past, who discovers that she possesses rare and powerful allomantic abilities. As she makes her way through the rough and tumble streets of the Final Empire, she becomes involved in a rebellion against the tyrannical Lord Ruler that forces her to join forces with a group of skilled rebels to form a revolution. Sanderson’s apt storytelling in this series is an evergreen literary output that stays with readers long after they turn the final page.

Who should read: Fans of epic fantasy, heist stories and political intrigue will find much to love in Sanderson’s seasoned blend of magic and adventure. The Mistborn is series is currently available on the Macmillan Publishers website, and a feature film adaptation of the series is currently in the works.

27. The Red Rising Saga By Pierce Brown

These books, which eerily mirror real-life issues of discrimination and classism, is a gripping science fiction series that transports readers to a dystopian future where society is divided into color-coded castes, each with its own responsibilities and privileges. At the heart of the saga is the protagonist, Darrow, a young Red miner who embarks on a grueling journey of rebellion and redemption that will change the fate of humanity.

Who should read: This book is ideal for readers who are passionate about social justice and drawn to coming-of-age storylines. The series is available to readers on Penguin House . Brown published the series between 2014 and 2021, and the story unfolds across five novels, with a sixth installment in the works and available for pre-order.

26. Thursday Next Series By Jasper Fforde

Jasper Fforde’s Thursday Next Series is a body of work that readers have found delightfully quirky with an inventive collection of novels that transports readers to an alternate version of England. First published between 2001 and 2012, the series follows the adventures of a literary detective called Special Operative as she navigates a world where books are not just objects of leisure but important members of society, with serious consequences for tampering or altering them.

Who should read: This book is perfect for readers who are literature fans to the core. Fforde has plans to publish more books in this series but currently, the series contains seven books and is available on Penguin Books .

25. The Bartimaeus Trilogy By Jonathan Stroud

Writers like Jonathan Stroud are able to thrive in their careers as authors because their uncanny ability to intertwine multiple themes to create a richly layered narrative of intrigue, adventure and rebellion. His book The Bartimaeus Trilogy, which was released between 2003 and 2005, consists of four books and is set against the backdrop of an imaginative world ruled by powerful magicians. Stroud weaves together a body of work that explores complex themes of tyranny, corruption and the struggle for freedom. At the heart of the series is the witty and cunning Djinni Bartimaeus, whose sharp wit and quick tongue provide a refreshing perspective on the events around him. In 2019, Start Media optioned the film and television rights to the adult fantasy series, but there has been no word on the progress of the project.

Who should read: While the series is marketed as young adult fiction , its depth and sophistication make it a rewarding read for readers of all ages. The series is available on Random House .

24. The Kingkiller Chronicle By Patrick Rothfus

Fantasy series can often become boring after a while, with some readers losing interest after the first three books, but that is far from the case here. With The Kingkiller Chronicle, Patrick Rothus keeps readers’ eyes glued to the pages by employing some of the finest skills in an author’s arsenal. Kvothe, the primary character in the book, is a figure whose life story unfolds across the pages, revealing a tale of triumph and tragedy, love and loss, and the pursuit of knowledge and power. Rothus’ episodic storytelling comes alive through Kvothe, who recounts his life story to a scribe, making the series an immersive read. Although there have been attempts to adapt the series into a movie or TV show, there are reportedly some ongoing challenges with this.

Who should read: The Kingkiller Chronicle is an excellent read for a diverse range of audiences, including fans of episodic storytelling and fantasy. The first two books of the fantasy trilogy were published between 2007 and 2011, and the series is available on Penguin Random House .

23. Riyria Revelations By Michael J. Sullivan

Michael J. Sullivan’s Riyria Revelations is an epic series that complements fantasy literature with complex characters who draw in readers with their personal stories. The series follows two protagonists, Royce Melborn, a cunning thief with a checkered past, and Hadrian Blackwater, a talented swordsman, as they embark on a thrilling journey replete with intrigue, dark mystery and dangerous adversaries. The six-book series, published between 2011 and 2012, shows that Sullivan is a master of his craft who has the ability to bring the pages of a book to life with a diverse cast of characters ranging from noble knights to ruthless villains, each with complex personalities. Although the series does not have a TV adaptation, Audible has created dramatized adaptations of the series.

Who should read: Riyria Revelations is a good read for people who enjoy complex plots and complicated protagonists. The series is available on Hachette Book Group .

22. The Witcher Saga By Andrzej Sapkowski

Andrzej Sapkowski’s The Witcher Saga is a series of fantasy novels that has intrigued audiences with a plot that takes readers down the road of a dark and politically turbulent world, filled with magic, monsters and moral ambiguity. Sapkowski introduces readers to Geralt of Rivia, a skilled monster hunter (known as a Witcher), as he navigates his intricate and thrilling world. With its origins in Polish folklore and mythology, The Witcher Saga is comprised of six books, and gained a loyal fanbase for its vivid characters, rich storytelling and exploration of complex themes. Netflix NFLX adapted Sapkowski’s work for the silver screen a few years ago, and it got mixed reviews by critics.

Who should read: The Witcher Saga is a perfect book for readers who enjoy reading about complex characters and analyzing political themes. The Witcher Saga was published by Hatchette Book Group .

21. The Belgariad By David Eddings

At the heart of David Eddings’ The Belgariad lies the intriguing story of Garion, a small-town farm boy whose ordinary life takes a significant turn after he discovers his true identity as the heir to a legendary lineage of sorcerers. The coming-of-age books show Garion embarking on a journey of self-discovery, guided by the enigmatic sorcerer Belgarath and accompanied by a colorful cast of companions. Through Garion, Eddings thrusts readers into a world of magic, ancient prophecies, dark conspiracies and epic battles against the forces of darkness. The series is comprised of five books which Eddings wrote over the course of two years.

Who should read: The Belgariad is perfect for young readers and those looking for heroic storylines. The series can be found on the Grim Oak website.

20. The Earthsea Cycle By Ursula K. Le Guin

Ursula K. Le Guin’s The Earthsea Cycle is a remarkable series of fantasy books set in the archipelago of Earthsea, a fictional world characterized by vast seas, endless islands and magic. Although Le Guin intended the series to be a short story, she ended up turning the body of work into a series after realizing that she had grown as a writer and had more to say to share with her readers. Celebrated for its richly imagined world, philosophical depth and exploration of timeless themes, Le Guin’s The Earthsea is undoubtely a fan favorite . In 2006, the book was adapted into a movie called Tales from Earthsea.

Who should read: While The Earthsea Cycle is suitable for readers of all ages, young adult readers, in particular, may appreciate the series’ coming-of-age themes, relatable characters and moral dilemmas. The Earthsea Cycle is available on Simon & Schuster .

19. Crazy Rich Asians By Kevin Kwan

Kevin Kwan’s over-the-top trilogy Crazy Rich Asians is a body of work that is brimming with larger-than-life characters and their opulent lifestyles. The New York Times NYT bestseller tells the story of protagonist Rachel Chu, a New Yorker, who falls madly in love with Nicholas Young, who happens to come from an affluent Singaporean family. Rachel is unaware of this fortune until she and Nick take a trip that reveals a lot of unexpected plot twists. This kicks off an exciting foray into wealth, exuberance and everything in between. In 2018, the series was adapted into a movie.

Who should read: This book is recommended for readers who like a good plot twist. The series is available on Penguin Random House .

Henry Golding and his wife Liv Lo attend the Singapore premiere of "Crazy Rich Asians" on August 21, ... [+] 2018.

18. Goosebumps By R. L. Stine

R.L. Stine revolutionized the world of fiction for young readers when he released the Goosebumps series . The spine-tingling saga was first released in 1992 with the release of Welcome to Dead House , Stine’s ominous invitation into a world lurking with darkness and mystery. Since the initial release, Stine has continued to publish a steady stream of new additions to the series, ensuring that the Goosebumps franchise remains as vibrant, evergreen and unsettling as ever. What makes Stine’s creation a timeless body of work is that it gives his audience a literary playground with which to explore the darker corners of their imaginations. Each tale is carefully crafted to deliver a powerful blend of suspense, mystery and spine-tingling horror, and all 240 books in the series have served their purpose. The series has inspired the 2015 American horror comedy film Goosebumps .

Who should read: This series is an especially good fit for young readers who enjoy the thrill of a good scare. It is available for purchase on Simon & Schuster .

17. The Dresden Files By Jim Butcher

Spanning an impressive 17 books (and counting) and written over the course of more than two decades, Jim Butcher’s Dresden Files is a spellbinding narrative collection with elements of noir mystery, supernatural intrigue and pulse-pounding action. The New York Times bestselling series has attracted readers because of its layered approach to the art of storytelling. At the heart of the series is Harry Dresden, a wizard and private investigator who operates in the shadows of modern-day Chicago. Butcher’s vivid prose comes alive through Dresden, who gives readers a vicarious insight into life in the windy metropolis, while navigating the gritty streets of the city and facing off vengeful vampires and malevolent creatures.

Who should read: Anyone who is intrigued by dark mystery and adventure would find this book fascinating. The 17-part series can be purchased on Penguin Random House .

16. Percy Jackson & the Olympians By Rick Riordan

Rick Riordan introduced readers to the Percy Jackson & the Olympians series with the 2005 debut of the series titled The Lightning Thief . The series underscores the modern-day world of demigods and Greek mythology through the perspective of Percy Jackson, a spirited teenager who discovers that he is the son of Poseidon, the sea god. Although the series centers on Greek mythology, Riordan weaves in elements like adventure, humor, and fantasy to give readers with a diverse palate a wide range of material. Riordan published five of the books in this series over the course of four years and all of the books have remained culturally appealing to young readers over the years. In 2023, Disney+ adapted the body of work into a TV series.

Who should read: This series is recommended for readers who are intrigued by greek mythology, thrillers and adventure. This series is available on Penguin Random House .

15. The Hardy Boys By Franklin W W . Dixon (Pseudonym)

Since its first release in 1927, The Hardy Boys series has continued to captivate readers with over 190 thrilling installments, making it one of the longest-running and most beloved mystery series in literary history. Set in the fictional town of Bayport, the Hardy Boys series chronicles the daring adventures of two curious, intellectually sharp brothers, Frank and Joe Hardy. The two have a keen knack for solving mysteries that stump even the most seasoned adult detectives by confronting danger, outwitting cunning adversaries and upholding justice in each action-packed tale. The Hardy Boys series is a body of work that has spanned nearly a century, but has managed to maintain its popularity across generations. This has led to numerous adaptations for television, with the most recent offering being Hulu’s 2020 spin on the series.

Who should read: Fans of detective and mystery books would find this series appealing. The books can be purchased on Simon & Schuster ’s website.

14. The Foundation Series By Isaac Asimov

Published between 1951 and 1993, Isaac Asimov’s Foundation series is a cornerstone for classic science fiction. Set against the backdrop of a universe inhabited by countless worlds and civilizations, the story serves as the perfect opportunity for Asimov to bring the main characters to life as they explore political intrigue, scientific speculation, and philosophical inquiry with depth and complexity. The series follows a group of exiles who have taken it upon themselves to save humanity from the throes of the Galactic Empire. At the core of the story is Hari Seldon, whose uncanny theories of psychohistory allow him to predict the future with precision, foreseeing the inevitable collapse of the Galactic Empire and the onset of a dark age that will last thousands of years. The science fiction series has been adapted for television and is available on Apple TV Plus.

Who should read: This is a perfect book for readers who are curious about science fiction’s potential to explore complex ideas and intricate plots. The Foundation Series can be purchased on The Penguin Random House website.

13. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy By Douglas Adams

Douglas Adams’s Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy series is a comedic science fiction saga that follows the misadventures of Arthur Dent, his protagonist, who is swept off Earth just before its destruction and embarks on a journey through the cosmos with his eccentric alien friend, Ford Prefect. What sets Adams’ franchise apart is his unique concoction of irreverent humor and thought-provoking philosophical themes. At its core, Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy is more than just a series of zany escapades—it is a humorous journey of self-discovery and enlightenment. The series has since been adapted to various other formats. In 1981, BBC adapted the television show in the United Kingdom for TV.

Who should read: Readers who enjoy philosophy with a healthy dose of laughter will like the five-book series, which can be purchased on the Penguin Random House website.

12. His Dark Materials By Philip Pullman

In his book His Dark Materials , Philip Pullman leans into multiple genres and themes, including fantasy, adventure and philosophical inquiry to set a parallel universe in motion. In this series, the souls of humans manifest themselves as sentient animal companions, which Pullman refers to as daemons. Through his masterful ability to create characters that challenge and entertain the reader, Pullman brings Lyra Belacqua and Will Parry, his two spirited protagonists, to life as they embark on a journey of self-discovery and rebellion against oppressive forces. Pullman blurs the lines between dark adventure and philosophical depth, which is appealing to readers of all ages. He wrote the series between 1995 and 2000, and in 2019, BBC One and HBO premiered the fantasy drama series His Dark Materials based on this series.

Who should read: Fans of thought-provoking fantasy seeking more than just escapism will find His Dark Materials to be a rewarding and enriching experience. The four-book series can be purchased on the Scholastic website.

Jack Thorne, Jane Tranter, Dafne Keen, Ruth Wilson and Lin-Manuel Miranda of "His Dark Materials" ... [+] speak onstage during the HBO Summer TCA Panels on July 24, 2019 in Beverly Hills, California.

11. The Dark Tower By Stephen King

Stephen King ’s The Dark Tower series is arguably his magnum opus. The body of work defies categorization, blending elements of fantasy, science fiction and horror into a seamless blend. As usual, King leans into his powerful storytelling abilities by introducing readers to Roland Deschain, the last gunslinger and a lone figure on a quest to reach the enigmatic Dark Tower — a mythical figure that holds the key to saving a world that is quickly becoming distinct. The book highlights Roland’s journey as it leads him to confront his inner demons and make sacrifices to reach his ultimate goal. The series spans eight novels, and as he always does, King finds a way to sweep readers into the fictional world of his characters in the most memorable and remarkable ways. In 2017, the series was adapted into a movie called The Dark Tower , featuring Idris Elba and Matthew McConaughey.

Who should read: Lovers of fiction, fantasy and adventure will find this book fascinating and entertaining. It can be purchased on the Simon & Schuster website.

10. Wheel of Time By Robert Jordan

Drawing from deep mythology and diverse cultures and traditions, The Wheel of Time series draws readers in with its epic scope and timeless themes of destiny, sacrifice and the nature of power. Robert Jordan’s body of work is not just a saga that ushers readers into its thick plot throughout fourteen volumes, it also immerses readers in a world where the forces of Light and Shadow collide in a power struggle for the fate of existence itself. At the core of the story is Rand al’Thor, a young man from a modest background who discovers he is the Dragon Reborn, a prophesied champion destined to confront the Dark One and change the course of the Wheel of Time. The series is reportedly being adapted into a movie trilogy that is in the works.

Who should read: This book is perfect for anyone who enjoys long reads and is committed to following the plot of a story, no matter how extended it is, to see it through to the end. The book can be found on Macmillan .

9. Discworld By Terry Pratchett

In Discworld , Terry Pratchett’s boundless whimsical imagination takes flight within the confines of a flat, disc-shaped world perched on the backs of four colossal elephants standing atop a giant turtle. In this fantastical world, magical wizards, mischievous dragons and eccentric characters bring the pages to life, inviting readers to embark on a journey that is a vivid exploration of both the absurd and the fantastical. Over the course of 32 years, the English author crafted 41 books, each brimming with its unique sense of sharp wit, satirical humor and idiosyncratic social commentary. Since its release, the series has garnered a loyal fanbase and critical acclaim for its unparalleled imagination and insightful exploration of societal norms. Although there have been some attempts to turn Discworld into a film adaptation, none has truly been successful.

Who should read: This book is a good fit for readers who are intrigued by fantasy and good humor. The book can be found on the Harper Collins website.

Author Sir Terry Pratchett leaves hand imprints and his signature in concrete while fans of his ... [+] "Discworld" novels look on at Kingwell Rise, Wincanton, England.

8. A Song of Ice and Fire By George R.R. Martin

George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series is a powerful epic with unexpected plot twists and turns. The story is set in the fictional continents of Westeros and Essos, where noble houses vie for power and the threat of supernatural forces is ever looming. Through the series, Martin invites readers into a world where power is a double-edged sword, and loyalty can be a deadly flaw. Martin first published the first book in the series in 1996, and while five books have been released to date, he is reportedly working on the sixth novel, The Winds of Winter. His seventh novel in the series, A Dream of Spring, is allegedly also in the works. Thanks to its adaptation into the hit HBO television series Game of Thrones, Martin’s brain child has also become a TV fan-favorite.

Who should read: Lovers of fiction, fantasy and mystery would be happy with this book. Currently, it is available on Penguin Random House .

7. Outlander By Diana Gabaldon

Diana Gabaldon’s nine-book series Outlander is a treasure trove of creative mastery, time travel and apt storytelling. The historical romantic novels follow the story of British nurse Claire Randall, who time travels to 18th-century Scotland and finds love and adventure with the enigmatic Jamie Fraser. The encounter changes the course of Claire’s life and opens up her world to endless possibilities beyond anything she could have imagined. Gabaldon first published the first book in the nine-part series in 1991, and there are reports that she will publish a 10th sometime in the future. In 2014, the book series was adapted into a seven-season historical drama television series that premiered on Starz.

Who should read: This is a perfect book for readers who enjoy vivid imagery and are fans of complex characters. The series can be purchased on Simon & Schuster ’s website.

6. Fifty Shades By E. L. James

Cult classic Fifty Shades is an erotic six-book series by British author E. L. James that took the world by storm when he released the series, and fans soon fell in love with its provocative storyline and steamy romance. The series follows the intense relationship between literature student Anastasia Steele and mysterious billionaire Christian Grey as they navigate the complex nature of their relationship and the power dynamic within it. Set against the backdrop of Seattle, Washington, the Fifty Shades series explores themes of dominance and submission, boldly pushing the boundaries of what is accepted in conventional romance literature . In 2015, the books were adapted into an erotic romantic film series, which brought in a box office worldwide profit of $569.7 million against a budget of $40 million.

Who should read: Readers who are comfortable with intense character dynamics and are comfortable with explicit content will find Fifty Shades an engaging and provocative read. The series is available on Penguin Random House .

5. The Hunger Games By Suzanne Collins

In modern-day cult classic The Hunger Games , Suzanne Collins creates a dystopian trilogy that follows the main character, Katniss Everdeen, as she navigates the brutal Hunger Games, a televised fight to the death, and becomes a symbol of strength, courage and rebellion against the oppressive Capitol. As Katniss navigates the arena and all of the things that come with it, she is not only in survival mode, she transforms into a source of strength and hope for the oppressed districts, embodying the qualities of strength, courage and defiance in the face of tyranny. Collins plays into themes that rely on justice in the face of blatant injustice and advocacy for the oppressed when no one else will speak up for them. Collins’ body of work was adapted into the wildly popular The Hunger Games film series, featuring Jennifer Lawrence, who brought Katniss to life on the silver screen.

Who should read: This book is a perfect fit for fans of dystopian fiction , action-packed thrillers and strong female protagonists. The series is available for purchase on the Scholastic website.

Jennifer Lawrence attends the Spanish premiere of the film "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" on ... [+] November 13, 2013 in Madrid.

4. Twilight Saga By Stephenie Meyer

Stephanie Meyer’s Twilight Saga is arguably one of the best fantasy storylines in modern history. The story unfolds in the small, rainy town of Forks, Washington, where Bella Swan, a reserved and introspective teenager, relocates to live with her father. There, she encounters the enigmatic Edward Cullen, a vampire with a compelling allure and a dangerous secret. As their forbidden romance blossoms, Bella becomes entangled in a world of immortal beings, werewolves and ageless supernatural conflicts. The book broaches several genres, inviting readers to explore several themes and sub themes, including romance, fantasy, suspense and horror. The book series inspired the mega-successful adaptation, The Twilight Saga , which spun five films and has grossed a staggering $5.28 billion worldwide.

Who should read: Fans of paranormal romance and supernatural drama will find themselves captivated by the Twilight Saga ’s storyline. This series is available through the series’ official publisher, Hachette Book Group .

3. The Chronicles of Narnia By C.S. Lewis

C.S. Lewis’s The Chronicles of Narnia is a classic series of seven fantasy novels, each with a self-contained story that contributes to the overarching narrative of Narnia’s philosophy and mythology. Through this series, Lewis guides readers on a mystical journey that begins with an enchanted wardrobe in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe and culminates in the final book, The Last Battle . In the series, Lewis explores themes of moral goodness, courage, sacrifice and redemption. The book has had a significant impact on readers of all ages, and some have even said that it carries themes that are arguably biblical. The classic was written between 1949 and 1954 and three out of the seven books in the series were adapted for the big screen, where they grossed $1.5 billion.

Who should read: Chronicles of Narnia is perfect for people who love philosophy and religion. The book’s timeless charm and captivating storytelling will enchant children and adults alike. Fans of fantasy, adventure and Christian allegory will also find a lot to appreciate in Lewis’s imaginative world. This series is available on Harper Collins .

A complete seven-book boxed set of C.S. Lewis' classic "Chronicles of Narnia" series.

2. The Lord of the Rings By J.R.R. Tolkien

Set in the fictional world of Middle-earth, J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic fantasy, The Lord of the Rings , has amassed a cult-like following for its intricate storytelling, complex characters and mass appeal. Tolkien’s masterpiece follows the quest to destroy the One Ring and defeat the Dark Lord Sauron, while leaning into universal feel-good themes like heroism, triumph over evil, and friendship. The series includes four books and is one of the most critical pieces of literature in the fantasy genre. Although Tolkien wrote the books between 1937 and 1949, it continues to be a a widely celebrated classic, even in the 21st century. To date, the body of work has sold over 150 million copies worldwide and has been translated into 40 languages. Because of its commercial success, it was adapted into six movies , collectively grossing over $2.9 billion worldwide.

Who should read: This series is perfect for intellectually curious readers who are interested in fantasy and complex characters. Harper Collins currently offers the series on its website.

1. Harry Potter Series By J.K. Rowling

Inarguably one of the most beloved book series of all time, J.K. Rowling struck gold with her multi-billion-dollar Harry Potter franchise. The series follows the journey of a young wizard, Harry Potter , who attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and battles the evil wizard Voldemort. Rowling’s vivid depiction of the complex characters in the story and the forces that shape their worlds, against the ultimate battle of good against evil, forms the backbone of the storyline. The series consists of seven books, published over a decade, from 1997 through 2007.

With over 600 million copies sold worldwide, the Harry Potter series has become a literary phenomenon, and has been translated into numerous languages, inspiring a generation of readers and an equally lucrative film franchise.

Who should read: Readers of all ages enjoy magical adventures and stories about timeless themes of friendship and courage in the face of adversity. To purchase the Harry Potter series, visit Scholastic .

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the best fantasy book series.

Robert Jordan kicked off The Wheel of Time series with his first release of The Eye of the World in 1990. This epic saga follows the journey of Rand al'Thor as he battles against the forces of the Dark One to save the world from destruction. Another fan-favorite is A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin, which debuted with A Game of Thrones in 1996. Set in Westeros, the series is celebrated for its complex characters and epic battles for power.

What Are The Best Sci-Fi Book Series?

Suzanne Collins's The Hunger Games is a standout series that changed the trajectory of Science Fiction in the 21st century when it was published in 2008. Set in a dystopian future where children are forced to fight to the death in televised competitions, the series follows the story of Katniss Everdeen as she boldly navigates a revolution against the Capitol. Many literature critics have affirmed that The Hunger Games is a modern science fiction classic.

What Are The Best Romance Book Series? 

What are the best romance book series .

Set in the small town of Forks, Washington, Stephenie Meyer's Twilight is considered one of the most powerful romance stories of all time, and it follows the romance between Bella Swan, a teenage girl, and Edward Cullen, a vampire. Although their love is taboo, the story makes for an intriguing read and explores complex themes of love, sacrifice, and the supernatural as Bella and Edward navigate the challenges of their forbidden romance. 

Bottom Line

Some of the most best-selling book series of all time have gripping storylines that showcase epic fantasies, fascinating thrillers and feature multi-faceted characters that have left their imprint on literature.

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Best-selling book series of all time

Once upon a time, a book was a book. Written and read, maybe it started conversations and captured imaginations. It might have been passed around, taught, or even came to influence the entire world.

Today a book series is big business, reaching fans with licensed products, retail stores, toys and games, television and movie adaptations.

Some hit book series won us over with characters we admire and inspire us. Musashi is a samurai-era hero whose feats are timeless, and Nancy Drew taught generations of girls that they could be as clever and brave as boys. Others starred characters who readers simple grew to adore. Children find comfort in Thomas the Tank Engine, see themselves in the bumbling adventures of Clifford the Big Red Dog, and cheer for Peter Rabbit and his escapades in Mr. McGregor's garden

Some of the most popular books teach lessons. Chicken Soup for the Soul books talk about hope and happiness, The Baby-Sitter's Club girls learn about loyalty and responsibility and the Berenstain Bears tell of right and wrong.

These book series take readers on journeys to fantastic places. Children stepped into the magical land of Narnia, helped Geronimo Stilton protect the residents of Mouseland, played with Noddy in Toyland, and traveled in Star Wars to a galaxy far away.

The endless battles between good and evil run through many of the most popular books, from waging galactic wars and unraveling centuries-old crimes to courtroom dramas exposing the truth. Yet some books seem almost to defy explanation for their runaway popularity. Harry Potter touched something in the hearts and minds of readers whose love for the orphaned wizard is unrivaled.

Stacker has compiled a list of the 25 best-selling book series of all time. The numbers were current as of 2018. Some figures are estimates as the series' intellectual copyright property rights have expired.

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#25. 宮本武蔵 (Musashi)

- Author: Eiji Yoshikawa - Number of copies sold: 120 million - Original language: Japanese - Number of installments: 7 - Published: 1935–1939

This epic novel about one of Japan's greatest heroes started out as serialized stories published in a newspaper. The elaborate saga of the celebrated swordsman Musashi is filled with tales of his legendary duels and his dedication to the samurai way of life.

#24. The Chronicles of Narnia

- Author: C. S. Lewis - Number of copies sold: 120 million - Original language: English - Number of installments: 7 - Published: 1949–1954

The Chronicles of Narnia have delighted children since first being published following World War II. The fantasy series tells of children evacuated from London during the Blitz who discover the magical land of Narnia.

#23. Twilight

- Author: Stephenie Meyer - Number of copies sold: 120 million - Original language: English - Number of installments: 5 + 1 novella + 1 guide - Published: 2005–2015

The Twilight books follow Bella Swan and her passionate romance with the darkly seductive Edward Cullen, a dangerous vampire. The suspense-filled saga was adapted to become an enormously popular movie series.

#22. Frank Merriwell

- Author: Gilbert Patten - Number of copies sold: 125 million - Original language: English - Number of installments: 209 - Published: 1896–present

Frank Merriwell was a dime-novel hero with both brains and brawn, introduced in 1896 in the magazine Tip Top Weekly. His exploits, as a student and as an international adventurer, filled over 200 full-length novels. The series' popularity declined as the movie business grew in the early 20th century.

#21. Clifford the Big Red Dog

- Author: Norman Bridwell - Number of copies sold: 129 million - Original language: English - Number of installments: Over 80 - Published: 1963–2014

Children can see themselves in the kind, gentle, and clumsy character of Clifford the Big Red Dog who tries very hard to be good. He is beloved and always forgiven by his best friend Emily Elizabeth.

#20. Chicken Soup for the Soul

- Author: Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen - Number of copies sold: 130 million - Original language: English - Number of installments: 105 - Published: 1997–present

The inspirational heartwarming life lessons of this series have made Chicken Soup for the Soul an often-used household phrase. The single book introduced in 1997 gave rise to television shows and licensed products from podcasts to pet food.

#19. Geronimo Stilton

- Author: Elisabetta Dami - Number of copies sold: 140 million - Original language: Italian - Number of installments: Over 200 - Published: 2000–present

The adventures of monocle-wearing mouse Geronimo Stilton, the editor of The Rodent's Gazette, have traveled from Italy to win a global following. The series features such characters as Creepella Von Cacklefur and Petunia Pretty Paws who are drawn into such adventures as "The Stinky Cheese Vacation" and "The Curse of the Cheese Pyramid." 

#18. American Girl

- Author: Various authors - Number of copies sold: 140 million - Original language: English - Number of installments: Over 150 - Published: 1986–present

Based on the sought-after dolls, the American Girl books tell stories of adventure, friendship, and courage set in historical and modern times. American Girl retail stores across the United States offer tea parties, etiquette classes, and hair salons for girls and their dolls—over 32 million of which have been sold.

#17. Little Critter

- Author: Mercer Mayer - Number of copies sold: 150 million - Original language: English - Number of installments: Over 200 - Published: 1975–present

The Little Critter books star a wide-eyed, furry creature in overalls. He lives in Critterville, where he and his friends go to school, play baseball, and ride their bicycles. The characters appear in coloring books, games, animated shows, and a line of clothing.

#16. Peter Rabbit

- Author: Beatrix Potter - Number of copies sold: 150 million - Original language: English - Number of installments: 6 - Published: 1902–1930

The delicate and charming tales by Beatrix Potter star Peter Cottontail and are based on an illustrated letter the author sent to a sick young friend. They grew to include such well-known characters as Jeminah Puddle-Duck, Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle, and Tom Kitten. Potter created the first Peter Rabbit doll in 1903, making him the world's oldest licensed literary character.

#15. Fifty Shades

- Author: E. L. James - Number of copies sold: 150 million - Original language: English - Number of installments: 3 - Published: 2011–2015

The three erotic Fifty Shades novels, made into films starring Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dornan, depict the sensual affair between young Anastasia Steele and the wealthy Christian Grey. The books and movies turned a worldwide audience onto steamy tales of bondage, submission, and desire.

#14. Star Wars

- Author: Various authors - Number of copies sold: 160 million - Original language: English - Number of installments: Over 300 - Published: 1977–present

Based on the megahit movies, the Star Wars books feature Han Solo, Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, and Darth Vader on their galactic journeys. Readers are also introduced to a cast of new characters with fresh tales of treachery, betrayal, love, and noble courage.

#13. The Baby-Sitters Club

- Author: Ann Martin - Number of copies sold: 172 million - Original language: English - Number of installments: 335 - Published: 1986–present

The Baby-Sitters Club books center on a group of girls who formed a club for their babysitting business. The plots take the girls through issues of friendship, boyfriends, parents, and more serious topics of illness and loss as they grow up.

#12. Nancy Drew

- Author: Various authors as Carolyn Keene - Number of copies sold: 200 million - Original language: English - Number of installments: 175 - Published: 1930–present

Teenage sleuth Nancy Drew inspired generations of girls, among them Supreme Court justices Sonia Sotomayor and Sandra Day O'Connor, and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Driving in her blue roadster, the smart detective solved mysteries and chased criminals with curiosity and perseverance. Carolyn Keene was a pen name used by several authors, the first of whom was Mildred Wirt Benson, who wrote 23 of the original 30 books.

#11. San-Antonio

- Author: Frédéric Dard - Number of copies sold: 200 million - Original language: French - Number of installments: 173 - Published: 1949–2001

Police officer San Antonio and his sidekick Inspector Berurier were the creation of French detective writer Frédéric Dard. The author reportedly chose the lead character's name from cities on a map of the United States. The books are heralded for the use of language by Dard, who at times would invent words of his own.

#10. The Railway Series

- Author: Rev. W. Awdry, Christopher Awdry - Number of copies sold: 200 million - Original language: English - Number of installments: 42 - Published: 1945–2011

The Railway Series was created by a country vicar to entertain his young son stricken with measles. The stories featuring engines named Thomas, Gordon, Percy, and their friends grew into a British and American television series. One of its best known narrators was the former Beatle Ringo Starr.

- Author: Enid Blyton - Number of copies sold: 200 million - Original language: English - Number of installments: 24 - Published: 1949–present

Noddy, an elfin creature with big ears and a nodding head, lives in Toyland, where he has two boiled eggs before breakfast and a cup of hot cocoa before bed. The books have survived for decades, but  not without controversy . The character Gilbert the Golliwog was dropped amid charges of racism, Miss Rap who spanked naughty children was replaced by a kinder schoolmistress, and references to having "gay times in the woods" and "coming over all queer" when not feeling well have been changed.

#8. Diary of a Wimpy Kid

- Author: Jeff Kinney - Number of copies sold: 200 million - Original language: English - Number of installments: 12 - Published: 2007–present

The Diary of a Wimpy Kid series portrays a boy named Greg Heffleyand the drama of life in middle school. The books’ author opened a bookstore and café called An Unlikely Story in Plainville, Mass., which tries to keep enough signed copies of the books in stock for fans.

#7. Robert Langdon

- Author: Dan Brown - Number of copies sold: 200 million - Original language: English - Number of installments: 5 - Published: 2000–present

Fictional renowned professor Robert Langdon burst on the book scene in the blockbuster hits “Angels & Demons” and “The Da Vinci Code.” His skills at solving baffling riddles and ancient secrets pull together themes of history, art, religion, science, and semiotics.

#6. Sweet Valley High

- Author: Francine Pascal and ghostwriters - Number of copies sold: 250 million - Original language: English - Number of installments: 400 - Published: 1983–2003

In the world of Sweet Valley High, girls have perfect tans and boys drive fast cars under the blazing California sun. The cliques of friends grapple with popularity, looks, social status, and other issues of teenage angst.

#5. Choose Your Own Adventure

- Author: Various authors - Number of copies sold: 250 million - Original language: English - Number of installments: 185 - Published: 1979–1998

The Choose Your Own Adventure interactive gamebooks, set in locations from outer space to under the sea, invite readers to make choices that set the direction of the story and its conclusion. The earliest books had almost 40 possible endings. Rooted in game theory and role-playing simulations, the best-sellers have influenced video games and teaching methods

#4. Berenstain Bears

- Author: Stan and Jan Berenstain - Number of copies sold: 260 million - Original language: English - Number of installments: Over 300 - Published: 1962–present

Stan and Jan Berenstain began their careers as magazine cartoonists. When both their sons became big fans of the Dr. Seuss books, the couple created a children's book of their own. The Berenstain Bears live in a big treehouse and impart lessons about responsibility, respect, family, and learning right from wrong.

#3. Perry Mason

- Author: Erle Stanley Gardner - Number of copies sold: 300 million - Original language: English - Number of installments: 82 + 4 short stories - Published: 1933–1973

The public first met Perry Mason solving crime in “The Case of the Velvet Claws” in 1933. The popular books portray the lawyer, his secretary Della Street, and detective Paul Drake as they unravel mysteries to find their clients innocent. Perry Mason was featured in six movies and a hugely popular television series with Raymond Burr that aired for nine years.

#2. Goosebumps

- Author: R. L. Stine - Number of copies sold: 350 million - Original language: English - Number of installments: 62 + spin-off series - Published: 1992–present

The imaginative “Goosebumps” books promise fright and fun as characters fend off mad scientists, mummies, monsters, ghosts, and killer snowmen. Fans love to debate which of the books, with titles like “It Came From Beneath the Sink! and “Stay Out of the Basement,” was the scariest.

#1. Harry Potter

- Author: J. K. Rowling - Number of copies sold: 500 million - Original language: English - Number of installments: 7 + 8 supplements - Published: 1997–present

The fantasy world of Harry Potter and his friends revolutionized children's literature. Kids clamored to read about the wizardry and witchcraft, and fans lined up for hours to purchase each new installment. Author J. K. Rowling began writing "Harry Potter" as a single mother on benefits in Scottish coffee shops that were warmer than her chilly apartment.

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Blog – Posted on Friday, Nov 03

The 53 best book series of all time.

With new books being published every single day, figuring out your next read can be a daunting task. Lucky for you, we’ve created a list of the 53 best book series of all time — ranging from fantasy and science fiction to romance and thriller — to keep you occupied for days (or, in some cases, weeks or months!). While these series aren’t ranked by any means, there’s bound to be something in here for everyone.

1. The Cemetery of Forgotten Books by Carlos Ruiz Zafón

Set in a Barcelona far from the picture-perfect city seen on tourist postcards, Zafón’s popular four-novel Gothic series primarily follows Daniel Sempere, the son of a bookshop owner who becomes obsessed with finding the elusive author of a rare book titled The Shadow of the Wind . Zafón’s series notably includes a hidden labyrinthine library, so if you consider yourself a bibliophile, don’t miss out on this series.

2. The Dark Tower by Stephen King

You’ve probably heard of The Shining , It, and Carrie , but did you know that the King of Horror also has a series of post-apocalyptic fantasy novels under his belt? Set in a magical parallel universe similar to the Old West, The Dark Tower follows Roland Deschain of Gilead, a member of a knightly order of gunslingers. While attempting to complete his quest to locate the Dark Tower, the nexus point of all universes, he encounters several terrifying creatures, from gigantic cyborg bears and vampires to large lobster-like monsters.

3. DCI Tom Douglas by Rachel Abbott

Abbott is known as a trailblazer in the indie publishing community for becoming the first-ever self-published author to reach #1 on Amazon. Her most popular series, which has sold over 4 million copies to date, centers around Detective Chief Inspector Tom Douglas, a Manchester cop tasked with solving complex cases involving a murdered billionaire philanthropist, a missing husband and daughter, and so much more.

4. Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan

When American-born Rachel Chu travels to Singapore to meet her boyfriend Nick’s family, she soon discovers that he comes from one of the wealthiest families in Asia. Throughout Kwan’s series, Rachel’s relationship with Nick is put to the test as she deals with his controlling mother, inheritance disputes, the secret of her biological father, and a whole lot of other family drama. Though the storytelling isn’t always the most subtle, there are many guilty pleasures to be found in spending a few hundred pages immersed in a madness-inducing level of wealth. Perfect beach reads.

5. The Neapolitan Novels by Elena Ferrante

This beloved series follows the 60-year friendship between two Italian women who grew up in a poor neighborhood on the outskirts of Naples. From the late 1950s until the present day, the two friends go down different paths — one pursues her dreams of becoming a novelist, while the other becomes trapped in a violent relationship — and experience love, jealousy, hope, and despair as the world inevitably changes around them.

6. Heartstopper by Alice Oseman

In this moving coming-of-age series, soft-hearted rugby-playing jock Nick and shy, anxious nerd Charlie become friends after first meeting each other at school. As they spend more time together, however, they realize that they long to be something more. In addition to Nick and Charlie’s love story, Oseman also uses the series to explore the relationships and lives of their LGBTQ+ friends, some of whom experience gender transition, toxic relationships, and mental health struggles.

7. The Earthsea Cycle by Ursula K. Le Guin

Set in an archipelago of hundreds of islands known as Earthsea, this high fantasy series explores the coming of age of three different characters: a young mage named Ged who becomes one of the most powerful wizards in the world; a girl named Tenar who is raised to become a high priestess; and a prince named Arren who is destined to become the next king. Le Guin was notably ahead of her time, having written about protagonists of color before this became more common in contemporary fantasy literature. She was also vocal about assumptions “commonly made about fantasy” that the main characters within the genre are always white. As groundbreaking as it is gripping, there’s a reason Earthsea is considered a seminal text for today’s fantasy authors .

8. Remembrance of Earth's Past by Cixin Liu

For over a century, humans have tried contacting extraterrestrial life — but what happens when the aliens finally reply? In Liu’s bestselling series, whose title is a nod to Marcel Proust's Remembrance of Things Past , humanity starts preparing for an interstellar arrival. While some humans look forward to welcoming these visitors, many others make plans to defend themselves from an invasion. At the center of it all is Wang Miao, a nanotechnology professor who starts playing a mysterious virtual reality video game that’s somehow connected to the extinction-level threat humanity’s facing.

9. The DCI Ryan Mysteries by LJ Ross

If you’re looking for a spin on British crime thrillers, give this series a try — unlike countless detective mysteries set in London, Ross’ books are set in atmospheric locations around North East England. Ross, who hails from Northumberland, trained as a barrister before becoming a successful self-published author and “The Queen of Kindle.” Each book of her bestselling series revolves around Detective Chief Inspector Maxwell Finley-Ryan as he attempts to take down serial killers, cult members, and many other notorious figures.

10. The Brown Sisters by Talia Hibbert

Join chronically ill computer geek Chloe Brown and her sisters, whipsmart Ph.D. student Dani and “certified hot mess” Eve, as they fall in love with a handyman, a security guard, and a B&B owner, respectively. Throw in some fake dating, swoon-worthy banter, and a car “accident,” and you’ve got a witty romance series that’ll keep you engaged for hours.

11. The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen

A political prisoner and former Communist spy from North Vietnam is forced by his captor to write a confession. What does he put on the page, and what does he try to hide? From his time working for the South Vietnamese government to his life overseas following the fall of Saigon, the unnamed narrator of this Pulitzer-winning novel talks about cultural duality, experiencing racism as a refugee in the United States, and coming to terms with where his loyalties truly lie.

12. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

This bestselling YA trilogy follows Katniss Everdeen, a 16-year-old girl who lives in a dystopian fascist state where children from different districts must fight to the death in a televised competition known as the Hunger Games. When Katniss’ younger sister is chosen as the female tribute of her district, Katniss volunteers to take her place. Throughout the series, Katniss must find ways to stay alive in the hopes of inspiring rebellion among the districts against the oppressive Capitol.

13. The Radiant Emperor Duology by Shelley Parker-Chan

In this queer historical fantasy set in 14th-century China, a fortune teller sets the end of the Mongol-led Yuan Dynasty in motion as she reads the fate of two peasant children. The boy, Zhu Chongba, is destined for greatness, while his sister is destined for nothingness. However, after their family is attacked by bandits, Zhu dies and his sister ends up claiming his identity. She flees to a Buddhist monastery and spends years pretending to be a boy before joining a group of rebels fighting against Mongol rule in China. But just how does she end up becoming the emperor of China? And will anyone ever find out who she truly is? You’ll have to read to find out.

14. The Expanse Book by James S. A. Corey

If you’ve always wanted to collaborate with your best friend on a creative project, turn to The Expense for inspiration — this popular sci-fi series, which won the highly coveted Hugo Award for Best Series in 2020, was written by good friends Ty Franck and Daniel Abraham under the joint pen name James S. A. Corey. Franck, who previously worked as George R. R. Martin’s personal assistant, and Abraham, who wrote the comic book adaptation of A Game of Thrones , started writing books together in 2011 about a future in which humanity has colonized the Solar System. After the last volume in their nine-book epic was published almost a decade later, The Expanse had achieved worldwide fame and even got an Amazon Prime adaptation to boot.

15. A Tita Rosie's Kitchen Mystery by Mia P. Manansala

Moving back home after a bad breakup, Lila Macapagal was hoping to find a crumb of peace and stability. But when a customer drops dead in her family’s Filipino restaurant, all eyes are on her — after all, she was the one who cooked the victim’s last meal. Setting out to prove her innocence, Lila’s investigation inadvertently leads to a new family bonding activity: solving crimes.

16. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

When 20th-century British nurse Claire Randall touches an ancient stone, she unexpectedly travels back in time to 18th-century Scotland. Throughout Gabaldon’s series — which notably rose in popularity following the release of Starz’s TV adaptation of the same name — Claire and a handsome Scottish warrior named Jamie Fraser meet, fall in love, and find themselves in the middle of several important historical events, such as the Jacobite Rising of 1745 and the American Revolutionary War.

17. Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling

Despite initially being marketed as children’s literature, the Harry Potter series has transcended its middle-grade roots to become an all-ages hit. With its successful film adaptations, video games, theme parks, and thriving official fan club, there’s no denying that Rowling’s series is permanently ingrained in pop culture — in fact, a 2011 study found that around a third of all American adults aged 18 to 34 had read at least one of the books about The Boy Who Lived.

18. Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

Who would you visit if you could go back in time? In one particular back-street cafe in Tokyo, customers have the chance to time-travel by sitting in a special seat. However, they must follow a strange set of rules and accept that anything they do in the past will not affect the future.

Throughout the series, readers will meet a wide range of characters with moving stories, from a grief-stricken sister and a remorseful lover to a couple struggling with Alzheimer’s. If you’re looking for a bitter cup of coffee and poignant tales of hope, regret, and nostalgia, you’ll want to curl up with an entry or two of Kawaguchi’s bestselling series.

19. John Milton by Mark Dawson

After a mission goes horribly wrong, government assassin John Milton goes off the grid in an attempt to start anew — but he soon discovers that years of state-sanctioned murder aren’t that easy to leave behind. Thanks to his encounters with new friends and allies, he soon sets out on his own new mission: to use his killer expertise for good.

20. The Vampire Chronicles by Anne Rice

Rice’s series first became popular for its reinvention of vampires as tormented, complicated creatures — displaying a humanity that’s a far cry from Bram Stoker’s soulless, selfish Dracula. Best known for its first entry, 1976’s Interview with the Vampire (made into a film starring Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt), the series would eventually expand to 13 books over the next 42 years. These entries would mostly center on nobleman-turned-vampire Lestat de Lioncourt, who struggles with questions of mortality and the meaning of life from his time in France in the late 1700s to Miami in the 1990s.

21. Septology by Jon Fosse

An aging artist and widower named Asle starts ruminating on loneliness, faith, and the human condition after encountering his doppelgänger on the west coast of Norway. If you’re a fan of novels that experiment with language, pacing, and the formality of writing itself, you’re in luck — Fosse’s melancholic seven-book series is told in a single, run-on sentence. Having recently stepped into the spotlight with his 2023 Nobel Prize, Fosse is now a major player in the international literary scene — and despite its length, Septology may be the perfect entry point into his unique voice.

22. The Chronicles of Brother Hermitage by Howard of Warwick

Are you a mystery fan looking to expand your literary horizons? Take a look at this medieval crime comedy series set in 11th-century England, where an average monk and his trusty companion set off on adventures to find the murderers of seemingly innocent victims. Although it’s far from historically accurate (history buffs beware!), it promises lots of laughs and a jolly good time.

23. The Indian Lake Trilogy by Stephen Graham Jones

When Jade, a half-Native American teenager obsessed with slasher movies, hears that two young tourists have gone missing in her hometown of Proofrock, Idaho, she’s convinced that the plot of a horror film is unfolding right before her very eyes. Is she right, or is it all in her head? Jones’ gripping, gory series is the perfect read for fans of classic slasher cinema.

24. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

After witnessing a white police officer kill her friend Khalil, 16-year-old Starr Carter seeks justice by publicly speaking up about the shooting. However, she soon discovers that the authorities aren’t interested in finding out the truth — in fact, they focus on Khalil’s involvement in drug dealing and gangs to downplay his innocence. Throughout the series, Starr and her father, Maverick, are faced with questions of identity, individuality, and loyalty as they struggle to stay true to themselves while fighting for what’s right.

25. The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker

Drop two magical creatures — one an anthropomorphic being made of clay, the other a wandering spirit — onto the streets of New York in the late 19th century and you have the basis of this popular historical fiction and fantasy series. Wecker weaves strands of Middle Eastern and Yiddish literature into these books, exploring themes of freedom and confinement, identity, and deceit through the friendship of her two protagonists, Chava and Ahmad.

26. Earthseed by Octavia E. Butler

Set in a post-apocalyptic Earth suffering from water shortages, economic crises, and global climate change, Butler’s speculative fiction series follows Lauren Olamina, a 15-year-old girl who lives with her family in a walled community near Los Angeles. Lauren and her neighbors are sheltered from the thieves, killers, and vagabonds on the other side of the walls — until the day their gate is broken down.

27. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson

In 1966, a member of one of the wealthiest families in Sweden mysteriously vanishes. Forty years later, a talented hacker named Lisbeth Salander finds herself teaming up with disgraced journalist Mikael Blomkvist to uncover the truth about the long-lost woman and the secrets her family has kept buried for decades.

28. The Wolf Hall Trilogy by Hilary Mantel

Three breeze block-sized books chronicling the rise and fall of Thomas Cromwell set against the English Reformation might not sound like everybody’s idea of an easy read. However, in the hands of Mantel, this series became a hit with historical scholars, literary snobs, and everyday readers alike. On the back of watertight research, Mantel manages to turn what could have been a historical textbook into a gripping narrative that’s funny, humane, and shockingly beautiful at times.

Fun fact: Only three sequels in a series have won the Booker Prize, with Mantel’s Bring Up the Bodies being one of them.

29. Aristotle and Dante by Benjamin Alire Sáenz

When Mexican-American teenagers Aristotle Mendoza and Dante Quintana meet at their local swimming pool, they quickly bond over their unconventional first names. Sáenz’s coming-of-age series follows their friendship as they navigate sexuality, family relationships, racial and ethnic identity, and a budding romance in El Paso, Texas, in the 1980s.

30. The Ibis Trilogy by Amitav Ghosh

What happens when various characters of different backgrounds all find themselves aboard a former slave ship? The Ibis Trilogy follows the stories of a pious widow, an African American sailor, an Indian monarch, and an opium trader as they seek new lives aboard a schooner called the Ibis. However, they soon discover that life at sea during the height of the opium trade comes with its own unique set of challenges.

31. His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman

Have you ever considered the possibility of multiverses? In Pullman’s popular fantasy series, resourceful orphan Lyra Belacqua is whisked away on adventures across parallel universes and eventually finds herself in the middle of a war between several deity figures and her cavalier uncle. If you’re looking for an escapist read filled with magic, steampunk airships, and talking animals, this series just might be for you.

32. Dune by Frank Herbert

After being rejected by 20 mainstream publishers, Herbert’s magnum opus was finally published in 1965 by an automotive manuals publisher (yes, you read that right). His series made waves at the time, standing out as unique in a sea of hard science fiction due to its feudal system spanning galaxies, its religions drawing from several cultures, and the absence of advanced computers and similar technology — despite being set over 20,000 years into the future.

33. Hercule Poirot by Agatha Christie

If you’re up for a challenge, consider reading all 33 stories from the Queen of Crime 's series featuring world-renowned Belgian private detective Hercule Poirot. In each of the books, Poirot employs his “little grey cells” (and magnificent mustache) to investigate complex cases and murders in England — occasionally taking an overseas trip to places such as Egypt and France when he’s in need of a getaway.

34. The African Trilogy by Chinua Achebe

This revolutionary series cemented Achebe’s place in world literature as the leading figure of African fiction. Filtered through themes of power, cultural identity, and masculinity, Achebe depicts the lives of three generations of a Nigerian community affected by European colonialism and Christian missionaries. Things Fall Apart , the first novel in the series, is frequently cited as the most-read book in modern African literature.

35. The Plantagenet and Tudor Novels by Philippa Gregory

While they may not be the most historically accurate books out there, this bestselling series is responsible for rekindling public interest in the terrible Tudors — and is the perfect read for anyone seeking an escape to 16th-century England. In the span of 15 novels, Gregory introduces readers to a vast cast of characters — from the Boleyn sisters and Lady Jane Grey to Elizabeth I — all of whom are entwined in courtly intrigue, royal scandals, steamy affairs, and a touch of espionage.

36. Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan

What if Greek gods and goddesses secretly lived among us? After 12-year-old boy Percy Jackson finds out he’s the son of the god Poseidon, he ends up at Camp Half-Blood, a place where other demigods like him are safe from monsters and other enemies. But Percy can’t stay there forever — as a nefarious group of immortals known as the Titans grows in power, he and his demigod friends must work together to put a stop to these foes once and for all.

37. The Border Trilogy by Cormac McCarthy

Fans of old westerns or the hit video game Red Dead Redemption will delight in the dusty, folksy charm of this series. Its books mostly take place on the border between Mexico and the American Southwest and follow two teenage cowboys, John Grady Cole and Billy Parham, as they embark on perilous adventures and witness the decline of cattle ranches across the Southern United States.

38. An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir

Set in a fantasy world inspired by the history of Ancient Rome , An Ember in the Ashes centers around Laia of Serra, a teenager who attempts to save her arrested brother by becoming a spy, and Elias Veturius, the top student of an elite military institute that breeds soldiers loyal to the empire. Throughout Tahir’s series, Laia and Elias must work together to escape their oppressive empire, break Laia’s brother out of prison, and stop an impending apocalypse.

39. Goosebumps by R. L. Stine

For thrill-seeking readers both young and old (but mainly young), this series is a staple. Each book in Stine’s popular horror series centers around a tween or teen protagonist who typically faces off against supernatural or paranormal creatures. From evil blobs of goo and haunted masks to monster librarians and creepy living dolls, the creations in Stine’s books are terrifying enough to make you scream, “Ermahgerd!”

40. The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood

In this disturbing dystopian fable, women in a near-future America are powerless. Offred, the narrator of the series’ first book, lives in the Republic of Gilead and is forced to become one of the Handmaidens, a group of women who must produce children for Gilead’s ruling class of men. Since its publication in 1985, the first book in the series has only become more relevant over time and even spawned a popular five-season TV series adaptation on Hulu, which most likely inspired Atwood to finally release a long-awaited sequel to her hit novel in 2019.

41. The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan with Brandon Sanderson

What if we lived in a world where time is cyclical rather than linear? This high fantasy series explores the concept of time by featuring a magic-filled world set in both the distant past and the distant future. After Jordan completed 12 volumes of the series, he asked his wife, Harriet McDougal, to find someone to finish it due to his deteriorating health. McDougal eventually chose Sanderson to pick up where her husband left off, giving him Jordan’s extensive notes to write the series’ final volumes.

42. The Giver Quartet by Lois Lowry

What would you sacrifice to live in a society without pain and strife? In Lowry’s futuristic dystopian world, four different children — Jonas, Kira, Matty, and Claire — slowly discover their communities’ dark secrets, where draconian acts such as slaughtering infants and distributing emotion-suppressing pills are the price to pay for creating a thriving, peaceful society.

43. Dublin Murder Squad by Tana French

In this series, Rob Ryan, Cassie Maddox, Frank Mackey, and a slew of other Irish detectives solve puzzling cases involving doppelgangers, murdered children, and more in their respective books. French puts a spin on the typical detective series by having each subsequent book narrated by a secondary character from a previous one.

44. The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis

What do you think of when you hear the word Narnia? For most people, a faun, a magical portal in a wardrobe, and a box of Turkish delight come to mind, but did you know that Lewis wrote six other fantasy books in addition to his popular novel The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe ? The Chronicles of Narnia mostly centers around the adventures of different children who are transported to the mystical world of Narnia. Life there, however, is not all fun and games — when power-hungry figures such as the White Witch and the Lady of the Green Kirtle wreak havoc, the children must step up and find a way to save this magical land.

45. Foundation by Isaac Asimov

In 1966, this series made history as the first and only recipient of the Best All-Time Series award at the prestigious Hugo Awards. Foundation mostly centers around Hari Seldon, a mathematics professor who develops psychohistory, a type of science that lets him predict the future using history, sociology, and statistics. Seldon and his followers use psychohistory to predict important events in the Galactic Empire, including its eventual demise, and collaborate with the best scholars and scientists in the galaxy to create a new cultural and scientific preserve known as the Foundation.

46. A Song of Ice and Fire by George R. R. Martin

This epic fantasy series, which HBO adapted for its hit show Game of Thrones , is set on the fictional continents of Westeros and Essos and follows dozens of characters across three interwoven plotlines: the growing threat of the Others, a powerful group of supernatural humanoid beings from the north of Westeros; a civil war among various families for control of Westeros; and the journey of Daenerys Targaryen, the exiled daughter of a deposed Westerosi king whose main ambition in life is to ascend the throne and rule the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros.

47. Aaron Falk by Jane Harper

The Queen of Outback Noir’s bestselling trilogy, which is set in rural Australia, follows police officer Aaron Falk as he uncovers the truth behind the disappearances of two women and the mysterious murder of a girl from Kiewarra, his hometown. During his investigations, Falk unearths more than just the names of potential suspects — he also digs up long-held secrets that force him to reconsider what he previously believed about Kiewarra.

48. The Broken Earth Trilogy by N.K. Jemisin

Between 2015 and 2017, Jemisin had a stranglehold on the Hugo Award for Best Novel with each entry in this epic science fiction series, so we think it’s safe to say that it’s worth checking out. Jemisin’s books are set in a single supercontinent called the Stillness, which experiences disastrous climate change every few hundred years. When these geological cataclysms, known as Fifth Seasons, occur, orogenes are called upon to keep humanity safe from impending volcanic winter. But despite their great ability to control energy and earthquakes, orogenes face fear and persecution from the people of the Stillness, and it’s this contradiction that drives the story of Jemisin’s trilogy.

49. Wars of the Roses by Conn Iggulden

It’s 1437, and a new king has ascended the throne of England. But unlike his father, the country’s previous monarch, Henry VI is shy, gentle, and timid. Several of his subjects — including Richard Plantagenet, Duke of York — begin questioning his ability to rule an entire nation. Thus begins Iggulden’s creative retelling of the Wars of the Roses, which follows two families who ignite a decades-long civil war over the fate of the throne.

50. Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle

While he may not be the first-ever detective in fiction, Sherlock Holmes is arguably the most famous. Countless films, TV series, and stage plays featuring the self-proclaimed “consulting detective” have been produced over the years, but if you’ve got the time, consider exploring the Sherlock Holmes canon — there are four novels and 56 short stories to choose from! Do you have what it takes to solve a crime before Holmes and his trusty associate Watson can?

51. Malazan Book of the Fallen by Steven Erikson

Despite not even giving his fictional world an official name, Erikson has created a millions-strong fanbase with his intricate series of epic fantasy novels. His books trace a time of unrest in the  Malazan Empire and weave together different settings, themes, narratives, and subplots in a semi-linear fashion. Erikson himself once noted that his fictional world’s magic system is meant to be egalitarian, meaning that, unlike the real world, anyone — regardless of their gender — has the chance to rise to power.

52. The Karla Trilogy by John le Carré

Written as an antidote to Ian Fleming’s James Bond novels, le Carré’s novels starring veteran spy George Smiley are anything but glamorous. Largely set in the smoke-filled corridors of “The Circus” (the fictional headquarters for the British Intelligence Service), these books pull back the curtain on the fascinatingly mundane existence of government operatives as they square off against “Karla,” the Kremlin’s mysterious spymaster.

Le Carré himself was an MI5 officer, so this is a world he knew intimately — and in a case of life imitating art, many of the terms he coined in his books (“mole,” “tradecraft,” “honeytrap”) have since been adopted by spies and civilians alike.

53. The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien

It wouldn’t be a stretch to say that Tolkien’s Middle Earth epic is the most celebrated fantasy series ever written. Now immortalized on the big screen with a handsome and faithful adaptation, The Lord of the Rings novels still hold some surprises for fans who have only seen the films (just google “Tom Bombadil”). Following the hobbit Frodo Baggins and his multicultural “fellowship” on their quest to destroy an all-powerful Ring and keep it out of the clutches of the Dark Lord Sauron, these books will likely continue to delight readers for generations to come.

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The 50 bestselling books of all time, from 'To Kill a Mockingbird' to 'The Fellowship of the Ring'

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• With over 2 million books published every year, few titles become bestsellers.
• Here are the top 50 bestselling fiction and nonfiction books from around the world.
• Want more books? Check out the most popular new book releases, according to Goodreads.

Though no exact start date is known, modern book printing is over 1,000 years old. In 2010, Google Books estimated that nearly 130 million books had been published , with now over 2 million new books published each year. Such competition means only a few great reads have sold tens or hundreds of millions of copies, topping the charts as some of the bestselling books of all time. 

Though there's no one source that has consistently tracked book sales over the centuries, publishing websites (such as Publishers Weekly) are able to estimate the sales of older works and track the sale of new releases much more accurately. To assemble this list of the top bestsellers ever, we excluded religious texts (such as the Bible and Quran) and only included titles with reliable data from publishing companies, news articles, and official press releases.

The books on this list cover a wide variety of genres from self-help to horror, originally published in countries all around the world and translated into dozens of languages. 

The top 50 bestselling books of all time:

1. " Don Quixote" by Miguel de Cervantes, available at Amazon and Bookshop , from $15.30

Copies sold: 500 million

The highest selling and most translated book of all time, "Don Quixote", is also considered the first modern novel, published in two parts, one in 1605 and the other in 1615. Don Quixote decides to become a knight-errant after reading countless romantic tales. Along with his recruited squire, Sancho Panza, Don Quixote imagines a knightly story for himself, tempered by the wit of Sancho. Don Quixote is a tale of imaginative rhetoric and witty comedy,  astoundingly relatable 400 years after its publication. 

2. " A Tale of Two Cities" by Charles Dickens, available at Amazon and Bookshop , from $7.36 

Copies sold: 200 million

In a story that famously begins "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times," Dr. Manette has just spent 18 years as a political prisoner, finally released to be with his daughter, Lucie, in London. Set at the height of the Reign of Terror during the French Revolution, two very different men vie for Lucie's heart in this dark story known for its masterful cast of characters, social commentary on the French Revolution, and violent dramatizations. 

3. " The Fellowship of the Ring" by J.R.R. Tolkien, available at Amazon and Bookshop , from $10.09

Copies sold: 150 million

"The Fellowship of the Ring" is the first installment of the epic fantasy series "The Lord of the Rings." When a powerful ring is entrusted to Frodo Baggins, he must begin the long journey across Middle-Earth to the Cracks of Doom to destroy the ring — the only way to defeat the Dark Lord who seeks to rule everything. This book begins the series with wizards, elves, dwarfs, and hobbits in a classic adventure tale of friendship and good versus evil.  

4. " Le Petit Prince" by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, available at Amazon and Bookshop , from $6 

Copies sold: 140 million 

"Le Petit Prince" ("The Little Prince") is a beloved French children's book that uses elements of fantasy to tell an emotional and reflective story of life's greatest lessons. Translated into over 300 languages, readers around the world have met the little prince on his journey to find a safe place for his favorite flower. This story is for readers of any age to experience a simple and beautiful tale that has been cherished for almost 80 years. 

5. " Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" by J.K. Rowling, available at Amazon , from $6.98 

Copies sold: 120 million 

The first of the "Harry Potter" series, this book launches readers into a world of witches, wizards, and magical beasts. We're introduced to Harry, a young orphaned boy living with his dreadful aunt and uncle. When he's told he's a wizard on his 11th birthday, Harry is whisked away to Hogwarts, a magical school where he makes friends, learns everything he can about magic, and begins to unveil the dark secrets surrounding his parents' deaths. The entire "Harry Potter" series has sold about 500 million copies to date, with this first book selling the most copies of any installment in the series.

6. " Scouting for Boys" by Robert Baden-Powell, available at Amazon and Bookshop , from $12.90 

Copies sold: 100 million 

First published in 1908, this book was written as a handbook of practical advice and instruction on leadership for Boy Scout training. Robert Baden-Powell was a Lieutenant General in the British Army, the founder of the Boy Scouts and co-founder of the "Girl Guides," later renamed Girl Scouts. Combined with autobiographical anecdotes and nearly 100 diagrams, this nostalgic book explains why the scouting movement began while refreshing readers on the basics of outdoors survival and instilling messages of confidence and morality.

7. " And Then There Were None" by Agatha Christie, available at Amazon and Bookshop , from $7.99 

"And Then There Were None" is a classic mystery story from 1939 where 10 strangers are slowly killed after being invited to a mysterious dinner at a millionaire's mansion. In each room of the home, there is an eerie nursery rhyme hanging on the wall that outlines the death of 10 people. When the guests realize the murders are being carried out as described in the rhyme, they must find out who is orchestrating the scheme before no one is left alive. 

8. " The Hobbit" by J.R.R. Tolkien, available at Amazon and Bookshop , from $ 14.37 

In this prequel to "The Fellowship of the Ring,'' readers meet Bilbo Baggins, Gandalf, and Golem in an adventure tale that outlines the origin of the Ring. Bilbo Baggins is a hobbit who enjoys a simple and comfortable life — until he meets the great wizard Gandalf, who whisks him away on the quest of a lifetime. Originally written for Tolkien's children, this high-fantasy story is fun and charming with imaginative and accessible writing, a staple for any fantasy-lover's library. 

9. " Dream of the Red Chamber" by Cáo Xuěqín, available at Amazon and Bookshop , from $18.29 

"Dream of the Red Chamber" is one of the Four Great Classic Novels of China, written in 1791 and well-known by nearly every Chinese reader for its depiction of traditional Chinese culture. Believed to be based on the author's life and the women within it, this novel includes an extensive cast of over 400 characters whose experiences offer observations about Chinese society in the 18th century. It is considered one of the greatest and most momentous works of literature in the world. 

10. "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" by C.S. Lewis, available at Amazon and Bookshop , from $7.64 

Copies sold: 85 million 

Though sequentially second in the "Chronicles of Narnia" series, this was the first book that introduced young readers to the mystical land beyond the wardrobe. Lucy is the first of her siblings to find the secret, icy world that lies in the back of a wardrobe. When she takes her brothers and sister there, they discover a land trapped in an eternal winter, enchanted by the evil White Witch. The siblings meet a lion named Aslan and begin a journey to free Narnia from the witch's evil spell. The entire "Narnia" series has sold over 100 million copies, with this book being the most popular installment.

11. "She: A History of Adventure" by Henry Rider Haggard, available at Amazon and Bookshop , from $6.45 

Copies sold: 83 million 

When Leo Vincey opens a mysterious package from his father on his 25th birthday, he discovers a shard of pottery and a series of documents that suggest secrets about his family. As Leo and his wife travel to Africa, they meet the all-powerful "She-Who-Must-Be-Obeyed," a 2000-year-old immortal queen ruling a secret kingdom who may have an ancestral connection to Leo. Originally published in 1886, this is a tale of legends and myths that intertwined fantasy elements in a story of adventure. ( Please note: This book contains racial and gender insensitivities that may make readers uncomfortable.)

12. "The Adventures of Pinocchio" by Carlo Collodi, available at Amazon and Bookshop , from $5.99 

Copies sold: 80 million 

"The Adventures of Pinocchio" is a classic Italian children's book about a wooden puppet who dreams of becoming a human. Made by a woodcarver in a Tuscan village, Pinocchio is a mischievous puppet carved from a block of wood whose adventures unwittingly get him into trouble. He meets a magical fairy who tells him he will become a real boy if he can be good for a year. Though still caught in some of his naturally troublesome antics, Pinocchio tries his best to behave and do good deeds in this memorable treat of a classic tale. 

13. "The Da Vinci Code" by Dan Brown, available at Amazon and Bookshop , from $7.49 

Even though this is the second book in the Robert Langdon series, it out-sold its predecessor ("Angels & Demons") by over 40 million copies, capturing readers' attention for the page-turning puzzle it presents. Robert Langdon, a master symbologist, is called when the Louvre's museum curator is murdered and his body is found covered in mysterious symbols. This story is an epic labyrinth of clues and danger, offering an alternative religious history that is wildly entertaining and suspenseful.

14. " Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" by J.K. Rowling, available at Amazon and Bookshop , from $6.98 

Copies sold: 77 million 

This is the second book in the hugely popular "Harry Potter" series which takes readers into a magical world of witches and wizards that secretly coexists with our own. In this book, Harry is about to begin his second year at Hogwarts when he receives a cryptic warning that great danger awaits if he is to return to school. Desperate to escape his dreadful aunt and uncle, Harry returns to a school year marked by a self-obsessed new professor, a moaning spirit, and a strange voice in the walls that only Harry seems to hear. When a few students begin to mysteriously stiffen as if they're made of stone, Harry looks for the culprit while trying to evade suspicion himself. 

15. " Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" by J.K. Rowling, available at Amazon and Bookshop , from $6.98 

Copies sold: 65 million

In this sixth installment of the "Harry Potter" series, wizards and witches everywhere are fighting the rise of the darkest wizard in magical history: Voldemort. As Harry's sixth year at Hogwarts continues, he spends much of his time occupied by the headmaster, learning the full history of the boy who became Voldemort, hoping the key to defeating him lies in the past. This book is the climax of the series where the tension builds and readers, now emotionally invested in the characters, suffer great losses alongside them.

16. " Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" by J.K. Rowling, available at Amazon and Bookshop , from $9.98  

In this gripping and action-packed conclusion to the best-selling Harry Potter series, Harry faces more danger than all the other books combined as he searches for the answers that might defeat Voldemort once and for all. As the books progressively prepared readers for darkness and danger, this book concludes with messages of bravery, loyalty, and family in an epic, final story to satisfy those gripped by Harry's journey since 1997. 

17. " Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" by J.K. Rowling, available at Amazon and Bookshop , from $6.92  

In the fourth book of the "Harry Potter" series, Harry is in his fourth year of magical training at Hogwarts. This time, there is a competition between two other rival schools called the Triwizard Tournament. When Harry's name is mysteriously selected despite not being entered, he's forced to compete in a contest of bravery, intelligence, and wizardry featuring golden eggs, an imposing maze, and deadly dragons. 

18. " Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" by J.K. Rowling, available at Amazon and Bookshop , from $6.98 

In Harry's fifth year of school, Voldemort is slowly growing stronger and it seems neither Harry nor the magical government will be able to stop him. Despite these looming fears, Harry must continue his magical schooling. With the pressure of fifth year exams, he must also juggle a seemingly sweet Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Ron's new position on the Quidditch team, and a prophecy that may reveal Harry's fate. 

19. " Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" by J.K. Rowling, available at Amazon and Bookshop , from $5.76 

In the third book of the "Harry Potter" series, readers are introduced to Sirius Black, a seemingly deranged convicted murderer whose recent escape from the highest security prison has made headlines everywhere. As Harry returns to his third year at Hogwarts, he finds even his professors fear the safety of the students as Sirius is on the loose, especially since it's rumored that he's coming for Harry himself. 

20. " The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho, available at Amazon and Bookshop , from $8.89 

Written in only two weeks and originally published in Portuguese in 1988, "The Alchemist" was not an immediate bestseller. When the book's first publisher dropped the title, Paulo Coelho brought it to a larger publishing house in Brazil who agreed to publish his book. Now having spent over 315 weeks on The New York Times Best Sellers list, "The Alchemist" is about a boy named Santiago who travels from his home in Spain in search of a treasure buried near the pyramids in Egypt.

21. " The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger, available at Amazon and Bookshop , from $9.19  

"The Catcher in the Rye" is one of the most well-known coming-of-age stories. It's the intimate and introspective tale of Holden Caulfield, a 16-year-old boy who has three days before he's due to return home after the end of his fall semester of prep school. Holden is keenly aware of the beauty and pain in life, expressing perspectives that are both naive and mature beyond his years. It's a classic of teenage angst and rebellion, appreciated by readers since 1951. 

22. " The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle, available at Amazon and Bookshop , from $5.06

Copies sold: 55 million

"The Very Hungry Caterpillar" is a beloved children's picture book, an interactive story that teaches young readers counting and the days of the week. It is about a caterpillar who was hatched out of a tiny egg on a Sunday eats his way through the week and the pages until he cocoons himself and emerges as a butterfly. It's a simple yet endearing story, a classic story read to children around the world.

23. " The Common Sense Book of Baby and Child Care" by Dr. Benjamin Spock , available at Amazon and Bookshop , from $22.07 

Copies sold: 50 million

This book was initially published in 1946 as a resource for new and expecting parents. There are sections for first aid, feeding, and developmental milestones. While new editions have been regularly revised and released as pediatric research and care develops, you can also grab a copy of the second edition from 1957, which delivers some earlier perspectives and advice reflective of a 1960s household. 

24. " Anne of Green Gables" by L.M. Montgomery, available at Amazon and Bookshop , from $7.35  

The Cuthberts lived on an old-fashioned farm on Prince Edward Island called Green Gables. Hoping to adopt a young boy to help with the chores, the family is surprised to meet 11-year-old Anne: An enthusiastic, red-headed girl sent to them by mistake. Before the Cuthberts can send her back, Anne manages to win their affections and stay with her new family. Anne is an imaginative and delightful character whose humor and charm have continued to soften readers' hearts since 1908.

25. " Black Beauty" by Anna Sewell, available at Amazon and Bookshop , from $6.49 

Told from the perspective of the horse, "Black Beauty" is a memoir-style fictional classic about a colt's search for a happy home after his first owners are forced to sell him. Despite the hardships he faces, Black Beauty has an unbreakable will to survive and a hope that he will once again find humans who offer kindness and compassion. This is a tender and morally driven novel that encourages empathy for others and care for animals. Through his story of setbacks and triumphs, Black Beauty teaches readers that goodness can prevail even in the darkest times.

26. " The Name of the Rose" by Umberto Eco, available at Amazon and Bookshop , from $14.49  

Set in Italy in 1327, "The Name of the Rose" is a historical fiction/murder mystery blend that readers love for its use of philosophy, theology, and symbolism. It is a complex but very readable novel about a monk named William who is brought to Italy to investigate a potential hearsay dispute. When seven strange deaths occur in mere days, William uses philosophical and theological teachings to solve the bizarre mystery. This is a novel that readers pick up over and over again, discovering a new hidden symbol or piece of wisdom with each read. 

27. " Charlotte's Web" by E.B. White, available at Amazon and Bookshop , from $5.47  

This is an equally heart-warming and heart-wrenching story about a spider, a pig, and a girl. After a young girl, Fern, saves the runt of the piglets, Wilbur, he makes friends with a spider named Charlotte who weaves words into her web to convince the humans that Wilbur is a special pig and shouldn't be slaughtered. It's a tale that teaches young readers the importance of friendship and living harmoniously with all living creatures. 

28. " You Can Heal Your Life" by Louise L. Hay, available at Amazon and Bookshop , from $8.59 

"You Can Heal Your Life" is one of the top-selling self-help books of all time, aiming to empower readers to change their lives by changing the way they think. Louise L. Hay uses elements of psychology and spirituality to encourage the reconstruction of thoughts, attitudes, and language as a means of improving readers' emotional, mental, and even physical health. This book has spurred some controversy, as the author has claimed that some illnesses are psychosomatic, such as migraines and AIDS. 

29. " Lolita" by Vladimir Nabokov, available at Amazon and Bookshop , from $14.40  

"Lolita" is a highly controversial novel that was rejected by a series of American publishers for fear of obscenity charges. Ultimately published in France in 1955, "Lolita" has been banned in many countries, leading to greater publicity and interest by curious readers. The story is about a 37-year-old man named Humbert, who falls in love with Dolores Haze, a 12-year-old girl he's privately nicknamed "Lolita." In order to get closer to her, Humbert marries Lolita's mother and pines for a love affair with the child. Humbert is an unreliable narrator whose perverted mind is written to shock and disturb readers. ( Please note: This book contains sensitive subject matter including child sexual abuse and pedophilia.)

30. " In His Steps" By Charles M. Sheldon, available at Amazon and Bookshop , from $5.95 

"In His Steps" is a short story that coined the phrase "What would Jesus do?" It is a fictional story about four townspeople who are challenged to consider the messages of Jesus Christ before taking any action for an entire year. Originally published in 1896, this book uses anecdotes to which modern readers may find it difficult to relate, but the story has a strong message that encourages readers to live a life led by morality, empathy, and faith.

31. "The Hite Report" by Shere Hite, available at Amazon and Bookshop , from $16.51 

"The Hite Report" is the 600-page result of Shere Hite's research about female sexuality. Originally published in 1976, Hite interviewed 100,000 women from ages 14-78 about their sexual experiences and shared her findings with the public. This book has a lot of statistics and uses real anecdotal experiences to answer intimate questions about the perceived myths of pleasure. It became an immediate international bestseller. 

32. "The Eagle Has Landed" by Jack Higgins, available at Amazon and Bookshop , from $8.99  

This is an exhilarating historical fiction novel where Hitler orders Nazi paratroopers to kidnap Winston Churchill in order to halt the Allies. Exciting until the final page, readers flock to this World War II spy thriller for Jack Higgins' adept characterization and development, ensuring the story sticks with them long after they've finished the book. It's an inventive and gripping book with an original plot and a fascinating front of antiheroes.

33. "Heidi" by Johanna Spyri, available at Amazon and Bookshop , from $6.99 

Heidi is only five years old when she's sent to live with her grandfather in the Swiss Alps. Though everyone seems to fear her grandfather, Heidi finds him fascinating and cherishes her days spent with him upon the mountains. Three years later, Heidi is collected from her home in the Alps to work for a wealthy family and help their daughter, Clara, who cannot walk. Though Heidi and Clara get along, the family's housekeeper is a strict woman who puts more and more restrictions on Heidi, dampening her spirit and making her homesick for her mountain home and grandfather. This is an enchanting read that readers adore for Heidi's friendly and happy spirit.

34. "The Mark of Zorro" by Johnston McCulley, available at Amazon and Bookshop , from $7  

Originally titled "The Curse of Capistrano", this 1919 action-adventure story tells the legend of the masked outlaw Zorro, a hero swordsman dedicated to fighting crime. Zorro, a swashbuckling adventurer, is a likable and funny protagonist whose tale is reminiscent of Robin Hood. This novel is a light read, beloved by readers for the hero's wit and his fiercely independent love interest.

35. "Watership Down" by Richard Adams, available at Amazon and Bookshop , from $13.89 

"Watership Down" is a classic tale of a group of rabbits who must flee their home in search of another and face a series of perils as they travel across the English countryside. This novel began as a series of stories the author would tell his daughters on long car rides, improvising as he went. Though the author insists there are no hidden allegories in this story, readers have found nearly countless messages, themes, and takeaways from this adorable band of rabbits.

36. "One Hundred Years of Solitude" by Gabriel García Márquez, available at Amazon and Bookshop , from $11.89 

Copies sold: 47 million

Through the history of the Buendiá family, this masterful piece of literature uses magical realism to narrate the rise and fall of the mythical town of Macondo. This Nobel Prize winner was an important novel in the Latin American Boom, a literary movement in the 1960s and '70s which changed the perception of Latin American literature and encouraged increased publication of Spanish American authors. It is a multi-generation story loved by readers for the author's ability to capture all sides of humanity.

37. "The Tale of Peter Rabbit" by Beatrix Potter, available at Amazon and Bookshop , from $4.59  

Copies sold: 45 million

This delightful picture book has been adored by young readers and nostalgically cherished since 1902. The first in a series of children's books by Beatrix Potter, "The Tale of Peter Rabbit" is about a mischievous little rabbit who finds trouble in McGregor's vegetable garden despite a warning from his mother. This is a simple and adorable story that teaches children the importance of listening to their parents. 

38. "The Ginger Man" by J.P. Donleavy, available at Amazon and Bookshop , from $14.72 

Sebastian Dangerfield is a young American man attending Trinity College in Dublin who is known by readers for his drunken escapades, skewed morals, and the hilarity of his antics. Switching between the first and third perspectives, readers are able to understand Sebastian's motivations and fears while finding amusement in the aftermath of his anarchy. This book was originally banned in Ireland and America for obscenity as it contains some sexually explicit content.

39. "Jonathan Livingston Seagull" by Richard Bach, available at Amazon and Bookshop , from $13.49  

Copies sold: 40 million

In the 1960s, Richard Bach published a series of short stories which later became this fantasy novella about a seagull discovering the freedom of flying. Told from the seagull's perspective, flying is the ultimate metaphor in this story, inspiring readers to follow their dreams and believe in themselves even if it seems no one else does. This tale is a simple one with a strong message that leaves readers feeling encouraged and hopeful. 

40. "A Message to Garcia" by Elbert Hubbard, available at Amazon and Bookshop , from $2.50 

"A Message to Garcia" is a motivational essay that uses a fictional military tale to instill lessons of integrity and positivity in aspiring leaders. When 1LT Andrew Rowan must deliver a message from President McKinley to General García, he finds the will within himself to accomplish the dangerous task with no objections or complaints. The message is often still used in business settings as an inspirational story to workers, referenced to encourage people to look for opportunities to lead and achieve greatness.

41. "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan, available at Amazon and Bookshop , from $16.56 

In this nonfiction astronomy book, Carl Sagan outlines 14 billion years of cosmic evolution that led to the creation of life on Earth as we know it. Dubbed one of the 88 books that shaped America by the Library of Congress, the book's 13 highly illustrated chapters explain immense concepts of chemistry, biology, astronomy, and anthropology in a palatable and mesmerizing way. "Cosmos" is based on Carl Sagan's 13-part television series from 1980. 

42. "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee, available at Amazon and Bookshop , from $7.19 

This distinguished classic won a Pulitzer Prize in 1961, a historical fiction novel set in 1933 Alabama where an innocent Black man is on trial for a horrible crime he didn't commit. The story follows Scout, a young girl who struggles to understand blind, racial hatred as her father defends the man against a town determined to believe he's guilty. This is a dramatic and deeply moving story where Scout's innocence starkly contrasts the deep-seated racial prejudices of a Southern small town. 

43. "Flowers in the Attic" by V.C. Andrews, available at Amazon and Bookshop , from $14.49 

Cathy and her three siblings live a normal and nearly perfect life until their father is devastatingly killed in a car accident, leaving their mother, Corinne, with little means of supporting the children. Desperate for financial security, Corinne hatches a plan to win back the affections and inheritance of her dying, millionaire father who disowned her when she married her husband against his wishes. Since her father doesn't know of the children, Corinne decides she must hide them in the attic, promising it will only be for a few days. Told from 12-year-old Cathy's perspective, this gothic horror is full of twists and terror, beloved as a dramatic cult classic. 

44. "Angels & Demons" by Dan Brown, available at Amazon and Bookshop , from $11.61 

Copies sold: 39 million

In the first novel that spurred " The Da Vinci Code" franchise, symbologist Robert Langdon is called to investigate the origin of a strange symbol left on the chest of a murdered physicist. He soon discovers this mysterious symbol could mean the resurgence of a powerful, underground brotherhood known as the Illuminati. Robert Langdon must race against the clock to unravel this explosive mystery as the centuries-old secret organization appears to be targeting their most hated enemy — the Catholic church. 

45. "How the Steel was Tempered" by Nikolai Ostrovsky, available at Amazon and Bookshop , from $13.50 

Copies sold: 36 million

"How the Steel was Tempered" is a fictional autobiography that falls into a fiction subgenre dubbed "socialist realism." First published in 1932, this classic of Russian literature follows Pavel Korchagin, a man who fights for Bolsheviks in the Civil War and struggles to recover from his injuries after the war, ultimately becoming as strong as steel. Pavel's story begins when he is only 12 and takes place both on and off the battlefield. 

46. "Your Erroneous Zones" by Wayne W. Dyer, available at Amazon and Bookshop , from $12.91

Copies sold: 35 million

This self-help book skyrocketed as a bestseller as it encouraged readers to challenge their self-destructive behaviors or "erroneous zones" and reach greater happiness. It is an inspirational, step-by-step guide to help recognize and change patterns of negative thinking that may trap us within feelings of fear, anxiety, or self-deprecation. Wayne W. Dyer uses a gentle narrative and plenty of examples to demonstrate how freedom from negative thinking can improve self-image, lessen anger, and relieve guilt. 

47. "The Diary of a Young Girl" by Anne Frank, available at Amazon and Bookshop , from $4.29 

Anne Frank was a 13-year-old Jewish girl from Amsterdam whose family fled their home in Holland during the Nazi occupation. Fearing for their lives, Anne's family lived hidden in a secret annex of an office building, confined in a tight space with little food and a great fear of discovery. This is a nonfiction account, a collection of diary entries of Anne's years as a teen girl in hiding. Her writing reveals the boredom and interests of any teenage girl with keen observations and an emotional understanding of the dangers in the world around her. 

48. "Kane and Abel" by Jeffrey Archer, available at Amazon and Bookshop , from $9.19 

Copies sold: 33 million

Kane and Abel are two completely different strangers, born on the same day on opposite sides of the world yet bound by one destiny. As adults, both men are ruthless in their pursuit of success, locked in a hate-fueled struggle to build an empire. Told over 60 years and three generations, "Kane and Abel" is a dramatic, thrilling, and impactful story about two men driven by vengeance with a memorable and deeply satisfying conclusion.  

49. "The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini, available at Amazon and Bookshop , from $10.50 

Copies sold: 31.5 million

"The Kite Runner" is a heartbreaking historical fiction story set in Afghanistan during the rise of the Taliban. Amir and Hassan are unlikely friends who spend their days flying kites to ignore the tension and hardships building around them. When something terrible happens to Hassan and Amir fails to stop it, he spends much of his life seeking redemption for his betrayal. This is a touching and powerful story that focuses on themes of familial love and the power of friendship.

50. "Sophie's World" by Jostein Gaarder, available at Amazon and Bookshop , from $12.99 

Copies sold: 30 million

This novel explores great philosophical concepts through the thought-provoking journey of Sophie Amundsen, a 14-year-old girl who finds two notes in her mailbox that read "Who are you?" and "Where does the world come from?" Stumped and immediately curious for answers, Sophie begins to unravel complicated philosophical ideas as she corresponds with a mysterious penpal. This is a profoundly thoughtful young adult novel for readers of all ages.

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Best-Selling Books of All-Time

This page includes a list of the 25 best-selling books of all-time as well as the 25 best-selling book series of all-time. Best-selling books are ranked by number of copies sold, not my personal ratings.

Also, it is worth noting that some religious and political books such as The Bible , Quran , and Quotations from Chairman Mao are believed to have more than a billion copies each in existence. However, sales numbers for these books are nearly impossible to track because many are given away by churches or governments. Additionally, these books have often been printed by a wide range of publishers over centuries, many of them unreported. For these reasons, major religious and political texts are not listed here, but we can all agree that they are among the top selling books of all-time. 1

25 Best-Selling Books of All-Time

#1 – Don Quixote ( 500 million copies sold ) 2 by Miguel de Cervantes Print | eBook | Audiobook

#2 – A Tale of Two Cities ( 200 million copies sold ) by Charles Dickens Print | eBook | Audiobook

#3 – The Lord of the Rings ( 150 million copies sold ) by J.R.R. Tolkien Print | eBook | Audiobook

#4 – The Little Prince ( 142 million copies sold ) by Antoine de Saint-Exupery Print | eBook | Audiobook

#5 – Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone ( 107 million copies sold ) by J.K. Rowling Print | eBook | Audiobook

#6 – And Then There Were None ( 100 million copies sold ) by Agatha Christie Print | eBook | Audiobook

#7 – The Dream of the Red Chamber ( 100 million copies sold ) by Cao Xueqin Print | eBook | Audiobook

#8 – The Hobbit ( 100 million copies sold ) by J.R.R. Tolkien Print | eBook | Audiobook

#9 – She: A History of Adventure ( 100 million copies sold ) by H. Rider Haggard Print | eBook | Audiobook

#10 – The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe ( 85 million copies sold ) by C.S. Lewis Print | eBook | Audiobook

#11 – The Da Vinci Code ( 80 million copies sold ) by Dan Brown Print | eBook | Audiobook

#12 – Think and Grow Rich ( 70 million copies sold ) by Napoleon Hill Print | eBook | Audiobook

#13 – Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince ( 65 million copies sold ) by J.K. Rowling Print | eBook | Audiobook

#14 – The Catcher in the Rye ( 65 million copies sold ) by J.D. Salinger Print

#15 – The Alchemist ( 65 million copies sold ) by Paulo Coelho Print | eBook | Audiobook

#16 – Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets ( 60 million copies sold ) by J.K. Rowling Print | eBook | Audiobook

#17 – Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban ( 55 million copies sold ) by J.K. Rowling Print | eBook | Audiobook

#18 – Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire ( 55 million copies sold ) by J.K. Rowling Print | eBook | Audiobook

#19 – Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix ( 55 million copies sold ) by J.K. Rowling Print | eBook | Audiobook

#20 – Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows ( 50 million copies sold ) by J.K. Rowling Print | eBook | Audiobook

#21 – One Hundred Years of Solitude ( 50 million copies sold ) by Gabriel García Marquez Print | Audiobook

#22 – Lolita ( 50 million copies sold ) by Vladimir Nabokov Print | eBook | Audiobook

#23 – Anne of Green Gables ( 50 million copies sold ) by Lucy Maud Montgomery Print | eBook | Audiobook

#24 – Charlotte’s Web ( 50 million copies sold ) by E.B. White Print | eBook | Audiobook

#25 – Black Beauty ( 50 million copies sold ) by Anna Sewell Print | eBook | Audiobook

25 Best-Selling Book Series of All-Time

#1 – Harry Potter series ( 450 million copies sold ) by J.K. Rowling Print | eBook | Audiobook

#2 – Goosebumps series ( 300 million copies sold ) by R.L. Stein Print | eBook

#3 – Perry Mason series ( 300 million copies sold ) by Erle Stanley Gardner Print | eBook | Audiobook

#4 – Berenstain Bears series ( 260 million copies sold ) by Stan and Jan Berenstain Print | eBook

#5 – Choose Your Own Adventure series ( 250 million copies sold ) by various authors Print

#6 – Sweet Valley High ( 250 million copies sold ) by Francine Pascal Print | eBook

#7 – Noddy series ( 200 million copies sold ) by Enid Blyton Print

#8 – Nancy Drew series ( 200 million copies sold ) by Carolyn Keene Print | eBook | Audiobook

#9 – Thomas the Tank Engine series ( 200 million copies sold ) by W. Awdry Print | eBook

#10 – San-Antonio series ( 200 million copies sold ) by Frédéric Dard Print

#11 – Robert Langdon series ( 200 million copies sold ) by Dan Brown Print | eBook | Audiobook

#12 – The Baby-sitters Club ( 172 million copies sold ) by Ann Martin Print | eBook

#13 – Star Wars series ( 150 million copies sold ) by various authors Print | eBook | Audiobook

#14 – Little Critter series ( 150 million copies sold ) by Mercer Mayer Print

#15 – Peter Rabbit ( 150 million copies sold ) by Beatrix Potter Print | eBook | Audiobook

#16 – Chicken Soup for the Soul series ( 130 million copies sold ) by Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen Print | eBook | Audiobook

#17 – American Girl series ( 120 million copies sold ) by various authors Print | eBook

#18 – The Chronicles of Narnia series ( 120 million copies sold ) by C.S. Lewis Print | eBook | Audiobook

#19 – Mr. Men ( 120 million copies sold ) by Roger Hargreaves Print | eBook

#20 – The Twilight Saga ( 120 million copies sold ) by Stephenie Meyer Print | eBook | Audiobook

#21 – Diary of a Wimpy Kid series ( 120 million copies sold ) by Jeff Kinney Print | eBook | Audiobook

#22 – Clifford the Big Red Dog series ( 110 million copies sold ) by Norman Bridwell Print | eBook | Audiobook

#23 – James Bond 007 series ( 100 million copies sold ) by Ian Fleming Print | eBook | Audiobook

#24 – Martine ( 100 million copies sold ) by Gilbert Delahaye and Marcel Marlier Print

#25 – Fifty Shades trilogy ( 100 million copies sold ) by E. L. James Print | eBook | Audiobook

II. Best Nonfiction Books

These are the best nonfiction books to read, listed by category.

• Best Art and Creativity Books
• Best Biographies and Memoirs
• Best Business Books
• Best Fitness Books
• Best History Books
• Best Philosophy Books
• Best Psychology Books
• Best Science Books
• Best Self-Help Books
• Best Writing Books

III. Best Fiction Books

These are the best fiction books to read, listed by category.

• Best Novels of All-Time
• Best Fantasy Books
• Best Mystery Books

Or, browse all book recommendations .

Sales data for the best-selling books can be found on this page .

Don Quixote was published in 1605, so it is very old and sales figures are hard to track. Although the exact number of copies sold is unknown, it is thought to be over 500 million and certainly more than any other non-political or non-religious book on the list.

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• Learn a framework that works for any habit. You can use this course to build any good habit – from getting fit, to saving for an early retirement, to daily meditation.

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The 15 Best-Selling Book Series of All Time

By michele debczak | jun 8, 2022.

Many of the most memorable settings, characters, and stories in literature aren't contained to a single novel. Titles that make up one part of a larger series are a common sight on bestseller lists . From epic fantasy sagas to picture books, these are the collections that garnered the most sales since their respective debuts.

Even if you only have a passing knowledge of the publishing world, the No.1 most popular book series on this list shouldn't come as a surprise. J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter novels have sold at least 500 million combined. When judged alone, the individual titles in the fantasy saga still rank among the best-selling books of all time .

With seven installments total, the Harry Potter series is actually one of the smallest series on this list. Other authors partially owe their impressive overall sales to the number of books they've released. R.L. Stine published 62 Goosebumps books between 1992 and 1997, and the children's horror novels have since sold 350 million copies worldwide.

Perry Mason is one of the few adult series in the ranking. With over 80 installments published between 1933 and 1973, Erle Stanley Gardner's mystery books have sold more than 300 million copies. The next two collections on the list boast even more installments: There are more than 300 books in the Berenstain Bears series, and 184 books have been published under the Choose Your Own Adventure banner by different authors.

You can view the full list of the best-selling book series of all time below. Interestingly, none of the writers behind these titles rank among the best-selling authors of all time. You can find that list here .

• Harry Potter // J.K. Rowling
• Goosebumps // R.L. Stine
• Perry Mason // Erle Stanley Gardner
• Berenstain Bears // Stan and Jan Berenstain
• Choose You Own Adventure // Multiple authors
• Sweet Valley High // Francine Pascal
• Robert Langdon // Dan Brown
• Diary of a Wimpy Kid // Jeff Kinney
• Noddy // Enid Blyton
• The Railway Series // Rev. W. Awdry and Christopher Awdry
• San-Antonio // Frédéric Dard
• Nancy Drew // Carolyn Keene
• The Baby-Sitters Club // Ann Martin
• Star Wars // Multiple authors
• Fifty Shades // E. L. James

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The Top Selling Book Series of All Time

Harry Potter easily tops the list of blockbuster book franchises.

Key Takeaways

• J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter franchise is the best-selling book series of all time with 500 million copies sold
• The series accomplished this feat over only seven total novels
• Other series on this list, all of which include dozens more installments than the Harry Potter books, have sold at least 250 million copies each

Popular book series have long been a worthwhile and productive commercial endeavor for publishers and authors alike. Nevertheless, while many novels may have topped the bestseller lists at one time or another, few have reached the heights of the book series on this list. These are the five highest-selling book series of all time.

Harry Potter

The Harry Potter series is far and away the highest-selling series of novels ever. Written by British author J.K. Rowling, the series has sold at least 500 million copies, 150 million more than the next-highest selling series. The highest-selling book in the series, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone , sold 120 million copies alone.   Even more impressive than the series’ sales dominance is the relatively few number of novels in the series—there are only seven Harry Potter books. The Goosebumps series, in comparison, includes 62 main installments.

While originally a book series, the Harry Potter franchise has grown into a worldwide brand, with movies, theme parks, video games, plays, and toys all based on Rowling’s Wizarding World. The Harry Potter movies are some of the highest-grossing of all-time, and the play set in the universe was a relative financial success on Broadway.  

Before Harry Potter became the best-selling book series of all time, R.L. Stine’s Goosebumps series held the title. After the first Goosebumps book was published in 1992, the series was an immediate hit and became a financial powerhouse for much of the 1990s. According to Stine, Goosebumps books sold 4 million copies during some months of the decade   . Although the series does not have the modern cultural following of Harry Potter, Goosebumps is still incredibly popular around the world. To date, the series has sold at least 350 million copies total.   

Just like its successor as the highest-selling book series, Goosebumps eventually became a major motion picture. The 2015 film, which starred Jack Black in the lead role of Stine himself, grossed $158 million worldwide and was followed by a sequel in 2018.  

Perry Mason

First published in 1933, the Perry Mason books by Erle Stanley Gardner were a cultural sensation that later inspired a hit television show. In total, the series has sold around 300 million copies of the series’ 82 novels.   Gardner, who was a practicing attorney before becoming a writer, was known for frenetic yet intricate plots that allowed his star lawyer to entertain audiences. Mason was surely entertaining enough—when Gardner died in 1970, he was the best-selling American author of the 20th century. In the 1960s, Gardner’s publisher reported that they sold two thousand books an hour and twenty thousand a day outside of the United States.   

The wildly successful books found an equal in the television series bearing its name. Perry Mason , which aired on CBS from 1957 to 1966, won over viewers with Richard Burr in the title role. The television show remains popular and highly-rated today.  

Berenstain Bears

A children’s classic, the Berenstain Bears series began in 1962 with The Big Honey Hunt. In the years since, over 200 Berenstain Bears books have been published and over 250 million copies have been sold. Written and illustrated by Stan and Jan Berenstain, the series has been a mainstay of children’s bookshelves for decades. After the two original creators passed away in 2005 and 2012, their son, Mike Berenstain, kept the family tradition alive. The younger Berenstain continues to write and illustrate Berenstain Bears books today.  

Choose Your Own Adventure

First published in 1979, the Choose Your Own Adventure series became a bestseller in the 1980s when its popularity exploded among children. The series, originally created by R.A. Montgomery, features 184 books written by 30 authors. Before going out of print in 1999, 250 million copies of books in the series were sold.   

The Choose Your Own Adventure books were known for their innovative structure that allowed readers to make decisions for the characters in the book. Depending on the path the reader chose, the plot and ending of the book would change accordingly. Sometimes, the reader’s choice would benefit the main character. Other times, the reader could doom the character to an unenviable fate.  

Fox Business. " This Book has Sold the Most Copies. "

Forbes. " Harry Potter’s Broadway Box Office Tactic Cloaks Drop In Demand. "

Hindustan Times. " Goosebumps’ RL Stine: I was the best-selling children’s author, then JK Rowling came along! "

Scholastic. " Goosebumps. "

Box Office Mojo. " Goosebumps. "

Steven R. Serafin and Alfred Bendixen. "The Continuum Encyclopedia of American Literature."

New York Times. "' The Fiction Factory. '"

Imdb. " Perry Mason. "

The Berenstain Bears. " About the Berenstains. "

Choose Your Own Adventure. " History of CYOA. "

The Atlantic. " Choosing Your Own Adventure, Then and Now. "

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The 25 Best-Selling Books Of All Time

Did your favorites make the list.

Creating a roundup of the 25 best-selling books of all time is harder than it sounds. Books—especially those published hundreds of years ago—were published in different editions and translated into multiple languages. Some received abridged editions, or were expanded into definitive ones. Some were published as serials, and then compiled into larger volumes. Others were purchased in bulk and then distributed for free.

Combine this with inaccurate record-keeping, and publishers who exaggerate their sales as a means of promotion, and we have no way of determining exact counts, let alone with enough accuracy to make an indisputable list. There are too many variables—too many known unknowns—that make it difficult to create something definitive. So here is what we came up with, with a few self-imposed rules:

We're doing literary fiction only. That means religious texts, self-help guides, political tools, and other reference texts are out—the Bible and Mao Tse Tung's Little Red Book would both be in the Top 25. And we're leaving out some key books like The Lord of the Rings and The Count of Monte Cristo —the former because its original serialization makes it difficult to quantify, and the latter because its age makes it difficult to find reliable sources.

Did your favorite book to curl up with under a book light make the list? How well do you think that the quality matches up with the quantity sold? Let us know in the comments. Make sure to also check out the best-selling books of 2023 below for recent picks to explore on your reading tablet .

25. Anne of Green Gables

Anne of Green Gables

Author: L.M. Montgomery

Country: Canada

Publication Date: 1908

Estimated Sales: 50 million copies

The tale of a free-spirited orphan girl who comes to live in Avonlea, Prince Edward Island, Canada is a classic children's story. The relationship between her and her foster parents—who were expecting a boy, but grow to adore her anyway—made the book a runaway success and led the author to pen seven sequels—eight, if you include the posthumous novel released in 2009. Buy here .

Author: Johanna Spyri

Country: Switzerland

Publication Date: 1880-1881

Heidi is a children's novel about a young girl, orphaned at a young age and raised by her grandfather in the Swiss Alps. She gains exposure to the outside world through her relationship with Klara, a wealthy girl in Frankfurt who's lost the ability to walk, and the two girls bond and support one another's growth.

Author: Vladimir Nabokov

Country: United States

Publication Date: 1955

Publishers were originally afraid to touch Nabokov's most famous novel, about an English professor who becomes sexually infatuated with a 12-year-old girl. Since then, it's been turned into a play, an opera, and two films, the first of which was written by Nabokov himself and directed by Stanley Kubrick.

22. One Hundred Years of Solitude (Cien años de soledad)

One Hundred Years of Solitude (Cien años de soledad) 

Author: Gabriel García Márquez

Country: Colombia

Publication Date: 1967

A dark, dramatic novel filled with magical realism, Marquez's magnus opus tells the story of the Buendía family, which founded the fictional town of Macondo. It is an epic tale that follows the family for seven generations, as family members and the larger town both prosper and suffer in ways that feel cyclical and karmic.

21. Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ

Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ

Author: Lew Wallace

Publication Date: 1880

The central conceit of the novel is a fantastic one. The reader follows the life of Judah Ben-Hur, a man who lives at the same time as Jesus, meets him, and bears witness to his Crucifixion. Today, the book is best known in popular culture via its movie adaptation starring Charlton Heston in the title role, which features an incredible chariot race that still holds up today.

20. The Bridges of Madison County

The Bridges of Madison County 

Author: Robert James Waller

Publication Date: 1992

Estimated Sales: 60 million copies

This is a romance novel about an Italian American war bride, who carries on a passionate affair with a traveling photographer while her family is at the State Fair. In 1995, Clint Eastwood turned it into a romantic drama starring himself and Meryl Streep. A Broadway musical released in 2014 was nominated for four Tonys and won two, for its Original Score and Orchestrations.

19. The Catcher in the Rye

The Catcher in the Rye 

Author: J.D. Salinger

Publication Date: 1951

Estimated Sales: 65 million copies

The definitive coming-of-age tale of an adolescent male, The Catcher in the Rye was Salinger's only full-length novel. It made Holden Caulfield, expelled prep student and hater of all things "phony," a literary hero—or antihero, depending on how much you can tolerate him. Salinger, a notorious recluse, died in 2010, but according to his son, five decades of his unpublished writing may soon see the light of day .

18. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows 

Author: J.K. Rowling

Country: United Kingdom

Publication Date: 2007

In the seventh and final book in the Potter series, Harry, Hermione, and Ron are on the run, on a mission to weaken and defeat Lord Voldemort once and for all. Its launch was accompanied by a massive anti-spoiler campaign, and debates about Snape's loyalties ran rampant. This books was split into two separate fillms for the Harry Potter movie series .

17. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Publication Date: 2005

The sixth and seventh Potter books are companions of sorts; Half-Blood Prince is the exposition, with lots of talking, explanation, and setting of stakes—and Deathly Hallows is the follow-through. In Book 6, Harry learns all he can about Lord Voldemort, arming himself with the knowledge to defeat the most evil wizard the world has ever known.

16. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix 

Publication Date: 2003

Book 5 is the longest of the seven, and when it initially launched, it was considered by many to be the weakest link; it takes awhile for the plot to get rolling, and Harry is really angry for the entire book. But time has been kind to it. It's the falling action to Goblet of Fire 's climax, and it does a lot of world-building, expanding Harry's trio to include Luna, Ginny, and Neville.

15. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

Publication Date: 2000

Possibly the strongest Potter novel, Goblet of Fire expands the scope of the Wizarding World with the introduction of the Triwizard tournament. It includes one of the series' best twists, and it marks a shift away from the light whimsy of the first book. There's death, violence, and high stakes from here on out.

14. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban 

Publication Date: 1999

Prose-wise, this book is a leap forward in maturity, and it marked the moment that many Potter readers became Potter fans. Harry's third year is beset by new challenges—most notably, a murderous, escaped wizard who might provide answers about his parents' deaths.

13. The Alchemist (O Alquimista)

The Alchemist (O Alquimista)

Author: Paulo Coelho

Country: Brazil

Publication Date: 1988

This novel, about a Spanish shepherd who travels to Egypt in search of treasure, was a flop when a small publishing house snapped up the rights in 1988. But after the company gave Coelho back the rights, he continued his attempts to get his novel published and seen. Today, his tenacity has paid off; Coelho characterizes his desire to be seen as "fate." Original language: Portuguese.

12. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets 

Publication Date: 1998

Estimated Sales: 77 million copies

It's hard to follow lightning in a bottle. And although Chamber of Secrets is probably the weakest Potter book, it establishes a bigger wizarding society beyond Hogwarts' walls. We learn more about the schools' founders. And Rowling keeps us interested enough to pick up Prisoner of Azkaban , which is where the fun really starts.

11. The Da Vinci Code

The Da Vinci Code

Author: Dan Brown

Estimated Sales: 80 million

Through a combination of short chapters, forward momentum, narrative twists, and church conspiracies, The Da Vinci Code was a pop culture phenomenon, prompting many readers to delve into its explosive, controversial claims that Jesus had a blood descendant, and there was a fanatical sect of Catholicism dedicated to hiding the truth. The critics panned The Da Vinci Code , but the people made it into a commercial success.

10. Vardi Wala Gunda

Vardi Wala Gunda

Author: Ved Prakash Sharma

Country: India

Estimated Sales: 80 million copies

Written in Hindi, Vardi Wala Gunda is a mystery thriller about corrupt cops and assassination conspiracies. The author, Ved Prakash Sharma, has written over 170 novels. This one is his most famous and successful.

9. She: A History of Adventure

She: A History of Adventure 

Author: H. Rider Haggard

Publication Date: 1886

Estimated Sales: 83 million copies

A story of two explorers who discover a lost kingdom in the heart of Africa, She: A History of Adventure was a pivotal work of literature in the fantasy genre. Any media that details the hunt for a lost civilization—like Shangri-La—or the mysticism and magic of a forgotten place, owes a debt to this novel. In popular media, both the Indiana Jones and Tarzan franchises borrow liberally from She.

8. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe 

Author: C.S. Lewis

Publication Date: 1950

Estimated Sales: 85 million copies

Four children walk through a wardrobe and wind up in a wintry wonderland known as Narnia. Fauns and talking animals are ruled by an evil White Witch, who displaced the true ruler of Narnia—a massive, god-like lion named Aslan. A benchmark of children's literature, the book led to six sequels, which are collectively known as The Chronicles of Narnia. The Chronicles of Narnia novels are excellent for anyone looking to read more fantasy books in 2024 .

7. The Hobbit

Author: J.R.R. Tolkien

Publication Date: 1937

Estimated Sales: 100 million copies

Before The Lord of The Rings , there was The Hobbit , a children's book about a hobbit named Bilbo Baggins, and the quest he goes on with a wizard and 13 dwarves to claim their ancestral home from a dragon. Originally a standalone work, The Hobbit was incorporated into Middle-earth as The Lord of the Rings took shape, and Tolkien added additional, contextual details in later Hobbit editions. You can check out all of the Lord of the Rings books for more info.

See our guide to The Lord of the Rings timeline .

6. Dream of the Red Chamber

Dream of the Red Chamber

Author: Cao Xueqin

Country: China

Publication Date: 1791

Dream of the Red Chamber is widely considered one of the great Chinese novels from the pre-Modern era. Written during the Qing Dynasty—the last Imperial dynasty before the 1911 Revolution brought the monarchy to its end—it depicts the success and fall of a noble family, and it is well-known for its nuanced depictions of female characters.

5. And Then There Were None

And Then There Were None

Author: Agatha Christie

Publication Date: 1939

Considered by the author herself to be one of her best written works, And Then There Were None is a murder mystery that traps ten people on an island. One of them is a murderer, and as each of them begin dying one-by-one in accordance to a nursery rhyme, the survivors try to solve the mystery to save themselves.

4. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

Publication Date: 1997

Estimated Sales: 120 million copies

The first book about The Boy Who Lived is the shortest one, and it is perhaps the most magical one—no other book in the series captures the same sort of childish wonderment that Harry experiences when he enters the wizarding world for the first time. There were boarding school novels before Rowling's, and there were boy wizards before her Chosen One. But nothing has captured the popular imagination quite like Harry Potter , before or since. That being said, there are still quite a few books like Harry Potter worth reading.

3. The Little Prince (Le Petit Prince)

The Little Prince

Author: Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

Country: France

Publication Date: 1943

Estimated Sales: 140 million copies

An impenetrable tale of uncommon beauty, The Little Prince captures something whimsical and fleeting about childhood—and the limited view that comes with adulthood and conformity. It is, in a literal sense, about a boy prince who travels from his home asteroid to other planets. But it's been alternately interpreted as a commentary on war, and even as a Biblical allegory.

2. A Tale of Two Cities

A Tale of Two Cities

Author: Charles Dickens

Publication Date: 1859

Estimated Sales: 200 million copies

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair…" So begins Dickens' most famous novel, a historical fiction narrative set during the French Revolution. Like most of Dickens' works, it deals with matters of class, the desperation of the poor, and the decadence of the wealthy.

1. Don Quixote

Don Quixote

Author: Miguel de Cervantes

Country: Spain

Publication Date: 1605 (Part One), 1615 (Part Two)

Estimated Sales: 500 million copies

Originally published in two volumes, Don Quixote is an epic tragicomedy about a man so subsumed in tales of knighthood and gallantry that he imagines he is a knight, and he enlists a peasant man and woman as his "squire" and his "lady." Multiple scenes in the book have become iconic, especially Don Quixote's battle with the windmills, which he imagines to be fearsome giants.

Best Selling Books in 2023

Unlike our all-time list, it's a little bit easier to identify the best-selling books of this year. The easiest way to identify top-sellers is to look at Amazon's best-selling books list for 2023 . This list features that highest-selling books on Amazon for the year, which includes a mix of New York Times bestsellers as well as various other new novels and biographies. While Amazon's list doesn't represent all book sales, it does represent a pretty significant portion of online book sales. These are the top 15 books of 2023, according to Amazon's list:

• Atomic Habits - James Clear
• Spare - Prince Harry
• Iron Flame - Rebecca Yarros
• The Woman in Me - Britney Spears
• Lessons in Chemistry - Bonnie Garmus
• Fourth Wing - Rebecca Yarros
• The 48 Laws of Power - Robery Greene
• It Starts With Us - Colleen Hoover
• The Body Keeps Score - Bessel van der Kolk M.D
• It Ends With Us - Colleen Hoover
• Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity
• The Housemaid
• The Very Hungry Caterpillar
• Killers of the Flower Moon

Kevin Wong is a commerce freelance writer for IGN.

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The 30 Best-Selling Novels of All Time

These books have sold tens or even hundreds of millions of copies.

We get it: When you hear the word "blockbuster," you probably think of some handsome guy named Chris flexing his muscles across the big-screen. But as much as popular as those comic book movies are, that term can also apply to a great read as well. Herein, we've rounded up the 30 best-selling novels of all time. You've likely heard of them all, and have maybe even read a few. But you probably didn't know that tens of millions—and in some case, hundreds of millions—of other people have done the same. So keep reading to find out how many of these blockbuster books you have on your physical or digital shelves. And for upcoming memoirs penned by your favorite stars, check out 7 Must-Read Celebrity Books Coming Out This Year .

1 Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes

Year released: 1612 Copies sold: 500 million

The most popular novel of all time, Don Quixote,   is a testament to how great storytelling has no expiration date. The story follows a Hidalgo, Alonso Quixano, who proves that chivalry will, in fact, never die.

For foreign language terms you use regularly, check out 35 Commonly Used Words We Totally Stole From Other Languages .

2 A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens

Year released: 1859 Copies sold: 200 million

Chances are, you read A Tale of Two Cities (or at least pretended to) in a high school class. It's no surprise that this novel has sold so many copies—it's practically mandatory.

3 The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien

Year released: 1954 Copies sold: 150 million

The best-selling fantasy novel series, The Lord of the Rings , has only grown in popularity since it was released, spawning a veritable armada of films, theatre, music, artwork, video games, and even board games.

To see where the feature adaptations fall on the list of the most acclaimed movies of the past 20 years, check out The Single Best Movie of the 21st Century, According to Critics .

4 The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

Year released: 1943 Copies sold: 150 million

The Little Prince , a book about the perils of growing old by French aristocrat Antoine de Saint-Exupéry , has been translated into more than 300 languages and dialects.

5 The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

Year released: 1937 Copies sold: 150 million

This relatively brief novel set the stage for J.R.R. Tolkien 's later work, The Lord of the Rings.  In The Hobbit, or There and Back Again , we follow protagonist Bilbo Baggins and accompany him on a treasure hunt gone wrong.

For words you're probably getting wrong every time, check out These Are the Most Commonly Misspelled Words in the Country .

6 Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J.K. Rowling

Year released: 1997 Copies sold: 120 million

In the first installment of the massively popular series, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone— otherwise known as Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone —a boy finds out, not only that he's a wizard, but that he's already famous in a world he doesn't know.

7 The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis

Year released: 1950 Copies sold: 85 million

The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe is by far the most popular novel in the seven-book series  The Chronicles of Narnia, by C.S. Lewis . The series follows four siblings as they explore a magical new world they can access through an old wardrobe, with plenty of Christian symbolism for older readers to unpack.

For novels that translated incredibly well on screen, check out 23 Amazing Books That Made Even Better Movies .

8 She: A History of Adventure by H. Rider Haggard

Year released: 1887 Copies sold: 83 million

Perhaps the most popular novel you've never heard of,  She: A History of Adventure  follows a professor and his colleague on a journey prompted by a shard of ancient pottery. While  She  is sometimes credited for a progressive view of women for its time, it also enforces ideas of racial superiority .

9 The Adventures of Pinocchio by Carlo Collodi

Year released: 1881 Copies sold: 80 million

The Adventures of Pinocchio , originally written in Italian, inspired the famous Disney animated version and cemented a colloquial association between long noses and liars.

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10 The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown

Year released: 2003 Copies sold: 80 million

This thriller by  Dan Brown  became a sensation when it was first published, even though it was actually the second novel to feature symbologist protagonist, Robert Langdon. The first was Angels & Demons , and both were adapted into films starring  Tom Hanks .

11 Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling

Year released: 1998 Copies sold: 77 million

In the second installment of the Harry Potter series, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets , Harry, Ron, and Hermoine investigate the origin of threatening messages written on the walls of Hogwarts and the attacker of several petrified students and staff. Enemies of the heir, beware.

12 Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling

Year released: 1999 Copies sold: 65 million

During the third part of the series, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban , Harry is put in danger when someone from his past escapes a high-security wizarding prison, while Dementors threaten the well-being of students at Hogwarts.

13 Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling

Year released: 2000 Copies sold: 65 million

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire is the fourth (and first really long) book in the franchise. It centers around the Triwizard Tournament, a highly anticipated event where students from two other wizarding schools visit Hogwarts so their finest students can compete in a series of tasks. But Harry and his friends start to suspect that someone sinister is pulling strings behind the scenes.

14 Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling

Year released: 2003 Copies sold: 65 million

Harry develops a crush on classmate Cho Chang in the fifth part of the series, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix , and things seem to be going great—despite the fact that no one believes him when he swears that Lord Voldemort is indeed coming back. So, to prepare, Harry and his friends form their own group, practicing self-defense magic.

15 Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling

In the sixth installment, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince , Harry ends up in possession of a potions book that transforms him from a below-average student of Snape's to a truly remarkable one. Though, this greatness doesn't last for long after Harry realizes who the previous owner of his book, the Half-Blood Prince, really was.

16 Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling

Year released: 2007 Copies sold: 65 million

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows  brings the series to an end in a battle for Hogwarts—and the wizarding world as a whole.

17 The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Year released: 1988 Copies sold: 65 million

The Alchemist , by Brazilian author Paulo Coelho , follows a shepherd boy named Santiago as he sets out to find the treasure that he dreamed about. Along the way, he encounters many characters who assist him in his quest.

18 The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

Year released: 1951 Copies sold: 65 million

One of the most frequently discussed coming-of-age books of all time, The Catcher in the Rye  centers on a disillusioned teenager named Holden Caulfield, who's been a hero to many a reader who also sees the hypocrisy in "adult" society.

19 The Bridges of Madison County by Robert James Waller

Year released: 1992 Copies sold: 60 million

This best-selling romance takes place on a farm in Madison County, Iowa during the '60s and tells the story of a lonely, married woman who has a tumultuous four-day affair with a photographer from National Geographic who's in town to document its bridges. It's been adapted into a movie (starring Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep ) and a stage musical.

20 Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ by Lew Wallace

Year released: 1880 Copies sold: 50 million

While you may be more familiar with the classic, Academy-Award-winning film,  Ben-Hur , the book that inspired it was even more popular.

21 One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez

Year released: 1967 Copies sold: 50 million

Possibly the most well-known example of the magical realism style,  One Hundred Years of Solitude  follows several generations of a Colombian family after its patriarch founds a town called Macondo.

22 Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov

Year released: 1955 Copies sold: 50 million

As controversial as it still is,  Lolita  is still frequently read. Its narrator is also its protagonist—a middle-aged professor who becomes obsessed with his stepdaughter, a 12-year-old girl.

23 Heidi by Johanna Spyri

This Swiss children's book is about a young girl who goes to live with her grandfather after her parents pass away. It's been adapted several times over the years, first in a movie starring Shirley Temple .

24 Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery

Year released: 1908 Copies sold: 50 million

Anne of Green Gables has inspired generations of young readers as it follows a girl who must overcome challenging obstacles with grit and gusto, which she always does.

25 Black Beauty by Anna Sewell

Year released: 1877 Copies sold: 50 million

Black Beauty  is a "memoir" written from the perspective of the eponymous horse himself. It's considered one of the foremost pieces of fiction that discusses issues of animal cruelty and animal welfare.

26 The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco

Year released: 1980 Copies sold: 50 million

If you're a fan of the Robert Langdon books, you should also check out this mystery thriller by Italian author  Umberto Eco . It deals with similar themes and puzzles and is even more steeped in antiquity, as it's set in the 14th century.

27 The Eagle Has Landed by Jack Higgins

Year released: 1975 Copies sold: 50 million

This World War II novel was very quickly adapted into a feature film and continues to be widely read today.

28 Watership Down by Richard Adams

Year released: 1972 Copies sold: 50 million

Another much-assigned novel for high school students,  Watership Down  is an allegory heavy with meaning, starring…a warren full of rabbits, who develop their own intricate society.

29 Charlotte's Web by E.B. White

Year released: 1952 Copies sold: 50 million

Countless children experienced their first literature-related cry while reading this novel about a girl named Fern who convinces her farmer father to let her keep a runty piglet named Wilbur as a pet and Charlotte, the spider who does everything she can to keep the little guy safe.

30 The Ginger Man by J.P. Donleavy

Considering its lead character is a young man who doesn't do much but drink to excess and have affairs, it's not surprising that  The Ginger Man  was banned in the U.S. and its country of origin, Ireland.

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The Complete List of New York Times Fiction Best Sellers

Go beyond just the current list of New York Times Fiction Best Sellers to discover every bestselling book listed on the NYT Bestseller List in 2024.

Since 1931, The New York Times has been publishing a weekly list of bestselling books. Since then, becoming a New York Times bestseller has become a dream for virtually every writer.

When I first started reading adult fiction, one of the first places I went for book recommendations was the New York Times Fiction Best Sellers. I wanted to know what books were the most widely read, and start with those.

However, scrolling through the list week by week on The New York Times website is rather annoying. I just wanted all the bestselling fiction books gathered together in one place.

When I couldn’t find it, I decided to create it.

Here are all the New York Times fiction bestsellers from this year. I’ve got the current #1 and this week’s bestselling list, both of which you can find all over the place.

This list also compiles every book that appears on the New York Times Fiction Best Sellers list in 2024 for Hardcover Fiction. Every week I update it so you can get the most accurate view of the year in one place.

Since this is a bit of a sprawling post, feel free to jump to the section that most interests you or take your time scrolling through the complete list of New York Times fiction best sellers.

Quick Links

• Current #1 NYT Bestseller
• Current New York Times Fiction Best Seller List
• Previous #1 Fiction Best Sellers
• Heavyweights (10+ Weeks)
• Fan Favorites (5+ Weeks)
• Honorable Mention (2+ Weeks)
• One Hit Wonders

Don’t Miss a Thing

Current #1 New York Times Best Seller

Elin Hilderbrand

( 1 Week ) After over thirty years as the Chief of Police in Nantucket, Ed Kapanesh is only days away from retirement. The Richardsons have made a splash since their arrival, doing anything they can to gain admittance to Nantucket’s exclusive club. While throwing a party on their yacht, they find their mansion has burned down and their personal assistant, the best friend of Ed’s daughter, is missing. Postponing his retirement, Ed uses the local real estate agent and the town gossip to help solve the mystery in his close-knit community.

Publication Date: 11 June 2024 Learn More: Goodreads | StoryGraph | More Info Buy Now: Amazon | Apple Books

Current List of New York Times Best Sellers

Nantucket residents are alarmed when a home, recently sold at an exorbitant price, goes up in flames and someone goes missing.

The Big Island of Hawaii comes under threat by a volcano at the same time a secret held by the military comes to light.

In 1965, a nursing student follows her brother to serve during the Vietnam War and returns to a divided America.

The third book in the Camino series. The last living inhabitant of a deserted island gets in the way of a resort developer.

A dozen short stories that explore darkness in literal and metaphorical forms.

After their exes run off together, Daphne and Miles form a friendship and concoct a plan involving misleading photos.

Violet Sorrengail is urged by the commanding general, who also is her mother, to become a candidate for the elite dragon riders.

The second book in the Empyrean series. Violet Sorrengail’s next round of training might require her to betray the man she loves.

A thief breaks the Monster Treaty that was created in the aftermath of the destruction of New York City years ago.

An aspiring screenwriter hopes to convince a famous but jaded screenwriter that love stories matter.

A reimagining of “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” shines a different light on Mark Twain’s classic, revealing new facets of the character of Jim.

The second book in the Crowns of Nyaxia series. Oraya faces a difficult choice between love and power.

A Hollywood reboot of an art-house horror flick brings up decades-old, on-set tragedies for its sole surviving cast member.

Lawyers from different backgrounds represent a Black man charged with killing a wealthy white couple in Virginia in 1968.

The 24th book in the Dave Robicheaux series. Robicheaux and his partner Clete Purcel go after smugglers of a new drug.

See what Upcoming Releases are coming out soon!

Previous #1 New York Times Fiction Best Sellers

Lessons in Chemistry

Bonnie garmus.

(99 Weeks) Elizabeth Zott has always defied stereotyping, especially as the only woman chemist at the Hastings Research Institute in the 1960s. After falling in love with another chemist who sees her for who she is, life throws her a curveball. Now as a single mom, she unexpectedly finds herself the host of a tv cooking show. When Elizabeth’s unusual approach to cooking charms her audience, the women who watch her begin to question the status quo in their own lives, making Elizabeth a target of those who find the change unwelcome.

Publication Date: 5 April 2022 Amazon | Goodreads | More Info

Fourth Wing

Rebecca yarros.

( 58 Weeks ) Violet Sorrengail is all set to live a quiet life among her books until her mother orders her to become a candidate for the highly competitive dragon riders. But dragons usually prefer to kill rather than bond with weak humans like Violet. With half the competition willing to kill her to improve their odds and the other half hating her because of her mother, Violet must use all her wits to survive the war college. 

Publication Date: 2 May 2023 Amazon | Goodreads | More Info

( 32 Weeks ) In the highly anticipated sequel to Fourth Wing, Violet Sorrengail returns for her second year at Basgiath War College. No one expected her to survive this long, much less bond with one of the strongest dragons in existence and a second dragon as well. Now that she knows the secret the nation has been hiding, it will take all her wits to survive her second year, especially with the new vice commandant determined to make her betray the man she loves. 

Publication Date: 7 November 2023 Amazon | Goodreads | More Info

Ann Patchett

( 24 Weeks ) In 2020, three grown daughters return to their family orchard in Michigan to isolate with their mother. They beg her to tell them about a story from her youth when she fell in love with famous actor Peter Duke while they performed together at the Tom Lake Theater Company. As Lara ponders her life, her daughters begin to wonder about their own choices.

Publication Date: 1 August 2023 Amazon | Goodreads | More Info

Stephen King

(18 Weeks) Holly is meant to be on leave due to the myriad of personal struggles she is facing, but something about the plea to find a missing daughter is impossible to turn down. Mere blocks from where the girl disappeared live a respectable couple who harbor a chilling secret in their basement, and Holly must outwit and outmaneuver them in this frightening new novel from Stephen King.

Publication Date: 16 May 2023 Amazon | Goodreads | More Info

Kristin Hannah

( 19 Weeks ) The Women   is the story of one woman gone to war, but it shines a light on all women who put themselves in harm’s way and whose sacrifice and commitment to their country has too often been forgotten. A novel about deep friendships and bold patriotism,  The Women   is a richly drawn story with a memorable heroine whose idealism and courage under fire will come to define an era.

Publication Date: 6 February 2024 Amazon | Goodreads | More Info

The Exchange

John grisham.

(16 Weeks) In a sequel to his debut thriller, The Firm , John Grisham returns to tell you what happened to Mitch and Abby McDeere after they exposed the crimes of his corrupt Memphis law firm. Fifteen years later, Mitch and Abby are living in Manhattan where Mitch is a partner in the world’s largest law firm. When Mitch gets caught up in another sinister plot with worldwide implications, he must do all he can to stay one step ahead of his enemies.

Publication Date: 17 October 2023 Amazon | Goodreads | More Info

House of Flame and Shadow

Sarah j. maas.

( 13 Weeks ) In the third Crescent City book, Bryce Quinlan struggles to find her way back to Midgard. Stranded in a new world, she must decide who she can trust. Meanwhile, Hunt Athalar is in the Asteri’s dungeons, again, with no clue what happened to Bryce. If he wants to find her, he must first escape the Asteri’s leash.

Publication Date: 30 January 2024 Amazon | Goodreads | More Info

Funny Story

Emily henry.

( 8 Weeks ) Daphne and her fiancé Peter have the perfect cute story of how they met, up until Peter leaves her for his childhood best friend Petra. Stranded in Peter’s lakeside Michigan hometown with a job as a children’s librarian she loves, Daphne needs a roommate to help pay the bills. Who better than Petra’s ex, Miles, who is completely Daphne’s opposite? And no big deal if they happen to post misleading photos to make their exes jealous, because there’s no way they would ever actually fall in love.

Publication Date: 23 April 2024 Learn More: Goodreads | StoryGraph | More Info Buy Now: Amazon | Apple Books

You Like It Darker

( 4 Weeks ) Stephen King’s readers always ask for something a little darker and King is glad to oblige. A collection of twelve short stories, You Like It Darker delves into the darker side of life. A psychic vision runs lives. A widower receives an inheritance with strings attached. A vet answers a job ad that leads him to places no one should go. Whether discussing fate, luck, mortality, or parts of the universe best left unexplored, King is a master storyteller who isn’t afraid to delve into the darker side of things.

Publication Date: 21 May 2024 Learn More: Goodreads | StoryGraph |  More Info Buy Now: Amazon  

Camino Ghosts

( 3 Weeks ) In the third Camino Island book, bookstore owner Bruce Cable reunites with Mercer Mann for another island mystery. A large real estate developer has his eye on a deserted island between Florida and Georgia. All that stands in his way is the last living resident, Lovely Jackson, and a complicated history that makes the locals believe the island is cursed.

Publication Date: 28 May 2024 Learn More: Goodreads | StoryGraph | More Info Buy Now: Amazon | Apple Books

Michael Crichton and James Patterson

( 2 Weeks ) At the time of his death, bestselling author Michael Crichton ( Jurassic Park , The Andromeda Strain ) was working on a passion project that he never got to finish. Waiting for the right co-author, his wife eventually gave the unfinished manuscript to legendary mystery author James Patterson to finish. In what might be one of the summer’s biggest thrillers, a deadly volcanic eruption is about to burst on the Big Island of Hawaii forcing a terrifying military secret to come to light.

Publication Date: 3 June 2024 Learn More: Goodreads | StoryGraph | More Info Buy Now: Amazon | Apple Books

Save for Later

Heavyweights (10+ Weeks on the NYT Bestseller List)

Demon Copperhead

Barbara kingsolver.

(70 Weeks) In a modern-day version of David Copperfield set in the Appalachian Mountains, Demon Copperhead speaks of how institutional poverty and the opioid epidemic damaged an entire generation of children. A child of a single mother living in a single-wide trailer, young Demon must survive foster care, child labor, poor schools, addiction, success, and failure in this epic tale perfect for book clubs who love thought-provoking topics.

Publication Date: 18 October 2022 Amazon | Goodreads | More Info

Remarkably Bright Creatures

Shelby van pelt.

( 52 Weeks ) After her husband died, Tova Sullivan began working the night shift at the Sowell Bay Aquarium. Thirty years ago, Tova’s son Erik disappeared on a boat in the Puget Sound, and cleaning the aquarium helps her cope. When she befriends Marcellus, the aquarium’s giant octopus, Marcellus discovers what happened to Erik and must find a way to show Tova the truth before it’s too late.

Publication Date: 3 May 2022 Amazon | Goodreads | More Info

Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow

Gabrielle zevin.

( 51 Weeks ) On a bitterly cold day, Sam Masur runs into Sadie Green on a train platform and they renew their childhood friendship bonding over video games. Together, they create Ichigo, a blockbuster game that changes their lives. Over the next three decades, their friendship is tested as their success leads them to money, fame, love, and betrayal. More a heartrending story about friendship than video games, Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow is an unputdownable read with complex character development.

Publication Date: 12 July 2022 Amazon | Goodreads | More Info

The Covenant of Water

Abraham verghese.

(39 Weeks ) At the turn of the century, a twelve-year-old girl grieving her father is sent by boat to meet her 40-year-old husband. Eventually she becomes to be known as Big Ammachi, the matriarch of a family particularly cursed to have one member of each generation die by drowning. From 1900-1977, Big Ammachi sees unimaginable changes to her Christian community on South India’s Malabar coast.

The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store

James mcbride.

(37 Weeks) Secrets held by the residents of a dilapidated neighborhood come to life when a skeleton is found at the bottom of a well.  When the truth is finally revealed the real lesson learned is that even in dark times, it is love and community-heaven and earth-that sustain us.

Publication Date: 8 August 2023 Amazon | Goodreads | More Info

First Lie Wins

Ashley elston.

( 16 Weeks ) Every time an assignment comes in from the mysterious Mr. Smith, Evie takes a new identity and learns everything she can about the town and its people. Her newest mark: Ryan Sumner. But Evie connects with Ryan in a way she hasn’t in a long time. When a woman shows up using Evie’s real name, Evie must do everything she can to stay one step ahead of her boss and complete her mission. Especially after what happened last time.

Publication Date: 2 January 2024 Amazon | Goodreads | More Info

The Little Liar

Mitch albom.

(12 Weeks) Eleven-year-old Nico Krispis has never told a lie. His best friend Fannie loves him for it but his brother Sebastian resents it. When his coastal Greek city is occupied by Nazis, the Germans use Nico’s reputation for honesty as a tool. Realizing what he’s done, Nico vows to never tell the truth again, constantly changing names and identities desperate to find forgiveness.

Publication Date: 14 November 2023 Amazon | Goodreads

Fan Favorites (5+ Weeks on the New York Times Bestseller List)

James by percival everett.

Amazon | Goodreads (9 Weeks) A reimagining of “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” shines a different light on Mark Twain’s classic, revealing new facets of the character of Jim.

Gothikana by RuNyx

Amazon | Goodreads (8 Weeks) A century-old mystery brings Corvina Clemm and Vad Deverell together at a university based in a castle at the top of a mountain with a dark history.

A Fate Inked In Blood by Danielle L. Jensen

Amazon | Goodreads | More Info (8 Weeks) After the secret of her magic to repel attacks is revealed, Freya encounters dangerous tests by the gods.

A Calamity of Souls by David Baldacci

Amazon | Goodreads |  More Info (8 Weeks) Lawyers from different backgrounds represent a Black man charged with killing a wealthy white couple in Virginia in 1968.  

Table for Two by Amor Towles

Amazon | Goodreads |  More Info (7 Weeks) A collection of six short stories based in New York City around the year 2000 and a novella set during the Golden Age of Hollywood.

None of This is True by Lisa Jewell

Amazon | Goodreads |  More Info (7 Weeks) After meeting a woman who shares the same birthday, Alix Summer becomes the subject of her own true crime podcast.  

The Secret by Lee Child and Andrew Child

Amazon | Goodreads (7 Weeks) The 28th book in the Jack Reacher series. It’s 1992 and Reacher looks into the cause of a string of mysterious deaths.  

The Edge by David Baldacci

Amazon | Goodreads (7 Weeks) The second book in the 6:20 Man series. Travis Devine investigates the murder of the C.I.A. operative Jenny Silkwell in rural Maine.  

Alex Cross Must Die by James Patterson

Amazon | Goodreads (7 Weeks) The 32nd book in the Alex Cross series. When a jet is gunned down, Cross goes back into action.  

The Fury by Alex Michaelides

Amazon | Goodreads | More Info (6 Weeks) Violence erupts when a former movie star brings a group of her friends to her private Greek island for Easter.

Holmes, Marple & Poe by James Patterson & Brian Sitts

Amazon | Goodreads (5 Weeks) Three private investigators working in New York City draw the attention of an N.Y.P.D. detective.

The #1 Lawyer by James Patterson and Nancy Allen

Amazon | Goodreads (5 Weeks) A criminal defense attorney in Biloxi becomes the prime suspect in his wife’s murder.

The 24th Hour by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro

Amazon | Goodreads (5 Weeks) The 24th book in the Women’s Murder Club series. A high-society killer could spell trouble for members of the club.

Honorable Mention (2-4 Weeks on the New York Times Bestseller List)

For 20 years, Daphne received slips of paper accurately predicting the length of her relationships. That changes when she meets Jake.

The 24th book in the Women’s Murder Club series. A high-society killer could spell trouble for members of the club.

One Hit Wonders (1 Week on the New York Times Best Seller List)

Do You Agree with The New York Times Fiction Best Sellers?

What books do you think are the best of the year? Do you think The New York Times Fiction Best Sellers deserve the hype? As always, let me know in the comments!

More New Book Releases:

• The New York Times Nonfiction Bestseller List
• The Most-Anticipated Upcoming Releases of 2024
• The 2023 New York Times Fiction Bestsellers
• The Current Celebrity Book Club Picks
• The Top 50 Books of the Last Decade

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The 20 Best-Selling Fantasy Books of All-Time

The bible may be the best-selling book of all time (current estimates suggest it’s sold over 5 billion copies worldwide), but it’s got some serious competition on its hands from the world of fantasy literature .

Here, we take a look at the 20 bestselling fantasy books of all time. Just a note before we get started: in the interests of not turning the entire top ten over to a certain boy wizard, we’ve clumped any titles that feature as part of a franchise together.

We’ve also excluded certain books that may have amassed huge sales over the years, but don’t come with any firm sales figures… Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland is a case in point).

20. Shannara series by Terry Brooks - 21 million copies

First up we have the Shannara series by Terry Brooks. Given the number of books in the series (11 all told, consisting of Word & Void, Genesis of Shannara, Legends of Shannara, Paladins of Shannara, The Original Shannara Trilogy, Heritage of Shannara, Voyage of the Jerle Shannara, High Druid of Shannara, The Dark Legacy of Shannara, The Defenders of Shannara and The Fall of Shannara), it’s little wonder the franchise has pulled in around 21 million in sales worldwide.

In tribute to the success of the novels, MTV aired a TV adaptation of Brook’s work between 2016 and 2017; unfortunately for the network, the series didn’t prove quite so popular as the books, and the show was pulled after just two seasons.

19. Artemis Fowl series by Eoin Colfer - 21 million  copies

The Artemis Fowl series of novels by Eoin Colfer got its first release in 2001. Since then, Colfer has released 7 more additions to the series, including The Arctic Incident, The Eternity Code, The Opal Deception, The Lost Colony, The Time Paradox, The Atlantis Complex, and the final book in the series, The Last Guardian.

The franchise has proved massively successful, generating sales of around 21 million copies worldwide and spawning a film adaptation (currently set for release in May 2020) directed by Kenneth Branagh and featuring the likes of Judi Dench, Hong Chau, Josh Gad, and Miranda Raison in starring roles.

18. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl - 22 million copies

What would a best-selling fantasy list (or indeed, any list) be without at least one mention of one of the UK’s most beloved writers, Roald Dahl? Dahl’s substantial body of work has been keeping children (and probably a fair few adults) entertained for years.

Of the many books he released, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is undoubtedly one of the greatest, combining warm sentiment and wicked humor with Dahl’s legendary love for the macabre.

Although several film adaptations of Charlie’s adventures have been made, it’s to the book we keep returning… to the tune of 22 million sales to date.

17. The Sword of Truth series by Terry Goodkind - 25 million copies

Terry Goodkind’s series of twenty-one novels, The Sword of Truth, plunges us into an epic fight of good versus evil as it introduces us to the adventures of protagonists, Richard Cypher, Kahlan Amnell, Nicci, Cara, and Zeddicus Zu'l Zorander.

The series, which began in 1994 with Wizard’s First Rule, has sold around 25 million books worldwide and spawned a television series adaptation (2008’s Legend of the Seeker) in the process.

16. Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon - 25 million copies

With around 25 million worldwide sales to date, there’s no denying how much we love time-traveling nurse, Claire Randall, and her dashing 18th-century paramour, Scottish warrior Jamie Fraser.

In addition to their starring role in the 9 novels published as part of the franchise, Claire and her associates have appeared in 4 additional novella’s (A Leaf on the Wind of All Hallows (2010), The Space Between (2013), Virgins (2013), and A Fugitive Green (2017)) as well as a graphic novel, numerous audiobooks, a TV series, and even a musical album (2010’s Outlander: The Musical).

15. The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame - 25 million copies

Everyone’s favorite children’s bedtime story, The Wind in the Willows, has sold 25 million copies since it was first published all the way back in June 1908.

Telling the story of Mole, Rat, Toad, and Badger, Grahame’s masterpiece combines a whimsical tale with underlying themes of morality, mysticism, and camaraderie….and judging from the sales, it’s a combination we never get tired off.

14. The Dark Tower series by Stephen King - 30 million copies

Stephen King is considered by many to be the reigning king of fantasy, and with 30 million sales of The Dark Tower under his belt, it’s easy to see why. Consisting of 8 full-length books and 1 short story, the franchise incorporates elements of horror, western, sci-fi, and dark fantasy to create a world of mystery, intrigue, and adventure.

Those who can’t get enough of King’s fantastical creation may be tempted to check out the 2017 film adaptation of the same name, but with most critics blasting the production as dull and disappointing, you might want to stick with the original instead.

13. The Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini - 33 million copies

With 33 million copies of The Inheritance Cycle sold worldwide, it’s easy to see why more and more authors are following Christopher Paolini’s example and trying their luck with young adult fantasy novels.

Since its first release in 2002, the franchise has achieved massive popularity with teenagers… critics, on the other hand, have never been truly convinced, and have usually greeted new additions to the series with, at best, a lukewarm response.

Given the amount he’s pulling in with sales, we doubt Paolini is losing to much sleep over it.

12. The Shadowhunter Chronicles by Cassandra Clare - 36 million copies

Another entry on our list from the genre of teenage fiction is Cassandra Clare’s The Shadowhunter Chronicles. With 12 novels published to the franchise and 36 million copies sold worldwide, Clare is living proof of the benefits to be had from tapping into the growing market for young adult fiction.

11. Watership Down by Richard Adams - 40 million copies

At number 11 we have Watership Down, one of the most enduringly popular books to ever be published. The classic tale of survival and adventure has inspired a love of reading in millions of children the world over, sparked numerous TV, theatre and film adaptations, and even had a role-playing game named in its honor.

10. A Song of Ice and Fire by George R. R. Martin - 60 million copies

George R. R. Martin’s series A Song of Ice and Fire is estimated to have sold a staggering 60 million copies worldwide- a figure no doubt helped by the suspense he creates by taking his time in between releases.

The first in the franchise, A Game of Thrones (sound familiar?), was published in 1996; A Clash of Kings followed in 1998, while the third installment, A Storm of Swords, was released in 2000.

Fans had to wait until 2005 to read the fourth installment, A Feast For Crows, and another 6 years for A Dance With Dragons. The fifth and sixth installments (The Winds of Winter and A Dream Of Spring) are still pending.

9. Discworld by Terry Pratchett - 70 million copies

Until his death in 2015, Terry Pratchett was one of the most prolific writers of fantasy literature in the world. The first release in the Discworld series, The Color of Magic, was published all the way back in 1983: 36 years later, it remains as popular as ever. Consisting of a mammoth 41 titles, the franchise is estimated to have sold over 70 million copies worldwide.

8. The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson - 80 million copies

With over 80 million copies sold so far, The Wheel of Time is one of the most popular collections of fantasy novels of all time.

The original creator, Robert Jordan, died in 2007 but left enough material for Brandon Sanderson to step in and round off the series with three further novels (The Gathering Storm (2009), Towers of Midnight (2010), and A Memory of Light (2013)).

Diehard fans of the series will be pleased to know a TV adaptation has been commissioned and is due to hit our screens later this year.

7. The Vampire Chronicles by Anne Rice - 80 million copies+

Anne Rice’s The Vampire Chronicles has enjoyed huge success as a series of novels, a film (who can forget the atrocious miscasting of Tom Cruise as French nobleman-slash-vampire, Lestat De Lioncourt?) and a TV series. With over 80 million copies sold to date, it’s doubtful Rice will be giving up on this cash cow anytime soon.

6. Twilight by Stephenie Meyer - Over 100 million copies

The novels that made the careers of Robert Pattinson and Kristin Stewart have enjoyed enormous popularity and critical acclaim around the world won multiple awards and given writer Stephenie Meyer a personal fortune estimated by Celebrity Net Worth to be around $125 million.

5. The Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis - Over 100 million copies

The series that inspired millions of children to wander aimlessly around in wardrobes is next up on our list. With its overtones of religion and morality, it may not sound a natural crowd-pleaser, but CS Lewis’ skillful mastery of the English language and delightful imagination makes this one collection you don’t want to miss.

4. Le Petit Prince (The Little Prince) by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry - 140 million copies

Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s most famous work, The Little Prince, gets extra credit as one of the few stand-alone additions to our list. Despite not having a huge franchise behind it, Saint-Exupéry’s masterful blend of fantasy, philosophy, and magical realism has still managed to shift over 140 million copies worldwide.

3. The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien - 142 million copies

For over 70 years before Peter Jackson breathed cinematic life into the world of Bilbo Baggins, Gandalf, et al, Tolkien was doing a pretty good job of generating interest in Middle-Earth all by himself.

With its stories of battles, adventures, dwarfs, wizards, dragons, and elves, The Hobbit checks off every item you’d expect to find in an epic fantasy novel… and the results speak for themselves.

Today, Tolkien’s masterpiece has sold in the region of 142 million copies worldwide. The film adaptation, meanwhile, has become one of the highest-grossing film series of all time, pulling in $1,021,103,568 in worldwide gross.

2. The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien - 150 million copies

Just pipping its prequel to the post is another entry from Hobbit creator J. R. R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings. The epic high fantasy novel began life as a simple sequel to Tolkien’s earlier work but grew into something much larger, much lengthier, and just a little more popular (at least if its sales of 150 million-plus are anything to go by).

The trilogy plunges us back into the world of Middle-Earth, resurrecting our old friend Bilbo Baggins and introducing us to some new faces along the way (some friendly, some, quite frankly, the stuff of nightmares).

The impact of Tolkien’s work can’t be underestimated: in addition to inspiring some of the biggest and most successful film adaptations the world has ever seen, his masterful approach to fantasy has seen the words "Tolkienian" and "Tolkienesque" make their way into the Oxford English Dictionary.

1. Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling - 500 million copies

Who else could top our list than J.K. Rowling’s speccy protagonist, Harry Potter? With more than 500 million copies sold worldwide, Rowling’s creation doesn’t just top the best-selling fantasy list, it tops them all.

The first novel in the series, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, has sold over 120 million copies alone, while its successors (The Chamber of Secrets (1998), The Prisoner of Azkaban (1999), The Goblet of Fire (2000), The Order of the Phoenix (2003), The Half-Blood Prince (2005), The Deathly Hallows (2007)) have all broken the records as the fastest-selling books of all time.

The films adaptations of the novels have achieved similar success, with all 8 releases securing massive sales at the box office. The final installment in the series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2, ranks as the 11th highest-grossing film of all time.

You can also read:

• The 10 Best Selling Children’s Books of All-Time
• The 10 Best Selling Thriller Books of All-Time
• The 10 Best-Selling Fiction Books of All-Time
• The 10 Best Selling Science-Fiction Books of All-Time

Written by  Garrett Parker

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The 24 Best-Selling Books of All Time

Best-selling individual books.

• The Bible (5 billion)
• The Quran (3 billion)
• The Little Red Book: Quotations from Chairman Mao (900 million)
• Don Quixote (500 million)
• Selected Articles of Chairman Mao (450 million)
• A Tale of Two Cities (200 million)
• The Lord of the Rings (150 million)
• Scouting for Boys: An Instruction in Good Citizenship (150 million)
• The Book of Mormon (150 million)
• The Little Prince (140 million)
• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (120 million)
• The Truth that Leads to Eternal Life (107 million)
• Alice in Wonderland (100 million)
• Dream of the Red Chamber (100 million)
• The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe (85 million)

Bestselling series

• Harry Potter (500 million)
• Goosebumps (350 million)
• Perry Mason (300 million)
• Berenstain Bears (260 million)
• Choose Your Own Adventure (250 million)
• Sweetvalley High (250 million)
• Nancy Drew (200 million)
• Robert Langdon (200 million)
• Diary of a Wimpy Kid (200 million)

See all book lists

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These are the 50 best-selling books of all time (on Amazon).

Want to read what everyone else is reading? MarketWatch reports that in honor of World Book Day, Amazon has released a list of their 50 overall bestselling books in the U.S. (at least in the 27 years since their launch in 1994). Of course, not everyone buys their books on Amazon ( may we suggest your local indie? ), so this list can’t necessarily be scaled up with any accuracy. But it’s interesting nonetheless. So behold, Amazon’s top 50 best selling books of all time in the U.S., featuring all the books you’d expect and also a few you’ve (probably) never heard of!

1. Suzanne Collins, The Hunger Games

2. J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

3. E.L. James, Fifty Shades of Grey

4. Suzanne Collins, Mockingjay

5. Suzanne Collins, Catching Fire

6. Tom Rath, StrengthsFinder 2.0

7. E.L. James, Fifty Shades Darker

8. Margaret Atwood, The Handmaid’s Tale

9. Gillian Flynn, Gone Girl

10. E.L. James, Fifty Shades Freed

11. J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

12. J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

13. Paula Hawkins, The Girl On The Train

14. Delia Owens, Where the Crawdads Sing

15. Laura Hillenbrand, Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption

16. George Orwell, 1984

17. Stephen R. Covey, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change

18. Kathryn Stockett, The Help

19. Gary Chapman, The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts

20. J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

21. J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

22. Michelle Obama, Becoming

23. John Green, The Fault in Our Stars

24. Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird

25. Dale Carnegie, How to Win Friends & Influence People

26. Don Miguel Ruiz, T he Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom

27. J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

28. Veronica Roth, Divergent

29. Anthony Doerr, All the Light We Cannot See

30. Stieg Larsson, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

31. Dr. Seuss, Oh, the Places You’ll Go!

32. Spencer Johnson, Who Moved My Cheese?

33. Markus Zusak, The Book Thief

34. F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby

35. Mark Sullivan, Beneath a Scarlet Sky: A Novel

36. Jim Collins, Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap and Others Don’t

37. R. J. Palacio, Wonder

38. Sarah Young, Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence

39. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit: Or There and Back Again

40. Kristin Hannah, The Nightingale

41. Eric Carle, The Very Hungry Caterpillar

42. Stieg Larsson, The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest

43. J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

44. Sara Gruen, Water for Elephants

45. George R.R. Martin, A Game of Thrones

46. Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist

47. Roger Priddy, First 100 Words

48. William P. Young, The Shack

49. Veronica Roth, Insurgent

50. Lois Lowry, The Giver

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July 3, 2024.

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Our writers pick their favourite science fiction books of all time

We asked New Scientist staff to pick their favourite science fiction books. Here are the results, ranging from 19th-century classics to modern day offerings, and from Octavia E. Butler to Iain M. Banks

By Alison Flood

30 May 2024

By its very nature, science fiction encompasses a vast and sprawling world of stories, from the galaxy-spanning novels of Iain M. Banks and Ursula K. Le Guin to the dystopias of Margaret Atwood and Kazuo Ishiguro. Asking our team of dedicated staff here at New Scientist to pick their personal favourite, then, has created an eclectic and wide-ranging list to dig into. To be clear: this isn’t a definitive and all-encompassing line-up: it is our personal top picks, and we hope it will send you towards some novels you might not have come across before.

So, in no particular order, here they are: New Scientist ’s favourite science fiction books of all time. We’d love to hear from readers, too, about your own favourite sci-fi. Join the conversation on our Facebook post here .

The Culture series by Iain M. Banks

The Culture books, by UK author Banks , aren’t so much a series as a collection of stories – readable in any order – about the exploits of one fascinating, far-future, galaxy spanning civilisation. With unlimited resources, energy and, effectively, lifespans, its citizens have solved all of life’s problems, so it is usually when they collide with more primitive societies – which still have to worry about minor matters like making money or waging war – that the fireworks begin. The plots may be mind-bending, but it is the characters that are unforgettable, especially the super-intelligent, starship-embodying AI minds, whose attitudes to humans run the gamut from benevolent to downright Machiavellian. Nevertheless, if AIs ever do become sentient, I hope they model themselves on Banks’s vision.

Clare Wilson

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy series by Douglas Adams

When you think of your favourite story about an imagined future, it is probably profound and thought-provoking, perhaps beautiful, but it is rarely funny. Adams’s The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy series, which features the hapless Englishman Arthur Dent and his reluctant jaunts around the universe after Earth is destroyed, is all of the former, but it is the rich comedic vein that has sustained it and drawn a devoted following, of which I count myself a member. Simple gags and one-liners abound, and the offbeat cast of characters summoned to accompany Dent, like the depressed Marvin the paranoid android or the gung-ho and feckless two-headed alien Zaphod Beeblebrox, are endlessly entertaining. Almost 50 years after it debuted as a BBC radio play, the books that followed have lost none of their sparkle.

Alex Wilkins

New Scientist book club

Love reading? Come and join our friendly group of fellow book lovers. Every six weeks, we delve into an exciting new title, with members given free access to extracts from our books, articles from our authors and video interviews.

The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood

The Handmaid’s Tale by Atwood is a haunting novel that still gives me shivers to think about, years after I read it. It describes a dystopian, not-so-distant future where a “handmaid’s” sole purpose is to reproduce in an effort to combat society’s falling birth rates due to widespread infertility. Despite having their freedoms severely restricted, the handmaids are allowed to make daily shopping trips, during which they are faced with the hanged bodies of “rebels”. What once seemed like an unrealistic nightmare has felt a tad too close to the bone for this feminist given a recent political overturning in the US. An unsettling and gripping read in equal measure.

Alexandra Thompson

A scene from the series The Handmaid’s Tale

Alamy Stock Photo

Kindred by Octavia E. Butler

Other Butler novels may seem more obviously sci-fi, but Kindred is, I think, her best. It tells the story of Dana, who every time the life of her ancestor Rufus is in danger is somehow summoned back in time to save him. The problem is, she is an African American woman living in 1970s Los Angeles and he is the son of a white plantation owner living in Maryland in the early 1800s, a time and place when enslaved people still work the fields and brutal violence towards them is normalised. Butler is unafraid to hit where it hurts as she explores the past and our relationship with it. Kindred is the best use of time travel in a story I’ve ever read.

Eleanor Parsons

Neuromancer by William Gibson

Gibson’s 1984 novel Neuromancer is as cyberpunk as cyberpunk gets. Remarkably, it is his debut novel, and the only one to simultaneously win three of the most prestigious literary awards for science fiction. It is something of a holy text of the cyberpunk genre, which is often summarised by the phrase “high tech, low life”. Neuromancer lives up to that grim description by offering the reader a story about a disgraced hacker, a mercenary whose body was modified for violence, shadowy ex-military officers, an old friend turned into a consciousness-on-a-chip, several artificial intelligences and one last epic heist onboard a bourgeois space habitat. Having been raised on a steady diet of Isaac Asimov and Arthur C. Clarke, I was stunned by how grimy Gibson’s world was in comparison, how it lacked the clean, inspirational framing of more traditional science fiction, and how hard his characters, most of whom remain far removed from inspiration or virtue throughout the novel, had to work to retain some shred of human joy in an environment overrun with out-of-control corporations, crime and malicious tech. Neuromancer introduced a perfectly dystopian and rebellious aesthetic, as well as a paradigm similar to magical realism, except that all magic is actually technology, and all such magic has gone dark. As a teenager, I wanted to look as cool as Neuromancer ’s protagonists, but these days the world where the metaverse, neural interfaces, smart prosthetics, designer drugs and collapsing social norms are features rather than bugs feels terrifyingly close and plausible. I was enthralled and deeply influenced by Gibson’s work as a young person who had barely experienced dial-up internet, but the punchlines that Neuromancer lands with style remain more than relevant today.

Karmela Padavic-Callaghan

Neuromancer is as cyberpunk as cyberpunk gets

Stories of Your Life and Others by Ted Chiang

Ted Chiang is one of the most extraordinary sci-fi writers working today. Each of his stories is a precious gem, plucked from his mind and honed to perfection. The titular story of his first collection, Stories of Your Life and Others , inspired the brilliant film Arrival , and while excellent it doesn’t even break the top three of the book. From a reimagining of the biblical Tower of Babel myth to a mathematician who breaks mathematics, this thin volume contains more ideas than most encyclopaedias. I only wish Chiang were more prolific – he has written just 18 short stories in a career spanning over 30 years – but then of course, if we had diamonds on tap, would they still be as valuable?

Flatland: A romance of many dimensions by A Square (Edwin Abbott Abbott)

Flatland is set in a 2D world where inhabitants are shapes and their number of lines determines their social status. When the narrator visits a place with one extra dimension, Spaceland, he begins to understand that the universe is more complex than he ever knew. A good chunk of the book is contrived exposition on how the 2D world works, but if you get past that, then it is part satirical look at the rigid social and gender structures of the time – Flatland was published in 1884 – and part dive into the near-impossibility of grasping the concept of higher dimensions. I’ve always thought it is also a bit of a love letter to physics and how exploring what-ifs can push our understanding of the universe; residents of Flatland are baffled about where their light comes from, something the Spacelanders intuitively understand.

Matthew Sparkes

War With the Newts by Karel Čapek

Bridging the gap between social satire and science fiction, Čapek’s witty parable of politics in the first half of the 20th century is an easy pick for my number one. Told through newspaper clippings, firsthand accounts and quasi-historical narration, it charts the downfall of humanity by arrogance and shortsightedness following the emergence of – of all things – a rather adorable species of impressionable, sentient, near-human-sized newts. This unusual source of aquatic labour is quickly exploited, and the scramble for profit brings the world to its knees. As onlookers react with a mix of bewilderment, high-minded philosophising and capitalistic glee, newt numbers only multiply and the amphibian apocalypse waddles inexorably on. “Hello, hello, you people,” chirps the Chief Salamander, “we will now entertain you with music from your gramophone records. Here, for your pleasure, is the March of the Tritons from the film, Poseidon.”

17776 by Jon Bois

The year is 17776. War, poverty and disease no longer exist. For the past 15,000 years, no one has died or even aged. The thing most people occupy their time with is play – and in North America, that takes the form of outlandish games of American football that would be completely unrecognisable to today’s fans of the sport. This is the premise of a bizarre and truly novel piece of science fiction published on SBnation.com, a sports blogging network. The future of the game envisioned by Bois is absurd. It is traditionally played on a field 100 yards long, but far in the future it has morphed into insane matches that extend across entire states. Some last hundreds or even thousands of years. In one, a player gets picked up in a tornado and tossed miles away. All this comes to the reader through the eyes of three defunct space probes: Pioneer 9, Pioneer 10 and the Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE). These craft have become sentient and are still on the trajectories we put them on, alone in the vastness of space, except for their communications with each other and the TV show called Earth that they watch. It’s the presentation of their communications that first got my attention in 17776 . They show us something that is nearly impossible to hold in a human brain: the vastness of time and space. The beginning of the story is delivered via messages displayed on a wall calendar between Pioneer 9 and 10, communicating across millions of miles. The frustration and impatience that comes from the endless scrolling as you wait to read the next response from one of the probes, who must wait hundreds of days to hear from one another, is just a glimmer of what it would actually be like to deal with interstellar communications – and it’s a fantastic demonstration of the endlessness of our universe.

The piece is meant to be read on a computer, and includes videos and maps that are blocky, awful approximations of Earth – perhaps what it would look like through the eyes of ageing satellites. The spacecraft characters are where the heart lies in the story. Yes, they watch football. But they also contemplate the nature of loss in a world where nothing dies. They wrestle with the boredom that comes with immortality. They make jokes and poke fun at the humans below. They ponder what existence means, and the things that matter, even when you’re floating alone through the stars: grief, joy, friendship and the delight of mystery. Overall, 17776 paints a surprisingly hopeful picture of the future, one that is much needed these days. It’s heart-warming and weird and funny enough that it made me laugh out loud.

Chelsea Whyte

God Emperor of Dune by Frank Herbert

I became a fan of the Dune literary universe after the Denis Villeneuve films. If there are any die-hard Dune devotees reading this who already dislike me for this reason, then you will dislike me more when I tell you I haven’t even read the first, original Dune book. Why not, you might be wondering. After watching, and thoroughly enjoying, the two recent Dune films, I was overcome with an intense desire to know exactly what happens to the central character Paul Atreides and so I skipped Dune and went straight to book two, Dune Messiah, which continues the story beyond that told in those movies. After that I kept reading. Friends and family told me to stop after book three because it gets too weird. Little do they know that the weirder it gets, the more I enjoy it! God Emperor of Dune is my pick for best sci-fi book of all time for one reason. Leto II, the tyrant-cum-God-cum-emperor-cum-sandworm who rules the universe dreamt up by Herbert, is, in my opinion, one of the most ambitious characters ever written in sci-fi history. The author deserves great credit for even trying to conceptualise the thought process of a being who literally has every memory that has ever been created swirling around his head. I enjoyed God Emperor of Dune so much that I may even read the first book.

A scene from Dune: Part Two showing the sheer size of the sandworms

Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler

While Parable of the Sower was first published more than three decades ago, it has arguably never been more relevant than today. Set in 2024, the dystopian novel follows Lauren Oya Olamina, an African American teenager living in southern California, as she navigates a world crippled by climate change, income inequality and corporate greed. She and her family reside in a gated community, protected from the anarchy raging outside. But eventually Lauren must trek northward, to a part of the country where water, paid jobs and safety are more abundant. The perilous journey is made even more dangerous by the fact that Lauren suffers from a condition that causes her to feel the pain and pleasure of others. At certain points, Parable of the Sower can feel eerily prophetic rather than fictitious. This is what makes it such a compelling, albeit terrifying, read.

Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro

Traditional science fiction – space battles, aliens, time-bending lasers, and the like – doesn’t really do it for me. But the haunting, close-to-home dystopia in Ishiguro’s Never Let Me Go is an entirely different offering. Set in an alternative 1990s England, this novel is a tale of youth, love and sorrow that play out against a backdrop of major breakthroughs in biotechnology being used to selfish, awful ends. The first time I read it, I was just a couple of years older than Ruth, Kathy and Tommy, the three main characters doomed to die early as organ donors. Their emotional naivety, their uncertainty about what it means to be alive, to be human, struck a chord. Rereading the novel more than a decade later, having experienced more of the joy and sadness life has to offer, the book’s slow, savage heartbreak cuts even deeper.

Madeleine Cuff

The Dispossessed by Ursula K. Le Guin

I love idea-driven sci-fi such as Cixin Liu’s incredibly imaginative body of work, but I’m going to pick  one ofLe Guin’s offerings as the greatest because she has the ideas, deep humanity and vision of what society could be. She sets her stories in entirely believable worlds and fills them with complex and relatable people. In The Dispossessed , a physicist living on the planet Anarres makes a breakthrough in fundamental and applied physics, creating the Ansible, which allows information to travel faster-than-light and so permits instant communication across interstellar distances. We learn that Anarres is one of several planets settled by humans, including Terra (Earth), which is a now an ecologically ruined world. Le Guin explores different ways humans can live and exist together, different societies, even utopias, that are possible.

Rowan Hooper

Two brilliant new novels from Adrian Tchaikovsky show his range

The prolific Adrian Tchaikovsky has two terrific sci-fi offerings out this year, one the story of a scientist turned prisoner shipped to a faraway planet, the other a light-hearted tale of robotic murder, says Emily H. Wilson

The Vorkosigan Saga by Lois McMaster Bujold

The Hugo Award-winning Vorkosigan Saga features the space opera adventures and romantic forays of Miles Vorkosigan, the scion of an imperial lord regent who is born with a teratogenic condition involving fragile bones and an unusually short stature on a planet that is highly suspicious of anything resembling genetic abnormality. Undaunted, Miles relies on his wit and relentless nature to make his mark within the feudal Barrayaran Imperium, while also navigating the politics of rival interstellar empires as an imperial agent and mercenary leader. Along the way, he and his eclectic but exceptional constellation of family and friends – including his highly capable mother Cordelia whose own story inaugurates the series – begin to slowly transform the socially conservative Barrayaran society into something more grudgingly accepting of artificial womb technology, gender equality and diversity, and even unexpected clone siblings.

The Long Earth by Terry Pratchett and Stephen Baxter

When I was asked to pick my very favourite sci-fi book, my first move was to go look at my shelf containing every one of Pratchett’s Discworld books to figure out if any of them could count as science fiction rather than fantasy. The Long Earth , which he wrote with Baxter, is the next-best thing. It has the same untamed imagination and keen social commentary as Pratchett’s other works, grounded in Baxter’s signature science-based speculation. The book (and subsequent series) is set in a sort of multiverse in which one can “step” between a recognisable future Earth and other versions of our world, some similar and some wildly different. It deals with the consequences of this vast new frontier and how humanity – and other humanoid species across the Long Earth – have adapted to its discovery, along with dangers both familiar and strange.

An Unkindness of Ghosts by Rivers Solomon

While I object on principle to picking single favourite books, I very much loved Solomon’s An Unkindness of Ghosts . The story takes place on the Matilda, a generation ship barrelling humanity’s remnants toward a vaguely outlined “Promised Land” after a similarly vague ecological catastrophe on Earth. It is like many other fictional ships for multigenerational voyages: huge, self-contained, and moving fast toward a destination its current inhabitants don’t expect to see. But it is also a story about the worst of humanity. The Matilda is racially segregated, and our protagonist Aster lives, like the other Black passengers, on the lowest and poorest-resourced decks. She is autistic, genderqueer, and traumatised by the enslavement-like conditions under which she lives. And throughout the course of the book she must unravel a puzzle that connects the decades-ago death of her mother, Lune, to the eventual fate of the entire ship. An Unkindness of Ghosts isn’t an easy read, emotionally. But it’s a riveting story, told from a singular point of view, with characters who challenge us to think bigger.

Christie Taylor

The City & the City by China Miéville

This noir thriller from Miéville is closer to crime fiction than sci-fi, but its setting – in two rival cities that occupy the same space – feels reminiscent of the quantum realm. Citizens of the “crosshatched” Besźel and Ul Qoma are banned from acknowledging each other’s existence, while those who “breach” are spirited away, never to be seen again. But when a woman is found murdered in Besźel, Inspector Tyador Borlú must team up with his Ul Qoman opposite number to crack the case. I loved this book the minute I heard its premise, which challenged my visual imagination like few novels have since. The way the characters must “unsee” people who are right before their eyes is such a revealing way to discuss how we are encouraged to view those on the fringes of society.

Bethan Ackerley

Red Mars by Kim Stanley Robinson

It’s 2026 (!) and 100 colonists are setting off from Earth to Mars to colonise the Red Planet. “It loomed before them in all its immense potential: tabula rasa, blank slate. A blank red slate. Anything was possible, anything could happen.” Once there, though, different factions have different ideas about how this new life should look – should Mars be terraformed as much as possible, or should humanity take a little more time to think before it bends an entire planet to its will? Things on Earth, meanwhile, are turning pear-shaped as resources dwindle while the population booms. This is a story of adventure and derring-do 225 million kilometres from home, but it is also a story of politics and science and people that is utterly gripping and fascinating, with the bonus of marvelling at the beauty and wonder and possibilities of life on another planet. It is a huge book – more than 650 pages – but I flew through it on my first reading and went on to bury myself in the sequels.

Alison Flood

Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut

Billy Pilgrim continuously gets “unstuck in time” thanks to the intervention of a Tralfamadorian flying saucer in Vonnegut’s breakthrough, absurdist, ferociously anti-war novel. Vonnegut, who served with the US Army, was  held in Dresden, Germany, during the second world war after being taken prisoner. There he witnessed the devastating Allied fire-bombing of the city, similar to the protagonist in Slaughterhouse-Five . The post-war psychological trauma and piercing black humour is woven with a narrative that darts back and forth in time, as does Billy. It is often disorientating, yet easily absorbed thanks to Vonnegut’s deeply satirical and straightforward linguistic style, along with his conversational tone. It makes for a potent mix. What has always happened, always will happen in this most poignant of reads; and one that is sadly as relevant today as when it was released in the 1960s. So it goes.

The Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells

Murderbot doesn’t actually want to kill people. After all, this machine-organic hybrid is a Security Unit designed to protect human clients. Sure, it has hacked the governor module that enforces obedience to humans. Sure, it frequently tears apart anything that threatens its teammates. And fine, it is the one that named itself “Murderbot”. I love the narration in this series of books: our protagonist is snarky and grouchy, socially awkward but eminently capable. It can strategise expertly, hack almost any system, fight brutally and even murder when that is what it takes to protect the often-irritating people and bots that it, annoyingly, sort of cares about. Beyond the tentative friendships it forms against its will, Murderbot is on a quest for full personhood and independence – even if what it does with that freedom is binge-watch as much media as is (in)humanly possible.

Sophie Bushwick

Sci-fi author Martha Wells on what a machine intelligence might want

The author of All Systems Red, the latest pick for the New Scientist Book Club, on why her novella takes on the thorny topic of what a machine intelligence might do, if it could make its own choices

We by Yevgeny Zamyatin

We is a searing, prescient book that you have to take a step back from to truly appreciate. Zamyatin probably finished it, writing in his native Russian, in 1921. But because the tale’s dystopian nature, railing against a totalitarian OneState society, would have been taken as criticism of the Russian regime, it was published in other countries at first and didn’t get the reach it deserved until a corrected version was published in Russia in 1988 and then translated into English a few years later. Despite that, the effects of its earlier versions on dystopian sci-fi have been huge. George Orwell’s Nineteen Eighty-Four (1949) was massively influenced by We and you can see its imprint in the sexual politics at play in Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale (1985), for example.

The story is set in the 26 th century in a city built in straight lines and ruled by a Benefactor, where everyone has a number not a name. Every hour of people’s lives is dictated, including two daily hour-long slots to be alone with your thoughts. On Sex Day, you hand in your pink ticket and meet up with your pre-allocated, rotating partner. Residents ostensibly have happiness at the cost of freedom. In this straitened – and straightened – environment, a mathematician known as D-503 is unsettled when he is hit by the curveball of I-333, a secretive and intelligent political activist he doesn’t have a pink ticket for, and he starts to question everything. Some of the lines in We are naturally of their time – as well as potentially being suited to the 26 th century – but regardless, this book is an enlightening, surprising and unsettling read, packed full of clever, quotable phrases.

Chris Simms

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Hardcover fiction

1. The Women by Kristin Hannah (St. Martin’s Press: $30) An intimate portrait of coming of age in a dangerous time and an epic tale of a nation divided.

2. James by Percival Everett (Doubleday: $28) An action-packed reimagining of “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.”

3. All Fours by Miranda July (Riverhead Books: $29) A woman upends her domestic life in this irreverent and tender novel.

4. Table for Two by Amor Towles (Viking: $32) A collection of stories from the author of “The Lincoln Highway.”

5. Funny Story by Emily Henry (Berkley: $29) Two opposites with the wrong thing in common connect.

6. The Paris Novel by Ruth Reichl (Random House: $29) An adventure through the food, art and fashion scenes of 1980s Paris.

7. Swan Song by Elin Hilderbrand (Little, Brown & Co., $30) The last of the author’s bestselling Nantucket novels.

8. Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar (Knopf: $28) An orphaned son of Iranian immigrants embarks on a search for a family secret.

9. The Midnight Feast by Lucy Foley (William Morrow: $30) Twists abound in this locked-room murder mystery.

10. Parade by Rachel Cusk (Farrar, Straus & Giroux: $27) A meditation on art, family and gender.

Hardcover nonfiction

1. On Call by Anthony Fauci, M.D. (Viking: $36) A memoir by the doctor whose six-decade career in public service has spanned seven presidents.

2. The Demon of Unrest by Erik Larson (Crown: $35) An exploration of the pivotal five months between Abraham Lincoln’s election and the start of the Civil War.

3. The Creative Act by Rick Rubin (Penguin: $32) The music producer’s guidance on how to be a creative person.

4. The Friday Afternoon Club by Griffin Dunne (Penguin Press: $30) The actor-director’s memoir of growing up in Hollywood and Manhattan.

5. The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt (Penguin Press: $30) An investigation into the collapse of youth mental health.

6. Atomic Habits by James Clear (Avery: $27) The self-help expert’s guide to building good habits and breaking bad ones via tiny changes in behavior.

7. Bird Milk & Mosquito Bones by Priyanka Mattoo (Knopf: $29) A world traveler’s search for home, from Kashmir to L.A.

8. An Unfinished Love Story by Doris Kearns Goodwin (Simon & Schuster: $35) The historian weaves together memoir and history in recounting the emotional journey she and her husband embarked on in the last years of his life.

9. The Wide Wide Sea by Hampton Sides (Doubleday: $35) An epic account of Capt. James Cook’s final voyage.

10. Inventing Paradise by Paul Haddad (Santa Monica Press: $30) An exploration of the rise of Los Angeles through six influential figures: Phineas Banning, Harrison Gray Otis, Henry Huntington, Harry Chandler, William Mulholland and Moses Sherman.

Paperback fiction

1. A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas (Bloomsbury: $19)

2. Lady Tan’s Circle of Women by Lisa See (Scribner: $19)

3. Not in Love by Ali Hazelwood (Berkley: $19)

4. The Guest by Emma Cline (Random House: $18)

5. Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez (Forever: $18)

6. The Midnight Library by Matt Haig (Penguin: $18)

7. This Summer Will Be Different by Carley Fortune (Berkley: $19)

8. Happy Place by Emily Henry (Berkley: $19)

9. The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller (Ecco: $18)

10. Trust by Hernan Diaz (Riverhead Books: $17)

Paperback nonfiction

1. The Hundred Years’ War on Palestine by Rashid Khalidi (Metropolitan Books: $20)

2. Everything I Know About Love by Dolly Alderton (Harper Perennial: $19)

3. The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz (Amber-Allen: $13)

4. All About Love by bell hooks (Morrow: $17)

5. The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk M.D. (Penguin: $19)

6. Slouching Towards Bethlehem by Joan Didion (Farrar, Straus & Giroux)

7. Stay True by Hua Hsu (Anchor: $17)

8. The Untethered Soul by Michael A. Singer (New Harbinger: $19)

9. What an Owl Knows by Jennifer Ackerman (Penguin: $19)

10. The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron (TarcherPerigee: $19)

More to Read

The week’s bestselling books, July 1

July 3, 2024

The week’s bestselling books, June 23

June 19, 2024

The week’s bestselling books, June 16

June 12, 2024

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The best comics of 2024 so far

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Nothing beats having a new comic book in your hot little hands and settling in for a good read. Fortunately, 2024 has delivered fantastic comics from every side of the industry — and there are lots more on the way.

But for now, these are Polygon’s best comics of the first half of 2024. Stay tuned for more!

Comics were considered eligible if they were graphic novels published for the first time in 2024 or series that were collected for the first time, or published their final collection, in 2024. Everything on this list is available in paperback or collected form for your eager hands — no worries for trade-waiters.

Tokyo These Days

By Taiyo Matsumoto

I’ve never read a cartoonist that makes me feel the space between each panel as strongly as Taiyo Matsumoto. He doesn’t have to fill a page with the buzzing of cicadas or the pulse of a city’s streets for me to hear them in my ear; on a deep instinctual level he knows what two images juxtaposed together will create that ambience, and fill his pages with room tone. He is a master of quiet.

There are also few cartoonists as loud as Matsumoto. His distorted figures and grotesquely expressive close-ups are a gonzo hallmark of his work like Tekkonkinkreet or Ping Pong , which makes the still moments in those stories stand out all the more.

Yet Tokyo These Days has none of those moments of noisy bravura. It’s a more restrained, somber work, about Shiozawa, a career manga editor who surreptitiously decides to quit the business. Yet before he fully settles into retirement, he gives himself a final to-do list: to meet with several struggling cartoonists he used to work with and ask what happened to the love and passion that once lived in their stories, to see if there is any bit of romance left in the medium that wrung them all out. Burning out has never looked so beautiful. — Joshua Rivera

Transformers

By Daniel Warren Johnson and Mike Spicer

Skybound Entertainment’s stealth launch of an interconnected G.I. Joe/Transformers setting was one of the best-kept comic book secrets of 2023. What has become clear as the Energon Universe has rolled out, however, is that Transformers is among 2024’s best comics set in any interconnected brand universe.

Daniel Warren Johnson’s Transformers is a war comic where the tanks and planes can punch and kick and vertical suplex each other off of cliffs — and it’s some of the most beautiful action put on the page this year. There’s more of a sense of scale and weight in any given panel of Transformers than there is in the whole of a Michael Bay movie. And when it comes to implied motion in a static image, Johnson is simply one of the best in the business.

But for a book that’s 90% the wildest “giant robots that can turn into cars and planes” action you’ve ever seen, the stakes are as small and personal as the families of precocious teens Spike and Carly. The real miracle of Transformers is how Johnson keeps it all pinned to an emotional ground — and when the fights are so good, that’s saying something. — Susana Polo

By Sanford Greene, Jonathan Hickman, Rachellle Rosenberg, and Joe Caramanga

There is a tendency to overrepresent the contribution of writers in discussions about comics, especially when they loom as large as Jonathan Hickman. So it’s something that Doom doesn’t even open with his words, but with late rapper MF Doom’s. “Living on borrowed time/The clock ticks faster” begins the stand-alone one-shot, cribbing the opening bars of “Accordion,” a track off the era-defining album Madvillainy . It’s a good tone-setter: The writer, like the reader, is just along for the ride.

The wonderfully kinetic artist/writer Sanford Greene is the MC here, setting the stage for a story about the greatest villain in the Marvel Universe at the end of everything. This wouldn’t be the first story about Doctor Doom as the last man standing between a version of the Marvel Universe and a Galactus gone mad — but it is perhaps the most thrilling. Doom ’s lean, mean script sets the stakes as big as they come, and then gets out of the way to let Sanford Greene absolutely rip, folding the character’s entire history into one cosmic battle. His linework is unrestrained chaos fitting the story’s scope, with Greene and colorist Rachelle Rosenberg rendering the end of the world in magenta and green.

In a fallow era for American superhero comics, Doom is a goddamn meteor streaking across the sky, with metaphors made flesh wrestling above all of existence. The magic trick Greene and Hickman pull here is a very old one, when you think about it. Here it is, the bare minimum of what a good superhero comic should be, spun into one of the coolest damn books you can read. Straw spun into gold. — JR

My Favorite Thing Is Monsters Book Two

By Emil Ferris

In 2017, Emil Ferris’ debut graphic novel, My Favorite Thing Is Monsters , exploded out of nowhere to become one of the most acclaimed books of the 2010s. Presented as the spiral notebooks of Karen Reyes, a precocious grade schooler who loves art and creature features, the comic was dazzling in its voice and density. Through Karen’s monster-obsessed eyes, Ferris gave readers a vivid ballpoint-pen portrait of ’60s Chicago and its sex workers, queer and BIPOC denizens, and related outcasts as Karen attempts to solve a murder and uncovers a family secret.

The first half of a two-volume work, My Favorite Thing Is Monsters spent seven years suspended on a cliffhanger as a dispute between Ferris and publisher Fantagraphics kept the fate of Book Two in limbo until now. Ferris’ struggle to publish this voluminous work has not been in vain — My Favorite Thing Is Monsters Book Two is as awe-inspiring a conclusion as its predecessor was an opening act.

Following the template set by the first volume, Karen’s journals depict a girl dealing with tumultuous change within and without, in parallel with the city around her. Under Karen’s pen, fictitious monsters are a comfort as she comes to grips with a life more perilous than she realized, one haunted by gangsters, crooked cops, and killers that threatens to swallow her and her older brother Diego alive. Answers to the questions posed in the first act elude her in the second — and the ones she does find are overwhelming.

Ferris has done something incredible in these two volumes. She’s crafted a coming-of-age story like no other, a comic that considers the ways we have made monsters out of the innocent so monstrousness can run rampant, and funneled all through the pen of a 10-year-old unaware she’s experienced a lifetime of horror. She draws herself as a little werewolf to cope, but also maybe to inspire. There are good monsters and bad monsters, and it’s on us to decide which we’re going to be. —JR

By Chip Zdarsky and Jacob Phillips

A crime drama lives or dies on its tone, and a detective series lives or dies on its hook — and Newburn , a modern noir crime drama with the structure of a detective series, lives quite well indeed.

Newburn ’s tight two-volume story introduces Easton Newburn, private detective, as he takes on an apprentice partner. The twist is that Newburn doesn’t work for just anybody: He’s the neutral party that all of New York City’s organized crime families depend on to get to the real truth. Writer Chip Zdarsky spins up a cadre of murder mysteries where the answer is never just whodunit but “who’s gonna pay for it without throwing the city into gang war,” while artist Jacob Phillips’ understated colors and linework belie just how talented you have to be to make a book with this many conversations feel tense and dynamically staged.

Newburn ’s marriage of crime comics and the odd-couple detective duo slides easily into the most compelling questions of both genres: This detective is the best at what he does, but has he left his humanity behind him? And if these righteous people live so close to the unrighteous, how long until they topple over the brink? Or have they already? — SP

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Best Science Fiction and Fantasy Books of 2024 So Far

Congratulations to Kaliane Bradley on The Ministry of Time , our pick for the best science fiction and fantasy of 2024 so far. Looking for more? Browse all of the best books of 2024 so far

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The New York Times Best Sellers - July 07, 2024

Authoritatively ranked lists of books sold in the united states, sorted by format and genre..

This copy is for your personal, noncommercial use only.

• Combined Print & E-Book Fiction

New this week

RED SKY MOURNING

by Jack Carr

The seventh book in the Terminal List series. Questionable allegiances and various threats bring James Reece back into action.

• Apple Books
• Barnes and Noble
• Books-A-Million

2 weeks on the list

THE HOUSEMAID IS WATCHING

by Freida McFadden

The third book in the Housemaid series. Dangers lurk in a quiet neighborhood.

by Elin Hilderbrand

Nantucket residents are alarmed when a home, recently sold at an exorbitant price, goes up in flames and someone goes missing.

WINTER LOST

by Patricia Briggs

The 14th book in the Mercy Thompson series. Mercy and Adam are trapped with strangers during a storm.

20 weeks on the list

by Kristin Hannah

In 1965, a nursing student follows her brother to serve during the Vietnam War and returns to a divided America.

• Combined Print & E-Book Nonfiction

by Anthony S. Fauci

The physician-scientist and immunologist chronicles his six decades of public service, including his work during the AIDS crisis and the Covid-19 pandemic.

13 weeks on the list

THE ANXIOUS GENERATION

by Jonathan Haidt

A co-author of “The Coddling of the American Mind” looks at the mental health impacts that a phone-based life has on children.

8 weeks on the list

THE DEMON OF UNREST

by Erik Larson

The author of “The Splendid and the Vile” portrays the months between the election of Abraham Lincoln and the beginning of the Civil War.

3 weeks on the list

THE WAR ON WARRIORS

by Pete Hegseth

The "Fox & Friends Weekend" host shares his experiences serving in the Army and his views on the current state of the American military.

LOVE & WHISKEY

by Fawn Weaver

A portrayal of the bond between Jack Daniel and the African American distiller Nearest Green.

• Hardcover Fiction

by Michael Crichton and James Patterson

The Big Island of Hawaii comes under threat by a volcano at the same time a secret held by the military comes to light.

MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT

by Riley Sager

Thirty years after the disappearance of his friend, Ethan returns to his childhood home and encounters unsettling experiences.

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• Hardcover Nonfiction
• Paperback Trade Fiction

61 weeks on the list

THE HOUSEMAID

Troubles surface when a woman looking to make a fresh start takes a job in the home of the Winchesters.

11 weeks on the list

A COURT OF THORNS AND ROSES

by Sarah J. Maas

After killing a wolf in the woods, Feyre is taken from her home and placed inside the world of the Fae.

NOT IN LOVE

by Ali Hazelwood

A biotech engineer at a food science start-up has a secret affair with one of the business partners who took over the company.

LOVE UNWRITTEN

by Lauren Asher

The second book in the Lakefront Billionaires series. A workaholic becomes attracted to the songwriter who had a crush on him in high school.

• Paperback Nonfiction

296 weeks on the list

THE BODY KEEPS THE SCORE

by Bessel van der Kolk

How trauma affects the body and mind, and innovative treatments for recovery.

53 weeks on the list

EVERYTHING I KNOW ABOUT LOVE

by Dolly Alderton

The British journalist shares stories and observations; the basis of the TV series.

173 weeks on the list

KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON

by David Grann

The story of a murder spree in 1920s Oklahoma that targeted Osage Indians, whose lands contained oil. The fledgling F.B.I. intervened, ineffectively.

219 weeks on the list

BRAIDING SWEETGRASS

by Robin Wall Kimmerer

A botanist and member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation espouses having an understanding and appreciation of plants and animals.

167 weeks on the list

THE BOYS IN THE BOAT

by Daniel James Brown

The story of the American rowers who pursued gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympic Games; the basis of the film.

• Advice, How-To & Miscellaneous

239 weeks on the list

ATOMIC HABITS

by James Clear

17 weeks on the list

WORLD TRAVEL

by Anthony Bourdain and Laurie Woolever

6 weeks on the list

GOOD ENERGY

by Casey Means with Calley Means

75 weeks on the list

THE CREATIVE ACT

by Rick Rubin with Neil Strauss

THE NEW MENOPAUSE

by Mary Claire Haver

• Children’s Middle Grade Hardcover

448 weeks on the list

by R.J. Palacio

A boy with a facial deformity starts school. (Ages 8 to 12)

262 weeks on the list

by Alan Gratz

Three children in three different conflicts look for safe haven. (Ages 9 to 12)

THE MISFITS: A ROYAL CONUNDRUM

by Lisa Yee. Illustrated by Dan Santat

Olive is sent to Reforming Arts School and teams up with a group of crime-fighting outcasts. (Ages 8 to 12)

The friends Frank and Stanley give a vivid account of the Pearl Harbor attack. (Ages 8 to 12)

60 weeks on the list

THE SUN AND THE STAR

by Rick Riordan and Mark Oshiro

The demigods Will and Nico embark on a dangerous journey to the Underworld to rescue an old friend. (Ages 10 to 14)

• Children’s Picture Books

YOU CAN BE A GOOD FRIEND (NO MATTER WHAT!)

by Taraji P. Henson. Illustrated by Paul Kellam

A spirited young girl attempts to make friends at her new school. (Ages 4 to 8)

398 weeks on the list

THE WONDERFUL THINGS YOU WILL BE

by Emily Winfield Martin

A celebration of future possibilities. (Ages 3 to 7)

18 weeks on the list

WHY A DAUGHTER NEEDS A DAD

by Gregory E. Lang. Illustrated by Sydney Hanson

A father's love for his daughter. (Ages 4 to 8)

22 weeks on the list

BLUEY: SLEEPYTIME

by Joe Brumm

Bingo wants to do a big girl sleep and wake up in her own bed. (Ages 4 to 8)

447 weeks on the list

DRAGONS LOVE TACOS

by Adam Rubin. Illustrated by Daniel Salmieri

What to serve your dragon-guests. (Ages 3 to 5)

• Children’s & Young Adult Series

143 weeks on the list

A GOOD GIRL'S GUIDE TO MURDER

by Holly Jackson

Pippa Fitz-Amobi solves murderous crimes. (Ages 14 and up)

114 weeks on the list

THE SUMMER I TURNED PRETTY TRILOGY

by Jenny Han

A beach house, summer love and enduring friendships. (Ages 12 and up)

797 weeks on the list

DIARY OF A WIMPY KID

written and illustrated by Jeff Kinney

The travails and challenges of adolescence. (Ages 9 to 12)

730 weeks on the list

PERCY JACKSON & THE OLYMPIANS

by Rick Riordan

A boy battles mythological monsters. (Ages 9 to 12)

332 weeks on the list

THE HUNGER GAMES

by Suzanne Collins

In a dystopia, a girl fights for survival on live TV. (Ages 12 and up)

• Young Adult Hardcover

33 weeks on the list

by Lauren Roberts

Forbidden love is in the air when Paedyn, an Ordinary, and Kai, an Elite, become romantically involved. (Ages 14 and up)

Adena is on her own in Loot, after Paedyn is selected for the Purging Trials. (Ages 14 and up)

12 weeks on the list

THE REAPPEARANCE OF RACHEL PRICE

Annabel Price's mother was presumed dead, until she reappears during the filming of a documentary about her disappearance. (Ages 14 to 17)

DIVINE RIVALS

by Rebecca Ross

Two young rival journalists find love through a magical connection. (Ages 13 to 18)

THE SHADOWS BETWEEN US

by Tricia Levenseller

Alessandra plots to kill the Shadow King and take his kingdom for herself. (Ages 13 to 18)

Weekly Best Sellers Lists

Monthly best sellers lists.