Creating a definitive list of the 25 best-selling books of all time is a challenging task due to numerous factors such as different editions, translations, and varying record-keeping standards. Books published centuries ago often have sales figures that are hard to verify, and publishers may inflate numbers for promotional purposes. Therefore, our list focuses exclusively on literary fiction, excluding religious texts, self-help guides, political tools, and other reference books. We've also omitted works like The Lord of the Rings due to their initial serialization and The Count of Monte Cristo due to the difficulty in finding reliable sales data.
We invite you to share your thoughts in the comments: Did your favorite book make the list? How well do you think the quality of these books matches their sales figures? And don't forget to explore our list of the best-selling books of 2024 below for some recent picks to enjoy on your reading tablet.
25. Anne of Green Gables
### Anne of Green Gables
20See it at AmazonAuthor: L.M. Montgomery
Country: Canada
Publication Date: 1908
Estimated Sales: 50 million copies
The heartwarming tale of Anne Shirley, a spirited orphan who finds a home in Avonlea, Prince Edward Island, Canada, has captured the hearts of readers worldwide. Initially expecting a boy, her foster parents grow to love her deeply, leading to the creation of seven sequels and a posthumous novel in 2009. Buy here.
24. Heidi
### Heidi
6See it at AmazonAuthor: Johanna Spyri
Country: Switzerland
Publication Date: 1880-1881
Estimated Sales: 50 million copies
This beloved children's novel follows Heidi, an orphaned girl who lives with her grandfather in the Swiss Alps. Her friendship with Klara, a wealthy but disabled girl from Frankfurt, enriches both their lives, showcasing themes of resilience and companionship.
23. Lolita
### Lolita
9See it at AmazonAuthor: Vladimir Nabokov
Country: United States
Publication Date: 1955
Estimated Sales: 50 million copies
Initially controversial and shunned by publishers, Lolita has since become a cultural touchstone. The story of Humbert Humbert, an English professor obsessed with a 12-year-old girl, has inspired numerous adaptations, including plays, operas, and films, one of which was directed by Stanley Kubrick.
22. One Hundred Years of Solitude (Cien años de soledad)
### One Hundred Years of Solitude (Cien años de soledad)
6See it at AmazonAuthor: Gabriel García Márquez
Country: Colombia
Publication Date: 1967
Estimated Sales: 50 million copies
Gabriel García Márquez's masterpiece is a haunting exploration of the Buendía family across seven generations in the fictional town of Macondo. Filled with magical realism, the novel weaves a cyclical and karmic narrative of prosperity and suffering.
21. Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ
### Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ
6See it at AmazonAuthor: Lew Wallace
Country: United States
Publication Date: 1880
Estimated Sales: 50 million copies
Following the life of Judah Ben-Hur, a contemporary of Jesus, this novel culminates in Ben-Hur witnessing the Crucifixion. Its most famous adaptation, the film starring Charlton Heston, is renowned for its thrilling chariot race scene.
20. The Bridges of Madison County
### The Bridges of Madison County
13See it at AmazonAuthor: Robert James Waller
Country: United States
Publication Date: 1992
Estimated Sales: 60 million copies
This romantic novel tells the story of Francesca, an Italian American war bride, who embarks on a passionate affair with a photographer while her family is away. Adapted into a film starring Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep, it also inspired a Tony Award-winning Broadway musical.
19. The Catcher in the Rye
### The Catcher in the Rye
7See it at AmazonAuthor: J.D. Salinger
Country: United States
Publication Date: 1951
Estimated Sales: 65 million copies
J.D. Salinger's iconic coming-of-age novel follows Holden Caulfield, an expelled prep school student grappling with the "phoniness" of the world. Despite being Salinger's only full-length novel, it has left an indelible mark on literature, with rumors of more unpublished works to come.
18. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
### Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
16See it at AmazonAuthor: J.K. Rowling
Country: United Kingdom
Publication Date: 2007
Estimated Sales: 65 million copies
The final installment of the Harry Potter series sees Harry, Hermione, and Ron on a perilous mission to defeat Voldemort. Its release was accompanied by a massive anti-spoiler campaign, and debates about character loyalties, particularly Snape's, were widespread. The book was split into two films for the cinematic adaptation.
17. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
### Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
9See it at AmazonAuthor: J.K. Rowling
Country: United Kingdom
Publication Date: 2005
Estimated Sales: 65 million copies
In this pivotal sixth book, Harry delves deep into Voldemort's past, gaining crucial knowledge for the final battle. Half-Blood Prince serves as a narrative setup to Deathly Hallows, providing essential backstory and setting the stage for the series' conclusion.
16. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
### Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
10See it at AmazonAuthor: J.K. Rowling
Country: United Kingdom
Publication Date: 2003
Estimated Sales: 65 million copies
The longest book in the series, Order of the Phoenix focuses on Harry's struggle with anger and the broader world-building of the Wizarding World. It introduces key characters like Luna, Ginny, and Neville, and sets the stage for the series' darker turn.
15. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
### Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
12See it at AmazonAuthor: J.K. Rowling
Country: United Kingdom
Publication Date: 2000
Estimated Sales: 65 million copies
Considered one of the strongest entries in the series, Goblet of Fire introduces the Triwizard Tournament and marks a shift toward darker themes. It features one of the series' most memorable plot twists and sets a higher stakes tone for the remaining books.
14. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
### Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
10See it at AmazonAuthor: J.K. Rowling
Country: United Kingdom
Publication Date: 1999
Estimated Sales: 65 million copies
Marking a significant leap in narrative maturity, Prisoner of Azkaban introduces the escaped wizard Sirius Black and delves into the mystery surrounding Harry's parents. This book is often cited as the moment many readers became dedicated fans.
13. The Alchemist (O Alquimista)
### The Alchemist (O Alquimista)
13See it at AmazonAuthor: Paulo Coelho
Country: Brazil
Publication Date: 1988
Estimated Sales: 65 million copies
Originally a commercial failure, The Alchemist tells the story of a Spanish shepherd's journey to find a treasure in Egypt. Paulo Coelho's perseverance in promoting the book paid off, leading to its status as a global bestseller. Original language: Portuguese.
12. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
### Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
10See it at AmazonAuthor: J.K. Rowling
Country: United Kingdom
Publication Date: 1998
Estimated Sales: 77 million copies
While often considered the weakest of the series, Chamber of Secrets expands the Wizarding World beyond Hogwarts and introduces key elements of the magical society. It sets the stage for the more engaging narratives that follow.
11. The Da Vinci Code
### The Da Vinci Code
9See it at AmazonAuthor: Dan Brown
Country: United States
Publication Date: 2003
Estimated Sales: 80 million copies
A global phenomenon, The Da Vinci Code combines short chapters, narrative twists, and controversial church conspiracies to captivate readers. Despite mixed reviews from critics, it became a commercial success and inspired many to explore its claims further.
10. Vardi Wala Gunda
### Vardi Wala Gunda
5See it at AmazonAuthor: Ved Prakash Sharma
Country: India
Publication Date: 1992
Estimated Sales: 80 million copies
Written in Hindi, this mystery thriller explores themes of corruption and assassination within the police force. Ved Prakash Sharma, with over 170 novels to his name, achieved widespread fame with this compelling narrative.
9. She: A History of Adventure
### She: A History of Adventure
8See it at AmazonAuthor: H. Rider Haggard
Country: United Kingdom
Publication Date: 1886
Estimated Sales: 83 million copies
A seminal work in the fantasy genre, She follows two explorers discovering a lost kingdom in Africa. Its influence is evident in numerous works, including the Indiana Jones and Tarzan franchises, which borrow heavily from its themes and settings.
8. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
### The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
14See it at AmazonAuthor: C.S. Lewis
Country: United Kingdom
Publication Date: 1950
Estimated Sales: 85 million copies
This timeless children's classic introduces readers to Narnia, a magical land ruled by the White Witch. The story of four children's journey through a wardrobe and their adventures with Aslan, the lion, has led to six sequels, collectively known as The Chronicles of Narnia.
7. The Hobbit
### The Hobbit
13See it at AmazonAuthor: J.R.R. Tolkien
Country: United Kingdom
Publication Date: 1937
Estimated Sales: 100 million copies
Before The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit introduced readers to Bilbo Baggins and his quest with a wizard and dwarves to reclaim their home from a dragon. Initially a standalone work, it was later integrated into Tolkien's broader Middle-earth saga.
6. Dream of the Red Chamber
### Dream of the Red Chamber
4See it at AmazonAuthor: Cao Xueqin
Country: China
Publication Date: 1791
Estimated Sales: 100 million copies
Considered one of the greatest Chinese novels, Dream of the Red Chamber explores the rise and fall of a noble family during the Qing Dynasty. It is renowned for its nuanced portrayal of female characters and its detailed depiction of life during that period.
5. And Then There Were None
### And Then There Were None
8See it at AmazonAuthor: Agatha Christie
Country: United Kingdom
Publication Date: 1939
Estimated Sales: 100 million copies
Agatha Christie's masterfully crafted murder mystery traps ten people on an island, where they are killed one by one according to a nursery rhyme. This gripping tale is considered one of her finest works and remains a staple of the genre.
4. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
### Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
18See it at AmazonAuthor: J.K. Rowling
Country: United Kingdom
Publication Date: 1997
Estimated Sales: 120 million copies
The first book in the Harry Potter series captures the magic of Harry's initial foray into the Wizarding World. It sets the stage for the entire saga, blending elements of boarding school life with fantasy, and has inspired countless readers worldwide.
3. The Little Prince (Le Petit Prince)
### The Little Prince
10See it at AmazonAuthor: Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
Country: France
Publication Date: 1943
Estimated Sales: 140 million copies
A poignant and beautifully crafted tale, The Little Prince explores themes of childhood, love, and the human condition. Its allegorical nature has led to various interpretations, including as a commentary on war and a Biblical allegory.
2. A Tale of Two Cities
### A Tale of Two Cities
12See it at AmazonAuthor: Charles Dickens
Country: United Kingdom
Publication Date: 1859
Estimated Sales: 200 million copies
Set during the French Revolution, A Tale of Two Cities opens with its famous line, "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times..." This historical fiction delves into themes of class struggle, poverty, and the excesses of the rich, reflecting Dickens' social critiques.
1. Don Quixote
### Don Quixote
24See it at AmazonAuthor: Miguel de Cervantes
Country: Spain
Publication Date: 1605 (Part One), 1615 (Part Two)
Estimated Sales: 500 million copies
A timeless tragicomedy, Don Quixote follows the adventures of a man so enamored with chivalric tales that he imagines himself a knight. His battles with windmills, mistaken for giants, have become iconic, symbolizing the clash between idealism and reality.
Best Selling Books in 2024
Identifying the best-selling books of 2024 is simpler, thanks to Amazon's best-selling books list. This list reflects a significant portion of online book sales and includes a mix of New York Times bestsellers and new releases. Here are the top 10 books of 2024 according to Amazon:
- The Women - Kristin Hannah
- Onyx Storm - Rebecca Yarros
- Atomic Habits - James Clear
- Hillbilly Elegy - J.D. Vance
- The Housemaid - Freida McFadden
- Mom, I want to Hear Your Story - Jeffrey Mason
- Dad, I want to Hear Your Story - Jeffrey Mason
- The Anxious Generation - Jonathan Haidt
- It Ends With Us - Colleen Hoover
- Good Energy - Casey Means M.D
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