Compiling a list of the 25 best-selling books of all time is a challenging task due to the complexities involved in tracking sales across different editions, translations, and formats. Books published centuries ago often have incomplete sales records, and publishers may inflate numbers for promotional purposes. This makes it difficult to create a definitive list. To address this, we've focused on literary fiction, excluding religious texts, self-help guides, political tools, and other reference materials. We've also omitted certain classics like The Lord of the Rings and The Count of Monte Cristo due to their serialization and age, which complicates accurate sales data.
Did your favorite book make the cut? How do you think the quality of these books compares to their sales figures? Share your thoughts in the comments below. And don't forget to explore the best-selling books of 2024 for the latest must-reads 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 with the Cuthberts in Avonlea, Prince Edward Island, has captivated readers since its publication. The endearing relationship between Anne and her foster parents, who initially expected a boy, led to the book's immense success and inspired seven sequels, with an eighth released posthumously in 2009. Buy here.
24. Heidi
### Heidi
6See it at AmazonAuthor: Johanna Spyri
Country: Switzerland
Publication Date: 1880-1881
Estimated Sales: 50 million copies
Heidi, a beloved children's novel, follows the journey of a young girl who, after being orphaned, is raised by her grandfather in the Swiss Alps. Her friendship with Klara, a wealthy girl from Frankfurt who has lost the ability to walk, enriches both their lives, showcasing themes of friendship and resilience.
23. Lolita
### Lolita
9See it at AmazonAuthor: Vladimir Nabokov
Country: United States
Publication Date: 1955
Estimated Sales: 50 million copies
Initially controversial, Nabokov's Lolita explores the disturbing obsession of an English professor with a 12-year-old girl. Despite initial reluctance from publishers, the novel has been adapted into a play, an opera, and two films, including one 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 sweeping saga of the Buendía family, founders of the fictional town of Macondo. This novel, rich in magical realism, traces the family's fortunes and misfortunes over seven generations, reflecting on themes of cyclical time and fate.
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
Ben-Hur follows the life of Judah Ben-Hur, a contemporary of Jesus, who witnesses his crucifixion. The novel's most famous adaptation is the film starring Charlton Heston, renowned for its thrilling chariot race.
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 poignant romance novel tells the story of Francesca, an Italian American war bride, and her passionate affair with a traveling photographer. The story was later adapted into a film starring Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep, and a Broadway musical that won two Tony Awards.
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 novel captures the angst of adolescence through the eyes of Holden Caulfield, an expelled prep school student. Despite being Salinger's only full-length novel, it has left an indelible mark on literature, with the author's reclusive nature adding to its mystique.
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 quest to defeat Lord Voldemort. The book's release was accompanied by a massive anti-spoiler campaign, and its narrative was split into two films.
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 book, Harry learns crucial information about Voldemort, setting the stage for the final battle. Half-Blood Prince is known for its detailed exposition and the deepening of the series' darker themes.
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 delves into Harry's anger and the broader wizarding world. It expands the narrative to include new characters like Luna, Ginny, and Neville, enriching the story's universe.
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
Goblet of Fire marks a turning point in the series, introducing the Triwizard Tournament and darker themes. It's celebrated for its thrilling plot twists and the expansion of the Wizarding World's scope.
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
This book marks a significant leap in maturity and storytelling, with Harry facing new challenges and uncovering truths about his past. It's 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
Paulo Coelho's tale of a Spanish shepherd's journey to Egypt in search of treasure is a testament to perseverance. Initially a flop, the novel's success is a story of determination and fate. 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 in the series, Chamber of Secrets expands the wizarding world beyond Hogwarts, introducing key elements of the school's history and setting the stage for future adventures.
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
Dan Brown's thriller, with its short chapters and gripping narrative, became a cultural phenomenon. Despite mixed reviews from critics, it sparked widespread interest in its controversial claims about Jesus and the Catholic Church.
10. Vardi Wala Gunda
### Vardi Wala Gunda
5See it at AmazonAuthor: Ved Prakash Sharma
Country: India
Publication Date: 1992
Estimated Sales: 80 million copies
This Hindi mystery thriller by Ved Prakash Sharma explores themes of corruption and conspiracy within the police force. It's one of over 170 novels by the prolific author and remains his most successful work.
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
H. Rider Haggard's She is a foundational work in the fantasy genre, influencing countless stories about lost civilizations and mystical adventures. Its impact can be seen in popular franchises like Indiana Jones and Tarzan.
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
C.S. Lewis's classic introduces readers to Narnia, a magical world ruled by the White Witch and awaiting the return of the lion Aslan. This beloved children's book spawned 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. This children's book laid the groundwork for Tolkien's expansive Middle-earth.
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 China's greatest novels, Dream of the Red Chamber offers a detailed portrayal of a noble family's rise and fall during the Qing Dynasty. It's renowned for its nuanced depiction of female characters.
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 masterpiece of suspense, And Then There Were None, traps ten people on an island with a murderer among them. As they die according to a nursery rhyme, the survivors race to uncover the killer's identity.
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 introduces readers to the magical world through Harry's eyes. Its blend of wonder and adventure has made it a timeless classic, inspiring countless readers and adaptations.
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
Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's The Little Prince is a profound exploration of childhood and the human condition. Its allegorical narrative has been interpreted in various ways, from a commentary on war to a spiritual journey.
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
Charles Dickens's A Tale of Two Cities opens with one of literature's most famous lines, setting the stage for a gripping tale of the French Revolution. It explores themes of class struggle and human resilience.
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
Miguel de Cervantes's Don Quixote is a timeless tragicomedy about a man who, inspired by tales of chivalry, embarks on a quest as a knight. Its iconic scenes, like the battle with windmills, have cemented its place in literary history.
Best Selling Books in 2024
Identifying the best-selling books of 2024 is more straightforward, thanks to data from 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 other popular titles. 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 Endergy - Casey Means M.D
Looking for more books?
Explore our guide to the Game of Thrones books in order or check out our favorite horror books to read right now.
