Home News Top 25 All-Time Best-Selling Books

Top 25 All-Time Best-Selling Books

Author : Skylar Update : Apr 04,2025

Creating a definitive list of the 25 best-selling books of all time is a challenging task due to the complexities of historical sales data, multiple editions, translations, and varying publication formats. Books published centuries ago often have incomplete or inaccurate sales records, and publishers may inflate numbers for promotional purposes. Despite these challenges, we've compiled a list focusing solely on literary fiction, excluding religious texts, self-help books, political works, and other reference materials. This means classics like the Bible and Mao Tse Tung's Little Red Book, as well as books like The Lord of the Rings and The Count of Monte Cristo, are not included due to their unique publication histories.

We invite you to explore this list and reflect on whether your favorite book made the cut. How do you think the quality of these books aligns with their sales figures? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Don't forget to also check out the best-selling books of 2024 for the latest reading recommendations.

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, Canada, has enchanted readers for over a century. Initially expecting a boy, the Cuthberts grow to cherish Anne's vibrant personality, leading to a series of beloved sequels that capture her journey from childhood to adulthood. This classic children's story continues to inspire readers worldwide. Buy here.

24. Heidi

### Heidi

6See it at AmazonAuthor: Johanna Spyri

Country: Switzerland

Publication Date: 1880-1881

Estimated Sales: 50 million copies

Set in the Swiss Alps, Heidi follows the journey of a young girl who, after being orphaned, lives with her grandfather. Her friendship with Klara, a wealthy girl from Frankfurt who struggles to walk, brings warmth and growth to both their lives. This timeless children's novel highlights the beauty of nature and the strength of friendship.

23. Lolita

### Lolita

9See it at AmazonAuthor: Vladimir Nabokov

Country: United States

Publication Date: 1955

Estimated Sales: 50 million copies

Initially controversial, Lolita has become a landmark work of literature. It explores the disturbing obsession of an English professor with a 12-year-old girl. The novel's impact is evident in its adaptations into a play, an opera, and two films, one directed by Stanley Kubrick and co-written by Nabokov himself.

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 weaves a rich tapestry of magical realism, chronicling the Buendía family's saga over seven generations in the fictional town of Macondo. This epic tale captures the cyclical nature of life and the enduring impact of family legacy.

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 the Crucifixion. The novel's cinematic adaptation, featuring an iconic chariot race, has cemented its place in popular culture, showcasing the enduring appeal of this epic tale.

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 brief but passionate affair with a photographer. Adapted into a film starring Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep, and later a Tony Award-winning Broadway musical, it continues to captivate audiences with its emotional depth.

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 only full-length novel, The Catcher in the Rye, is a seminal coming-of-age story centered around Holden Caulfield, a disaffected prep school student. His struggle with the "phoniness" of the adult world has resonated with generations of readers, making him a cultural icon.

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 epic conclusion to the Harry Potter series, Deathly Hallows, sees Harry, Hermione, and Ron on a quest to defeat Voldemort. Accompanied by an intense anti-spoiler campaign and debates over character loyalties, this book was split into two films, enhancing its cultural impact.

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 Half-Blood Prince, Harry delves deeper into Voldemort's past, gathering crucial knowledge to confront the dark wizard. This book sets the stage for the final showdown, balancing exposition with gripping narrative tension.

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, initially faced criticism for its slower pace and Harry's persistent anger. However, it has since been appreciated for its extensive world-building and the introduction of key characters like Luna, Ginny, and Neville.

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. Its unexpected twists and heightened stakes have cemented its status as one of the strongest entries in the Harry Potter saga.

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

Prisoner of Azkaban showcases a significant leap in narrative maturity, captivating readers with its complex plot involving an escaped wizard and the mystery surrounding Harry's parents. This book is often cited as the moment when 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 The Alchemist follows a Spanish shepherd on a quest for treasure in Egypt. Initially a commercial failure, the novel's enduring message about following one's destiny has resonated with millions, making it a global phenomenon. 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 readers to the school's founders and setting the stage for future adventures. It keeps readers engaged enough to eagerly anticipate the next installment.

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

The Da Vinci Code became a cultural phenomenon with its fast-paced narrative and controversial claims about Jesus and the Catholic Church. Despite mixed critical reception, its commercial success is undeniable, sparking widespread interest and debate.

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, Vardi Wala Gunda is a gripping mystery thriller that delves into corruption and conspiracy within the police force. As one of Ved Prakash Sharma's most successful works, it has captivated readers with its intense 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

She: A History of Adventure is a foundational work in the fantasy genre, following explorers who discover a lost kingdom in Africa. Its influence is evident in popular media, including the Indiana Jones and Tarzan franchises, which draw heavily from its themes.

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

In this beloved children's classic, four siblings enter the magical world of Narnia through a wardrobe. Their battle against the White Witch and quest to restore Aslan's rule has captivated readers, leading to a series of sequels 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 adventure with a wizard and dwarves to reclaim their treasure from a dragon. Initially a standalone tale, it was later integrated into Tolkien's broader Middle-earth mythology.

See our guide to The Lord of the Rings timeline.

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

Dream of the Red Chamber is a cornerstone of Chinese literature, depicting the rise and fall of a noble family during the Qing Dynasty. Its nuanced portrayal of female characters and intricate narrative have earned it a place among the great works of the pre-Modern era.

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, And Then There Were None, is a gripping murder mystery set on an isolated island. As ten strangers are picked off one by one according to a nursery rhyme, the survivors race to uncover the killer's identity before it's too late.

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, capturing the wonder and excitement of his initial foray into wizardry. Its unique blend of boarding school life and fantasy has captivated readers of all ages.

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

The Little Prince is a timeless tale that explores the essence of childhood and the limitations of adulthood. Through the journey of a young prince across various planets, it offers profound insights into human nature and the importance of love and connection.

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 one of literature's most famous lines, reflecting the stark contrasts of the era. Dickens' exploration of class struggle and human resilience has made this novel a perennial favorite.

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

Don Quixote is a timeless tragicomedy about a man who, inspired by tales of chivalry, embarks on a quest as a knight-errant. His adventures, including the iconic battle with windmills, have become emblematic of the human spirit's quest for meaning and honor.

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 notable releases. Here are the top 10 books of 2024 according to Amazon: