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Top 25 All-Time Best-Selling Books Revealed

by Riley May 27,2025

Creating a comprehensive list of the 25 best-selling books of all time is a challenging endeavor. The complexities arise from varying editions, translations, and distribution methods of books published over centuries. Some books were released in abridged or expanded forms, serialized, or distributed in bulk. Coupled with potentially exaggerated sales figures and inconsistent record-keeping, it's nearly impossible to compile an indisputable list. Despite these challenges, we've crafted a list with a focus on literary fiction, excluding religious texts, self-help books, political works, and reference materials. This decision means that influential books like the Bible, Mao Tse Tung's Little Red Book, The Lord of the Rings, and The Count of Monte Cristo are not included due to their unique publication histories or the difficulty in obtaining accurate sales data.

We invite you to share your thoughts on our selections and discuss whether the quality of these books aligns with their sales figures in the comments section. Additionally, explore the best-selling books of 2024 listed below for some contemporary reading options on your 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 story of the spirited orphan girl, Anne Shirley, who arrives at Green Gables in Avonlea, Prince Edward Island, has captivated readers since its publication. Her endearing relationship with her foster parents, who initially sought a boy, blossomed into a heartwarming tale that 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

This beloved children's novel follows the life of Heidi, an orphaned girl who thrives in the Swiss Alps under the care of her grandfather. Her friendship with Klara, a wealthy girl from Frankfurt unable to walk, enriches the narrative as they support each other's growth.

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 tells the story of an English professor's obsessive and troubling relationship with a young girl. Despite initial reluctance from publishers, the novel has since 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

This masterpiece of magical realism chronicles the Buendía family across seven generations in the fictional town of Macondo. The narrative weaves a rich tapestry of prosperity and tragedy, reflecting cyclical and karmic themes.

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, who lives during the time of Jesus and witnesses his Crucifixion, this novel has left a lasting impact on popular culture, especially through its film adaptation featuring the iconic 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 romantic tale of an Italian American war bride's passionate affair with a traveling photographer during her family's absence at the State Fair was adapted into a film by Clint Eastwood and later into 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 only full-length novel, The Catcher in the Rye, captures the essence of adolescent angst through the eyes of Holden Caulfield, an expelled prep student. The book's influence endures, and Salinger's unpublished works may soon be released posthumously.

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 mission to defeat Voldemort. The book's release was marked by an intense anti-spoiler campaign and debates over character loyalties, and it was adapted 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 sixth book, Harry learns about Voldemort's past, preparing him for the ultimate battle. It sets the stage for the climactic events of Deathly Hallows.

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 in the series, Order of the Phoenix initially faced criticism but has since been appreciated for its world-building and the expansion of Harry's circle of friends to include 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

Considered one of the strongest entries in the series, Goblet of Fire introduces the Triwizard Tournament and shifts the tone toward darker themes, marking a significant turning point in the 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

This book marks a leap in narrative maturity and is often cited as the moment many readers became dedicated fans. Harry's third year introduces new challenges and the mysterious figure of Sirius Black.

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 flop, The Alchemist tells the story of a Spanish shepherd's quest for treasure in Egypt. Coelho's persistence in promoting his work led to its eventual global success, which he attributes to 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 and sets the stage for the deeper narratives that follow, encouraging readers to continue with the series.

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

A commercial success despite critical panning, The Da Vinci Code captivated readers with its fast-paced plot, narrative twists, and controversial claims about the descendants of Jesus and a secretive sect within 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

Written in Hindi, this mystery thriller delves into the world of corrupt cops and assassination plots. It is the most famous work of Ved Prakash Sharma, who has authored over 170 novels.

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 foundational work in the fantasy genre, She follows explorers discovering a lost kingdom in Africa. Its influence can be seen in numerous works, including the Indiana Jones and Tarzan franchises.

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 classic children's tale transports four siblings into the magical world of Narnia, ruled by the White Witch and the rightful king, Aslan. It launched a series of six sequels, known collectively 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. It was later integrated into Tolkien's larger 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

Recognized as one of the great Chinese novels, Dream of the Red Chamber captures the rise and fall of a noble family during the Qing Dynasty, with nuanced portrayals 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 masterwork, And Then There Were None, is a gripping murder mystery set on an island where ten people are trapped with a killer, their fates tied to a chilling nursery rhyme.

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 of his initial foray into wizardry. It set the stage for a cultural phenomenon unmatched in modern literature.

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

This timeless tale of a boy prince traveling from his asteroid to other planets is a profound reflection on childhood, adulthood, and the human condition, often interpreted as a commentary on war or 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, this novel opens with one of literature's most famous lines and delves into themes of class struggle, poverty, and wealth, reflecting Dickens' social commentary.

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

This epic tragicomedy follows the adventures of Don Quixote, a man who, inspired by tales of chivalry, sets out on a quest with his squire. The iconic scene of his battle with windmills, which he mistakes for giants, has become a cultural touchstone.

Best Selling Books in 2024

Identifying the best-selling books of 2024 is more straightforward, thanks to Amazon's annual best-sellers list. This list includes a mix of New York Times bestsellers and other notable new releases, providing a snapshot of current reading trends. While it doesn't cover all book sales, Amazon's list offers a significant insight into online book purchases. Here are the top 10 books of 2024 according to Amazon: