Top 25 All-Time Bestselling Books

Creating a definitive list of the 25 best-selling books of all time is surprisingly challenging. The complexities of tracking sales across centuries, considering different editions, translations, and distribution methods (including bulk purchases and free distribution), make precise figures elusive. Inaccurate record-keeping and promotional exaggerations further complicate matters. There are simply too many unknowns to create an indisputable ranking. Therefore, this list presents our best estimate, based on several self-imposed criteria.

We've focused exclusively on literary fiction, excluding religious texts, self-help books, political treatises, and other non-fiction works (this excludes titles like The Bible and Mao Tse-tung's Little Red Book, which would otherwise rank highly). Some notable books, such as The Lord of the Rings (due to its serialized publication) and The Count of Monte Cristo (due to difficulties in sourcing reliable historical sales data), are omitted.

Did your favorite cozy read make the cut? Do you think sales figures accurately reflect literary merit? Share your thoughts in the comments! Also, be sure to check out our list of 2024's bestsellers below for some fresh reading material.

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

This classic children's story follows the spirited orphan Anne Shirley as she navigates life in Avonlea, Prince Edward Island. Her relationship with her adoptive parents, who unexpectedly find themselves adoring their adopted daughter, fueled the book's immense success, spawning seven sequels (eight including a posthumous novel). Buy here.

24. Heidi

### Heidi

6See it at AmazonAuthor: Johanna Spyri

Country: Switzerland

Publication Date: 1880-1881

Estimated Sales: 50 million copies

This children's novel tells the heartwarming story of Heidi, an orphan raised by her grandfather in the Swiss Alps. Her encounters with Klara, a wealthy girl confined to a wheelchair, form a touching bond that fosters mutual growth.

23. Lolita

### Lolita

9See it at AmazonAuthor: Vladimir Nabokov

Country: United States

Publication Date: 1955

Estimated Sales: 50 million copies

Initially shunned by publishers due to its controversial subject matter—an English professor's obsessive attraction to a 12-year-old girl—Nabokov's masterpiece has since been adapted into a play, opera, and two films, 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

Marquez's epic novel, filled with magical realism, chronicles the multi-generational saga of the Buendía family and their fictional town, Macondo. The cyclical nature of their triumphs and misfortunes creates a compelling and deeply resonant narrative.

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

This novel follows Judah Ben-Hur's life during the time of Jesus, culminating in his witnessing of the Crucifixion. The story is perhaps best known today for its iconic film adaptation starring Charlton Heston, featuring a legendary 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 romance novel depicts a passionate affair between an Italian-American war bride and a traveling photographer. The story was adapted into a successful film starring Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep, and also a Tony-nominated 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

Salinger's only novel, a coming-of-age story featuring the cynical and rebellious Holden Caulfield, has achieved iconic status, cementing its place in literary history.

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 climactic finale of the Harry Potter series finds Harry, Ron, and Hermione on the run, determined to defeat Lord Voldemort. The book's release was accompanied by a massive anti-spoiler campaign.

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

This installment lays the groundwork for the final confrontation with Voldemort, providing crucial insights into the Dark Lord's past and motivations.

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, this installment expands the world of Harry Potter, introducing key characters and furthering the overarching plot.

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

Often considered one of the strongest books in the series, Goblet of Fire introduces the Triwizard Tournament, raising the stakes and marking a significant shift in tone.

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 installment marks a noticeable increase in maturity of writing style and plot complexity, introducing new challenges and mysteries for Harry to unravel.

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

This allegorical novel about a shepherd's journey to Egypt in search of treasure has achieved remarkable success, reflecting Coelho's perseverance in getting his work published.

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, this installment expands the world beyond Hogwarts, introducing new characters and plot elements.

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

This controversial thriller, with its blend of historical fiction and conspiracy theories, captivated readers worldwide, sparking widespread discussion 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

This Hindi-language mystery thriller, one of over 170 novels by the author, has achieved immense popularity in India.

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

This influential work of fantasy fiction, exploring themes of exploration and a lost civilization, has had a lasting impact on the genre.

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 fantasy novel, the first in The Chronicles of Narnia, has captivated generations of readers with its imaginative world and allegorical themes.

7. The Hobbit

### The Hobbit

13See it at AmazonAuthor: J.R.R. Tolkien

Country: United Kingdom

Publication Date: 1937

Estimated Sales: 100 million copies

This precursor to The Lord of the Rings introduced Bilbo Baggins and the world of Middle-earth to millions, setting the stage for Tolkien's epic fantasy saga.

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

This classic Chinese novel, renowned for its complex characters and social commentary, remains a cornerstone of Chinese literature.

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

Considered by Christie herself as one of her finest works, this suspenseful murder mystery keeps readers guessing until the very end.

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 introduced a generation of readers to the magic of Hogwarts and the boy who lived.

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, with its allegorical and philosophical depth, continues to resonate with readers of all ages.

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

Dickens' masterpiece, set during the French Revolution, explores themes of social injustice, revolution, and redemption.

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 iconic novel, published in two parts, remains a cornerstone of Western literature, its influence spanning centuries.

Best Selling Books in 2024

Determining 2024's bestsellers is more straightforward, relying primarily on Amazon's sales data, which provides a substantial snapshot of online book sales. While not completely comprehensive, it offers a strong indication of current reading trends. Here are Amazon's top 10 books of 2024:

• 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.

Looking for more reading recommendations? Check out our guides to the Game of Thrones books and our favorite horror novels.