Compiling a definitive list of the 25 best-selling books of all time is surprisingly challenging. Factors like varying editions, translations, abridged versions, serializations, and inconsistent record-keeping make precise sales figures nearly impossible to obtain. Publishers' promotional exaggerations further complicate the task. There are simply too many variables to create an undeniably accurate list. Therefore, this list utilizes these self-imposed guidelines:
We're focusing exclusively on literary fiction. This excludes religious texts, self-help books, political treatises, and other non-fiction works (meaning titles like *The Bible* and *Mao Tse-tung's Little Red Book* are excluded). Notable omissions also include *The Lord of the Rings* (due to its complex serialization) and *The Count of Monte Cristo* (due to the difficulty in finding reliable historical sales data).
Did your favorite cozy read make the cut? Do you think sales figures accurately reflect literary merit? Share your thoughts in the comments! And don't forget to explore our list of 2024's bestsellers below for some fresh reading material.
**25. Anne of Green Gables**
**Author:** 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 endearing relationship with her adoptive parents, who initially expected a boy, propelled the book to immense success, spawning seven sequels (eight including a posthumous novel).
**24. Heidi**
**Author:** Johanna Spyri
**Country:** Switzerland
**Publication Date:** 1880-1881
**Estimated Sales:** 50 million copies
This beloved children's novel tells the story of Heidi, an orphan raised by her grandfather in the Swiss Alps. Her connection with Klara, a wealthy girl from Frankfurt confined to a wheelchair, forms the heart of the narrative, showcasing their mutual growth and support.
**23. Lolita**
**Author:** Vladimir Nabokov
**Country:** United States
**Publication Date:** 1955
**Estimated Sales:** 50 million copies
Initially shunned by publishers, Nabokov's controversial masterpiece explores the unsettling relationship between an English professor and a 12-year-old girl. Its enduring impact is evident in its adaptations into plays, operas, and films, including a renowned version directed by Stanley Kubrick.
**22. One Hundred Years of Solitude (Cien años de soledad)**
**Author:** Gabriel García Márquez
**Country:** Colombia
**Publication Date:** 1967
**Estimated Sales:** 50 million copies
Márquez's magnum opus, a sprawling saga of magical realism, chronicles the Buendía family and the fictional town of Macondo across seven generations. Its cyclical narrative explores themes of prosperity, suffering, and karmic consequences.
**21. Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ**
**Author:** Lew Wallace
**Country:** United States
**Publication Date:** 1880
**Estimated Sales:** 50 million copies
This historical novel follows Judah Ben-Hur's life alongside the events of Jesus's ministry and crucifixion. It's best known today for its iconic film adaptation starring Charlton Heston, particularly remembered for its thrilling chariot race.
**20. The Bridges of Madison County**
**Author:** 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. Its cinematic adaptation starring Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep, and its successful Broadway musical adaptation, further cemented its popularity.
**19. The Catcher in the Rye**
**Author:** J.D. Salinger
**Country:** United States
**Publication Date:** 1951
**Estimated Sales:** 65 million copies
Salinger's sole novel, a coming-of-age story featuring the cynical Holden Caulfield, has achieved iconic status. Holden's alienation and critique of "phoniness" resonate with readers, solidifying his place as a literary anti-hero.
**18. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows**
**Author:** J.K. Rowling
**Country:** United Kingdom
**Publication Date:** 2007
**Estimated Sales:** 65 million copies
The climactic finale of the Harry Potter series sees Harry, Ron, and Hermione on a perilous quest to defeat Lord Voldemort. Its release was met with an intense anti-spoiler campaign, fueling widespread speculation and discussion.
**17. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince**
**Author:** J.K. Rowling
**Country:** United Kingdom
**Publication Date:** 2005
**Estimated Sales:** 65 million copies
This installment serves as crucial exposition for the final book, providing Harry with vital knowledge about Voldemort to prepare for the ultimate confrontation.
**16. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix**
**Author:** J.K. Rowling
**Country:** United Kingdom
**Publication Date:** 2003
**Estimated Sales:** 65 million copies
The longest book in the series, it expands the world of Harry Potter and introduces key characters while building towards the series' climax.
**15. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire**
**Author:** J.K. Rowling
**Country:** United Kingdom
**Publication Date:** 2000
**Estimated Sales:** 65 million copies
Often considered the strongest of the series, this installment introduces the Triwizard Tournament, raising the stakes and marking a shift towards darker themes.
**14. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban**
**Author:** J.K. Rowling
**Country:** United Kingdom
**Publication Date:** 1999
**Estimated Sales:** 65 million copies
This book showcases a significant leap in narrative maturity, introducing new challenges and mysteries that deepened the series' appeal.
**13. The Alchemist (O Alquimista)**
**Author:** Paulo Coelho
**Country:** Brazil
**Publication Date:** 1988
**Estimated Sales:** 65 million copies
This allegorical novel follows a Spanish shepherd's journey to Egypt in search of treasure. Its initial rejection by publishers only fueled its eventual triumph, highlighting the author's perseverance.
**12. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets**
**Author:** J.K. Rowling
**Country:** United Kingdom
**Publication Date:** 1998
**Estimated Sales:** 77 million copies
While often considered the weakest in the series, it expands the wizarding world beyond Hogwarts and introduces crucial elements for future installments.
**11. The Da Vinci Code**
**Author:** Dan Brown
**Country:** United States
**Publication Date:** 2003
**Estimated Sales:** 80 million copies
This controversial thriller, despite critical mixed reviews, captivated a massive audience with its blend of historical fiction, religious conspiracy, and narrative twists.
**10. Vardi Wala Gunda**
**Author:** Ved Prakash Sharma
**Country:** India
**Publication Date:** 1992
**Estimated Sales:** 80 million copies
Written in Hindi, this mystery thriller focuses on corrupt police officers and assassination plots. It stands as the most successful work of prolific author Ved Prakash Sharma.
**9. She: A History of Adventure**
**Author:** H. Rider Haggard
**Country:** United Kingdom
**Publication Date:** 1886
**Estimated Sales:** 83 million copies
This influential fantasy novel, about explorers discovering a lost kingdom in Africa, has had a significant impact on the genre, inspiring numerous works in its wake.
**8. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe**
**Author:** C.S. Lewis
**Country:** United Kingdom
**Publication Date:** 1950
**Estimated Sales:** 85 million copies
This cornerstone of children's literature introduces the magical world of Narnia, where four siblings encounter mythical creatures and an epic battle between good and evil.
**7. The Hobbit**
**Author:** J.R.R. Tolkien
**Country:** United Kingdom
**Publication Date:** 1937
**Estimated Sales:** 100 million copies
This precursor to *The Lord of the Rings* follows Bilbo Baggins's adventure with a wizard and dwarves. Its integration into Tolkien's broader Middle-earth mythology further solidified its place in literary history.
**6. Dream of the Red Chamber**
**Author:** Cao Xueqin
**Country:** China
**Publication Date:** 1791
**Estimated Sales:** 100 million copies
This classic Chinese novel, set during the Qing Dynasty, depicts the rise and fall of a noble family, renowned for its complex portrayal of female characters.
**5. And Then There Were None**
**Author:** Agatha Christie
**Country:** United Kingdom
**Publication Date:** 1939
**Estimated Sales:** 100 million copies
Considered by Christie herself to be one of her finest works, this suspenseful mystery traps ten individuals on an island, where a deadly game unfolds.
**4. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone**
**Author:** J.K. Rowling
**Country:** United Kingdom
**Publication Date:** 1997
**Estimated Sales:** 120 million copies
The inaugural Harry Potter novel, capturing the wonder and magic of the wizarding world, launched a global phenomenon.
**3. The Little Prince (Le Petit Prince)**
**Author:** Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
**Country:** France
**Publication Date:** 1943
**Estimated Sales:** 140 million copies
This poignant and allegorical tale explores themes of childhood, adulthood, and the human condition, captivating readers with its whimsical charm.
**2. A Tale of Two Cities**
**Author:** Charles Dickens
**Country:** United Kingdom
**Publication Date:** 1859
**Estimated Sales:** 200 million copies
Dickens' masterpiece, set during the French Revolution, explores themes of class, social upheaval, and human resilience.
**1. Don Quixote**
**Author:** Miguel de Cervantes
**Country:** Spain
**Publication Date:** 1605 (Part One), 1615 (Part Two)
**Estimated Sales:** 500 million copies
This epic tragicomedy, published in two parts, follows the adventures of a delusional knight, whose fantastical journey has left an enduring mark on literature.
**Best Selling Books in 2024**
Determining the best-selling books of the current year is more straightforward. Amazon's best-selling list provides a strong indicator, though it doesn't encompass all sales. Here are the top 10 according to Amazon's 2024 list:
- 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 suggestions? Check out our guides to the *Game of Thrones* books and our favorite horror novels.
