Home > News > Top 25 All-Time Best-Selling Books Revealed

Top 25 All-Time Best-Selling Books Revealed

Author : Joshua

Apr 28,2025

Creating a definitive list of the 25 best-selling books of all time is a challenging task due to numerous factors such as varying editions, translations, and inconsistent sales records. These factors, along with publishers who might inflate sales figures, make it nearly impossible to establish an indisputable ranking. To navigate these complexities, we've focused solely on literary fiction, excluding religious texts, self-help books, political works, and reference materials. Additionally, we've omitted books like The Lord of the Rings and The Count of Monte Cristo due to their complex publication histories and challenges in verifying sales data.

Does your favorite book, the one you enjoy reading under a book light, make our list? How do you think the quality of these books aligns with their sales figures? Share your thoughts in the comments below. And don't forget to explore the best-selling books of 2024 for some fresh 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

This classic children's story follows the journey of Anne Shirley, a spirited orphan who arrives in Avonlea, Prince Edward Island, to live with foster parents who initially expected a boy. Their evolving relationship captures hearts worldwide, leading to 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

In this beloved children's novel, young Heidi, orphaned and raised by her grandfather in the Swiss Alps, embarks on a journey of self-discovery and friendship. Her bond with Klara, a wealthy but wheelchair-bound girl from Frankfurt, enriches both their lives and showcases the power of companionship.

23. Lolita

### Lolita

9See it at AmazonAuthor: Vladimir Nabokov

Country: United States

Publication Date: 1955

Estimated Sales: 50 million copies

Initially shunned by publishers, Nabokov's controversial novel about an English professor's obsession with a 12-year-old girl has since become a cultural phenomenon. Adapted into plays, operas, and films, including one directed by Stanley Kubrick, Lolita remains a provocative and influential work.

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 dark, dramatic tale of the Buendía family, who founded the fictional town of Macondo. Spanning seven generations, this novel blends magical realism with epic storytelling, capturing the cyclical nature of life 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

This novel follows Judah Ben-Hur, who lives concurrently with Jesus and witnesses his crucifixion. While the book is less known today, its cinematic adaptation, featuring Charlton Heston in a thrilling chariot race, remains iconic.

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, who embarks on a passionate affair with a photographer during her family's absence at the State Fair. Adapted into a film starring Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep, and later a Tony-winning Broadway musical, the story continues to captivate audiences.

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 about Holden Caulfield, an expelled prep student grappling with the "phoniness" of the world. Salinger's reclusive nature only added to the mystique of this enduring work.

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, The Deathly Hallows, sees Harry, Hermione, and Ron on a mission to defeat Lord Voldemort. Accompanied by an intense anti-spoiler campaign, this book was split into two films, culminating the saga in cinematic glory.

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 crucial information about Lord Voldemort, preparing for the ultimate confrontation. Half-Blood Prince sets the stage for the series' dramatic conclusion in 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 book in the series, Order of the Phoenix, initially faced criticism for its slow pace and Harry's anger. However, it has since been appreciated for its world-building and character development, expanding the trio 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

Arguably the strongest of the series, Goblet of Fire introduces the Triwizard Tournament, marking a shift to darker themes with death and high stakes. The book's twist remains one of the series' most memorable moments.

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

A leap in maturity, Prisoner of Azkaban marks a turning point for many fans. Harry faces new challenges, including a mysterious escaped wizard linked to his parents' past, enriching the series' lore.

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 flop, The Alchemist tells the story of a Spanish shepherd's quest for treasure in Egypt. Coelho's persistence led to its eventual success, which he attributes to fate. The original language is 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

Though often considered the weakest in the series, Chamber of Secrets expands the wizarding world beyond Hogwarts, introducing more about its founders and setting the stage for the adventures to come.

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 pop culture phenomenon, The Da Vinci Code combines short chapters, twists, and controversial claims about Jesus' lineage and a secretive sect of Catholicism. Despite critical panning, it became a commercial juggernaut.

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 by Ved Prakash Sharma delves into corrupt cops and assassination plots. With over 170 novels to his name, Sharma's Vardi Wala Gunda remains his most celebrated 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

A cornerstone of fantasy literature, She: A History of Adventure follows explorers discovering a lost kingdom in Africa. Its influence is seen in works like Indiana Jones and Tarzan, which owe much to its themes of lost civilizations and mysticism.

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 iconic children's book transports four siblings to the magical land of Narnia, ruled by the White Witch and the true king, Aslan. The first in The Chronicles of Narnia, it set the stage for six more enchanting tales.

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. Initially a standalone, it became integral to Tolkien's Middle-earth saga.

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 depicts the rise and fall of a noble family during the Qing Dynasty. It's renowned for its nuanced portrayal of female characters and its intricate storytelling.

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 where ten people are trapped on an island with a killer among them. As they die according to a nursery rhyme, the survivors race to uncover the murderer'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 captures the magic of Harry's initial entry into the wizarding world. While it set the stage for a global phenomenon, it remains unique in its portrayal of childish wonder.

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

A timeless tale of beauty and innocence, The Little Prince explores the whimsical nature of childhood and the limited perspectives of adulthood. Interpreted variously as a commentary on war and a Biblical allegory, it remains a cherished classic.

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

Opening with one of literature's most famous lines, A Tale of Two Cities is set during the French Revolution and explores themes of class, poverty, and wealth. Dickens' narrative remains a powerful reflection on social justice.

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

An epic tragicomedy, Don Quixote follows a man so enamored with tales of knighthood that he believes himself to be a knight. His adventures with his squire and lady, including the iconic battle with windmills, have cemented this novel's place in literary history.

Best Selling Books in 2024

Identifying the best-selling books of the current year is more straightforward than compiling an all-time list. Amazon's best-selling books list for 2024 provides a reliable snapshot of top sellers, including New York Times bestsellers and other notable works. While it doesn't cover all book sales, it represents a significant portion of online purchases. Here are the top 10 books of 2024 according to Amazon's list: