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Top 25 Best-Selling Books Ever

Author : Alexander

May 25,2025

Creating a definitive list of the 25 best-selling books of all time is challenging due to the complexities of historical publishing and sales data. Books published centuries ago often exist in various editions, translations, and formats, which complicates sales tracking. Additionally, some were serialized and later compiled, or distributed in bulk for free, further muddying the waters. Inaccurate record-keeping and exaggerated sales figures by publishers add to the difficulty of compiling an authoritative list.

To navigate these issues, we've focused solely on literary fiction, excluding religious texts, self-help books, political tools, and other reference works. We've also omitted books like The Lord of the Rings and The Count of Monte Cristo due to their serialization or age-related data challenges.

Did your favorite book make the list? How do you think the quality of these books compares to their sales figures? Share your thoughts in the comments. Don't forget to explore the best-selling books of 2024 for more recent 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

This beloved children's classic follows the spirited orphan Anne Shirley as she adjusts to life with her new foster family in Avonlea, Prince Edward Island. The heartwarming bond between Anne and her foster parents, who initially expected a boy, resonated deeply with readers, leading to seven sequels and a posthumous novel in 2009. 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 tells the story of a young orphan who finds solace and growth under the care of her grandfather. Her friendship with Klara, a wealthy girl from Frankfurt, adds depth to the narrative, highlighting themes of companionship and resilience.

23. Lolita

### Lolita

9See it at AmazonAuthor: Vladimir Nabokov

Country: United States

Publication Date: 1955

Estimated Sales: 50 million copies

Initially controversial, Lolita explores the disturbing infatuation of an English professor with a 12-year-old girl. Despite initial reluctance from publishers, the novel's impact has been significant, inspiring adaptations 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

Gabriel García Márquez's masterpiece blends magical realism with the saga of the Buendía family over seven generations in the fictional town of Macondo. The novel's cyclical and karmic narrative has cemented its place as a landmark in Latin American literature.

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, and their intersecting paths, culminating in Ben-Hur witnessing the Crucifixion. The novel's cultural impact is largely remembered through its epic film adaptation featuring a memorable 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 poignant romance novel captures the fleeting affair between an Italian American war bride and a traveling photographer. Its adaptation into a film starring Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep, and later a Tony-winning Broadway musical, highlights its enduring appeal.

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 iconic coming-of-age story centers on Holden Caulfield, a disaffected prep school student grappling with the complexities of growing up. Despite being Salinger's only full-length novel, its influence on literature and culture remains profound.

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 perilous mission to defeat Voldemort. The book's release was a global event, accompanied by anti-spoiler campaigns and fervent debates about character loyalties. 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 crucial book, Harry learns vital information about Voldemort, setting the stage for the series' climactic conclusion. The narrative tension builds as Harry prepares to confront the darkest forces of the wizarding world.

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

This expansive novel delves deeper into the wizarding world, introducing new characters like Luna and expanding the scope of Harry's adventures. Despite initial criticism for its length and Harry's anger, it has grown in appreciation for its detailed world-building.

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

Marking a darker turn in the series, Goblet of Fire introduces the Triwizard Tournament and one of the saga's most shocking twists. The novel's blend of adventure and escalating stakes captivates readers, setting the tone for the series' later books.

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 pivotal book in the series, Prisoner of Azkaban marks a shift towards more mature themes and storytelling. Harry's confrontation with his past and the introduction of new magical elements solidify fans' devotion to the series.

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 tale of a Spanish shepherd's quest for treasure in Egypt is a testament to perseverance and fate. Initially a flop, the novel's eventual success is a story of determination, reflecting the themes within its pages.

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 new lore and characters. It sets the stage for the more thrilling adventures that follow.

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

Dan Brown's thriller, blending short chapters and conspiracy theories, became a cultural phenomenon. Despite mixed critical reception, its exploration of controversial religious claims captivated a wide audience, leading to a successful film adaptation.

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 mystery thriller, penned by prolific author Ved Prakash Sharma, delves into the dark world of corrupt cops and assassination plots. Its gripping narrative has earned it a dedicated following 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

A cornerstone of fantasy literature, She follows explorers discovering a lost kingdom in Africa. Its influence on the genre is undeniable, inspiring countless stories of lost civilizations and mystical adventures.

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

C.S. Lewis's enchanting tale transports four children to Narnia, a land ruled by the White Witch and awaiting the return of the lion Aslan. This beloved children's book sparked a series, The Chronicles of Narnia, and remains a fantasy classic.

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. Its enduring charm and later integration into Middle-earth's lore have made it a timeless classic.

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

Set during the Qing Dynasty, this epic novel chronicles the rise and fall of a noble family, known for its nuanced portrayal of female characters. It is considered one of the greatest Chinese novels 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 masterwork, often hailed as her best, traps ten people on an island where they are picked off one by one, following a chilling nursery rhyme. Its suspenseful plot has kept readers on the edge of their seats for decades.

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 magical journey begins with Harry's first encounter with the wizarding world, capturing the wonder and excitement of discovery. This groundbreaking novel launched a phenomenon, redefining the fantasy genre for a new generation.

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 young prince traveling between planets explores themes of love, loss, and the innocence of childhood. Its poetic narrative and profound insights have resonated 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

Set during the French Revolution, Dickens's epic novel examines the stark contrasts between the lives of the rich and the poor. Its opening line, "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times," is one of the most famous in literature.

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

Miguel de Cervantes's masterpiece, published in two parts, follows the adventures of Don Quixote, a man driven mad by chivalric tales. His quest to revive knighthood, including the iconic battle with windmills, has made this novel a cornerstone of Western literature.

Best Selling Books in 2024

Identifying the best-selling books of 2024 is more straightforward, thanks to data from online retailers like Amazon. Their list of top sellers for the year includes a mix of New York Times bestsellers and other popular novels and biographies. While Amazon's list doesn't capture all book sales, it offers a significant insight into current reading trends. Here are the top 10 books of 2024, according to Amazon: