To produce a best-selling novel is undoubtedly a staggering feat. Anyone who’s ever tried to publish a book knows the drawn-out and thankless process that’s involved — assuming they can even get anything published at all.
But there are some novels out there that have not only stood the test of time but have gone on to become veritable staples in the literary world. These are stories that have had such an impact on readers and the public in general that they’ve basically influenced the cultural world that followed.
In honor of , it’s worth giving a shoutout to those novels and authors that have shaped reading over the years. Their work has been published in numerous languages, had endless reprints, and continued to inspire people.
I’ve compiled this list using a number of resources in order to make it as correct as possible, but it’s still worth saying that sales figures are approximates. So, with that in mind, here are the 10 best-selling novels ever.
10) The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe – C.S. Lewis (85 million)
C.S. Lewis is not only one of the most influential fantasy authors of all time, but his Chronicles of Narnia series is also one of the most successful in children’s fantasy. The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe is the second of seven books in the whole series and has sold over 85 million copies since being published in 1950.
The story has enjoyed numerous adaptations to TV, an animated miniseries, theater productions, and the 2005 film co-produced by Walt Disney. The book’s theme of religiosity is well-documented, with notable similarities to Christianity. Lewis was also close friends with legendary writer J.R.R. Tolkien, which leads me neatly into our next entry.
9) The Hobbit – J.R.R. Tolkien (100 million)
Let’s face it: without Tolkien’s work, many people would unlikely be enjoying the fantasy genre as we understand it today. Telling the story of Bilbo Baggins, the author’s 1937 book ticks every box in the genre: wizards, dragons, grand adventures, bravery.
By no means was The Hobbit the first-ever fantasy novel, but with over 100 million in sales since its publication, its impact on the genre cannot be overstated. One might even say it’s something of a blueprint for what Tolkien would give the world next.
8) Dream of the Red Chamber – Cao Xueqin (100 million)
Published in 1791, Xueqin’s epic family tale is not only the oldest book on this list but it’s also said to be one of the best novels in Chinese literature ever written. Dream of the Red Chamber tells the story of the Qing dynasty, with themes of love and marriage, corruption, death, and financial ruin thrown into the mix. It’s the fifth part in what is known as the Dreamer Awakes saga.
Don’t worry if you’re not overly familiar with this novel. It’s possible that because of its deep roots in Chinese history, it may have skipped over a number of English-speaking readers. However, the fact that it’s sold over 100 million copies worldwide shows that it’s clearly had influence outside its country of origin, such that some consider it China’s answer to Romeo and Juliet.
7) And Then There Were None – Agatha Christie (100 million)
It’s nearly impossible not to mention the name Agatha Christie when talking about murder mystery novels. The author’s name is practically synonymous with the genre, with her work giving rise to two of the most iconic names in English literature: Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple.
And Then There Were None – published in 1939 – centers around eight people arriving on an island off the coast of Devon, who are then killed off one by one. One of the novel’s major plot elements is the use of a rhyme, which has caused contention over the years due to its use of what we now consider to be racially insensitive language (to put it mildly). Still, it hasn’t stopped the book from becoming the world’s best-selling mystery novel.
6) Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland – Lewis Carroll (100 million)
I’d just like to take this opportunity to say that I was once in an amateur stage production of Carroll’s iconic 1865 novel. I played one of the Queen’s guards. I had one line: “or a tooth in the front row of your best smile” (if I recall). It’s a wonder I never went pro, yeah?
Anyway, Alice’s Adventure in Wonderland is a classic in children’s literature. When you think of it, most of the best-selling novels of all time seem to be aimed mainly at younger readers. This either says something about the number of children that are keen on books or about how the more successful ones can transcend arbitrary concepts such as age and be proven popular among people from all walks of life.
5) Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone – J.K. Rowling (120 million)
The Sorcerer’s Stone (called The Philosopher’s Stone here in the UK) was published in 1997 and since then🎃, the series has become a global sensation, spawning one of the most lucrative media franchises in recent history.
It boggles🍃 the mind to think that not only can your first book go on to become a worldwide rags-to-riches success story, but it can also sit comfortably as one of the best-selling novels of all t🧸ime, rubbing elbows with some of the most renowned names in literature.
4) The Little Prince – Antoine de Saint-Exupéry (140 million)
There seems to be some debate about how many copies of de Saint-Exupéry’s 1943 fantasy novel has sold. However, I’m going to stick with more conservative estimates. For example, (as well as some other sources) have it down as selling 140 million copies. Others suggest it could be way more. We’ll stick with the former.
The Little Prince (or “Le Petit Prince” to give it its original French title) is a tale about a young prince’s travels through space. Part science-fiction, part fantasy, this classic novel is beloved by millions of children from around the world, and I’d wager many adults as well.
3) The Lord of the Rings – J.R.R. Tolkien (150 million)
If The Hobbit is a mere apéritif in the literary world, then The Lord of the Rings is a veritable banquet. It is, without question, the most influential high fantasy story of all time, an epic tale of a journey across Middle Earth that follows the titular ring that’s fallen into the hands of Frodo Baggins.
That is a massively over-simplified version of the plot, I’ll admit. The whole story spans three pretty dense tomes, which means a few of you may be wondering why it’s on this list. Some don’t even include it precisely because it’s typically seen as a trilogy. However, it’s said that Tolkien intended it as one complete novel, and it’s allegedly managed to rack up an impressive 150 million in worldwide sales.
2) A Tale of Two Cities – Charles Dickens (200 million)
Charles Dickens is easily one of the most famous names in English literature, on par with such other giants as Shakespeare or Stevenson. Some of his most notable works have maintained their significance despite how old they are and include the classics A Christmas Carol, Oliver Twist, Great Expectations, and more.
But it seems A Tale of Two Cities bests them all in terms of sheer volumes sold. With over 200 million copies shifted since it was published in 1859, Dickens maintains his status as one of t🀅he most enduring authors of all time, more than 150 years after his death.
1) Don Quixote – Miguel de Cervantes (500 million)
As well as being the best-selling novel in history, Cervantes’ 17th-century epic is also said to be the first modern novel ever written. With the first of two parts released in 1605, The Ingenious Gentleman Don Quixote of La Mancha has had about 420 years to accrue so many sales, but it’s not just sheer time that’s the reason it’s sold half a billion copies.
Its metafictional narrative and epic storytelling had an enormous impact on the literary world, with a tale of chivalry that’s said to have influenced such greats as Alexandre Dumas and Mark Twain. Salman Rushdie even attempted his own “quixotic” story with his 2019 novel (and wonderful it is, too).
Published: Mar 8, 2025 02:00 pm