Some stories travel across generations. They sit on bedside tables, fill school reading lists, and pass from one reader to another with dog-eared pages and handwritten notes. A powerful book can change how you think, spark your imagination, or stay with you for years.
The best-selling books of all time earned their place through massive global readership and lasting cultural impact. These titles captured universal themes such as love, struggle, ambition, faith, and adventure. Exploring them is not just about numbers sold. It is about discovering the stories that millions of readers found meaningful enough to share, recommend, and return to again and again.
The Top 20 Best-Selling Books of All Time That Readers Still Pick Up Today
Some books entertain. Others shape how people think and live. The titles in this list have crossed borders, languages, and generations. They stayed in print for decades and built massive global audiences. Their reach shows the power of words on a global scale.
We have divided this list into two separate sections: one for fiction and one for non-fiction. We have arranged the list according to the number of copies sold.
Best-Selling Books of All Time (Fiction)
Stories have a special pull. They let readers escape, dream, and feel deeply. The fiction titles below created unforgettable worlds and characters. Adventure, mystery, love, and danger drive their pages. Readers returned to them again and again, which fueled their lasting success.
1. Don Quixote
- Author: Miguel de Cervantes
- Year Published: 1605
- Copies Sold: ~500+ million
Miguel de Cervantes tells the story of Alonso Quixano, a man who believes he is a knight. He renames himself Don Quixote and rides out to fight “giants” that are really windmills. His loyal friend Sancho Panza follows him through each strange adventure. The story blends humor with sharp ideas about dreams and reality.
Readers connect with its mix of comedy and truth. The novel shaped modern fiction and influenced writers for centuries. It has been translated into many languages and adapted for stage and film. Its wide reach and lasting appeal explain its massive global sales.
2. A Tale of Two Cities
- Author: Charles Dickens
- Year Published: 1859
- Copies Sold: ~200+ million
Charles Dickens set this novel during the French Revolution, moving between London and Paris. The story follows love, sacrifice, and danger through characters like Sydney Carton and Charles Darnay. Dickens opens with one of the most famous lines in literature, drawing readers in at once.
The novel mixes history with strong emotion and clear storytelling. Sydney Carton’s final sacrifice leaves a deep mark on readers. Schools, stage plays, and films keep the story alive. Its powerful themes and wide appeal drive its huge sales.
3. The Little Prince
- Author: Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
- Year Published: 1943
- Copies Sold: 140–200 million
Antoine de Saint-Exupéry wrote this short and gentle tale during World War II. The story follows a young prince who travels from planet to planet. On Earth, he meets a pilot stranded in the desert. Through simple talks, the book explores love, loss, and friendship.
Both children and adults find meaning in its pages. The language feels easy, yet the ideas run deep. Famous lines about seeing with the heart stay with readers for years. Its universal message and global translations have helped it sell millions of copies.
4. The Lord of the Rings
- Author: J.R.R. Tolkien
- Year Published: 1954–1955
- Copies Sold: 150+ million
J.R.R. Tolkien created a vast world called Middle-earth. The story follows Frodo Baggins as he carries a powerful ring to destroy it. He faces dark forces, hard journeys, and deep fear. Friends stand by him through every trial.
Few fantasy works have reached the commercial heights of the best-selling books of all time quite like this trilogy. The trilogy raised the bar for fantasy fiction. Tolkien built languages, history, and cultures for his world. Readers admire the depth and detail of his writing.
5. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
- Author: J.K. Rowling
- Year Published: 1997
- Copies Sold: 120+ million
In 1997, J.K. Rowling introduced readers to a quiet boy with a lightning-shaped scar. Harry soon learns he is a wizard and joins Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Magic fills the halls, but danger waits in the shadows. With Ron and Hermione by his side, he faces a dark force tied to his past.
The book hooked young readers fast. Its simple style and fast plot made it easy to love. Families shared it, schools promoted it, and fans spread the word. The series has since grown into a global hit, leaving a long-lasting legacy.
6. And Then There Were None
- Author: Agatha Christie
- Year Published: 1939
- Copies Sold: 100+ million
Agatha Christie built one of the tightest plots in crime fiction. Ten strangers arrive on a remote island after receiving strange invitations. Soon, they hear a chilling accusation. Then the guests begin to die, one by one. Panic rises as they search for a killer hiding in plain sight. Its compact structure helped it stand out in crime fiction and join the best-selling books of all time.
Readers praise its bold structure and shocking twist. Christie removes each character with cold precision. The mystery feels fair, yet deeply clever. Stage plays, films, and TV versions keep the story alive after all these years.
7. The Hobbit
- Author: J.R.R. Tolkien
- Year Published: 1937
- Copies Sold: 100+ million
J.R.R. Tolkien first wrote this tale for children, yet readers of all ages embraced it. The story follows Bilbo Baggins, a quiet hobbit who joins a band of dwarves on a risky quest. He faces trolls, goblins, and a dragon named Smaug. Along the way, he finds a small ring that later shapes a much larger saga.
The book blends humor, danger, and heart. Tolkien’s rich world feels alive and detailed, yet easy to follow. Its success paved the way for a larger epic set in the same world. Film adaptations later introduced new fans and increased the book’s popularity.
8. The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
- Author: C.S. Lewis
- Year Published: 1950
- Copies Sold: 85+ million
C.S. Lewis opens a wardrobe door and reveals the land of Narnia. Four siblings step into a world ruled by the White Witch. Snow covers the land, and fear grips its people. With the help of Aslan the lion, the children fight to restore peace.
The story mixes fantasy with clear moral themes. Its simple style makes it easy for young readers, yet adults also find depth in its message. The book became the most famous title in the Narnia series. Films and school reading lists have kept the book’s sales strong for decades.
9. The Da Vinci Code
- Author: Dan Brown
- Year Published: 2003
- Copies Sold: 80+ million
Dan Brown blends art, history, and fast-paced suspense in this global thriller. A murder inside the Louvre Museum pulls symbologist Robert Langdon into a race across Europe. Hidden codes, secret groups, and bold claims about religion drive the plot. Each chapter ends with a sharp twist that pushes readers forward. A major film adaptation and global media buzz helped sales pass 80 million copies.
The novel sparked debate soon after its release. Many readers felt drawn to its mix of fact and fiction. Its short chapters and clear style made it easy to binge.
10. She: A History of Adventure
- Author: H. Rider Haggard
- Year Published: 1887
- Copies Sold: 80+ million
H. Rider Haggard tells a bold adventure set in unexplored Africa. The story follows two Englishmen searching for a lost kingdom. There, they meet Ayesha, a mysterious and powerful queen who anchors one of the best-selling books of all time in early adventure fiction. She claims immortality and rules with beauty and fear.
The novel thrilled Victorian readers with romance, danger, and the unknown. Its strong female figure stood out for its time. The book shaped early adventure and fantasy fiction. Its lasting influence and wide reprints helped it sell over 80 million copies.
Best-Selling Books of All Time (Non-Fiction)
Some books offer ideas, guidance, or bold research that shifts public thinking. The non-fiction titles below tackle faith, science, money, parenting, and politics. They sparked debate, shaped habits, and influenced culture. Their impact often reached far beyond the page. It goes to show that not all best-selling books of all time are made up of a story.
11. Quotations from Chairman Mao Tse-tung
- Author: Mao Zedong
- Year Published: 1964
- Copies Sold: 800+ million
Mao Zedong’s collection of speeches and writings became a political symbol in China. The small red book carries short quotes on revolution, leadership, and ideology. During the Cultural Revolution, citizens were urged to read and carry it daily. It served as both a guide and a public display of loyalty.
The government printed it in massive numbers. Soldiers, workers, and students received copies across the country. Its role in political campaigns drove its huge circulation. That state-backed distribution helped sales reach over 800 million copies.
12. Think and Grow Rich
- Author: Napoleon Hill
- Year Published: 1937
- Copies Sold: 70+ million
Napoleon Hill wrote this book after studying wealthy leaders of his time. He explored habits, mindset, and goal setting. The book teaches readers to focus on clear aims and strong beliefs. Its message centers on discipline and persistence.
Entrepreneurs and business leaders often recommend it. The language feels direct and easy to follow. Many readers return to it for motivation and guidance. Its long presence in self-help circles has pushed sales past 70 million copies.
13. The Common Sense Book of Baby and Child Care
- Author: Benjamin Spock
- Year Published: 1946
- Copies Sold: 50+ million
Benjamin Spock shifted parenting advice in a bold way. He told parents to trust themselves instead of following strict rules. His tone felt warm and reassuring at a time when many guides sounded rigid. The book covers feeding, sleep, behavior, and emotional care in simple terms.
New parents often kept it within reach at home. Doctors recommended it across generations. The advice shaped how millions approached child raising in the 20th century. Few parenting books have had such a lasting cultural impact.
14. You Can Heal Your Life
- Author: Louise Hay
- Year Published: 1984
- Copies Sold: 50+ million
Louise Hay built this book around one bold idea. She believed thoughts shape health and life outcomes. The book links emotional pain with physical illness. It encourages readers to use affirmations and self-love to change their lives.
The tone feels gentle but firm. Many readers turned to it during hard times. It became a cornerstone of the self-help movement in the 1980s. Its message about mindset and healing still influences wellness circles today.
15. The Hite Report
- Author: Shere Hite
- Year Published: 1976
- Copies Sold: 50+ million
Shere Hite based this book on detailed surveys of women. She gathered honest responses about sexuality and relationships. The findings challenged long-held beliefs and sparked public debate. The book gave voice to experiences often ignored at the time.
Its release stirred both praise and criticism. Many saw it as groundbreaking and fearless. Media coverage fueled curiosity and discussion worldwide. The findings challenged long-held beliefs and sparked public debate, turning it into one of the best-selling books of all time in social research.
16. The Purpose Driven Life
- Author: Rick Warren
- Year Published: 2002
- Copies Sold: 50+ million
Rick Warren wrote this book as a 40-day spiritual guide. He asks one clear question: Why are you here? Each chapter offers short lessons, Bible verses, and practical steps. The structure makes it easy to read one section a day.
Church groups and study circles adopted it quickly. Many readers used it for personal reflection and faith growth. Its clear message about meaning and service resonated with millions. The book became a defining title in modern Christian publishing.
17. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
- Author: Stephen R. Covey
- Year Published: 1989
- Copies Sold: 40+ million
Stephen R. Covey built this book around seven clear habits. He urges readers to take charge of their choices and act with purpose. Each habit focuses on growth, discipline, and strong character. The advice feels practical and easy to apply in daily life.
Business leaders and teams often use it for training. Its step-by-step structure makes it simple to follow. Readers value its focus on long-term change, not quick fixes. Its steady use in homes and offices has pushed sales past 40 million copies.
18. Rich Dad Poor Dad
- Author: Robert T. Kiyosaki
- Year Published: 2000
- Copies Sold: 40+ million
Robert T. Kiyosaki shares lessons through two father figures. One values job security, while the other teaches investing and risk-taking. The contrast shapes the book’s strong message about money and helped elevate it into one of the best-selling books of all time.
The writing feels bold and direct. Many readers see it as a wake-up call about financial education. Entrepreneurs often recommend it to beginners. Its simple tone and strong message have helped it sell over 40 million copies.
19. The Diary of a Young Girl
- Author: Anne Frank
- Year Published: 1947
- Copies Sold: 30+ million
Anne Frank wrote this diary while hiding from the Nazis during World War II. She began writing at just thirteen years old. Her entries share fear, hope, and daily life inside a secret annex in Amsterdam. The voice feels honest, brave, and deeply human.
After the war, her father helped publish the diary. Readers across the world connected with her courage and innocence. Schools include it in history lessons to show the human cost of war. Its emotional power has driven sales beyond 30 million copies.
20. A Brief History of Time
- Author: Stephen Hawking
- Year Published: 1988
- Copies Sold: 10–25+ million
Stephen Hawking set out to explain the universe to everyday readers. He breaks down black holes, time travel, and the Big Bang in clear language, making it one of the best-selling books of all time in science writing. The ideas are complex, yet the tone feels calm and direct. He invites readers to think about where the universe began and where it may end.
The book stayed on bestseller lists for years, even though many joked they bought it but never finished it. Hawking’s global reputation drew attention from far beyond science circles. It proved that readers will engage with hard ideas when explained well. The book still stands as one of the most recognized science titles ever written.
Honorary Mention: The Bible
➤ Copies Distributed: 5+ billion
This sacred text stands as the most distributed book in history. Written by many authors across centuries, it includes stories, laws, poetry, and letters. It forms the foundation of Christianity and shapes faith, culture, and history. The Old and New Testaments guide billions of believers around the world.
People read it for worship, study, and personal reflection. Churches print and share it in thousands of languages. Missionary work and global publishing efforts expanded their reach across continents. Its spiritual authority and wide translation record explain its unmatched distribution.
Conclusion:
The best-selling books of all time hold their place because readers keep choosing them, generation after generation. Sales numbers tell one part of the story, but emotional connection tells the rest. These books sparked conversations, shaped perspectives, and created shared cultural moments across countries and languages.
When you pick up one of these titles, you join a global community of readers who feel something powerful in its pages. Whether you read for insight, escape, or inspiration, these enduring works continue to prove that great storytelling never loses its relevance.
FAQs
1. Are the best-selling books of all time always critically acclaimed?
Not always. Some books achieve massive sales due to popularity and reader appeal, even if critics have mixed opinions.
2. Why do some books sell for decades?
Strong themes, emotional depth, and universal appeal keep readers interested over time.
3. What makes a book one of the best-selling?
High global sales over many years, wide translations, and consistent demand contribute to a book earning that title.