11 Best Science Fiction Books of All Time 2024

Explore the best science fiction books of all time. These stories will transport you to unimaginable worlds and futures.
Dune coverNeuromancer cover

Hold onto your space helmets! We’ve embarked on a mission to compile the ultimate list of the best science fiction books of all time. As seasoned explorers of literary galaxies, we focused on compelling plots, unforgettable characters, and mind-bending ideas. These books have transported us to strange new worlds, made us question reality, and even sparked debates among friends during long weekends. Whether you’re a seasoned sci-fi veteran or a curious newcomer, this list is sure to have something that will captivate your imagination and get you lost in the stars.

On this list:

11 Dune by Frank Herbert

Dune cover

  • Genre: Science Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, E-book, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1965
  • Pages: 412

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Frank Herbert’s Dune series is a masterpiece. We get lost in the politics, the sandworms, and a desert planet that feels alive. Dune also inspired real-world scientific and cultural discussions.

10 Neuromancer by William Gibson

Neuromancer cover

  • Genre: Cyberpunk, Science Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, E-book, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1984
  • Pages: 271

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Oranges taste great, but not as great as plugging into William Gibson’s cyberpunk classic Neuromancer. We explore a future with AI and cyberspace, a must for tech lovers.

9 Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card

  • Genre: Military Science Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, E-book, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1985
  • Pages: 324

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Ender’s Game is all about strategy and empathy. We root for young Ender while he prepares for an alien attack. It’s a tale about growing up and doing the right thing.

8 Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson

Snow Crash cover

  • Genre: Cyberpunk, Science Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, E-book, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1992
  • Pages: 480

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Pizza delivery and sword fights? Snow Crash offers a humorous yet mind-bending take on virtual reality and the future of the internet. We’ve never thought about hacking the same way again.

7 Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

Fahrenheit 451 cover

  • Genre: Dystopian, Science Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, E-book, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1953
  • Pages: 256

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Burning books? Bad idea. Ray Bradbury’s cautionary tale makes us think about knowledge, freedom, and the future of society. It’s a hot pick for the best science fiction books of all time.

6 The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin

The Left Hand of Darkness cover

  • Genre: Science Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, E-book, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1969
  • Pages: 304

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Ursula K. Le Guin takes us to a planet where gender is fluid. It’s both an alien tale and a human one, making us question identity in ways we never thought possible.

5 Foundation by Isaac Asimov

Foundation cover

  • Genre: Science Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, E-book, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1951
  • Pages: 255

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Asimov’s Foundation is like playing chess with the universe. It’s all about predicting the future and building a better tomorrow. We admire its epic scale and thought-provoking ideas.

4 The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells

The War of the Worlds cover

  • Genre: Science Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, E-book, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1898
  • Pages: 192

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H.G. Wells delivers Martians and madness in The War of the Worlds. This classic keeps us on the edge of our seats, proving that the best science fiction books of all time can still thrill us today.

3 Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick

Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? cover

  • Genre: Science Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, E-book, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1968
  • Pages: 210

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Future worlds and fake sheep! Dick’s novel asks big questions about reality and humanity. It’s the inspiration for the film Blade Runner, and we think it’s a fantastic read.

2 Hyperion by Dan Simmons

Hyperion cover

  • Genre: Science Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, E-book, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1989
  • Pages: 482

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Hyperion’s structure is like The Canterbury Tales, but in space! Dan Simmons blends stories and sci-fi. We love the way it explores the future of humanity with rich storytelling.

1 1984 by George Orwell

1984 cover

  • Genre: Dystopian, Science Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, E-book, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1949
  • Pages: 328

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Orwell paints a picture of a dystopian future in 1984, where Big Brother watches everyone. We picked this as the top choice for its chilling portrayal of totalitarianism, and continuous relevance to modern times.

Steve Peterson Cartoonified
Steve Peterson

Hi there! I'm Steve Peterson, a passionate reading enthusiast who loves nothing more than getting lost in a good book. My love for literature spans across genres, from thrilling mysteries and gripping fantasy to thought-provoking non-fiction.

I hope my reviews help you find the perfect next book to dive into!