Best 14 Science Fiction Books of All Time 2025

Explore the best science fiction books of all time. An epic journey through captivating worlds awaits you on this list.
Dune coverFoundation cover

Welcome, sci-fi fans, to our thrilling exploration of the 14 best science fiction books of all time! We know how overwhelming it can be to choose the perfect book in this genre filled with dazzling innovation and gripping narratives. In picking these books, we focus on those that not only entertain and inspire but also challenge our understanding of reality and the future. From epic space operas to mind-bending dystopias, these titles offer something for every reader. Prepare for a journey through time, space, and the depths of the human spirit with these remarkable reads!

On this list:

14 Dune by Frank Herbert

Dune cover

  • Genre: Science Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook, Kindle
  • Year released: 1965
  • Pages: 412

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Dune takes us to a desert planet where spice rules everything. Cool giant worms keep things spicy.

13 Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card

  • Genre: Science Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook, Kindle
  • Year released: 1985
  • Pages: 324

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Young Ender’s all about strategy and saving the world from alien baddies. Makes us wish high school was cooler.

12 Foundation by Isaac Asimov

Foundation cover

  • Genre: Science Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook, Kindle
  • Year released: 1951
  • Pages: 255

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Asimov’s galaxy-sized saga has us hooked with its epic tale of empires and psychohistory. Big brains and bigger stars!

11 Neuromancer by William Gibson

Neuromancer cover

  • Genre: Cyberpunk
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook, Kindle
  • Year released: 1984
  • Pages: 271

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Gibson gives us the classic ‘cyberspace’ thriller. Hackers, AI, and data are more exciting than they sound.

10 Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson

Snow Crash cover

  • Genre: Cyberpunk
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook, Kindle
  • Year released: 1992
  • Pages: 438

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This novel serves up a wild mix of computer viruses and samurai sword fights. Who knew hacking could be so thrilling?

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

The Left Hand of Darkness cover

  • Genre: Science Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook, Kindle
  • Year released: 1969
  • Pages: 304

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Ursula K. Le Guin delights with gender and culture on a distant, icy planet. Makes us appreciate our own weather.

8 The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells

The War of the Worlds cover

  • Genre: Science Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook, Kindle
  • Year released: 1898
  • Pages: 192

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Wells brings Martians crashing down on Earth’s party. Forget Independence Day, this is where the alien invasion begins.

7 Hyperion by Dan Simmons

Hyperion cover

  • Genre: Science Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook, Kindle
  • Year released: 1989
  • Pages: 482

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Simmons weaves a tale of pilgrims, shrikes, and far-future mysteries. Feels like hitchhiking across the galaxy, but more intense.

6 The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams

  • Genre: Science Fiction, Comedy
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook, Kindle
  • Year released: 1979
  • Pages: 208

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Adams’ classic is all about humor, space travel, and knowing the answer is 42. Remember your towel!

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

Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? cover

  • Genre: Science Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook, Kindle
  • Year released: 1968
  • Pages: 210

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Philip K. Dick’s vision of a world with androids makes us question what it means to be human.

4 A Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter M. Miller Jr.

A Canticle for Leibowitz cover

  • Genre: Science Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook, Kindle
  • Year released: 1960
  • Pages: 334

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Post-apocalyptic monks in a desert bunker protect humanity’s knowledge. A tale of survival that’s bizarrely relatable.

3 Brave New World by Aldous Huxley

Brave New World cover

  • Genre: Dystopian, Science Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook, Kindle
  • Year released: 1932
  • Pages: 268

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Huxley’s utopia unveils the dark side of a ‘perfect’ society. Makes us think twice about those pop-up ads.

2 Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

Frankenstein cover

  • Genre: Science Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook, Kindle
  • Year released: 1818
  • Pages: 280

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The OG sci-fi book! Shelley gives us the monster, the scientist, and a classic story about playing god.

1 1984 by George Orwell

1984 cover

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

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Orwell’s classic dystopian tale warns us about Big Brother and surveillance. This one tops our list for its sheer impact.

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!