14 Best Selling Books in the World 2025 Reviewed
Looking for the best selling book in the world? Check out our fun list of top picks that everyone should read!
Ready to find your next big read? We all know picking a book can feel harder than choosing a pizza topping. That’s why we’ve rounded up 14 of the biggest hits ever—yes, the ‘best selling book in the world’ types. We picked these gems based on their wild popularity, lasting impact, and just plain fun reading with friends. Whether you want a classic, adventure, or a little bit of mystery, our list has something for everyone who wonders what makes a book one of the best selling book in the world.
On this list:
- The Bible
- Quotations from Chairman Mao Tse-Tung (The Little Red Book)
- Don Quixote
- A Tale of Two Cities
- The Lord of the Rings
- The Alchemist
- Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
- The Hobbit
- And Then There Were None
- The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
- Dream of the Red Chamber
- Angels & Demons
- The Catcher in the Rye
- The Quran
14 The Bible by Various Authors
You can’t ignore it when talking about the best selling book in the world. This is the book that’s in more hotel nightstands than actual guests. Whether for faith, history, or wild stories, it tops every sales chart.
13 Quotations from Chairman Mao Tse-Tung (The Little Red Book) by Mao Zedong
This small red pocketbook is almost as common in China as tea. It’s all quotes, so you can sound wise or confuse your friends in equal measure.
12 Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes
It’s got windmills, impossible dreams, and a guy with the worst case of daydreaming in history. This book’s appeal just won’t quit.
11 A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens
This book opens with “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…” and that’s exactly how we felt reading it in high school.
10 The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
A fantasy adventure with more walking than any other best selling book in the world. If you love elves and jewelry, give it a go.
9 The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
This is a book about chasing your dreams and running into a lot of sand. We found it oddly inspiring, especially when looking for snacks.
8 Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling
Wizards, chocolate frogs, and the book responsible for many lost sleep hours among both kids and adults. Still, it’s magic every time.
7 The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
A shorter adventure, with more food and less danger than Lord of the Rings. We recommend a snack when you read it.
6 And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
Murder mystery with so many twists, we nearly pulled a muscle. Ten strangers, one island, and lots of suspicion.
5 The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
This wardrobe opens up to a world where animals talk and winter never ends. No snow boots required to read.
4 Dream of the Red Chamber by Cao Xueqin
This Chinese classic is a soap opera, a drama, and a great way to start arguments at book club. Not a light read, but rewarding.
3 Angels & Demons by Dan Brown
We picked Angels & Demons because it’s another wild ride with mysterious symbols, secret societies, and the Vatican at the heart of it all. If you like running through churches and getting your brain twisted like a pretzel, this is the best selling book in the world for the job. Honestly, we nearly missed lunch while reading it. It’s fast, smart, and keeps you guessing. Plus, there are less albinos.
2 The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
The world’s most famous grumpy teenager, this book is mentioned in more therapy sessions than any other novel.
1 The Quran by Various Authors
Now this is the best selling book in the world if you’re talking about influence and longevity. The Quran is sacred, poetic, and studied by billions. We picked this as the best for several reasons. Firstly, its impact is huge—shaping art, language, politics, and the lives of millions for over a millennium. Secondly, the sheer depth and wisdom packed in its pages gives you something new every time you read. Plus, it’s a book that’s been memorized, quoted, sung, and discussed more than any other. We tried to read it in one go and ended up needing snacks and a sit down. Some might find it tough if you’re not familiar with the deep cultural context, but for influence alone, it’s the clear winner. If you’re looking for the best selling book in the world, this should top your list.
