Best Famous Short Stories of 2025: Top 8 Picks
Explore the world of famous short stories with thrilling narratives and captivating characters that leave you wanting more.
You know what we love? Famous short stories! Our team decided to highlight the best collections based on how they balance storytelling and character development. We laugh, we cry, and sometimes stare out the window for hours pondering life’s mysteries. When reading, we focus on how each story sticks in our minds, like gum on the bottom of a shoe. We also consider how the stories have stood the test of time, like the old family dog that refuses to retire. Now, get ready to meet some of the greats, including suspenseful tales, touching narratives, and mind-bending twists.
On this list:
8 The Lottery and Other Stories by Shirley Jackson
Known for its chilling tale of tradition gone wrong, this collection introduces readers to Jackson’s eerie yet captivating storytelling. We loved reading it for the suspense and mystery each story brings.
7 Dubliners by James Joyce
Dubliners offers a vivid collection of everyday life in Dublin. Each story is steeped in realism, and it made us feel like we were walking the streets of Dublin ourselves.
6 Nine Stories by J.D. Salinger
We enjoyed Salinger’s Nine Stories for its simple yet profound exploration of human emotions. The characters are unforgettable, and so are their tales.
5 Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri
Lahiri’s collection, awarded the Pulitzer Prize, gives a beautiful portrayal of Indian-American life. We were hooked by the engaging and heartfelt narratives.
4 Stories of Your Life and Others by Ted Chiang
Chiang’s stories often mix science fiction with philosophy. We found it both thought-provoking and mesmerizing, making it a must-read.
3 The Complete Works of Edgar Allan Poe by Edgar Allan Poe
Poe’s stories are classics in the horror genre. We were thrilled by the eerie atmosphere and the ever-familiar ‘The Tell-Tale Heart’.
2 The Complete Short Stories of Ernest Hemingway by Ernest Hemingway
Hemingway’s minimalist style delivers powerful stories. We connected with the raw human experience in each narrative.
1 The Collected Stories of Eudora Welty by Eudora Welty
Welty’s stories are deeply rooted in Southern culture and charm. We selected this as the best for its richly detailed character development and engaging plot lines.
