Best Haruki Murakami Books Ranked 2024: Top 7 Reads

For new readers, here's our list of Haruki Murakami books ranked! Find the perfect Murakami book to start your journey.
Norwegian Wood coverKafka on the Shore cover1Q84 cover

Hey there, book lovers! Ever wondered where to start with Haruki Murakami’s magical world? You’re in luck! We have got the ultimate ‘haruki murakami books ranked’ list to help you out. We picked these gems based on their mind-blowing plots, unforgettable characters, and that signature Murakami weirdness we all secretly love. So, grab some coffee, sit back, and let’s talk about our top picks without any spoilers!

On this list:

7 Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami

Norwegian Wood cover

  • Genre: Romance, Coming of Age
  • Formats: Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1987
  • Pages: 296

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A nostalgic story that takes us back to the 60s. It resonates with anyone who’s had a first love and dealt with loss. This one really hit home for us.

6 Kafka on the Shore by Haruki Murakami

Kafka on the Shore cover

  • Genre: Fantasy, Magical Realism
  • Formats: Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2002
  • Pages: 505

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A surreal adventure that blends metaphysical themes with a coming-of-age story. It’s weird and wonderful, but sometimes the weirdness makes it hard to keep up.

5 1Q84 by Haruki Murakami

1Q84 cover

  • Genre: Science Fiction, Dystopian
  • Formats: Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2009
  • Pages: 928

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This book is a monster! It’s over 900 pages of parallel worlds and love stories. A commitment for sure, but worth it for Murakami fans.

4 The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle by Haruki Murakami

The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle cover

  • Genre: Mystery, Magical Realism
  • Formats: Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1994
  • Pages: 607

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Toru Okada’s search for his missing wife is full of strange encounters and mysteries. The book’s length can be daunting but is captivating from start to finish.

3 Sputnik Sweetheart by Haruki Murakami

Sputnik Sweetheart cover

  • Genre: Romance, Psychological
  • Formats: Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1999
  • Pages: 229

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A short but emotional tale about unrequited love and existential search. Its length makes it a quick read, but it leaves a lasting impact.

2 Dance Dance Dance by Haruki Murakami

Dance Dance Dance cover

  • Genre: Mystery, Literary Fiction
  • Formats: Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1988
  • Pages: 393

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A sequel to ‘A Wild Sheep Chase,’ it stands on its own. It’s trippy, with tons of dark humor. A wild ride from start to finish.

1 Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World by Haruki Murakami

Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World cover

  • Genre: Science Fiction, Fantasy
  • Formats: Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1985
  • Pages: 400

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This book gets the top spot because it’s quintessential Murakami. It balances fantasy and reality perfectly. It’s got everything from unicorns to data encryption. Funny, strange, and thought-provoking.

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!