2025’s Best 5 Most Selling Books of All Time

The Hobbit captivates with adventure, making it one of the most selling books of all time, enchanting readers worldwide.

The Hobbit coverThe Catcher in the Rye cover

We love a good page-turner, and the ‘most selling books of all time’ never disappoint. Our picks offer a blend of adventure, mystery, and thought-provoking tales. We consider storytelling, impact, and readability to help you find your next must-read. Get ready for timeless classics and modern hits that have captured the hearts of millions.

On this list:

5 The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

The Hobbit cover

  • Genre: Fantasy
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 1937
  • Pages: 310

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This classic fantasy tale has captured readers’ hearts for generations, and it’s no wonder it’s one of the most selling books of all time. With its whimsical world and brave characters, you’ll be swept away on an adventure. We’ve spent many nights reading it by flashlight when the power went out – a magical experience!

4 Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling

  • Genre: Fantasy
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1997
  • Pages: 309

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This book needs no introduction. It’s part of a series that has taken the world by storm, and it’s definitely earned its place among the most selling books of all time. We remember reading it for the first time and being completely enchanted by the wizarding world.

3 The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

The Catcher in the Rye cover

  • Genre: Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 1951
  • Pages: 277

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This coming-of-age story resonates with many, striking a chord with its authentic voice. It made our teenage years feel a bit less awkward, and we have reread it several times, finding new insights each time. That’s probably why it’s one of the most selling books of all time.

2 Angels & Demons by Dan Brown

Angels & Demons cover

  • Genre: Thriller, Mystery
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2000

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We picked this thriller because it shares the same fast-paced, mysterious vibe as The Da Vinci Code but takes readers on a different adventure involving secret societies and ancient conspiracies.

1 Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes

Don Quixote cover

  • Genre: Fiction, Adventure
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1605
  • Pages: 992

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This book is often hailed as the best one. Not just because it’s one of the most selling books of all time, but because it laid the groundwork for modern novels. We read it over a summer and couldn’t help but laugh at the antics of Don Quixote and his loyal sidekick, Sancho Panza. Its themes of adventure, chivalry, and the eternal quest for truth make it a timeless masterpiece. The story’s longevity and influence are what make it the crown jewel of this list. Even after hundreds of years, it’s still entertaining and relevant, which is a testament to its greatness.

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!