Best 9 Most Sold Books Ever Reviewed in 2025

Explore the 'most sold book ever' with our guide to literary gems, from thrillers to timeless classics bursting with excitement.

The Lord of the Rings coverAngels & Demons cover

Who knew that picking the best ‘most sold book ever’ would feel like picking a favorite child? As we huddled around our cozy reading nook, we focused on charm, emotional punch, and storytelling genius. We knew it was like choosing between pizza and burgers—nearly impossible! We aim to help you discover hidden gems and timeless classics. Follow us on this entertaining adventure where page-turning magic, delightful characters, and unforgettable worlds await.

On this list:

9 Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K. Rowling

  • Genre: Fantasy
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1997
  • Pages: 223

Get your copy on Amazon ↗

Kicking off the magical world of Hogwarts, this book quickly became a phenomenon. We loved the blend of fantasy and relatable characters. Quidditch even inspired us to try broom racing in our living room. Spoiler: it didn’t go well.

8 The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien

The Lord of the Rings cover

  • Genre: Fantasy
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1954
  • Pages: 423

Get your copy on Amazon ↗

This trilogy’s first book launched us into a world filled with adventure. We couldn’t put it down, even when Frodo’s journey made us late for dinner.

7 Angels & Demons by Dan Brown

Angels & Demons cover

  • Genre: Thriller
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2000
  • Pages: 736

Get your copy on Amazon ↗

We chose ‘Angels & Demons’ for its thrilling plot and intriguing mix of science, religion, and suspense, making it a gripping alternative to ‘The Da Vinci Code’.

6 The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

The Hobbit cover

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

Get your copy on Amazon ↗

Before there was The Lord of the Rings, we had the lovable Bilbo Baggins. His journey was a charming introduction to Middle-earth’s wonders.

5 A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens

A Tale of Two Cities cover

  • Genre: Historical Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1859
  • Pages: 341

Get your copy on Amazon ↗

This classic novel offers a gripping narrative set during the tumultuous French Revolution. We admired its deep characters and its haunting ‘best of times, worst of times’ line.

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

The Catcher in the Rye cover

  • Genre: Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1951
  • Pages: 214

Get your copy on Amazon ↗

Holden Caulfield’s teenage angst resonated with us all. We found ourselves both laughing and pondering life’s big questions—just don’t mention any phonies.

3 The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

The Alchemist cover

  • Genre: Fiction, Adventure
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1988
  • Pages: 208

Get your copy on Amazon ↗

This philosophical tale about following your dreams had us deeply inspired. We contemplated life’s purpose and even started our own quest for personal legends.

2 1984 by George Orwell

1984 cover

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

Get your copy on Amazon ↗

This dystopian classic made us rethink our relationship with technology and privacy. It was so gripping that we couldn’t bear to put it down.

1 Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes

Don Quixote cover

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

Get your copy on Amazon ↗

We crown this as the best book of all time, not just because it’s one of the most sold books ever, but for its timeless appeal. It is a masterpiece brimming with humor and adventure as Don Quixote embarks on his misguided quest as a knight. The book delivered such laughs that we joined our own quest with a makeshift lance made of a broomstick. Its themes of chivalry and idealism still resonate today, reminding us to pursue our dreams, even if they seem impossible. Its influence on literature and its epic storytelling make this a must-read for anyone seeking adventure.

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!