Best 12 Top Selling Books of All Time 2025

We explore the top selling books of all time, uncovering stories that have captivated readers globally and left lasting imprints.

The Hobbit coverThe Da Vinci Code coverThe Catcher in the Rye cover

Brace yourselves as we embark on a journey through the top selling books of all time. We have meticulously chosen books that not only broke sales records but also captured hearts worldwide. Our focus was on narratives that resonate with readers, whether through enchanting lands, gripping mysteries, or profound insights into human nature. Each book brings its own magic, leaving readers enriched, entertained, and sometimes even a bit wiser. Let’s explore the stories that millions cherish and see how they earned their spots on our list of top selling books of all time.

On this list:

12 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 book takes us to Middle-earth, where we follow Bilbo Baggins on an adventure. It’s a great intro to Tolkien’s world.

11 The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown

The Da Vinci Code cover

  • Genre: Mystery, Thriller
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 2003
  • Pages: 489

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Thrilling and mysterious, this book has Robert Langdon solving puzzles related to art and religion. A real page-turner!

10 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: 214

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Teen angst and rebellion at its finest, with Holden Caulfield navigating life in New York City.

9 To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

To Kill a Mockingbird cover

  • Genre: Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 1960
  • Pages: 281

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A touching story about racism and morality in the American South, seen through the eyes of young Scout Finch.

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

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

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The book that got everyone hooked on a boy wizard. A must-read for any fantasy lover!

7 Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Pride and Prejudice cover

  • Genre: Fiction, Romance
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 1813
  • Pages: 279

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A classic tale of love and misunderstanding, set in the English countryside. Elizabeth Bennet remains an unforgettable character.

6 1984 by George Orwell

1984 cover

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

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Dystopian and eerie, this book gives us a glimpse into a world under a totalitarian regime. Big Brother is forever watching.

5 The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

The Kite Runner cover

  • Genre: Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 2003
  • Pages: 372

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This heart-wrenching story of friendship and redemption in Afghanistan will leave you reaching for tissues.

4 The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

The Alchemist cover

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

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A beautiful tale about following one’s dreams and listening to one’s heart. Santiago’s journey is both literal and figurative.

3 Animal Farm by George Orwell

Animal Farm cover

  • Genre: Satire, Political Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 1945
  • Pages: 112

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Orwell’s allegorical novella about a farm taken over by its animal inhabitants. Sharp, witty, and still relevant.

2 The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

The Great Gatsby cover

  • Genre: Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 1925
  • Pages: 180

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Jazz, love, and excess in the roaring twenties, with the enigmatic Jay Gatsby at its center. A timeless classic.

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

The Lord of the Rings cover

  • Genre: Fantasy
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 1954
  • Pages: 1178

Get your copy on Amazon ↗

The epic fantasy series that defined the genre. Frodo’s quest to destroy the One Ring is timelessly captivating.

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!