Top 101 Bestselling Books of All Time

Too many books, too little time. With our days numbered and our lives busier than ever, it’s hard to choose which books to read first. But The Quotes Collection has you covered. From gripping fiction to insightful non-fiction and beloved children’s tales, we have curated a list of 101 bestselling books of all time. 

If you don’t want to waste time and nail every book choice to add to your reading list, you can’t go wrong with popular bestsellers that have withstood the test of time and the criticisms of millions of readers.

IN THIS POST

What Makes a Book a Bestseller

A bestseller, at its simplest, is a book that sells an exceptionally high number of copies compared to others. Sales data measure this, but there’s more to the story.

The concept of the bestseller list has evolved. In the early 20th century, publishers and newspapers started compiling lists to showcase popular titles, guiding readers on what to buy next. Today, organizations like the New York Times, Amazon, and Publisher’s Weekly compile bestseller lists using sales data from bookstores, online retailers, and even libraries.

But it’s not just about the numbers. A book might become a bestseller due to its cultural relevance, the author’s reputation, or a successful marketing campaign. Some books, like J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series, become bestsellers almost instantly upon release, while others, like George Orwell’s 1984, gain popularity over time.

Understanding how a book makes it to the bestselling books of all time is fascinating because it reveals what resonates with readers at different times.

Fiction Bestselling Books

Fiction is where we find stories that transport us to other worlds, introduce us to unforgettable characters, and often, teach us something about ourselves. Some books not only sold millions of copies but also shaped literary trends, capturing hearts and leaving a lasting impact on readers.

One of the most iconic fiction bestsellers is J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series. Starting with Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, this series captivated millions with its magical world, complex characters, and timeless themes of friendship and bravery. It’s a phenomenon that not only sold millions of copies but also inspired movies, merchandise, and even a theme park.

Another standout is The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown. This thriller combines art, history, and religion in a way that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Its controversial themes sparked debates and deepened its intrigue, making it a must-read for many.

And who can forget The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger? This novel’s portrayal of teenage angst and rebellion resonated with readers, especially young adults. Its influence is still seen in modern literature and culture.

Non-Fiction Bestselling Books

Non-fiction bestsellers provide us with knowledge, inspiration, and sometimes, a new perspective on life. They cover a vast range of topics, from self-help to history to science.

One notable example is The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle. This book has helped countless readers find peace and mindfulness in their daily lives. Tolle’s insights into living in the present moment have made it a spiritual guide for many.

Another influential non-fiction book is Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari. Harari takes us through the history of our species, from the earliest days to modern times, with a thought-provoking narrative that challenges our understanding of humanity.

These non-fiction bestsellers have not only informed and educated readers but also inspired and empowered them.

Genre-Specific Bestselling Books of All Time

In the mystery/thriller genre, Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn stands out. Its twisty plot and complex characters kept readers guessing and talking long after they turned the last page. Flynn’s ability to create suspense and surprise has made this book a modern classic in the genre.

For romance lovers, Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen remains an all-around favorite. The story of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy’s evolving relationship continues to charm readers with its wit, romance, and social commentary. It’s so popular it was turned into a movie starring Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen.

Science fiction/fantasy fans hail The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien as a cornerstone of the genre. Tolkien’s epic tale of Middle-earth, filled with rich lore and unforgettable characters, has inspired countless other works and remains a benchmark for fantasy literature.

These genre-specific bestsellers not only define their categories but also highlight the diversity of stories that capture readers’ imaginations.

Bestseller’s Cultural and Historical Impact

Some books are rightly dubbed the bestselling books of all time because they exist not just to entertain but to influence the society, culture and historical narratives they were written in.

Consider To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. This novel, which addresses themes of racial injustice and moral growth, has been a significant part of American literature and education. Its impact on discussions about race and ethics continues to be profound.

George Orwell’s 1984 is another example. Written in 1949, its dystopian vision of a totalitarian future remains relevant today. Concepts from the book, like “Big Brother” and “thoughtcrime,” have entered everyday language and continue to influence political and social discourse.

The Diary of Anne Frank provides a poignant, firsthand account of life during the Holocaust. Anne’s reflections offer a powerful reminder of the horrors of war and the resilience of the human spirit. It’s a book that has educated and moved millions of readers around the world.

These books not only achieved bestseller status but also played crucial roles in shaping cultural and historical narratives.

The Top 101 Bestselling Books of All Time

With so many good authors and even more bestselling books to choose from, where should you start? Here’s a list of the top 101 bestselling books of all time from across genres and themes that you simply can’t miss:

Over 1 Billion Copies

	Book	Author	Approximate Copies Sold
1	The Bible		5 billion
2	The Quran		3 billion
3	Quotations from Chairman Mao Tse-tung	Mao Zedong	Over 1 billion

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More than 100 Million Copies

	Book	Author	Approximate Copies Sold
4	Don Quixote	Miguel de Cervantes	500 million
5	A Tale of Two Cities	Charles Dickens	200 million
6	Fifty Shades of Grey	E.L. James	165 million
7	Twilight	Stephenie Meyer	169 million
8	The Lord of the Rings	J.R.R. Tolkien	150 million
9	The Alchemist	Paulo Coelho	150 million
10	The Little Prince	Antoine de Saint-Exupéry	140 million
11	Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone	J.K. Rowling	120 million
12	The Chronicles of Narnia	C.S. Lewis	120 million
13	The Count of Monte Cristo	Alexandre Dumas	120 million
14	The Hobbit	J.R.R. Tolkien	100 million
15	And Then There Were None	Agatha Christie	100 million
16	Dream of the Red Chamber	Cao Xueqin	100 million
17	Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland	Lewis Carroll	100 million

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Between 50 and 99 Million Copies

	Book	Author	Approximate Copies Sold
18	The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe	C.S. Lewis	85 million
19	She: A History of Adventure	H. Rider Haggard	83 million
20	The Da Vinci Code	Dan Brown	80 million
21	Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets	J.K. Rowling	77 million
22	Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban	J.K. Rowling	65 million
23	Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire	J.K. Rowling	65 million
24	Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince	J.K. Rowling	65 million
25	Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows	J.K. Rowling	65 million
26	The Catcher in the Rye	J.D. Salinger	65 million
27	The Hunger Games	Suzanne Collins	65 million
28	Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix	J.K. Rowling	60 million
29	The Bridges of Madison County	Robert James Waller	60 million
30	The Little House on the Prairie	Laura Ingalls Wilder	60 million
31	Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ	Lew Wallace	50 million
32	One Hundred Years of Solitude	Gabriel Garcia Marquez	50 million
33	Lolita	Vladimir Nabokov	50 million
34	Heidi	Johanna Spyri	50 million
35	Anne of Green Gables	L.M. Montgomery	50 million
36	Black Beauty	Anna Sewell	50 million
37	The Name of the Rose	Umberto Eco	50 million
38	Harry Potter: The Prequel	J.K. Rowling	50 million
39	The Very Hungry Caterpillar	Eric Carle	50 million
40	The Eagle Has Landed	Jack Higgins	50 million
41	Watership Down	Richard Adams	50 million
42	The Hite Report	Shere Hite	50 million
43	Charlotte’s Web	E.B. White	50 million
44	The Ginger Man	J. P. Donleavy	50 million

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Between 30 and 49 Million Copies

	Book	Author	Approximate Copies Sold
45	The Tale of Peter Rabbit	Beatrix Potter	45 million
46	Jonathan Livingston Seagull	Richard Bach	44 million
47	The Book Thief	Markus Zusak	40 million
48	A Message to Garcia	Elbert Hubbard	40 million
49	To Kill a Mockingbird	Harper Lee	40 million
50	Flowers in the Attic	V. C. Andrews	40 million
51	Sophie’s World	Jostein Gaarder	40 million
52	Cosmos	Carl Sagan	40 million
53	Angels & Demons	Dan Brown	39 million
54	Kane and Abel	Jeffrey Archer	37 million
55	War and Peace	Leo Tolstoy	36 million
56	How the Steel Was Tempered	Nikolai Ostrovsky	36 million
57	The Adventures of Pinocchio	Carlo Collodi	35 million
58	The Diary of Anne Frank	Anne Frank	35 million
59	The Thorn Birds	Colleen McCullough	33 million
60	The Kite Runner	Khaled Hosseini	32 million
61	Valley of the Dolls	Jacqueline Susann	31 million
62	How to Win Friends and Influence People	Dale Carnegie	30 million
63	The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo	Stieg Larsson	30 million
64	Gone with the Wind	Margaret Mitchell	30 million
65	Think and Grow Rich	Napoleon Hill	30 million
66	The Great Gatsby	F. Scott Fitzgerald	30 million
67	The Old Man and the Sea	Ernest Hemingway	30 million
68	The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes	Arthur Conan Doyle	30 million
69	Rebecca	Daphne du Maurier	30 million
70	Les Misérables	Victor Hugo	30 million
71	Love in the Time of Cholera	Gabriel Garcia Marquez	30 million
72	The Lost Symbol	Dan Brown	30 million
73	The Revolt of Mamie Stover	William Bradford Huie	30 million

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Between 1 and 29 Million Copies

	Book	Author	Approximate Copies Sold
74	Who Moved My Cheese?	Spencer Johnson	28 million
75	The Wind in the Willows	Kenneth Grahame	25 million
76	The Celestine Prophecy	James Redfield	23 million
77	The Girl on the Train	Paula Hawkins	23 million
78	The Fault in Our Stars	John Green	23 million
79	The Shack	William P. Young	22.5 million
80	The Godfather	Mario Puzo	21 million
81	Love Story	Erich Segal	21 million
82	Catching Fire	Suzanne Collins	21 million
83	Mockingjay	Suzanne Collins	20 million
84	Gone Girl	Gillian Flynn	20 million
85	Pride and Prejudice	Jane Austen	20 million
86	Little Women	Louisa May Alcott	20 million
87	Jane Eyre	Charlotte Bronte	20 million
88	The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn	Mark Twain	20 million
89	Animal Farm	George Orwell	20 million
90	The Happy Hooker: My Own Story	Xaviera Hollander	20 million
91	The Power of Positive Thinking	Norman Vincent Peale	20 million
92	Fear of Flying	Erica Jong	20 million
93	All the Light We Cannot See	Anthony Doerr	15.3 million
94	The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy	Douglas Adams	14 million
95	Crime and Punishment	Fyodor Dostoevsky	14 million
96	The Grapes of Wrath	John Steinbeck	14 million
97	The Divine Comedy	Dante Alighieri	12 million
98	Great Expectations	Charles Dickens	10 million
99	Wuthering Heights	Emily Bronte	10 million
100	Brave New World	Aldous Huxley	10 million
101	12 Rules for Life	Dr. Jordan B. Peterson	5 million

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In this exploration of the 101 bestselling books of all time, we’ve seen how these works have not only achieved remarkable sales but also left an indelible mark on readers and society. From the magical adventures of Harry Potter to the profound insights of 12 Rules of Life, these books span genres and eras, each offering a unique journey.

So, which ones are you planning to read next?

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