Best-Selling Books of All Time

To begin with, this page features 10 of the best-selling books of all time, ranked by the estimated number of copies sold. While the exact figures may vary depending on the source, I’ve compiled the most widely reported data to give you a general sense of which stories have truly stood the test of time. For easy reference, you can find the sales data included on this page.

Importantly, this list focuses specifically on novels and literary works. As a result, it excludes religious texts such as the Bible and the Quran, as well as political works like Quotations from Chairman Mao. Although these titles are incredibly influential and widely read, they’re often distributed through non-commercial or government-backed channels, which makes it difficult to track verified sales figures. Therefore, I’ve chosen to leave them out so we can focus instead on other remarkable books—stories that have quietly found their way onto nightstands, into classrooms, and into hearts around the world.

Please keep in mind that all sales numbers are still estimations, based on the most widely reported data available. (Last updated: August 2025.)

Top 10 best-selling books of all time

With that in mind, here are the highest-selling books of all time. I’ll continue to update this section from time to time to ensure the information stays current.

1. Don Quixote

by Miguel de Cervantes

Sales: ~500 million copies sold

This is the story of an aging man who, inspired by chivalric tales, sets out on a series of misguided adventures. Believing himself to be a noble knight-errant, he travels the countryside in search of glory, all the while accompanied by his loyal squire, Sancho Panza.

Book | E-book | Audiobook

2. A Tale of Two cities

by Charles Dickens

Sales: ~200 million copies sold

Charles Dickens’ novel is the second best selling book of all time. The book follows the story of Charles Darnay, a French aristocrat who renounces his family’s title, and Sydney Carton, a disillusioned English lawyer, as their lives become entangled during the French Revolution, ultimately leading to Carton’s selfless sacrifice to save Darnay from the guillotine.

Book | E-book | Audiobook

3. The Little Prince

by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

Sales: ~200 million copies sold

This is a young prince’s journey through different worlds teaches an aviator—and readers—that the most important things in life are often invisible, understood only with the heart, not the eyes.

Book | E-book | Audiobook

4. The Alchemist

by Paulo Coelho

Sales: ~150 million copies sold

A young shepherd named Santiago embarks on a journey across the desert to discover his personal legend, learning that the true treasure lies in following his dreams and listening to his heart.

Book | E-book | Audiobook

5. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

by J.K. Rowling

Sales: ~120 million copies sold

On his eleventh birthday, an orphaned boy named Harry discovers that he is a wizard. Soon after, he enters the magical world of Hogwarts, where he begins to uncover long-buried secrets about his past. As the school year unfolds, he faces a series of challenges that ultimately lead him to protect a powerful magical stone from falling into the wrong hands.

Book | E-book | Audiobook

6. And Then There Were None 

by Agatha Christie

Sales: ~100 million copies sold

At first, ten strangers are invited to a remote island. Soon after arriving, they are systematically accused of past crimes, and one by one, they begin to die under mysterious circumstances. As the tension escalates, a chilling game of survival unfolds, with each guest desperately trying to figure out who the killer is before it’s too late.

Book | E-book | Audiobook

7. Dream of the Red Chamber

by Cao Xueqin

Sales: ~100 million copies sold

Set against the backdrop of a fading aristocracy, this story follows the rise and fall of the Jia family. At its heart, it focuses on the complicated relationships and emotional struggles of its young heir, Jia Baoyu. As the narrative unfolds, he navigates love, duty, and the inevitable decline of his once-prosperous household.

Book | E-book | Audiobook

8. The Hobbit

by J.R.R. Tolkien

Sales: ~100 million copies sold 

At first, Bilbo Baggins is an unassuming hobbit living a quiet life. However, he is soon swept into an unexpected adventure with a group of dwarves and the wizard Gandalf. Together, they set out to reclaim a stolen treasure from the fearsome dragon Smaug. Along the way, Bilbo discovers a courage and resourcefulness he never knew he had.

Book | E-book | Audiobook

9. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland

by Lewis Carroll

Sales: ~100 million copies sold

A curious girl named Alice tumbles down a rabbit hole into a strange, nonsensical world. Meanwhile, she encounters eccentric characters and experiences a series of bewildering adventures that challenge her understanding of reality.

Book | E-book | Audiobook

10. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

by C.S. Lewis

Sales: ~85 million copies sold

One day, four siblings step through a wardrobe into the magical land of Narnia. There, they soon discover a world frozen in eternal winter under the rule of the White Witch. With courage and unity, they join forces with Aslan the lion, and together, they fight to defeat the Witch and restore peace to Narnia.

Book | E-book | Audiobook

Browse the full list of best-selling books of all time via Wikipedia.

My final thoughts on these best-selling books of all time

Lastly, while these are the best-selling books of all time and some of the most popular titles in the world right now, it’s important to note that beyond the number of copies sold, what matters more to me is how deeply these stories have resonated with people across the globe.

For instance, an entire generation grew up alongside the Harry Potter series, myself included, which has not only shaped our imaginations but also left a lasting mark on our culture. Personally, I can still vividly remember being read Alice in Wonderland just before bed. It’s truly remarkable how these top-selling books have touched the lives of millions, influenced culture, and sparked meaningful conversations.

As I mentioned earlier, my personal book recommendations didn’t make it onto this bestselling list. However, if you’re curious to discover which books have moved me the most, feel free to explore my bookshelf and check out my favorite books.