Which Books Have Sold The Most Copies in The World?

Whether it is fiction that became some of the best movies or classic pieces of literature that are taught in classes across the world, books have been essential since humans could make signs. It started with pictures during the early days of humanity, pictures and carvings on walls that served as a means of communication. Soon those images became more elegant and words came to be. Words formed sentences, sentences formed paragraphs, and then we had books upon books. Not only are they a channel for communication, but they are also a form of art.

Why do we read? Books are like food for the brain. History books educate us about the past, philosophy guides us through life, and self-help titles inspire us to become better people. These selections represent a series of the best-selling books of all time, from the early 17th century up until now. 

1. Don Quixote – The Best Selling Book of All Time

• Copies Sold: ~500 million‍
• Author: Miguel de Cervantes‍
• Year Published: 1605 (Part I)
  

Don Quixote is often credited as the world’s first modern novel, chronicling the comic adventures of a delusional would-be knight and his loyal squire in 17th-century Spain. This two-part epic combines satire, romance, and tragedy as Don Quixote famously “tilts at windmills,” mistaking them for giants. Its universal themes of idealism vs. reality have resonated for over four centuries, making it a staple of literature courses worldwide. With an estimated half-billion copies sold, Cervantes’ masterpiece easily tops the charts among best selling books of all time. Generations of readers have enjoyed its humorous, heartfelt story, which remains a cultural icon and a must-read classic.

2. A Tale of Two Cities

• Copies Sold: 200+ million
  
• Author: Charles Dickens
  
• Year Published: 1859
  

Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities is a historical fiction classic set against the tumultuous backdrop of the French Revolution. The novel follows the lives of characters in London and Paris (“the best of times, the worst of times”) whose paths cross amid war and social upheaval. Memorable for its opening line and dramatic climax, this story of sacrifice and resurrection has been beloved by readers for over 160 years. Often required reading in schools, it has sold more than 200 million copies and remains one of the best selling books in its own right. Dickens’ vivid storytelling and timeless themes of love and redemption have kept it at the forefront of literature, generation after generation.

3. The Alchemist

• Copies Sold: ~150 million
  
• Author: Paulo Coelho
  
• Year Published: 1988

Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist is a philosophical allegory about a young Andalusian shepherd named Santiago who sets out to find a worldly treasure, only to discover deeper spiritual insights along the way. Blending mysticism and self-discovery, this slender novel urges readers to follow their dreams and listen to their hearts. It had a humble start, selling only a few copies in its first year, but word-of-mouth buzz turned it into a global phenomenon. Today it has sold more than 150 million copies worldwide and been translated into about 80 languages. Its fable-like simplicity and universal message of hope struck a chord with readers everywhere, making it one of the best selling books of all time.

4. The Lord of the Rings

• Copies Sold: ~150 million
  
• Author: J. R. R. Tolkien
  
• Year Published: 1954–1955 (trilogy)

J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings is an epic high-fantasy saga, published in three volumes (The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, The Return of the King). Set in the richly imagined Middle-earth, it follows humble hobbit Frodo Baggins and his perilous quest to destroy a powerful Ring. Tolkien’s work essentially created the modern fantasy template, complete with elves, dwarves, wizards, and an epic battle between good and evil. The trilogy’s sweeping scope and richly detailed world-building have fascinated readers for decades. With about 150 million copies sold, The Lord of the Rings remains one of the best selling books of all time. Its success soared further thanks to award-winning film adaptations that brought new fans into Tolkien’s immersive universe.

5. The Little Prince

• Copies Sold: ~140 million
  
• Author: Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
  
• Year Published: 1943

The Little Prince (Le Petit Prince) is a timeless French novella that combines a children’s fairy tale vibe with profound philosophical questions about life. It’s the story of a young prince traveling from his tiny asteroid planet to Earth, teaching lessons about love, friendship, and human nature. Though it appears to be a children’s book, The Little Prince appeals just as strongly to adults, offering commentary on what really matters in life. It has been translated into more than 300 languages and dialects, with sales around 140 million copies worldwide. This enduring appeal is due to its gentle wisdom and charming illustrations, which have made it a treasured read for people of all ages and cultures.

6. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

• Copies Sold: ~107 million
  
• Author: J.K. Rowling
  
• Year Published: 1997 (UK title: Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone)
  

The magical saga that introduced the world to the boy wizard Harry Potter, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone follows 11-year-old Harry as he discovers his wizarding heritage and begins studying at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Overflowing with creativity, from flying broomsticks to mythical creatures, it’s an enchanting journey of friendship and bravery. As the first installment in a seven-book series, it launched an international sensation that appealed to children and adults alike. The book’s mix of wonder and heart has pushed it to more than 107 million copies sold worldwide, cementing it as one of the modern era’s most beloved best selling books.

7. And Then There Were None

• Copies Sold: ~100 million
  
• Author: Agatha Christie
  
• Year Published: 1939
  

Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None is considered the world’s best-selling mystery novel – a riveting whodunit that’s gripped readers for more than eight decades. Ten strangers, each harboring a secret, are invited to a secluded island and begin to die one by one, with no escape. Christie’s clever plotting and shocking finale keep readers on edge, explaining why it’s sold about 100 million copies. It’s the epitome of a well-crafted murder mystery, setting a high bar for the genre and constantly winning new fans with its intense atmosphere and ultimate twist.

8. Dream of the Red Chamber

• Copies Sold: ~100 million
  
• Author: Cao Xueqin
  
• Year Published: 1791 (first printed edition)
  

Dream of the Red Chamber, also called Hong Lou Meng or The Story of the Stone, is an 18th-century Chinese novel renowned as one of China’s Four Great Classical Novels. It’s a sweeping family drama focusing on the wealthy Jia clan, with intertwined tales of romance, intrigue, and social customs in Qing dynasty China. Rich in cultural insights and psychological depth, the novel has been called “the book of the millennium” in Chinese culture. Though less recognized in some Western circles, it has still sold about 100 million copies worldwide, largely thanks to its status as a literary masterpiece in Asia.

9. The Hobbit

• Copies Sold: ~100 million
  
• Author: J.R.R. Tolkien
  
• Year Published: 1937
  

Tolkien’s The Hobbit is a charming fantasy adventure that serves as a prelude to The Lord of the Rings. It tells the tale of Bilbo Baggins, a comfort-loving hobbit who is whisked away on a quest to reclaim treasure from the dragon Smaug. Along the way, Bilbo encounters trolls, elves, giant spiders, and the eerie Gollum (from whom he acquires the legendary Ring). Although intended for children, its imaginative world and enduring themes delight readers of all ages. With about 100 million copies sold, The Hobbit is among the best selling books in the fantasy genre. Its influence only grew after The Lord of the Rings and later blockbuster movie adaptations propelled Tolkien’s work to pop-culture fame.

10. She: A History of Adventure

• Copies Sold: ~100 million
  
• Author: H. Rider Haggard
  
• Year Published: 1887
  

She: A History of Adventure is a Victorian-era adventure novel that enchanted readers with its lost-world premise and mystical elements. It follows two Englishmen who trek into uncharted African territory and encounter an immortal queen named Ayesha, also known as “She-Who-Must-Be-Obeyed.” Fusing exploration, ancient myth, and romance, the story catered to 19th-century curiosity about hidden lands. She became an international hit, selling around 100 million copies. Its central figure, a powerful and mysterious female ruler, inspired many adventure and fantasy works that followed.

11. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

• Copies Sold: ~85 million
  
• Author: C.S. Lewis
  
• Year Published: 1950
  

The first published installment (and the most famous) of The Chronicles of Narnia, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is a children’s fantasy classic. It follows four siblings who discover the magical land of Narnia through an old wardrobe. Under the icy grip of the White Witch, Narnia yearns for deliverance by the noble lion Aslan. Lewis’s story blends adventure, Christian allegory, and enchanting characters, captivating young audiences while offering deeper layers for older readers. It has sold about 85 million copies, becoming a staple of children’s literature worldwide, and it continues to thrill new fans with its message of courage and redemption.

12. The Da Vinci Code

• Copies Sold: ~80 million
  
• Author: Dan Brown
  
• Year Published: 2003
  

Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code is a gripping thriller that weaves together art history and secret societies. It begins with the murder of a Louvre curator and unravels into a high-stakes mystery involving cryptic clues, Leonardo da Vinci’s art, and ancient conspiracies. Its controversial plot about hidden truths behind religious history stirred curiosity and debate, fueling its rise to blockbuster status. The Da Vinci Code’s cliffhanger pacing and puzzle-solving thrills brought it about 80 million copies sold worldwide. Widely discussed and frequently adapted, it occupies a significant place among modern best selling books for its fast, entertaining blend of fact, fiction, and conspiracy.

13. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

• Copies Sold: ~77 million
  
• Author: J.K. Rowling
  
• Year Published: 1998
  

The second Harry Potter novel, Chamber of Secrets, brings readers back to Hogwarts, where a hidden chamber has been opened, unleashing a dangerous monster. Harry and his friends Ron and Hermione investigate mysterious messages written in blood on the walls, trying to protect their classmates. Bolstered by the enormous success of the first book, Chamber of Secrets quickly became a favorite in its own right, selling roughly 77 million copies. It expanded the wizarding world’s lore and showcased Rowling’s flair for mixing lighthearted magic with darker undertones – keeping fans desperate to see what would happen next in the series.

14. Think and Grow Rich

• Copies Sold: ~70 million
  
• Author: Napoleon Hill
  
• Year Published: 1937
  

Think and Grow Rich is a self-help classic in which Napoleon Hill reveals success strategies gleaned from interviews with hundreds of wealthy, influential people. The premise is simple: developing the right mindset, belief, and focus can help anyone accumulate not just money but also personal achievement. Published during the Great Depression, it captured the public’s eagerness for advice on achieving prosperity. Over time, the book became a cornerstone of the personal development genre, with more than 70 million copies sold. Readers credit its practical steps and motivational tone for inspiring them to set bold goals and pursue better lives, securing its place among the world’s best selling books in nonfiction.

15. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

• Copies Sold: ~65 million
  
• Author: J.K. Rowling
  
• Year Published: 2005
  

In Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, the sixth in the series, a darker tone takes hold. Harry delves into Lord Voldemort’s past and learns about Horcruxes under Dumbledore’s guidance, while the wizarding world braces for war. The story features poignant moments, budding romances, and a tragic climax that left fans reeling. It sold about 9 million copies in its first 24 hours, ultimately reaching around 65 million copies worldwide. The momentum of the Harry Potter phenomenon at this point was immense, and the book’s emotional depth and cliffhanger set the stage for the grand finale in the seventh installment.

Why These Best Selling Books of All Time Continue to Captivate

Each of these titles has carved out a permanent place in cultural memory, thanks to fascinating characters, memorable plots, and universal themes. Whether they’re classic works taught in schools (like Don Quixote and The Catcher in the Rye) or contemporary sensations (such as The Da Vinci Code), these best selling books share a knack for sparking conversation and finding new fans generation after generation.