In the already enchanting realm of literature, imagination knows no bounds, and fantasy books have long held a special place in the hearts of readers. These captivating tales transport readers to magical worlds, introduce them to mythical creatures, and immerse them in epic adventures that defy the constraints of reality. Today, let’s embark on a journey through the pages of literary history to unveil the top 10 best-selling fantasy books ever written.
9 A Song Of Ice And Fire By George R. R. Martin – 60 Million Copies
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George R. R. Martin’s series, A Song of Ice and Fire, is believed to have achieved an astonishing 60 million copies in global sales. This remarkable number is undoubtedly bolstered by the anticipation he builds through the extended gaps between his book releases. The inaugural entry in the series, A Game of Thrones, hit the shelves in 1996. Subsequently, A Clash of Kings arrived in 1998, and the third volume, A Storm of Swords, enthralled readers with its twists and turns in 2000. Devotees had to exercise patience until 2005 to delve into the fourth installment, A Feast For Crows, and endure another six years for the arrival of A Dance With Dragons.
8 Discworld By Terry Pratchett – 80 Million Copies
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Terry Pratchett, a literary genius and a true titan in the world of fantasy literature, left an indelible mark on the literary landscape with his beloved Discworld series. Debuting in 1983 with The Colour of Magic, the Discworld series took readers on an unforgettable journey to a flat, disc-shaped world carried through space on the back of four giant elephants, who in turn stand atop Great A’Tuin, a colossal turtle. Spanning an impressive 41 volumes, this series is believed to have reached sales of over 80 million copies across the globe.
7 The Wheel Of Time By Robert Jordan And Brandon Sanderson – 80 Million Copies
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Having garnered an impressive sales figure of more than 80 million copies to date, The Wheel of Time stands as one of the most beloved fantasy novel series of all time. The visionary mind behind the series, Robert Jordan, passed away in 2007 — but left behind a substantial body of work for Brandon Sanderson to conclude the epic tale. Sanderson contributed three additional novels to the series: The Gathering Storm (2009), Towers of Midnight (2010), and A Memory of Light (2013).
Anne Rice’s The Vampire Chronicles has achieved tremendous success as a series of novels, a film (notorious for the questionable choice of Tom Cruise as the French nobleman-vampire, Lestat De Lioncourt), and a television series. The series remains a testament to the enduring appeal of dark fantasy and the enduring power of Anne Rice’s storytelling, promising to enchant readers for generations to come. With a whopping 80 million copies sold to date, it’s unlikely that Rice’s works will fade into obscurity any time soon.
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6 Twilight By Stephenie Meyer – 100+ Million Copies
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The books that launched the careers of Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart have garnered immense popularity and widespread critical acclaim across the globe. They have received numerous awards and have contributed to writer Stephenie Meyer amassing a personal fortune estimated at approximately $120 million. Her storytelling talent, combined with an ability to tap into the emotional core of her audience, set Stephenie Meyer apart as a writer capable of crafting stories that resonate on a profound level.
5 The Chronicles Of Narnia By C. S. Lewis – 100+ Million Copies
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C.S. Lewis’s The Chronicles of Narnia retains its spot as a timeless and enduring classic in the world of children’s literature, captivating readers with its magical world and profound themes. With over 100 million copies sold worldwide, this series has found its way into the hearts and imaginations of generations of readers, young and old alike. The series weaves themes of courage, sacrifice, redemption, and the battle between light and darkness throughout its narratives, providing readers with not only an exciting adventure but also valuable life lessons.
4 Le Petit Prince (The Little Prince) By Antoine de Saint-Exupéry – 140 Million Copies
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Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s most beloved masterpiece, The Little Prince, deserves special recognition as one of the few standalone entries on this list. Despite lacking an extensive franchise, Saint-Exupéry’s expert fusion of fantasy, philosophy, and magical realism successfully sold more than 140 million copies across the globe. Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s masterpiece remains a storied testament to the enduring power of storytelling and the ability of a single work to touch the hearts and minds of millions.
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3 The Hobbit By J.R.R. Tolkien – 142 Million Copies
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For more than 70 years — before Peter Jackson brought the world of Bilbo Baggins, Gandalf, and others to the silver screen — J.R.R. Tolkien was effectively piquing interest in Middle Earth entirely on his own. Featuring tales of battles, adventures, dwarves, wizards, dragons, and elves, The Hobbit ticks all the boxes you’d anticipate in an epic fantasy novel, and the outcomes are self-evident. At present, J.R.R. Tolkien’s magnum opus has been sold in the vicinity of 142 million copies all over the world.
2 The Lord Of The Rings By J.R.R. Tolkien – 150 Million Copies
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Narrowly surpassing its predecessor is another creation by J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord Of The Rings. This grand high fantasy novel initially started as a humble sequel to Tolkien’s prior work — but evolved into something considerably more extensive, significantly longer, and somewhat more popular, as evidenced by sales in excess of 150 million copies. In addition, Tolkien’s masterful approach to fantasy has led to the inclusion of the terms “Tolkienian” and “Tolkienesque” in the Oxford English Dictionary.
1 Harry Potter Series By J.K. Rowling – 500 Million Copies
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Who better to claim the top spot on this list than J.K. Rowling’s bespectacled hero, Harry Potter? With a staggering 500 million copies sold worldwide, Rowling’s creation not only leads the chart for best-selling fantasy, but reigns supreme across all genres. The film adaptations of the books have enjoyed comparable blockbuster status, with all eight installments pulling in colossal box office revenues. The ultimate entry in the series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 holds the eleventh position among the highest-grossing films of all time.
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