Looking for the most successful fantasy books of all time?
Whether you’re a die-hard fantasy fan or just dipping your toes into magical worlds, this list of bestselling fantasy novels is packed with epic adventures, unforgettable characters, and mind-blowing sales numbers. From dragon-filled sagas to dark political intrigue, these are the top 10 fantasy series that dominated bestseller lists and changed the genre forever.
Let’s count down the biggest names in fantasy—starting with #10 and saving the true legend for last.
#10. The Shadowhunter Chronicles by Cassandra Clare
Cassandra Clare’s Shadowhunter novels (encompassing multiple connected YA series) have collectively sold over 50 million copies worldwide. Set in an urban-fantasy universe hidden within our own, these books follow a secret race of half-angel warriors known as Shadowhunters who protect humans from demons. The stories typically center on young protagonists – for example, Clary Fray in The Mortal Instruments series – who discover their Shadowhunter heritage and get drawn into a world of magical danger alongside vampires, werewolves, warlocks, and other “Downworlders.” The series is known for its mix of supernatural adventure, romance, and witty banter, as well as its diverse cast of characters that resonated with teen audiences. Major adaptations include a Hollywood film and a television series, which expanded the franchise’s reach and solidified its passionate fanbase.
#9. The Vampire Chronicles by Anne Rice
Rice’s gothic fantasy/horror series has sold about 80 million copies worldwide. The Vampire Chronicles, beginning with Interview with the Vampire (1976), reimagined the vampire mythos by focusing on the alluring and tormented vampire Lestat de Lioncourt and his kin across the centuries. Told with sensual, introspective prose, these novels explore immortality, morality, love, and loss from the vampires’ perspective, making the creatures of the night deeply human in their emotions and conflicts. This approach reinvented the modern vampire archetype. Interview with the Vampire was adapted into a hit 1994 film and the saga spawned other screen adaptations, contributing significantly to vampire fiction’s mainstream popularity and enduring fandom.
#8. The Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyer
With over 160 million copies sold, the Twilight series became a global pop-culture phenomenon in the late 2000s. The four-book saga is a contemporary fantasy/romance centered on Bella Swan, a human teenager, and her forbidden love for Edward Cullen, a century-old vampire, alongside a close friendship with Jacob Black, a shape-shifting werewolf. As Bella navigates the dangers of the supernatural world (and a love triangle), Twilight infuses classic fantasy creatures into a modern high-school setting. Its blockbuster film adaptations grossed over $3 billion worldwide and sparked “Team Edward vs. Team Jacob” debates, cementing Twilight’s cultural impact and ushering in a wave of paranormal romance in young adult fiction.
#7. Discworld series by Terry Pratchett
Pratchett’s long-running Discworld novels (41 books) have sold more than 80 million copies in 37 languages. This comic fantasy series is set on the Discworld, a flat planet carried through space on the backs of four elephants standing on a giant turtle – a whimsical world that both parodies and celebrates fantasy tropes. Each book is a standalone story featuring recurring characters and uses razor-sharp satire to mirror real-world culture, politics, and folklore. Discworld’s clever wit and imaginative setting made Pratchett the UK’s best-selling author of the 1990s. It proved fantasy could be both funny and profound, and it has been adapted into graphic novels, stage plays, video games, and TV miniseries.
#6. The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan (and Brandon Sanderson)
The Wheel of Time is a cornerstone epic fantasy series, with 14 main volumes that have together sold over 90 million copies worldwide. The story follows a large cast led by Rand al’Thor, a young man prophesied to be the Dragon Reborn, who must unite the world against the Dark One in a sprawling world where time cycles and magic is divided into male and female halves. Renowned for its immense scope, detailed world-building, and diverse cultures, the series kept epic fantasy thriving through the 1990s and 2000s. Notably, books 8 through 14 each debuted at #1 on The New York Times bestseller list. It was adapted into a Prime Video series beginning in 2021, bringing a new generation to Jordan’s world.
#5. A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin
Martin’s gritty fantasy saga has sold over 90 million copies worldwide. Set in a medieval-inspired world, the series chronicles a dynastic war among noble families for the Iron Throne of Westeros, the efforts of the exiled Targaryen princess to reclaim her crown, and the looming supernatural threat of the White Walkers. Known for its realistic political intrigue, morally complex characters, and unpredictable plot, it brought “grimdark” realism to fantasy. The HBO adaptation (Game of Thrones, 2011–2019) became a global television phenomenon and, alongside a prequel series (House of the Dragon), massively broadened the audience for adult fantasy fiction.
#4. The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
This beloved seven-book series has sold around 120 million copies in 47 languages. Narnia follows various children, most notably the Pevensie siblings, who stumble through magical portals (like a wardrobe) into the enchanted land of Narnia – a realm where animals talk, mythical creatures abound, and the great lion Aslan leads the fight of good against evil. Renowned for imaginative world-building and Christian allegory, it has become a cornerstone of fantasy literature for young readers. The series has been continuously in print for decades and adapted into radio plays, stage productions, TV series, and several major films.
#3. The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
The Hobbit, a prelude to The Lord of the Rings, has sold over 100 million copies. It follows Bilbo Baggins, a home-loving hobbit who joins the wizard Gandalf and a group of dwarves on a quest to reclaim their homeland from the dragon Smaug. Lighter in tone than Tolkien’s later works, it introduced readers to Middle-earth and themes of bravery, greed, and growth. It remains one of the most accessible and beloved fantasy novels of all time. Adapted into a 1977 animated movie and a blockbuster film trilogy (2012–2014), it continues to inspire both readers and creators.
#2. The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy has sold an estimated 150 million copies worldwide. This epic tale follows Frodo Baggins and his companions as they journey to destroy the One Ring and defeat the dark lord Sauron. With deep world-building, constructed languages, and richly developed races and cultures, Tolkien set the standard for modern fantasy. Its influence is immeasurable, inspiring everything from D&D to video games. Peter Jackson’s Oscar-winning film adaptations (2001–2003) further cemented its legacy and helped fantasy achieve mainstream cinematic prestige.
#1. Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
Harry Potter is the best-selling fantasy series ever, with over 600 million copies sold. It tells the story of a young orphan who discovers he is a wizard and attends Hogwarts School, where he uncovers his destiny and battles the dark lord Voldemort. Blending magical adventure with friendship, growth, and epic stakes, it captivated readers of all ages and transformed an entire generation of readers. Each release became a global event, and the franchise exploded into blockbuster films, theme parks, video games, and more – making it the most commercially successful fantasy property in history.
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