You’re probably already thinking it—do I *really* need to pile on 25 more novels to my already endless to-be-read stack? And no, I’m not a mind reader, just someone who loves storytelling as much as you do.
But once you see Fictionary’s curated roundup of the top 25 fiction books that every reader should experience, you’ll realize the answer is a resounding yes.
We’re about to take a literary journey through essential reads spanning centuries—from timeless classics to landmark novels of the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries. There’s truly something here for every kind of reader—including a countdown of the five most influential novels ever written.
Let’s dive in, starting with the literary legends.
Best Classic Novels
1. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (1813)
This novel has achieved near-mythic status in the literary world, and for good reason. It kicks off our list with its sharp wit, social satire, and unforgettable romance.
Austen masterfully portrays early 19th-century English society through the eyes of the fiercely independent Elizabeth Bennet. With a biting critique of class and gender expectations, Pride and Prejudice is not just a love story—it’s a pioneering romantic comedy that’s also a brilliant cultural commentary.
2. Dracula by Bram Stoker (1897)
Genre: Gothic Horror
Say the word “vampire,” and chances are Count Dracula is who you picture. This chilling figure continues to influence supernatural fiction over a century later.
Stoker delivers a hauntingly atmospheric narrative drenched in suspense. The novel’s gothic setting and compelling characters pull you into a world of fear and fascination—just like the Count himself.
3. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle (1892)
Stepping into the world of 221B Baker Street means entering the birthplace of the detective genre. Before secret agents and crime thrillers, there was Sherlock Holmes.
With intricate mysteries and clever deductions, these stories are perfect for readers who love a mental challenge. Their appeal is timeless—intelligence, curiosity, and deduction never go out of style.
4. The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas (1844–1846)
If you’re after a novel full of betrayal, redemption, and long-awaited revenge, look no further than Dumas’s gripping tale of Edmond Dantès.
It’s an epic story of transformation, as Dantès reinvents himself as the Count and seeks justice for the wrongs done to him. Secret identities, buried treasure, and cunning plans—this is adventure at its finest.
5. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley (1818)
Genre: Science Fiction
Forget futuristic dystopias—Mary Shelley gave us one of the earliest and most influential science fiction novels ever written.
Frankenstein explores the terrifying consequences of unchecked ambition and scientific obsession. Set against a gothic backdrop, the novel poses chilling questions about humanity, responsibility, and what it means to play god.
Famous Books from the 19th Century
6. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë (1847)
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Don’t let the label “romantic suspense” throw you off—Jane Eyre is a complex, emotionally rich narrative that blends love, independence, and mystery.
Follow Jane as she overcomes hardship and defies expectations, evolving into a strong, self-assured woman. Her journey is as compelling today as it was in the 1800s.
7. Moby-Dick by Herman Melville (1851)
Few literary duos are as memorable as Ishmael and Captain Ahab. But what sets Moby-Dick apart is Melville’s layered symbolism and philosophical depth.
The whale represents more than just a creature—it’s a symbol of existential struggle, while the ship’s crew reflects a diverse, microcosmic society. Ahab’s obsession is both captivating and tragic, making this novel a cornerstone of American literature.
8. Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë (1847)
Genre: Gothic Tragedy
Think of a passionate, haunting love story set in a bleak, windswept landscape—and you’ve got Wuthering Heights.
Emily Brontë’s only novel is dark, intense, and emotionally charged. It explores love and revenge in their most destructive forms, leaving a lasting emotional imprint on every reader.
9. The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde (1891)
Genre: Gothic Literature
Oscar Wilde’s only novel sparkles with razor-sharp wit and insightful critique.
Beneath the surface charm lies a sobering examination of vanity, moral corruption, and the pursuit of eternal youth. In an age of digital filters and curated images, Wilde’s message feels more relevant than ever.
10. The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson (1886)
Genre: Gothic Horror
Characters with dual personalities have become a staple of modern storytelling, but Stevenson’s tale of Jekyll and Hyde was one of the earliest to dive into the complexities of good and evil within a single soul.
This novella is a psychological thriller that continues to resonate as it explores the darkness lurking beneath a respectable surface.
Good Fiction Books from the 20th Century
11. The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien (1937)
Genre: Epic Fantasy
Filled with mythical creatures, enchanted lands, and heroic quests, The Hobbit laid the foundation for the modern fantasy genre.
Tolkien’s world-building is immersive and rich, inviting readers on a timeless journey that has captivated generations. If you haven’t yet ventured into Middle-earth, now’s the time.
12. Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell (1936)
Genre: Historical Romance
Set against the dramatic backdrop of the American Civil War, Gone With the Wind is a sweeping epic with unforgettable characters and high-stakes emotion.
Scarlett O’Hara is a complex, resilient protagonist, and her fiery relationship with Rhett Butler is as captivating as ever. Mitchell’s portrayal of love and loss is both epic in scale and intimate in emotion.
13. 1984 by George Orwell (1949)
Among the books on this list, none offers a more sobering vision of the future than Orwell’s dystopian masterpiece.
1984 remains chillingly prescient, warning us of the dangers of authoritarianism, mass surveillance, and thought control. Its stark prose and haunting narrative continue to provoke reflection—and discomfort—decades after its publication.
14. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee (1960)
Genre: Legal Drama
Few novels strike the heart quite like Harper Lee’s story of justice, empathy, and childhood innocence in a deeply divided society.
Through the perspective of young Scout, readers are given a powerful lens into issues of race, morality, and compassion. It’s a story that moves, teaches, and lingers long after the final page.
15. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger (1951)
Genre: Coming of Age
Salinger’s portrait of teenage disillusionment is raw, honest, and enduringly relatable.
Holden Caulfield’s voice continues to resonate with readers navigating the awkward, often painful transition from youth to adulthood. This novel remains a cornerstone of coming-of-age literature for its emotional authenticity.
Best New Books from the 21st Century
16. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (2008)
Genre: YA Dystopian
“May the odds be ever in your favor.” With that iconic line, Katniss Everdeen’s journey begins, setting off a cultural phenomenon that redefined the YA genre.
The Hunger Games brought dystopian fiction to the mainstream and remains a gripping tale of survival, sacrifice, and rebellion. Collins’ fast-paced storytelling and unforgettable heroine make this a modern must-read.
17. The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown (2003)
Genre: Action Thriller
With a gripping plot packed with puzzles, secret societies, and historical intrigue, The Da Vinci Code took the world by storm.
Brown’s thriller keeps readers turning pages with breathless urgency, combining intellectual mystery with nonstop action. It’s the kind of book that makes you say, “just one more chapter”—again and again.
This was the novel that first sparked my passion for reading. From the opening scene—when the unfortunate museum curator Jacques Saunière staggers through the halls of the Louvre, only to meet a grisly fate—I was utterly captivated. Dan Brown’s storytelling gripped me tightly and didn’t let go until the final chapter. The plot twists were relentless. I can still recall the shock I felt when Langdon revealed the true villain; my jaw literally dropped. Any book that can deliver that kind of reaction deserves a permanent place on this list.
18. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson (2005, English edition 2008)
Lisbeth Salander might just be one of the most compelling characters in contemporary fiction. Haven’t experienced The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo yet? Give it a read—I challenge you to prove me wrong.
This thriller is as dark as it is captivating, exploring deeply disturbing themes that linger well after the final page. Larsson’s intricate plotting, unrelenting suspense, and complex characters elevate this work into the realm of a literary phenomenon. With over 100 million copies sold, it’s no mystery why this book continues to resonate.
19. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern (2011)
Imagine a secretive, enchanting circus that only appears at night and a high-stakes magical duel between two young illusionists—Celia and Marco—who’ve trained their whole lives for it. Intrigued?
The Night Circus distinguishes itself through Morgenstern’s lyrical writing style and elaborate world-building. It’s a spellbinding experience that stands out in the world of modern fantasy literature.
20. You Don’t Know Me by Imran Mahmood (2017)
Genre: Legal Thriller
An unnamed defendant. A murder charge. A tangle of deception. In You Don’t Know Me, Imran Mahmood delivers a narrative that challenges perceptions of identity, systemic bias, and the slippery nature of truth.
Told entirely from the perspective of a young man addressing the jury in his murder trial, the novel unfolds through raw, conversational prose. It’s gripping, authentic, and powerful. This is the kind of book that demands recognition as a modern classic.
21. Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card (1985)
Genre: Science Fiction
In this foundational sci-fi tale, young Ender Wiggin is thrust into a rigorous military training program designed to prepare him for an impending alien invasion.
It’s a story packed with unforgettable training sequences and thought-provoking ethical quandaries. Don’t be misled by Ender’s age—this is a deeply philosophical novel that explores humanity, identity, and the consequences of conflict. Resistance is futile—you’ll be drawn in.
22. The Shining by Stephen King (1977)
Stephen King’s horror masterpiece, The Shining, is the stuff of nightmares. Watching Jack Torrance’s psychological unraveling is both terrifying and mesmerizing. And then there’s the Overlook Hotel…
This chilling, atmospheric setting practically breathes on the page. It’s more than a backdrop—it’s a character in its own right. King’s storytelling here cements his reputation as the king of horror. A list like this would feel incomplete without it.
23. The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini (2003)
Genre: Historical Fiction
Set against the vibrant and tumultuous backdrop of Afghanistan’s shifting landscape, The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini offers an emotionally rich exploration of friendship, betrayal, and the longing for redemption.
Hosseini brings his characters to life with such authenticity and depth that their struggles stay with you long after reading. It’s a heartrending, unforgettable journey that resonates on a global scale.
24. Beloved by Toni Morrison (1987)
Genre: Historical Magical Realism
Beloved is arguably the most emotionally intense entry on this list. Morrison’s lyrical prose and expertly developed characters create a harrowing, beautiful narrative that’s impossible to forget.
The story centers on a runaway slave haunted by the ghost of her dead child, delving into the psychological aftermath of slavery. It’s a powerful meditation on trauma, memory, and the enduring need for freedom.
25. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak (2005)
Genre: Historical Fiction
The Book Thief follows Liesel, a young girl living in Nazi Germany, who finds comfort and purpose in stolen books. Her love of stories becomes a form of resistance and a source of hope.
Narrated by Death itself, the novel is a poignant exploration of the power of language and storytelling in times of darkness. It’s both heartbreaking and life-affirming—a literary achievement that belongs on every bookshelf.
And there you have it.
Fictionary’s curated collection of the 25 greatest fiction books everyone should experience at least once.
Whether you’re after a classic from centuries past or a fresh contemporary gem, this thoughtfully selected list offers something for every kind of reader—and trust us, each one will leave a lasting impression.
