The Most Popular Book Series of All Time, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the book series you think is the most popular!
Updated on May 4, 2024 06:31
Choosing the right book series can be a daunting task, given the plethora of genres and styles available to readers of all tastes. A comprehensive list of popular book series, ranked by fan votes, helps streamline this process. It offers insights into what series have captivated the hearts and minds of other readers, potentially guiding newcomers toward making satisfying picks.
This continuously updated ranking system invites all readers to contribute their opinions and preferences by voting for their favorite series. Each vote plays a crucial role in shaping the current standings, reflecting a dynamic and interactive experience. This collective effort not only fosters a community of engaged readers but also keeps the list fresh and relevant to current trends.
What Is the Most Popular Book Series of All Time?
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155votes
Nzgabriel · CC BY 2.5Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
J.K. RowlingWith over 500 million copies sold worldwide, this epic fantasy series about a young wizard attending Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry has become a cultural phenomenon.The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling is a widely popular fantasy book series that revolves around the life of a young wizard named Harry Potter. The story follows Harry's journey as he discovers his magical abilities, attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and battles against the dark wizard Lord Voldemort. Throughout the series, Harry and his friends face numerous challenges, solve mysteries, and learn important lessons about friendship, love, and bravery.- Genre: Fantasy
- Publication Year: 1997-2007
- Number of Books: 7
- Main Protagonist: Harry Potter
- Setting: Wizarding World
Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling in other rankings- Position 2 of 10 in Most successful fantasy book
- Position 2 of 10 in Most popular fantasy book in the world
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228votes
The Lord of the Rings series by J.R.R. Tolkien
J.R.R. TolkienThis classic epic high fantasy series has sold over 150 million copies worldwide and has been adapted into successful films.The Lord of the Rings series is a fantasy novel series written by J.R.R. Tolkien. It is set in the fictional world of Middle-earth and follows the perilous adventures of a group of characters in their quest to destroy a powerful ring. The series is known for its richly detailed world-building, intricate plotlines, and compelling characters.- Genre: Fantasy
- Number of Books: 3
- Publication Dates: 1954-1955
- Main Characters: Frodo Baggins, Gandalf, Aragorn, Samwise Gamgee
- Page Count: Approximately 1,200 pages (total for the series)
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315votesThis beloved series of seven novels has sold over 100 million copies worldwide and has been adapted into films and TV series.The Chronicles of Narnia series by C.S. Lewis is a collection of seven fantasy novels that transport readers to the magical world of Narnia. It is a highly popular book series that has captivated readers of all ages for decades.
- Genre: Fantasy
- Number of Books: 7
- Publication Years: 1950-1956
- Main Characters: Peter, Susan, Edmund, Lucy Pevensie, Aslan
- Setting: The magical land of Narnia
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421votes
Diseñadores publicitarios · Public domainThe Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins
Suzanne CollinsThis dystopian young adult series has sold over 100 million copies worldwide and has been adapted into successful films.The Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins is a dystopian young adult book trilogy set in a post-apocalyptic nation named Panem. The story revolves around a young girl, Katniss Everdeen, who volunteers for a deadly reality TV show called the Hunger Games to save her sister. Created by Suzanne Collins, the series gained immense popularity for its thrilling and thought-provoking narrative.- Genre: Dystopian Fiction
- Publication Year: 2008-2010
- Number of Books: 3
- Main Protagonist: Katniss Everdeen
- Setting: Post-apocalyptic nation of Panem
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522votes
Scarce · Public domainThe Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyer
Stephenie MeyerThis popular young adult series about vampires and werewolves has sold over 120 million copies worldwide and has been adapted into films.The Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyer is a popular book series that revolves around the supernatural romance between a teenage girl named Bella Swan and a vampire named Edward Cullen. The series explores themes of love, loyalty, and the challenges faced by the couple in their relationship. The storyline also includes elements of werewolves and other mythical creatures.- Genre: Young adult, fantasy, romance
- Number of books: 4
- Publication years: 2005-2008
- Main protagonists: Bella Swan, Edward Cullen, Jacob Black
- Setting: Forks, Washington, United States
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618votes
The Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan
Robert JordanThis epic fantasy series, completed by Brandon Sanderson after Jordan's death, has sold over 80 million copies worldwide.The Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan is a highly acclaimed fantasy book series that encompasses a richly detailed world filled with complex characters, intricate plotlines, and epic battles between the forces of good and evil. Spanning 14 volumes, the series follows the journey of various characters as they navigate through a prophecy-driven world and confront the dark lord who seeks to destroy all of existence.- Genre: Fantasy
- Number of volumes: 14
- Total word count: 4,410,036
- Number of main characters: Dozens
- Publication span: 1990 - 2013
The Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan in other rankings- Position 5 of 10 in Most successful fantasy book
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711votes
A Song of Ice and Fire series by George R.R. Martin
George R.R. MartinThis epic fantasy series, adapted into the TV series Game of Thrones, has sold over 90 million copies worldwide.The 'A Song of Ice and Fire' series is a highly acclaimed and popular epic fantasy book series written by George R.R. Martin. It is set in the fictional continents of Westeros and Essos and follows the power struggle and conflicts among noble families, as well as the looming threat of supernatural creatures. The series is known for its intricate plotlines, morally ambiguous characters, and unpredictable twists.- Genre: Epic fantasy
- Setting: Westeros and Essos
- Number of books: 5 (with 2 more planned)
- Total word count: Over 1.7 million words
- Page count: Over 5,200 pages
A Song of Ice and Fire series by George R.R. Martin in other rankings- Position 3 of 10 in Most successful fantasy book
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810votes
The Diary of a Wimpy Kid series by Jeff Kinney
Jeff KinneyThis popular children's series has sold over 250 million copies worldwide and has been adapted into successful films.The Diary of a Wimpy Kid series by Jeff Kinney is a popular book series that revolves around the life of a middle school student named Greg Heffley. The series is presented in a diary format with handwritten notes, doodles, and cartoon illustrations, making it engaging and relatable for young readers. The humorous and lighthearted nature of the books has garnered a wide fan base and critical acclaim.- Genre: Children's fiction
- Publication Date: 2007-present
- Number of Books: 15
- Total Sales: Over 250 million copies sold worldwide
- Target Age Group: 8-12 years old
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96votes
The Divergent series by Veronica Roth
Veronica RothThis dystopian young adult series has sold over 35 million copies worldwide and has been adapted into films.The Divergent series is a bestselling young adult dystopian book series written by Veronica Roth. It follows the story of Beatrice Prior, a young girl living in a society divided into factions based on personality traits. The series explores themes of identity, choice, and rebellion.- Genre: Young Adult Dystopian
- Number of Books: 3
- First Book Published: 2011
- Main Protagonist: Beatrice Prior
- Setting: Post-apocalyptic Chicago
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1012votesThis popular young adult series about Greek gods and demigods has sold over 45 million copies worldwide and has been adapted into films and a TV series.The Percy Jackson and the Olympians series is a popular fantasy book series authored by Rick Riordan. It follows the story of Percy Jackson, a twelve-year-old boy who discovers that he is a demigod, the child of a mortal and a Greek god. The series is set in a modern-day world where Greek mythology comes to life. As Percy navigates through various adventures and quests, he encounters gods, monsters, and other mythical creatures.
- Genre: Fantasy
- Number of Books: 5
- Publication Years: 2005-2009
- Target Audience: Young Adult
- Setting: Modern-day world with Greek mythology
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Discussion
Ranking factors for popular book series
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Reader reviews and ratingsReader reviews and ratings on websites like Goodreads and Amazon give a good indicator of how much readers appreciate and enjoy a particular book series.
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Translation and global reachThe number of languages a book series has been translated into shows its global appeal. The more languages a book is available in, the more people can access and enjoy it around the world.
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Literary awardsWinning or being nominated for prestigious literary awards can significantly contribute to a book series' popularity by drawing more attention to it.
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AdaptationsIf a book series has been adapted into other forms of media, such as movies, TV shows, or plays, it is an indication of its popularity and broad appeal.
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Cultural impactThe influence a book series has on popular culture, including references in other works of art and media, fan communities, and fan-created content such as fanfiction, art, and fan conventions.
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Genre impactIf a book series has significantly impacted its genre, introducing new ideas or influencing other authors, it can be considered a popular and important series.
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Merchandising and marketingSometimes, a book series' popularity can be determined by the merchandising and marketing efforts behind it, including branded products, advertising, and promotional campaigns.
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Critical acclaimAlthough not always an indicator of popularity among readers, critical praise from literary critics or academic reviews can contribute to a book series' overall reputation and influence.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular book series of all time. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or book series is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 2872 views
- 165 votes
- 10 ranked items
Movers & Shakers
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each book series once every 24 hours. The rank of each book series is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular book series of all time
Background Information:
Books have been entertaining and educating readers for centuries, and book series have become a staple in the literary world. From children's books to epic sagas, there are countless book series that have captured the hearts and minds of readers all over the world. But which book series is the most popular of all time?
To answer this question, we have delved into the world of literature and analyzed the data from our vast database of polls and rankings. The results are in, and we have found that there are a few book series that stand out as the most beloved and popular among readers.
One of the most enduring book series of all time is J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter. The series follows the adventures of a young wizard, Harry Potter, and his friends as they attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The series has sold over 500 million copies worldwide and has been translated into over 80 languages, making it one of the most successful book series of all time.
Another popular book series is J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings. The series is set in the fictional world of Middle-earth and follows the journey of a hobbit named Frodo Baggins as he attempts to destroy the One Ring. The series has sold over 150 million copies worldwide and has been adapted into a successful film franchise.
Other popular book series include George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire, which has been adapted into the popular television series Game of Thrones, and Stephenie Meyer's Twilight, which has become a
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