The Most Successful Fantasy Book, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the fantasy book you think is the most successful!
Updated on May 10, 2024 06:59
Fans of fantasy literature often face the challenge of deciding which books to invest their time in, as the genre is filled with an array of captivating stories, each promising its own unique blend of magic, adventure, and intrigue. Having a reliable ranking system helps to highlight those works that have resonated most strongly with readers, providing a curated guide to outstanding narratives.
Through the collective input of numerous enthusiasts, our live ranking system offers a current snapshot of the top fantasy books as determined by popular vote. It empowers readers by giving them a voice in shaping the list, while also helping new fans find a starting point among acclaimed titles. We encourage everyone to contribute their vote and help shape this continuous assessment of the genre's best offerings.
What Is the Most Successful Fantasy Book?
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168votes
The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
J.R.R. TolkienThis classic epic fantasy novel has been widely regarded as one of the most successful and influential works in the genre, with its intricate world-building, compelling characters, and unforgettable storyline. It has sold over 150 million copies worldwide.The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien is an epic high-fantasy adventure book set in the fictional world of Middle-earth. It follows a group of diverse characters on a quest to destroy a powerful ring and defeat the dark lord Sauron who seeks to regain its control.- Genre: Adventure, Fantasy
- Published Date: 1954-1955
- Number of Books: 3
- Book Titles: The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, The Return of the King
- Main Protagonist: Frodo Baggins
The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular fantasy book in the world
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223votes
Nzgabriel · CC BY 2.5Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
J.K. RowlingThis iconic series of young adult fantasy novels has captured the hearts of millions of readers worldwide, with its imaginative world of magic, relatable characters, and themes of friendship, loyalty, and courage. It has sold over 500 million copies worldwide.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 1 of 10 in Most popular book series of all time
- Position 2 of 10 in Most popular fantasy book in the world
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312votes
A Song of Ice and Fire series by George R.R. Martin
George R.R. MartinThis dark and gritty epic fantasy series, which inspired the hit TV series Game of Thrones, has gained a massive following for its complex characters, political intrigue, and unpredictable plot twists. It 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 7 of 10 in Most popular book series of all time
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411votes
The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
C.S. LewisThis beloved series of children's fantasy novels has enchanted generations of readers with its vivid descriptions of the magical land of Narnia and its moral themes of faith, courage, and redemption. It has sold over 100 million copies worldwide.The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis is a renowned series of seven fantasy adventure books that have captivated readers of all ages. Set in the magical world of Narnia, the books follow the adventures of a group of children who stumble upon a wardrobe that acts as a gateway to this enchanting realm. As they explore Narnia, they encounter talking animals, mythical creatures, and engage in epic battles between good and evil.- Genre: Fantasy, Adventure
- Publication Year: 1950-1956
- Number of Books: 7
- Main Protagonists: Peter, Susan, Edmund, Lucy Pevensie
- Iconic Character: Aslan the Lion
The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis in other rankings- Position 2 of 10 in Most popular children's book series
- Position 3 of 10 in Most popular fantasy book in the world
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514votes
The Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan
Robert JordanThis sprawling epic fantasy series, which spans 14 books and over 11,000 pages, has gained a loyal following for its intricate plot, richly imagined world, and diverse cast of characters. It has sold over 44 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 6 of 10 in Most popular book series of all time
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613votes
The Kingkiller Chronicle by Patrick Rothfuss
Patrick RothfussThis critically acclaimed series of fantasy novels, which follows the adventures of a gifted musician and magician named Kvothe, has gained a passionate fanbase for its lyrical prose, complex characters, and intricate world-building. It has sold over 10 million copies worldwide.The Kingkiller Chronicle by Patrick Rothfuss is a critically acclaimed and highly popular fantasy book series. It follows the story of Kvothe, a talented musician and magician, as he recounts his extraordinary life and adventures in a land filled with magic, danger, and intrigue.- Genre: Fantasy
- Number of books: 3 (with more anticipated)
- Publication date: 2007 (first book)
- Award-winning: Yes
- Main character: Kvothe
The Kingkiller Chronicle by Patrick Rothfuss in other rankings- Position 6 of 10 in Most popular fantasy book in the world
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76votesThis popular series of high fantasy novels, which features a unique magic system based on the consumption of metals, has gained praise for its compelling characters, intricate plot, and detailed world-building. It has sold over 3 million copies worldwide.
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86votes
The Dark Tower series by Stephen King
Stephen KingThis genre-bending series of fantasy, horror, and Western novels, which follows a gunslinger on a quest to reach the titular Dark Tower, has gained a cult following for its surreal atmosphere, vivid characters, and epic scope. It has sold over 30 million copies worldwide.The Dark Tower series by Stephen King is a highly acclaimed and widely popular fantasy book series that combines elements of fantasy, science fiction, horror, and western genres. The series follows the journey of Roland Deschain, a gunslinger on a quest to reach the Dark Tower, a mythical structure that holds the key to saving his world from destruction. As Roland travels through a vast and desolate wasteland, he encounters various companions and adversaries, facing supernatural beings, magic, and dangerous creatures along the way.- Genre: Fantasy, Science Fiction, Horror, Western
- Number of Books: 8
- Publication Years: 1982-2012
- Main Protagonist: Roland Deschain
- Themes: Redemption, Fate, Sacrifice
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97votes
The Earthsea series by Ursula K. Le Guin
Ursula K. Le GuinThis seminal series of young adult fantasy novels, which explores themes of magic, power, and identity through the adventures of a young wizard named Ged, has earned critical acclaim for its poetic prose, richly imagined world, and thought-provoking themes. It has sold over 1 million copies worldwide.The Earthsea series by Ursula K. Le Guin is a highly acclaimed fantasy book series that takes place in the fictional archipelago of Earthsea. It follows the adventures of a young mage named Ged as he navigates the magical world, battles dark forces, and seeks to balance the equilibrium of power. The series explores themes of identity, power, and the duality of light and darkness.- Genre: Fantasy
- Setting: The archipelago of Earthsea
- Protagonist: Ged, a young mage
- Themes: Identity, power, duality
- Number of books: 6
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105votesThis classic series of high fantasy novels, which follows a young farm boy on a quest to retrieve a magical orb and defeat an evil god, has gained a loyal following for its memorable characters, witty dialogue, and epic adventure. It has sold over 10 million copies worldwide.
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Ranking factors for successful fantasy book
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Sales figuresThe number of copies sold can be an important indicator of a book's popularity and success.
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Critical receptionThe reviews and ratings of professional literary critics as well as general readers can help determine how well a book has been received.
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Cultural impactA book that spawns a large fandom, inspires spin-offs, adaptations or references in other media can be considered a blockbuster.
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Awards and recognitionThe prizes and awards a book wins or is nominated for can be a strong indicator of its quality and popularity.
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OriginalityHighly original or groundbreaking books can make an impact on the genre and become best-sellers.
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Author's reputationThe author's track record, reputation and overall brand recognition can contribute to the success of the book.
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LongevityA book that continues to remain popular and/or relevant years or even decades after its initial release can be considered successful.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most successful fantasy book. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or fantasy is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1640 views
- 163 votes
- 10 ranked items
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Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each fantasy once every 24 hours. The rank of each fantasy is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most successful fantasy book
Fantasy books have been a popular genre for centuries, captivating readers with their magical worlds, mythical creatures, and epic battles between good and evil. From J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings" to J.K. Rowling's "Harry Potter" series, there have been countless successful fantasy books that have captured the hearts and imaginations of readers around the world.
The most successful fantasy books are those that not only transport readers to a different world but also have relatable characters and intriguing plots. These books have the power to inspire and entertain, and they often become cultural phenomena with devoted fan bases.
With so many fantastic fantasy books to choose from, it's no wonder that readers are eager to share their opinions and debate which ones are the best. That's why StrawPoll offers a platform for users to create and participate in polls and rankings on various topics, including the most successful fantasy books of all time.
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