Sometimes one book is not enough. Not all stories can be captured in a singular plot. Book series allow a deeper exploration of complex themes, more intricate world-building along with stronger character development. With each new book, readers can come back for more of their favorite worlds and characters, making book series loved across the world. Here are the top seven bestselling book series of all time.
7. The Baby-Sitters Club
The Baby-Sitters Club is a series of novels written by Ann M. Martin between 1986 and 2000. The series follows a group of young girls who run a babysitting business titled “The Baby-Sitters Club.”
For almost 15 years, the series reached young girls across the world covering topics such as friendship, illness, and divorce. After selling 176 million copies, The Baby-Sitters Club is one of the bestselling book series of all time.
6. Percy Jackson and the Olympians
Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan is a five book series that follows Percy Jackson, a young teen who finds out he is a demigod and that his father is Poseidon. As a demigod, Percy is in danger in the real world so he goes to “Camp Halfblood” where all the attendees have parents who are Greek Gods.
Percy Jackson and the Olympians is a beloved series by people of all ages. Making Greek mythology accessible to young readers Riordan’s book series has been translated into many media forms such as movies, television shows, and even a musical. With such an avid fanbase, selling over 180 million copies, Percy Jackson and the Olympians is one of the bestselling book series ever written.
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5. Nancy Drew
The Nancy Drew series is a mystery franchise that published 175 novels in between 1930 and 2003 under the pseudonym Carolyn Keene. In each novel, the main character Nancy Drew solves a new mystery.
The success of the series inspired spin-offs such as Nancy Drew Files and Nancy Drew: Girl Detective. After selling over 200 million copies, the Nancy Drew series is one of the bestselling book series of all time.
4. Sweet Valley High
Sweet Valley High is a young adult book series with 181 novels first published in 1983 under the pseudonym Francine Pascal. The series chronicles the lives of identical twins Jessica and Elizabeth Wakefield, living in a Californian suburb near Los Angeles and attending Sweet Valley High.
Resonating with many young readers, the books gained much popularity and spin-offs were made to keep the story alive. Selling over 250 million copies, Sweet Valley High is undoubtedly a top bestselling book series.
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3. Diary of a Wimpy Kid
Diary of a Wimpy Kid is a children’s graphic novel series created by author and cartoonist Jeff Kinney. The series follows Greg Heffley, a middle-schooler who depicts his daily life through drawings in a diary.
The first novel was published in 2007 and received instant success. As of 2024, the series consists of 18 books and a spin-off series that centers around another character named Rowley Jefferson. Kinney was named one of Time’s 100 Most Influential People of the Year in 2009 as his book series has been so impactful. Selling over 275 million copies, The Diary of a Wimpy Kid is one of the bestselling book series of all time.
2. Goosebumps
Goosebumps is a children’s book series of horror novels by R.L. Stine. The series follows pre-teens who find themselves in supernatural, paranormal circumstances. A total of 62 books were published between 1992 and 1997.
The book series achieved instant success and high praise, selling over 400 million copies to readers around the world. There have also been spin-off books, television, video games, and comic series continuing to bring the Goosebumps franchise to fans far and wide.
1. Harry Potter
Harry Potter is a seven-book fantasy series by J.K. Rowling following a boy who finds out he is a wizard. The seven books follow Harry and his two best friends Ron and Hermione, at Hogwarts, school for witchcraft and wizardry and the different battles they fight along the way.
Since first being published in 1997, the series has found immense popularity and success, attracting and resonating with young and adult readers alike. Fans across the globe have been drawn to the world of wizardry, creating one of the strongest fan bases of all time. The Harry Potter series has sold over 600 million copies making it the bestselling book series ever written to date.
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