The 10 Best Science Fiction Books of All Time (Start with These)
By: By Andrew Peloquin (werd. com)
S E E D E D C O N T E N T
The 10 Best Science Fiction Books of All Time (Start with These)
Science fiction has always enchanted and delighted me.
Since the day I was first sucked into the "sword and science" adventures of John Carter (by E.R. Burroughs) over 25 years ago, I've always loved glimpses into the future where technology has made the impossible possible, where people can travel the stars and encounter never-before-seen planets, galaxies, and alien species.
I've avidly consumed every science fiction book I could get my hands on, and even dared to pen my own (the 13-book Cerberus series).
Below, I want to share with you a list of sci-fi books you have to read at some point in your life.
If I included all of the "best sci-fi books" on this list, it would be easily 100+ items long. So I've had to make some hard choices and whittle it down to the books that have been the most engaging, that I've loved most, and that have made the greatest impact on me as a reader, author, and human being.
I hope you find these books as enrapturing as I have.
Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne
Though some will argue that science fiction is as old as literature itself—with works like the Epic of Gilgamesh and the Hindu epic Ramayana as precursors—let's all agree that "modern" science fiction began with works like Jules Verne's Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea .
In an age where exploration and travel was so popular, this book (literally) takes a deep-dive into a corner of the globe still largely unexplored: the depths of the ocean.
Captain Nemo and his Nautilus were written about decades before modern submarines, and yet the story turned out to be eerily accurate in its predictions about what underwater travel—and combat—might one day look like.
Published : 1869
John Carter: Barsoom Series by Edgar Rice Burroughs
I am a die-hard fan of this series because it was the first one to open my eyes to the world of science fiction. After binge-reading all the Tarzan stories, I discovered the epic "sword and science" adventures of a Virginian soldier, John Carter, who is mysteriously transported to Mars, a place of fierce alien races, monstrous beasts, and, of course, daring heroics.
All of the Barsoom stories—of which there are 11, featuring John Carter and other Earth-born and Martian heroes—are action-packed and absolutely exhilarating, showing the best of what men and women could be when courage and determination are their main attributes.
Published : 1912
Dune by Frank Herbert
" The spice must flow. " Also known as the Dune Chronicles , Frank Herbert's sci-fi masterpiece brings to life a future where computer-based technology is banned, but where advanced physical and mental disciplines allow the heroes, villains, and everyone in between to achieve truly marvelous things.
Though the science fiction is considered "soft" (less focused on the physics and more focused on the humanities), it's a fascinating look at the role politics and religion play in every aspect of our lives—all through the lens of science fiction.
It's an epic story on an immense scale, with an ecological message that, though subtle, cannot be ignored. You will find fewer science fiction series as complex and intricate as the Dune series.
Published : 1965
Foundation Series by Isaac Asimov
Shop now
The Foundation series is just one of those for which biochemistry professor and science fiction author Isaac Asimov is well-known. He is considered one of the "Big Three" sci-fi writers, with more than 500 books under his belt.
But what makes the Foundation series so fascinating is that it uses history—both real-life history and the fictional history of the Galactic Empire—as a lesson from which to learn, an allegory that can show the characters (and through them, us) how mistakes from the past can lead to a better future.
The question of individualism is another fascinating one that is wrestled with over the course of the books, and a reminder that everyone, no matter how "ordinary", has the power to enact great changes by making the right choice at the right time.
Published : 1942
Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
What began as a radio comedy broadcast airing on BBC Radio 4 grew to become one of the best-loved science fiction series of all times.
There's no denying that the adventures of the quintessentially British Arthur Dent and his bizarre companions—including two-headed Zaphod Beeblebrox, interstellar travel researchers Ford Prefect, Marvin the Paranoid Android, and very human-turned-galactic-traveler Trillian—aboard the Heart of Gold spacecraft are zany, entertaining, incredibly humorous, yet offer a keen insight into human nature.
Douglas Adams wraps up deep thoughts on life and the universe in the guise of a laugh-out-loud hilarious space adventure that is truly unlike anything else ever written.
Published : 1985
The Expanse by James S. A. Corey
Many people are familiar with The Expanse thanks to the SyFy T.V. series, but die-hard sci-fi fans will have first read the amazing works of James S. A. Corey (the pen name for authors Daniel Abraham and Ty Franck).
The series started out as a setting for an MMORPG, but the depth of research and complex character creation led to the inception of what is now a nine-book series.
Even the most hardcore of "hard sci-fi" addicts will agree that it's insanely accurate in terms of physics and the mechanics of cosmic travel, but the story itself is still absolutely addicting for anyone who is just looking for a truly epic adventure filled with daring heroics, complex political schemes and intrigues, and space battles galore.
Published : 2011
The Hyperion Cantos by Dan Simmons
The Hyperion Cantos is a truly unique masterpiece of the science fiction genre, but also a sterling literary achievement in its own right.
The first book was written in the style of The Canterbury Tales , each character telling a unique element of the story from their perspective. Through these multiple points of view, we are introduced to the many fascinating components of the Shrike Church, the Hegemony, and the futuristic society in which the series takes place.
What began as a tale told by an elementary school teacher to his students has grown to become one of the most beloved and influential series in modern science fiction. Plus, few other sci-fi races, creatures, or species can truly instill fear or evoke such powerful violent imagery as the mysterious-yet-terrifyingly-deadly Shrike.
Published : 1989
Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card
Ender's Game does something truly special: it takes a seemingly ordinary child and, through the course of a single book, reveals just how extraordinary they can become through resilience, grit, and ingenuity.
The story follows young Ender along his journey through war games training, and though much of it is presented as "games", the struggles he faces and overcomes are no less real or challenging.
So remarkable is the book that it is actually recommended reading for the U.S. Marine Corps, a winner of multiple awards, and still considered a major influence by many modern sci-fi writers.
Published : 1985
The Martian by Andy Weir
In 2011, some thing extraordinary happened to the world of science fiction: a book that was essentially "crowd-written" was published to spectacular success.
The Martian was initially penned on Andrew Weir's blog as a serial, but crafted based on input from experts ranging from rocket scientists to geologists to astronomers. At its core, it's the simple, gripping story of one man's desperate struggle to survive the impossible through sheer persistence and determination. The science fiction aspect only makes it grander and more inspiring, giving insight into the true challenges that face humanity as we attempt to colonize and explore the universe around us.
Published : 2011
Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep by Philip K. Dick
Fans of the more dystopian flavor of sci-fi all speak of Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? with only the highest of praise.
Set in a post-apocalyptic future, the world is a grim, dark, cybernetics-infused place where only the very rich can afford real animals, but the poor live with electric animals (hence the title).
Through a story that very much reads and feels like a hard-boiled detective noir tale, the author explores themes of empathy in a world overrun by technology, the importance of retaining our grip on humanity, and the possibility of computer-based technology one day evolving to the point of developing their own version of "emotions"—all wrapped up in a dry, often absurdist sense of humor that makes it one of the most compelling science fiction novels ever written.
Published : 1968
The Code of Conduct and Terms of Service must be complied with.
Any comment posted about politics or religion not relevant to the seeds/articles that are posted will be deleted.
The administrator reserves the right to delete any comment he considers to be offensive, off topic or of no value.
Videos or images or links to sources that the Administrator cannot open must be described or explained when requested or they will be deleted.
Tags
Who is online
68 visitors
There are enough such lists as this one to keep you reading all day, but because of his introductory explanation of why he made these choices, and because of a lot of the choices he made, and especially since he did provide a prioritized list I felt that this was a good one to post, even though it contains some books I've not read, but some I've watched the movie adaptations of, but some I would have added to my own list. Just recently I learned that publishers provide benefits to persons who post the books they publish, which IMO makes their lists suspect, I doubt that this list would be so tarnished.
Of course I've read Dune more than once as it is my favourite Sci-Fi novel, and accordingly the original movie adaptation is still my favourite Sci-Fi movie. How could any genuine Sci-Fi fan deny that Verne's 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea does not belong on this list. I also read Foundation and Empire many decades ago, but even if I've not read the novels, I've watched the movies of, as I said, Dune, but also 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, Ender's Game, The Martian and John Carter, a movie I cannot understand did not do well.
The author was absolutely right in saying how can we stop at 10 when there are at least 100. Books that I read and loved when I was as young as a pre-teen were Edward E. ("Doc") Smith's Skylark series and Lens series, and novels by Arthur. C. Clark, Ray Bradbury, Robert Heinlein and others. If we go back in time, remember that Back to the Future was not the first time an author wrote about time travel. H. G. Wells did with his novel The Time Machine, which, along with The War of the Worlds he wrote before the year 1900.
I know there are NT members who are Sci-Fi fans. What do they have to say?
Excellent choices! Have read them all more than once.
Have to add. Everything Heinlein ever wrote.
From his juveniles to his sexy adults.
Since you read them all you're definitely a genuine die-hard Sci-Fi fan.
Heinlein, Herbert, Asimov, Clark, Verne, Bradbury, Wells, Orwell, Dick, Le Guin, Adams, Niven, Pournelle, ................
Have written a couple myself, but am not a pimple on the asses of the greats.
If you're that much of a fan, and that involved in Sci-Fi, why don't you take over and rejuvenate the dormant Science Fiction Fanatics group that's been dormant for over a year? I used to post articles on it.
Great selection, my favorites being Dune and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.
Have read Dune many times and still find something new.
Dune is the best, IMO.
Good list!
... but you know I won't agree...
I like the Robot books better than the Foundation . Liar is brilliant in so many ways. Several of Heinlein's later works are excellent. Dune & Co. are IMNAAHO overrated.
Orson Scott Card is a very good author, beyond Ender. Weir is among the best now, with Martha Wells and John Scalzi, combining ideas and fun. Okafor is very good. Lois McMaster Bujold is maybe my favorite. Connie Willis hasn't published anything for a while, but she was very good.
And let's not forget the best of the best.
Liked Enders Game. Reminded me of my early days in the martial arts when I was the baby in the class.
Watched Ender's Game fairly recently here.
Did RAH become a dirty old man consumed by sex?
He did write Friday.
Liked the Martian book and the movie. Understood the science in the book and loved Damon in the movie.
Although I never read the book, I did enjoy the movie, but then I like Matt Damon in anything he does.
As with most book-adaptation pairs, the book is better, although I enjoyed the movie quite a bit. I also like any movie Matt Damon cares to make.
Most of the time, perhaps, but not always. I recently watched a movie adapted from a book I had read (The Longest Ride by Nicholas Sparks) and I thought that the movie was so well done it was IMO better than the book.
I have both the book and the movie in my collections.
I'll bet you have a lot more of the sci-fi books and/or movies than that.
I have most of the books on the list. For movies, other than The Martian, I have Hitchhiker's Guide, Dune, Bladerunner & John Carter. The Expanse is a series on Amazon Prime that I thoroughly enjoyed.
I much prefer the original Dune movie. What's your take on comparing it with the remake?
Oh, I like them all for what they are. I have the mini-series version and the new two part movie. The new one is very cinematic and as a visual media person I like that, but Sting as a Harkonnen was a fun casting choice in the original movie.
Off topic: I have the movie Sisu arriving today in 4K. This weekend The Terminator in 4K also arrives and Se7en in 4K is on backorder, but coming sometime next month.
Same.
Well Bob, as you know (probably better than anyone here) chacun à son goût.
Évidemment... mais mon goût est le plus exacte.
Ma modestie aussi.
Hey, congrats. That's pretty cool. I didn't know that.
Self-published. They cost me more than they earned. But I enjoyed writing them, and the money is next to nothing, so yes. It's good.
You're much more qualified to run the Books group than I am, how about it Bob?
I won't get that invested in NT. Sorry.
Yeah, I can understand the dedication required to administer an active group. After all, I administer only 8 active groups.
I apologized.
I just saw this image on today's China Daily and I know it isn't relevant to the article, but I thought it was really something that others should see, and it is relevant to the Books Group intended topics.
Great list of books. Card (Ender's Game) is such a douchbag human being that I can't justify giving him any of my money though. I have not read Hyperion Cantos. I'll have to check that one out.
But surely you must at least have watched Ender's Game.
I have watched it on Netflix. It's a good movie, so it pains me to see someone like Card be such a shitty person.
Here's a subsidiary question: who are the best five authors who have published within the last two years?
Okafor, Wells, Scalzi, Kowal, Weir
What's your opinion on Tamsyn Muir?
I've tried a couple times... Nope.
I have The Locked Tomb series. It's very weird, but I love how she writes characters.
She's ubiquitous enough that I'll surely try again.
I've been meaning to try out some Martha Wells. Any suggestions on a start?
Murderbot stories are so much fun that the reader doesn't notice how thoughtful they are.
If you like Scalzi, you'll like Wells.
I'll check it out...
You forgot 2001: A Space Odyssey. One of the greatest books and movie of all time. 2010: The Year we Make Contact was also quite good.
2001 has been regarded by some as the best Sci-Fi movie of all time, so I assume the book must be pretty good too.
I see Andy Weir's The Martian made the list, but I think I enjoyed his latest book, Project Hail Mary, even more.
A movie is being made out of it as well, with Ryan Gosling in the lead role. Expected release is March 20, 2026. Don't know why it's taking so long. They started working on it in 2020. I know the pandemic put things on hold for a while, but still, they only got around to filming in 2024. I guess it's possible they were having difficulty figuring out how to film the strangeness of one of the characters (spoiler free description there, lol).
For some strange reason some movies take years to make, whereas others can be made in a couple of months.
This is a really good list. Tough to argue with anything on it.
I checked out many short lists, and I chose this one for the same reason as you stated.
I would have to say the Foundation Trilogy is my favorite. I was very much looking forward to the newest TV series but it was so far off from the books I decided to reread the books instead.
I will also mention after watching the 3 body problem on Netflix I decided to read the trilogy. Done with 2 of the 3 and have really enjoyed it so far.
Anybody here familiar with David Weber's Honor Harrington series or Elizabeth Moon's Paksenarion series? I own all of them and enjoyed them very much.
Not I.
Yup. Moon is the better writer... but Weber wins on shear volume produced!
I would have to agree. I like Weber's style of writing in his Honor Harrington novels but he sometimes goes off on tangents that are a bit confusing. Moon is engaging and keeps the storyline in the Paksworld novels interesting. Only gripe with her I have is that she sometimes leaves loose ends at the ends of her novels with no follow up.