The Greatest "Fiction, Fantasy, Fairy tales" Books Since 1950

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 300 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

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Genres

Fiction

Fantasy

Fantasy is a genre of literature that typically involves imaginative and supernatural elements, often set in a fictional world or alternate reality. These stories often feature mythical creatures, magic, and epic battles between good and evil. Fantasy books can range from high fantasy, which includes complex world-building and intricate plotlines, to urban fantasy, which blends fantastical elements with contemporary settings. The genre allows readers to escape into a world of wonder and adventure, where anything is possible.

Fairy tales

Fairy tales are a genre of literature that typically feature magical and fantastical elements, often with a moral lesson or message. These stories often involve mythical creatures, such as fairies, witches, and dragons, and are often set in a far-off land or a magical kingdom. Fairy tales are often aimed at children, but can also be enjoyed by adults, and have been passed down through generations as a way of teaching important values and lessons. Common themes in fairy tales include good versus evil, the power of love, and the importance of bravery and perseverance.

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  1. 1. The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis

    Four siblings are evacuated from London during World War II and sent to live with an old professor in the countryside. In his house, they discover a magical wardrobe that serves as a portal to the land of Narnia, a world filled with mythical creatures and ruled by an evil White Witch. The children are soon caught up in a struggle to free Narnia from the witch's eternal winter, aided by the majestic lion Aslan. The story combines elements of fantasy, adventure, and Christian allegory.

    The 210th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. The Princess Bride by William Goldman

    This book is an illustrated edition of a classic tale of true love and high adventure. It tells the story of a beautiful princess and her one true love. After he is reportedly killed, she agrees to marry a wicked prince instead, only to be kidnapped and face numerous dangers. The story is filled with humor, romance, and swashbuckling action, all brought to life by vivid illustrations.

    The 716th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. The Bloody Chamber And Other Stories by Angela Carter

    "The Bloody Chamber and Other Stories" is a collection of short stories that reimagines and deconstructs traditional fairy tales. The narratives are filled with strong female characters, sexual exploration, and violent and gothic themes. Each story presents a unique spin on classic tales, such as Little Red Riding Hood, Beauty and the Beast, and Bluebeard, challenging the typical gender roles and expectations found in the original stories.

    The 1230th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. Haroun and the Sea of Stories by Salman Rushdie

    The book is a fantastical children's novel that explores the importance of storytelling. It follows the journey of a young boy named Haroun who sets out on a magical adventure to restore his father's ability to tell stories. Along the way, he encounters a vast array of colorful characters and strange lands, including a Sea of Stories. The narrative addresses themes of censorship, the power of storytelling, and the struggle between light and darkness.

    The 1393rd Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. The Adventures Of Cipollino by Gianni Rodari

    "The Adventures of Cipollino" is a delightful children's book filled with whimsical characters and enchanting adventures. Set in a world of fruits and vegetables, the story follows the brave and mischievous Cipollino, a little onion, as he leads a rebellion against the tyrannical Prince Lemon and his oppressive regime. With a blend of humor, fantasy, and social commentary, this captivating tale teaches valuable lessons about justice, friendship, and the power of standing up for what is right.

    The 2097th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. The 13 Clocks by James Thurber

    The book tells the story of a cold-hearted Duke who has frozen time, stopping the 13 clocks in his castle, and his beautiful niece, the Princess Saralinda. The Duke sets impossible tasks to her suitors, turning them into stone when they fail. However, a mysterious prince, disguised as a minstrel and guided by a magical figure known as the Golux, arrives at the castle, determined to complete the tasks, thaw the clocks, and win the Princess's hand.

    The 2437th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. Dealing With Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede

    This novel tells the story of a young princess who is bored with her life and decides to go live with dragons instead of marrying a prince as expected. She becomes the servant of a dragon and learns about magic, dealing with wizards, and how to outsmart those who underestimate her. The book is a humorous and empowering twist on traditional fairy tale tropes, emphasizing the importance of intelligence and independence over beauty and obedience.

    The 3182nd Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson

    This children's book tells the story of a clever mouse who uses his wits to avoid being eaten by various predators in the woods. The mouse invents a monster, the Gruffalo, to scare away a fox, an owl, and a snake, only to discover that the creature actually exists. Using his quick thinking, the mouse manages to convince the Gruffalo that he is the most feared creature in the forest, thus avoiding becoming the Gruffalo's meal.

    The 3222nd Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. Badjelly The Witch by Spike Milligan

    The book is a whimsical children's story that follows the adventures of siblings Tim and Rose as they search for their lost cow, Lucy. Their quest leads them into an enchanted forest where they encounter a host of magical creatures, including giants, a fairy, and an evil witch named Badjelly who can turn people into sausages with her magic wand. With courage and the help of their new fantastical friends, the children must outwit Badjelly and rescue their beloved cow, embarking on a journey filled with humor, whimsy, and the triumph of good over evil.

    The 4669th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. Spindle’s End by Robin McKinley

    In this enchanting retelling of a classic fairy tale, a princess is cursed by an evil fairy to prick her finger on a spindle and die on her twenty-first birthday. To protect her, the infant princess is spirited away by a young fairy and raised in a small village, unaware of her royal heritage. As her twenty-first birthday approaches, various forces converge to either save or doom her, leading to a journey of self-discovery, magic, and adventure. With the help of her friends, including animals she can communicate with, the princess must find a way to break the curse and embrace her true destiny.

    The 6389th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. Outside Over There by Maurice Sendak

    In this whimsical children's book, a young girl named Ida must rescue her baby sister after she is stolen away by goblins. While their mother is away, the goblins sneak in and replace the baby with an ice replica. Ida, noticing the change, embarks on a magical journey to the world of "Outside Over There" to save her sibling. Throughout her adventure, she learns about bravery, responsibility, and the power of music.

    The 7148th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik

    "Spinning Silver" by Naomi Novik is a retelling of the classic fairy tale of Rumpelstiltskin. The story follows three women: Miryem, a moneylender's daughter who turns silver into gold; Wanda, a peasant girl who becomes Miryem's servant; and Irina, a duke's daughter who is forced into marriage with the powerful and dangerous tsar. As their lives become intertwined, they must use their wits and strength to overcome the challenges they face, including the wrath of the magical beings who lurk in the shadows.

    The 9742nd Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 13. Frogkisser by Garth Nix

    "Frogkisser" by Garth Nix is a whimsical fairy tale about a young princess named Anya who is tasked with saving her kingdom from an evil sorcerer. Along the way, she must go on a quest to gather magical items and enlist the help of various creatures, including talking dogs and a transformed prince who has been turned into a frog. With humor and heart, Anya learns the true meaning of bravery, friendship, and what it means to be a hero.

    The 10759th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 14. Snow White Learns Witchcraft by Theodora Goss

    "Snow White Learns Witchcraft" is a collection of short stories and poems that reimagine the classic fairy tale character as a powerful witch. The stories explore Snow White's journey as she learns to harness her magical abilities and navigate the challenges of living in a world that fears and misunderstands witches. Along the way, she encounters other fairy tale characters, including Cinderella, Rapunzel, and the Seven Dwarfs, and learns valuable lessons about love, power, and the importance of self-discovery. The book is a captivating and empowering read that celebrates the strength and resilience of women.

    The 10787th Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

Download

If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download