The Greatest "Science fiction, Horror, Fantasy" Books of All Time

Click to learn how this list is calculated.

This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 305 '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.

Filter by: Genres Dates Countries
Follow on:

Genres

Science fiction

Science fiction is a genre of literature that explores the potential consequences of scientific and other innovations on society and individuals. It often features futuristic or imaginary settings, advanced technologies, and scientific concepts that are not yet fully understood or realized. Science fiction can encompass a wide range of themes, including space exploration, time travel, artificial intelligence, and alternate realities. It is a genre that allows authors to speculate on the future of humanity and the impact of scientific progress on our lives.

Horror

Horror is a genre of literature that is designed to evoke feelings of fear, terror, and dread in the reader. It typically features supernatural or paranormal elements, such as ghosts, monsters, or otherworldly creatures, and often explores themes of death, violence, and the unknown. Horror books can range from subtle and psychological to graphic and gory, but they all share the common goal of scaring and thrilling their readers. Whether it's a classic ghost story or a modern slasher novel, horror books offer a unique and thrilling reading experience for those who enjoy being scared out of their wits.

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.

Add additional genre filters

Countries

Date Range

Filter

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
  1. 1. Good Omens by Terry Pratchett, Neil Gaiman

    "Good Omens" is a humorous take on the biblical Apocalypse, following an angel and a demon who have grown fond of Earth and its inhabitants, and are not too keen on the impending end of the world. As they try to locate the misplaced Antichrist and prevent the Four Horsemen from bringing about Armageddon, they encounter an array of quirky characters, including witch-hunters, modern-day witches, and the Four Horsemen themselves. The novel combines comedy, fantasy, and philosophical themes, offering a satirical critique of religious prophecy and human nature.

    The 916th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. The Anubis Gates by Tim Powers

    "The Anubis Gates" is a thrilling time-travel adventure set in 19th-century London. When a wealthy industrialist organizes a trip back in time to witness a famous poet's lecture, the journey takes an unexpected turn. The protagonist, Brendan Doyle, finds himself trapped in the past, caught in a web of magic, Egyptian mythology, and a secret society. As he navigates through dangerous encounters and encounters historical figures, Doyle must unravel the mysteries of time travel and find a way back to his own time before it's too late.

    The 1364th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. A Voyage To Arcturus by David Lindsay

    "A Voyage to Arcturus" is a philosophical and allegorical novel that follows the journey of a man named Maskull to the planet Tormance, located in the star system Arcturus. As he explores this strange and mystical world, Maskull encounters various beings and experiences profound transformations, both physically and spiritually. Through vivid and imaginative storytelling, the book delves into themes of identity, morality, and the nature of reality, challenging readers to question their own perceptions and beliefs.

    The 1542nd Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. Swan Song by Robert R. McCammon

    In the aftermath of a nuclear war that devastates the United States, a group of survivors, including a professional wrestler, a young girl with mystical powers, and a bag lady, embark on a journey across a ravaged America. They must navigate the horrors of a post-apocalyptic world and battle a malevolent force known as the Man with the Scarlet Eye, who seeks to claim the wasteland as his own. Throughout their journey, they discover the power of hope, community, and resilience in the face of unimaginable hardship.

    The 1602nd Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. The Sound Of His Horn by Sarban

    "The Sound of His Horn" is a dystopian science fiction novel set in a future where the Nazis have won World War II. The story follows Alan Querdilion, a British prisoner of war who wakes up in a bizarre alternate reality ruled by a cruel and sadistic Nazi regime. As he navigates this nightmarish world, Querdilion must confront his own survival instincts and grapple with the moral implications of his actions. With its haunting atmosphere and thought-provoking exploration of power and humanity, the novel offers a chilling and unsettling reflection on the consequences of totalitarianism.

    The 1864th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. The Compleat Werewolf And Other Stories Of Fantasy And Science Fiction by Anthony Boucher

    "The Compleat Werewolf And Other Stories Of Fantasy And Science Fiction" is a collection of captivating tales that blend elements of fantasy and science fiction. From werewolves to time travel, the stories explore various themes and genres, taking readers on thrilling and imaginative journeys. With its diverse range of narratives, this book offers an enjoyable and thought-provoking reading experience for fans of both fantasy and science fiction.

    The 3791st Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. Out Of Space And Time by Clark Ashton Smith

    "Out Of Space And Time" is a collection of fantastical and imaginative short stories that transport readers to otherworldly realms and dimensions. From encounters with ancient gods and mythical creatures to journeys through time and space, the author weaves together captivating tales that blur the boundaries between reality and the supernatural. With vivid descriptions and richly developed characters, this book invites readers to explore the unknown and embrace the limitless possibilities of the imagination.

    The 3791st Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. Black Easter by James Blish

    In the novel, an arms dealer hires a black magician to unleash the forces of evil for a single night, resulting in a catastrophic unleashing of demons upon the world. As the fabric of reality begins to unravel, the magician realizes the gravity of what he has done, and a desperate struggle ensues to reverse the apocalyptic events that have been set in motion. The narrative explores themes of good versus evil, the consequences of tampering with dark forces, and the potential for redemption amidst chaos, ultimately leading to a shocking and profound conclusion that questions the very nature of divine intervention and the fate of humanity.

    The 3791st Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. The Shrinking Man by Richard Matheson

    The novel follows the story of Scott Carey, who, after being exposed to a combination of pesticides and radiation, begins to shrink at a rate of one-seventh of an inch per day. As he becomes smaller and smaller, Carey must face not only the physical dangers of his ever-decreasing size but also the psychological trauma of becoming less significant in a world that seems to be growing larger and more threatening. His struggle for survival becomes both a physical battle with creatures like spiders and a philosophical inquiry into the nature of existence, identity, and what it truly means to be human in the face of incomprehensible circumstances.

    The 3791st Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. Deathbird Stories by Harlan Ellison

    "Deathbird Stories" is a collection of dark and thought-provoking tales that explore the complexities of human nature and the consequences of our actions. Through a blend of science fiction, fantasy, and horror, the stories delve into themes of religion, mythology, and the destructive power of greed. With vivid and imaginative storytelling, the author challenges societal norms and forces readers to confront their own beliefs and values.

    The 4042nd Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. The Dark Tower And Other Stories by C. S. Lewis

    "The Dark Tower And Other Stories" is a collection of intriguing and thought-provoking tales by C. S. Lewis. From the mysterious and haunting story of a man's encounter with a dark tower to the whimsical tale of a talking cat, this collection showcases Lewis' ability to captivate readers with his imaginative storytelling. Each story explores themes of morality, faith, and the human experience, leaving readers pondering the deeper meanings long after the final page is turned.

    The 4131st Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. Perdido Street Station by China Mieville

    In a sprawling steampunk metropolis teeming with bizarre creatures and arcane technologies, a gifted scientist unwittingly unleashes a nightmare upon the city. When his experiment with a rare caterpillar goes awry, monstrous, dream-eating moths are set loose, preying upon the citizens' minds and plunging the city into terror. As the scientist grapples with the consequences of his actions, a motley group of individuals, including a renegade artist, a wingless bird-man, and other outcasts, come together in a desperate attempt to save their city from the eldritch horrors that now haunt its shadowy streets. Their journey takes them through the city's various layers, from the opulent heights to the grimy depths, revealing the complex tapestry of cultures and conflicts that define this urban labyrinth.

    The 4540th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 13. Gideon The Ninth by Tamsyn Muir

    In a universe where necromancers hold power, Gideon, a skilled swordswoman, is reluctantly paired with her childhood rival, Harrow, to compete in a deadly trial that could grant them immortality. As they venture into an ancient, decaying mansion filled with secrets and puzzles, they must unravel the mysteries of their world and face sinister forces lurking within. With a blend of dark humor, complex characters, and a gripping plot, "Gideon The Ninth" is a thrilling and unique blend of science fiction and fantasy.

    The 8150th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 14. The Atrocity Archives by Charles Stross

    The book is a unique blend of espionage thriller and Lovecraftian horror, following a tech-savvy protagonist who works for a clandestine British agency responsible for suppressing dangerous occult phenomena. The narrative weaves together bureaucratic satire with supernatural elements, as the protagonist must navigate the perils of office politics and eldritch abominations alike. Tasked with halting extradimensional entities from wreaking havoc on Earth, he uncovers a sinister plot that threatens to unleash an unspeakable horror, leading to a high-stakes mission that blurs the lines between advanced technology and ancient magical forces.

    The 8675th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 15. Dark Tower Vii: The Dark Tower by Stephen King

    In this climactic installment of a renowned fantasy series, the narrative follows the gunslinger and his companions as they continue their perilous journey towards the Dark Tower, a mythical structure that is both the nexus of all universes and the key to their salvation or doom. Along their path, they face a myriad of challenges, including battles with diabolical foes, personal demons, and the ever-looming threat of betrayal from within their ranks. As the quest reaches its epic conclusion, the fate of the characters and the worlds they inhabit hangs in the balance, culminating in a series of revelations and outcomes that intertwine destiny, sacrifice, and the quest for redemption.

    The 10969th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 16. Authority by Jeff VanderMeer

    "Authority" is the second book in a trilogy that delves into the mysteries of a clandestine government agency tasked with investigating an enigmatic and dangerous region known as Area X. The narrative follows a character brought in to oversee the agency after the tumultuous events of the first expedition. As he attempts to assert control and understand the strange occurrences within Area X, he encounters uncooperative staff, cryptic notes left by his predecessor, and the unsettling realization that the contamination thought to be contained within Area X may have more influence over the agency than previously believed. The protagonist's journey is one of psychological unraveling, as he grapples with the opaque hierarchy of the organization and the increasingly blurred lines between reality and the otherworldly phenomena associated with the area he is supposed to manage.

    The 11104th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 17. Acceptance by Jeff VanderMeer

    "Acceptance" is the final installment in a science fiction trilogy that delves into the mysteries of Area X, a surreal and ever-changing landscape that defies explanation and has claimed the lives and sanity of many who have ventured into it. As the narrative shifts between multiple characters and timelines, the novel explores the fates of the expedition members, the origins of Area X, and the secretive agency attempting to understand it. The story weaves together the past and present, blending elements of horror, environmental science, and psychological drama to reveal the profound and often terrifying transformations wrought by this enigmatic zone. Through the eyes of a lighthouse keeper, a former director of the agency, and others deeply affected by Area X, the book examines themes of identity, the human impact on the environment, and the unknowable nature of the world around us.

    The 11104th 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