The Greatest Science Fiction Books Since 1990

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 759 '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.

Follow on:

What should I read next?

Get personalized book recommendations based on your reading history and preferences. Our algorithm analyzes your favorite books and reading patterns to suggest your next great read.

Get Recommendations

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.

Add additional genre filters

Countries

Date Range

Filter books by their publication year. Enter the earliest year (Start) and latest year (End) to find books published within that period. Leave either field empty to search from the beginning of time or up to the present day.

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

To download this list as a CSV file, please log in to your account. Once logged in, you'll be able to download the data for use in spreadsheet applications.

Login to Download
View: List Grid Table
Filter by: Genres Dates Countries
  1. 1. Kafka On The Shore by Haruki Murakami

    "Kafka On The Shore" is a surreal and philosophical novel by Haruki Murakami that follows two parallel storylines. The first is that of Kafka Tamura, a 15-year-old boy who runs away from home to escape an Oedipal prophecy and searches for his missing mother and sister. The second storyline follows Nakata, an elderly man who has lost his memory but possesses the ability to communicate with cats. As their paths converge, they encounter strange and mystical events that challenge their perceptions of reality and identity. The novel explores themes of fate, free will, and the human psyche, and is a captivating and thought-provoking read.

    The 1201st Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  2. 2. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

    Set in a dystopian future, the novel revolves around a teenager named Katniss Everdeen, who lives in a post-apocalyptic nation where the government, in order to maintain control, forces each of its twelve districts to send a boy and girl to participate in a televised annual event. This event, known as the Hunger Games, is a fight to the death. When Katniss's younger sister is selected to participate, Katniss volunteers to take her place. The book follows her struggle for survival in the cruel game, against the backdrop of a brewing rebellion against the oppressive regime.

    The 1388th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  3. 3. Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton

    A billionaire entrepreneur, with the help of genetic scientists, creates a wildlife park on a secluded island filled with genetically engineered dinosaurs. When a small group of experts are invited to the park for a preview, things go awry as the security systems fail and the dinosaurs break free. The group must survive and escape the island while dealing with the dangerous prehistoric creatures and the moral implications of tampering with nature.

    The 1531st Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  4. 4. Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson

    In a future America where the federal government has largely collapsed and been replaced by corporate entities, a computer hacker and pizza delivery driver becomes embroiled in a plot involving a dangerous new drug and a computer virus called "Snow Crash". He is joined by a teenage skateboard courier and a host of other characters in a high-stakes race to uncover the truth behind the virus and its origins in ancient Sumerian culture. The narrative explores themes of linguistics, philosophy, computer science, religion, and cryptography.

    The 1597th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  5. 5. Stories of Your Life and Others by Ted Chiang

    "Stories of Your Life and Others" is a collection of science fiction short stories that explore complex scientific and philosophical concepts. Each story delves into unique themes such as the nature of time, the basis of knowledge, and the human capacity for love. The most notable story in the collection involves a linguist who learns an alien language that reshapes her perception of time, which was later adapted into a major motion picture. The book is renowned for its intellectual depth, emotional resonance, and masterful storytelling.

    The 1698th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  6. 6. 1Q84 by Haruki Murakami

    The novel is a complex and surreal narrative that intertwines the lives of two protagonists: a woman assassin who becomes embroiled in a mysterious and dangerous cult, and a male writer caught in a complicated love triangle. As they navigate their respective challenges, they unknowingly cross into an alternate reality, referred to as 1Q84, where the lines between fact and fiction blur. The novel explores themes of love, fate, and the power of the individual against the constraints of a conformist society.

    The 1723rd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  7. 7. Cryptonomicon by Neal Stephenson

    The book is a sprawling narrative that intertwines two timelines: the first during World War II, focusing on the efforts of cryptographers and mathematicians working to break Axis codes, and the second in the late 20th century, following a group of entrepreneurs and hackers establishing a data haven in Southeast Asia. The novel explores themes of cryptography, mathematics, and the history of computing, weaving together real historical figures with fictional characters. As the plot unfolds across different continents and eras, it delves into the impact of information technology on society and the perpetual conflict between governments and individuals over the control of information and privacy.

    The 2146th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  8. 8. The Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu

    The book is a science fiction novel that intertwines the cultural revolution of China with a complex narrative involving astrophysics, virtual reality, and alien contact. It follows a disillusioned scientist who, after suffering personal tragedy during the Cultural Revolution, sends a message into space, only to receive a response from an alien civilization on the brink of destruction. As the aliens plan their migration to Earth, a secret organization works to facilitate the invasion, while a disparate group of scientists and military personnel attempt to understand and prevent the impending extraterrestrial crisis. The novel grapples with themes of human nature, technological advancement, and the vast, often incomprehensible universe.

    The 2328th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  9. 9. Mortals by Norman Rush

    "Mortals" is a complex narrative about a Milton scholar and CIA operative named Ray Finch stationed in Botswana. The story explores his personal struggles with his marriage, his brother's death, and his professional life. The narrative also delves into his philosophical and psychological musings, providing a deep exploration of his character. The book presents a rich tapestry of African politics, CIA covert operations, and the human condition, all set against the backdrop of Botswana.

    The 2498th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  10. 10. The Martian by Andy Weir

    A gripping tale of survival and resilience, this book follows the story of an astronaut left stranded on Mars by his crew who believed him dead after a fierce storm. With limited supplies, he must utilize his ingenuity, wit, and spirit to survive and signal to Earth that he is alive. The narrative is a thrilling testament to human willpower and the relentless fight for survival against all odds.

    The 2741st Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  11. 11. Tomorrow, And Tomorrow, And Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin

    The novel follows the intertwined lives of two childhood friends, Sam and Sadie, who reconnect in adulthood to create a successful video game company. Their partnership is marked by both creative synergy and personal conflicts as they navigate the complexities of friendship, ambition, and the gaming industry. Through triumphs and setbacks, the story explores themes of love, loss, and the enduring power of collaboration.

    The 2830th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  12. 12. Under the Skin by Michel Faber

    "Under the Skin" is a novel that follows the story of a woman named Isserley who picks up male hitchhikers in Scotland. However, Isserley is not what she seems - she's actually an alien sent from another planet to capture unsuspecting men, who are then sent back to her home planet to be used as meat. The book explores themes of humanity, morality, and the ethics of the meat industry.

    The 3083rd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  13. 13. Super Sad True Love Story by Gary Shteyngart

    This novel is a satirical romance set in a dystopian near-future where America is on the brink of financial collapse, youth obsession rules, and love is the only salvation. The story revolves around a middle-aged, neurotic man who falls in love with a much younger woman in a society where digital communication is the norm, and privacy is a thing of the past. Their relationship unfolds amidst a backdrop of economic and social chaos, providing a poignant commentary on modern life.

    The 3103rd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  14. 14. The Possibility Of An Island by Michel Houellebecq

    The novel explores the life and thoughts of a successful comedian who, disillusioned with the superficiality and decay of human relationships in a hedonistic society, becomes involved with a cult that seeks immortality through cloning and genetic manipulation. As the narrative alternates between the comedian's experiences and the reflections of his future cloned descendants, it delves into themes of existential despair, the search for meaning, and the consequences of eternal life. The story weaves a bleak and satirical tapestry of humanity's obsession with youth, sex, and death, ultimately questioning the very nature of human progress and happiness.

    The 3121st Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  15. 15. Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood

    Set in a post-apocalyptic world, the novel follows the life of Snowman, who believes he may be the last human on earth, as he struggles to survive in a new, harsh environment. He is surrounded by genetically modified creatures, and his only companions are the Crakers, human-like beings created by his brilliant but disturbed friend Crake. Through Snowman's memories, the story of how the world came to be this way is revealed, involving a love triangle with the mysterious Oryx and the catastrophic consequences of Crake's scientific experiments.

    The 3130th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  16. 16. 11 22 63 by Stephen King

    "11/22/63" is a science fiction novel by Stephen King that follows the story of Jake Epping, a high school English teacher who discovers a portal that leads to 1958. After being convinced by his friend Al to use the portal to prevent the assassination of John F. Kennedy, Jake embarks on a journey through time to change the course of history. Along the way, he falls in love with a woman named Sadie and faces various obstacles that threaten to alter the timeline he is trying to change. The book explores themes of love, loss, and the consequences of trying to change the past.

    The 3616th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  17. 17. Darwin's Radio by Greg Bear

    In the science fiction novel, a groundbreaking discovery of ancient human remains leads to the uncovering of a new, heretofore unseen stage of human evolution. Scientists grapple with the implications of a dormant virus that has suddenly awakened within human DNA, causing rapid, radical, and uncontrolled genetic mutations. As the virus spreads, society is thrown into chaos, with fear and uncertainty about the future of humanity. The protagonists, a molecular biologist and a paleontologist, race against time to understand the virus, known as "Darwin's Radio," and its potential to either doom or elevate the human race. Their journey is fraught with personal and professional challenges as they confront the possibility that evolution might be a much more active and immediate force than anyone had ever imagined.

    The 4204th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  18. 18. Annihilation by Jeff VanderMeer

    In the novel, a team of four women—an anthropologist, a surveyor, a psychologist, and a biologist—embark on an expedition into Area X, a mysterious and remote region cut off from civilization. The area is known for its strange occurrences and the disappearance of previous expedition members. As the team delves deeper into the wild and enigmatic landscape, they encounter bizarre creatures, cryptic signs, and the remnants of a lost civilization. The biologist, serving as the narrator, documents their discoveries and her own personal transformations, driven by the unseen forces of Area X. The novel explores themes of nature, mutation, and the unknown, as the expedition's members confront the limits of knowledge and the consequences of seeking to uncover the inexplicable.

    The 4536th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  19. 19. Vurt by Jeff Noon

    "Vurt" by Jeff Noon is a surreal and dystopian novel set in a future Manchester, where a hallucinogenic drug called "vurt" allows users to enter a virtual reality through their minds. The story follows Scribble, a young man who becomes obsessed with finding a rare and powerful vurt feather to save his sister, who is trapped in a vurt world. As Scribble navigates through a dangerous and bizarre landscape, he encounters strange creatures, alternate dimensions, and a mysterious group known as the Stash Riders. Blending elements of science fiction, cyberpunk, and urban fantasy, "Vurt" explores themes of addiction, identity, and the blurred lines between reality and fantasy.

    The 4593rd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  20. 20. Red Mars by Kim Stanley Robinson

    The book is a science fiction narrative that chronicles the initial efforts to colonize Mars. It delves into the complex dynamics among the first group of settlers, who come from diverse cultural and scientific backgrounds, as they confront the challenges of terraforming the hostile Martian environment. The story explores themes of ecological transformation, political struggle, and the ethical implications of altering an alien world, while also examining the personal lives and evolving relationships of the colonists. As the settlers work to create a new society on the red planet, their actions set the stage for future generations and the emergence of Mars as a new frontier for humanity.

    The 4668th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  21. 21. He, She and It by Marge Piercy

    The novel is a cyberpunk story set in a post-apocalyptic future where a female protagonist, a brilliant cybernetic engineer, is tasked with training a highly advanced cyborg designed for combat. As she spends time with the cyborg, she begins to see his human-like qualities and eventually falls in love with him. The narrative is interwoven with a parallel story set in 1600s Prague about a rabbi who creates a golem to protect the Jewish community. The two storylines explore themes of artificial intelligence, what it means to be human, and the ethical implications of creating life.

    The 4825th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  22. 22. The MaddAddam Trilogy by Margaret Atwood

    The MaddAddam Trilogy is a dystopian series set in a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a man-made plague. The story revolves around a small group of survivors, including a bioengineer who helped create the new world, a woman who is the last of a religious sect, and a man who may be the last human with natural birth. The narrative explores themes of genetic engineering, corporate domination, and the consequences of playing God. The trilogy also features a new species of humanoids, designed to be peaceful, cooperative, and sustainable, who may be the future of life on Earth.

    The 4891st Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  23. 23. Klara And The Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro

    The novel centers around Klara, an Artificial Friend with keen observational qualities, who, from her place in the store, watches the behavior of those who come in to browse, and those who pass on the street outside. She remains hopeful that a customer will soon choose her, but when the possibility emerges that her circumstances may change forever, Klara is warned not to invest too much in the promises of humans. Set in a dystopian future, the story explores complex themes such as the nature of love, the ethics of artificial intelligence, and what it truly means to be human, all through the eyes of an AI protagonist yearning to understand the people she is meant to serve.

    The 4980th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  24. 24. Against the Day by Thomas Pynchon

    The novel is a sprawling epic that spans the period from the 1893 World's Fair to the years following World War I. It follows the stories of several characters including the anarchist Traverse family, a group of balloonists, a detective, and a mathematician. The book explores themes of anarchism, capitalism, and technology, and incorporates elements of science fiction, adventure, and historical fiction. It is noted for its complex structure and dense, multifaceted narrative.

    The 5010th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  25. 25. The Swarm by Frank Schatzing

    A Novel of the Deep

    "The Swarm" is a science fiction novel that explores the disastrous consequences of mankind's exploitation of the world's oceans. The narrative follows a group of scientists around the world as they try to understand a series of inexplicable, catastrophic natural disasters. They eventually discover that these events are not random but are the result of a collective intelligence in the sea, a swarm of marine life that has decided to fight back against humanity's destruction of their habitat. The book combines elements of ecological thriller, disaster novel, and speculative fiction as it explores the potential consequences of human interference with the natural world.

    The 5303rd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon

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

To download this list as a CSV file, please log in to your account. Once logged in, you'll be able to download the data for use in spreadsheet applications.

Login to Download