15 Best Science Fiction Books of All Time

1.

​Dune
​Frank Herbert

Dune by Frank Herbert set the standard for serious science fiction epics. It’s rare in the sense that is satisfies the most ardent sci-fi purists, as well as mainstream fans who may have encountered it through its big screen adaptations. The first installment was released back in 1965, originally in the form of a serialized work. Herbert went on to write a number of sequels to Dune, and it remains as much of an essential sci-fi read today as ever before.

2.

​Foundation
​Isaac Asimov

Isaac Asimov is a true titan of the science fiction world. His contributions to both literature and science at large are numerous and significant. Foundation is one of his best loved works. It is the start of the series with the same name. Originally published in the 1940s, Foundation evolved from trilogy to series, with Asimov adding to the work in both sequel and prequel form.

3.

​​Do Androids Dream Of Electric Sheep?
​Philip K Dick

The basis for the all-time classic Blade Runner, Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep by Philip K Dick helped to establish many conventions within science fiction. It is a seminal work of cyberpunk, and helped to establish the mood, conventions and tropes which would go on to be seen in many classic stories. Do Androids Dream… is a fine example of the type of science fiction story that is able to both satisfy the mind and the soul, being intellectually and emotionally impactful in equal measure.

4.

​2001 - A Space Odyssey
​Arthur C Clarke

Many people first encountered the power of Arthur C Clarke’s storytelling through the film version of 2001 A Space Odyssey, but the novel has plenty of merit of its own. Without spoiling anything, 2001 asks questions relating to humanity, technology, and the meaning of sentience. It is scientifically serious while also packing a powerful literary punch. A must read, especially for fans of the film who haven’t read the book.

5.

​Ender's Game
​Orson Scott Card

Orson Scott Card originally released Ender’s Game as a short story back in 1977, and went on to expand it into the full-length and much-loved story we are familiar with today. Ender’s Game is one of the most important works of military science fiction ever released, and is even on the reading list for many elite real life armies! The story is epic and immersive, and forces the reader to question the nature of war and what it truly means for mankind.

6.

​Stranger In A Strange Land
Robert Heinlein

No list of the best sci fi books would be complete without a Robert Heinlein story, and Stranger In A Strange Land is widely regarded as one of his best. The story’s prestige cannot be overstated, having even been named officially as one of the books that ‘shaped America’. It raises quintessential sci fi questions, such as what it means to be human, and contains many literary illusions, including Biblical references. Essential reading, and a fine way to discover Heinlein.

7.

​Neuromancer
​William Gibson

William Gibson has had a massive impact on the world of science fiction, and wider popular culture. Neuromancer is one of his most essential works, gaining both critical acclaim as well as love from sci fi fans. Gibson’s novel helped to establish the cyberpunk genre, and won prestigious titles including the Nebula, Hugo, and Philip K Dick awards. Although Neuromancer is the best known of Gibson’s books, it is the first of the Sprawl series, so is an ideal jumping off point for newcomers.

8.

​The Martian Chronicles
​Ray Bradbury

Ray Bradbury is one of the most critically acclaimed and imaginative science fiction authors to ever pick up a pen. The Martian Chronicles took the familiar path of many popular sci fi tales, originally being serialized before being expanded upon and published in a single volume. The vignette style of The Martian Chronicles makes it a fantastic choice to dip in and out of, as the stories were originally released as standalone works. A great example of Bradbury’s style.

9.

​Ready Player One
​Ernest Cline

Ready Player One by Ernest Cline is proof that science fiction continues to innovate and push the boundaries of genre. Many mainstream fans will be familiar with the tale through the Spielberg movie adaptation, but the book is very different, offering a darker and nerdier take on the story. Ready Player One works as an exciting read in its own right, and also offers an extra layer of joy for readers familiar with its endless array of pop culture references.

10.

​The Forever War
​Joe Haldeman

The Forever War by Joe Haldeman is widely regarded as one of the best and most serious examples of military science fiction out there. The author’s own experience of the Vietnam war grants it a level of realism and detail that is missing from many other sci fi stories. The first book went on to inspire a range of sequels and stories set in the same universe. Fans of potent, military science fiction will find a lot to love here.

11.

​The Martian
​Andy Weir

The Martian is one of the best-loved science fiction stories of the modern era, and is also a fine example of the power of modern publishing. Originally released piece by piece, Weir gave in to fan demand and released The Martian as a conventional book. Sci fi fans tend to praise the immersive detail found in the story as well as the dry humor featured throughout. An imaginative and gripping work of survival science fiction.

12.

​A Wrinkle In Time
​Madeleine L'Engle

Madeleine L’Engle’s A Wrinkle In Time is one of the most definitive works of time travel sci fi out there, and is an example of the best science fiction that is able to appeal to a wide range of readers. Unlike many sci fi stories, A Wrinkle In Time offers a layer of depth and character that will emotionally engage the reader. The time-travel premise is also fascinating, and is sure to play on the imagination of the reader long after the final chapter.

13.

​Old Man's War
​John Scalzi

John Scalzi managed to unite both critics and genre fans in praise for Old Man’s War when it was originally released back in 2005. It is widely regarded as one of the finest works of science fiction in the entire 21st century. It offers a fresh take on the military sci-fi genre, and also mixes in plenty of hard sci fi concepts including nanotechnology and DNA modification. Hardcore sci-fi fans are sure to enjoy Old Man’s War, and even fans of literature in general will find much to admire in this work.

14.

​Ringworld
​Larry Niven

Ringworld by Larry Niven achieved all the most desirable science fiction plaudits, including Nebula, Hugo, and Locus awards, and the author went on to create a number of sequels and prequels. However, Ringworld is arguably the finest of them all. Although the original version of Ringworld contains a few minor scientific errors, it more than makes up for these in terms of its imagination and scope. A great introduction for newcomers to Niven, and an essential sci fi read in general.

15.

​Contact
​Carl Sagan

As loved as Carl Sagan is within the world of popular culture, many people haven’t had the pleasure of reading the novel version of Contact. It is more in-depth than the cinematic release, and packs real emotional potency. Sagan revealed the source material for some of the book’s most affecting moments - none other than grief over his parents departing. Contact is an imaginative, gripping, and moving story. A must-read for fans of Sagan in particular or science fiction in general.