Which Classic Novel Is Most Often Ranked The Best Rated Book Of All Time?

2026-07-20 16:20:27
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2 Answers

SamMoon
SamMoon
Clear Answerer Veterinarian
I'm more of a comic book person, so my frame of reference is different. But if we're talking about foundational, highly-rated graphic novels, 'Maus' or 'Watchmen' might be the equivalent in that medium. They're the ones that always top 'best comics' lists and get studied in universities. Makes me think the 'best book' question is totally dependent on what genre or format you're even considering.
2026-07-23 00:34:09
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SamSun
SamSun
Book Scout Librarian
From a purely statistical standpoint, if you aggregate all the 'best novels' lists published by major newspapers, magazines, and institutions over the last 30 years, I believe 'Ulysses' by James Joyce comes out on top. It's the ultimate critic's book—the one hailed as a revolutionary technical achievement. Most people don't finish it, and even fewer claim to love it, but its reputation as a landmark of modernist literature is untouchable. So if 'best rated' means 'most highly rated by experts,' Joyce's masterpiece is probably the winner.
2026-07-25 15:27:46
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It's always funny to see the same arguments in the comments every time one of these lists drops. 'How can you leave out X?' 'Y is overrated!' It's like a ritual. The rankings are just a starting point for debate, really. The fun is in the fighting, not the final order.

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Is it cheating to say the 'Harry Potter' series? In terms of global cultural penetration and shaping a generation's relationship to reading, it's unmatched. It's not the most literary, but 'best' could mean most impactful on readers' lives. The reason is its immersive world and characters that millions grew up with. It made reading a shared, global event. That's a different kind of greatness—one about connection and joy rather than pure artistic innovation.
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