Looking for your next great listen? Whether you crave gripping mysteries, inspiring memoirs, or captivating fiction, the best audiobooks of 2025 are ready to transform your daily routine into an immersive storytelling adventure. From Stephen King’s latest thriller to Michelle Obama’s powerful memoir, these picks promise to entertain, enlighten, and keep you hooked wherever you go.
But not all audiobooks are created equal. Some have a narrator you just can’t stand, a cast that’s a little too full of energy, or a plot and structure that’s far too confusing to follow just by listening. All these options making picking your next audiobook a bit of a chore, but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
Whether you’re a seasoned audiobook listener who’s looking for a hidden gem, or a busy traveler looking to keep catch up on some modern classics, here are a few of AELGAMES’s favorite audiobooks assembled for your enjoyment.
The Animorphs series by K. A. Applegate
The Animorphs series by K. A. Applegate is a gripping science fantasy saga centered on five teenagers and an alien who gain the ability to morph into animals to fight a secret alien invasion by parasitic Yeerks. Spanning 54 books published between 1996 and 2001, the series explores deep themes such as war, morality, identity, and sacrifice through intense, character-driven storytelling. Its unique first-person narrative style, with multiple perspectives, immerses listeners in the emotional and psychological struggles of the protagonists. The series has been adapted into audiobooks, graphic novels, and a TV show, making it a compelling choice for those seeking an adventurous yet thought-provoking listen.
Narrated by: MacLeod Andrews, Michael Crouch, Ramón de Ocampo, Emily Ellet, Sisi Aisha Johnson, Adam Verner
There are 62 books in the sci-fi young adult series Animorphs, a surprisingly dark series about a group of kids who gain the ability to turn into animals and must use their powers to fight an ongoing alien invasion. And since 2020, every single book in the series has slowly been coming out on audiobook, all the way up to the 54th book in the series, titled The Beginning. Although I’m not sure when the entire series will be recorded, it’s absolutely worth the journey – and the wait for the last few books to finish recording. Different actors read each book in the series, since each book is narrated by a different kid in the group of super-powered friends; the same actors play the same kids across the entire run thus far, and all of their performances are fantastic. –Maddy Myers
Area X: The Southern Reach Trilogy by Jeff VanderMeer
Area X: The Southern Reach Trilogy by Jeff VanderMeer is a captivating and eerie audiobook experience that plunges listeners into a mysterious, uninhabited coastal region known as Area X, where nature has reclaimed the land following an unexplained catastrophe. The trilogy-comprising Annihilation, Authority, and Acceptance-follows a series of expeditions sent by the secretive Southern Reach agency to explore this enigmatic zone. The story is marked by its atmospheric blend of psychological horror, surreal beauty, and creeping paranoia, centered on a group of female explorers whose identities are deliberately obscured to heighten the sense of alienation. Praised for its evocative prose and complex narrative, the series unravels slowly, revealing unsettling transformations and secrets that challenge the boundaries between humanity and the unknown. Narrated by Carolyn McCormick, Bronson Pinchot, and Xe Sands, the audiobook spans approximately 26 hours and offers a richly immersive journey into a world that is as haunting as it is thought-provoking.
Narrated by: Carolyn McCormick, Bronson Pinchot, Xe Sands
Jeff VanderMeer’s Southern Reach trilogy blossomed into the world over a decade ago, seeding itself across the literary landscape and propagating a wave of ecological horror fiction in its wake. Published throughout 2014, the series centers on a trio of characters, though most notably a biologist who embarks on an expedition into Area X – an anomalous, deserted wilderness where the boundary between the surreal and real, the human and the unfathomable, has been rendered porous, if not outright obliterated. This defiance of categorization applies to the tone and substance of the novels themselves; shifting seamless back and forth between apocalyptic sci-fi, pulp thriller, psychological horror, and ecological treatise. The Area X audiobook compilation collects all three installments of the original trilogy – Annihilation, Authority, and Acceptance – each read by a terrific cast who capture the eerie, haunting tenor of VanderMeer’s prose. If you’re looking for an audiobook experience that’ll sink its roots into you (or if you want to re-familiarize yourself with the series before diving into Absolution), the Area X trilogy is a perfect choice. –Toussaint Egan
Cinema Speculation by Quentin Tarantino
Cinema Speculation by Quentin Tarantino is a unique nonfiction audiobook that blends film criticism, personal memoir, and cultural history through the lens of key American films from the 1970s, which Tarantino experienced as a young moviegoer. The book offers an intellectual and passionate exploration of cinema, reflecting Tarantino’s encyclopedic knowledge and love for movies, enriched by his vivid recollections of theater experiences and audience reactions. Narrated primarily by Edoardo Ballerini, with Tarantino himself reading the first and last chapters, the audiobook captures the filmmaker’s distinctive voice and deep insights into the era’s films and their impact on audiences and the industry. It is an engaging listen for cinephiles and fans of Tarantino’s work, providing both entertainment and a thoughtful history of a transformative period in American cinema.
Narrated by: Quentin Tarantino and Edoardo Ballerini
Quentin Tarantino’s essay collection – loosely focused on the genre cinema of the 1970s – glides between film criticism, criticism of film criticism, and self-criticism. One moment, Tarantino’s sharing a detailed account of his childhood trips to budget theaters with his mom’s boyfriend, the next he’s chronicling the careers of the LA film critic scene, and then, with his iconic spitfire pace, he whips together a five-course meal from a largely forgotten neo-noir.
While it’s nice to learn more about Tarantino, he can’t shake his career-long habit of self-mythologization. The book’s most memorable sections allow the director to rave (or shred) the movies that contributed tools to his cinematic kit. Tarantino himself provides narration for a portion of the book. While it would be nice to have had the writer/director/author’s narration for the entire essay collection, his VO companion is one of my favorite audiobook voices: Edoardo Ballerini, a two-time winner of the Audie Award. (Yes, audiobooks have awards too!) –Chris Plante
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas is a seductive and breathtaking fantasy audiobook that masterfully blends romance, adventure, and faerie lore. It follows nineteen-year-old huntress Feyre, who, after killing a wolf in the woods, is taken to a magical land ruled by immortal faeries. The story, inspired by Beauty and the Beast, evolves from icy hostility to fiery passion as Feyre navigates this dangerous world and uncovers a growing ancient evil. The audiobook, available in a dramatized adaptation with a full cast, immersive sound effects, and cinematic music, has been praised for its captivating narration and engaging character voices, making it a must-listen for fans of fantasy and romance alike.
Narrated by: Jennifer Ikeda and Stina Nielsen
Listening to faerie smut like this got me into running, because I’d rather run another 100 yards than stop mid-chapter. The dramatized audiobooks for A Court of Thorns and Roses are probably the most popular option – they’re cast with different voice actors for each character, and the audio-engineered foley sounds help you envision the scenes as they happen. Personally, I like regular, single-narrator versions, particularly A Court of Silver Flames, narrated by Stina Nielsen – her husky voice is perfect for Nesta’s point of view. –Zoë Hannah
Dune by Frank Herbert
Dune by Frank Herbert is a seminal science fiction novel that has captivated readers since its 1965 debut. Set on the desert planet Arrakis, it follows young Paul Atreides as he navigates political intrigue, ecological challenges, and religious destiny in a richly imagined universe. The audiobook, narrated by Simon Vance with a talented voice cast, offers a high-quality production that brings Herbert’s complex world and characters to life, though some listeners note the mixed narration style can be distracting. Celebrated for its depth and timeless themes, Dune remains a must-listen for fans of epic sci-fi storytelling.
Narrated by: Scott Brick, Orlagh Cassidy, Euan Morton, Simon Vance, Ilyana Kadushin, Byron Jennings, David R. Gordon, Jason Culp, Kent Broadhurst, Oliver Wyman, Patricia Kilgarriff, Scott Sowers
After reading Dune in hardback as a teenager, I wanted a different experience when I joined a book club in 2013 and agreed to reread Frank Herbert’s trippy sci-fi tome. I went with an unabridged audiobook version that has not one, not two, but 12 readers switching off between all of the major characters in the story, adding gorgeous vocal color to its complexity with each of their performances. It’s a fantastic way to experience a book that has a lot of different people and perspectives. –MM
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is a timeless classic that explores themes of creation, humanity, and the consequences of unchecked scientific ambition. The story follows Victor Frankenstein, a scientist who creates a living being from assembled body parts, only to be horrified by his own creation. This haunting tale, often regarded as one of the greatest horror stories ever written, delves deeply into the nature of identity and isolation. The audiobook versions, notably those narrated by Kenneth Branagh and Dan Stevens, bring this masterpiece to life with compelling performances that capture the emotional depth of both creator and creature, making it a gripping listen for modern audiences.
Narrated by: Simon Templeman, Anthony Heald, Stefan Rudnicki
There are three narrators in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, and therefore three readers for this audiobook, each with a pitch-perfect voice for the creepy tale. I listened to Victor Frankenstein’s shaky, nervous tremor while shoveling my car out during a snowstorm, and I’ll always remember that perfectly lonely and unsettling audiobook experience. It’s a delicious listen even if you don’t have the right setting, of course. –MM
Hell Is a World Without You by Jason Kirk
Jason Kirk’s Hell Is a World Without You is a gripping audiobook that masterfully blends suspense and emotional depth. With its compelling narrative and vivid character development, it keeps listeners hooked from start to finish, making it a must-listen for fans of thrilling and thought-provoking stories.
Narrated by: Jason Kirk
Hell Is a World Without You is the debut novel of journalist Jason Kirk, my former boss and a friend. That disclosure might lead you to take my recommendation with a grain of salt, but I urge you: don’t. What Kirk has done here is a marvel, creating a bracingly funny and deeply felt coming-of-age story about post-9/11 America, told from the very specific perspective of a teenager raised in an evangelical household who breaks from the restrictive mold his church wants to contain him in.
The audiobook only adds to the experience. Kirk, also a podcaster, is the best possible choice to translate his singular sense of humor into audio form, and the addition of sound effects like AIM alert noises only enhances one of the year’s best and funniest books. Don’t just take my word for it – the book has gotten rave reviews from Kirkus, Independent Book Review, and the Columbia Daily Tribune, among other publications. –Pete Volk
Patricia Wants to Cuddle by Samantha Leigh Allen
Patricia Wants to Cuddle by Samantha Leigh Allen is a charming and heartfelt audiobook that explores themes of love, identity, and connection. With its witty narration and relatable characters, this story offers a perfect blend of humor and emotional depth, making it a delightful listen for anyone seeking a warm, engaging experience.
Narrated by: Cindy Kay, Justis Bolding, Laura Knight Keating, Susan Bennett, Jasmin Walker
If you like reality TV like The Bachelor and you also like horror movies – which, much like The Bachelor, can also end with a final girl – Patricia Wants to Cuddle is the book for you, ideally in audiobook form with different readers for each of the female contestants on a fictional reality dating show that goes horribly wrong. Since this book was written by a good friend of mine, I did expect to hear her voice narrating the tale, but instead I’m thrilled to recommend the roster of readers who bring her characters to life. –MM
The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon
The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon is an epic high fantasy audiobook that immerses listeners in a richly detailed world where dragons soar and female rulers dominate. Narrated by Liyah Summers, whose performance brings distinct voices and accents to life, the nearly 30-hour audiobook offers a gripping tale of political intrigue, magic, and adventure. The story features strong, well-developed female characters and incorporates queer themes subtly woven into the narrative. While the plot can be complex with many characters and a slow start, the intricate world-building and surprising twists keep listeners engaged throughout. It is a standout choice for fans of fantasy seeking a bold, immersive listening experience.
Narrated by: Liyah Summers
I had already read The Priory of the Orange Tree once when I picked up the audiobook, but listening to the sweeping fantasy epic as read by Liyah Summers was a totally new experience. (And I don’t just mean the correct pronunciations of names that were different from my pronunciations of those names.) The book is such a winding tale that it lends itself easily to being read aloud, so Summers’ narration felt like a bedtime story. If you’ve already read this one, I recommend the audiobook for its standalone prequel, A Day of Fallen Night, which is narrated by the author, along with a few other voice actors to represent a variety of points of view. –ZH
A Swim in the Pond in the Rain by George Saunders
A Swim in the Pond in the Rain by George Saunders is a unique audiobook that combines a master class on writing and reading with a deep exploration of seven classic 19th-century Russian short stories by Chekhov, Turgenev, Tolstoy, and Gogol. Saunders, a celebrated contemporary author and professor, dissects each story to reveal the mechanics of storytelling, showing how fiction shapes our understanding of life and truth. The audiobook features a star-studded cast, including Glenn Close and Nick Offerman, who bring these timeless tales to life with emotional depth and nuance. This audiobook is both an insightful guide for writers and an enriching experience for anyone who loves literature, making it a standout choice for listeners seeking to deepen their appreciation of storytelling craft and Russian literary classics.
Narrated by: George Saunders, Phylicia Rashad, Nick Offerman, Glenn Close, Keith David, Rainn Wilson, BD Wong, and Renee Elise Goldsberry
George Saunders is that teacher who cracks open the universe and lets you look at its million interconnected gears. He doesn’t explain how the universe works (he wouldn’t pretend that’s possible) but points toward the most beautiful, puzzling, and enlightening patches and warmly asks, “How does this make you feel? And why?”
I must speak broadly about the power of Saunders’ work because I fear you will hear, “This is a collection of classic short stories by Russian authors accompanied by companion lectures,” and respond, “I only have so much time in life, and I have no plans to get a doctorate in Comp. Lit.” And yes, the book – built from Saunders’ university courses – would build the foundation for the budding career of a novelist or academic. But it’s so much more fun and, with the risk of busting my metaphor, universal.
Saunders uses beautiful writing about the meaning of life to teach us how to write, read, and appreciate beautiful writing, and how to live our most meaningful lives. Plus, he invited a bunch of brilliant actors to read the short stories, including Phylicia Rashad, Nick Offerman, BD Wong, Keith David, and Rainn Wilson. Have I sold you yet? -CP
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin is a dazzling and intricately imagined novel that follows two lifelong friends, Sam and Sadie, who become creative partners in the world of video game design. Spanning thirty years and multiple cities, the story explores their complex friendship, creative ambitions, and the joys and tragedies that come with success. It is a unique love story, rich with themes of identity, disability, failure, and the human need for connection. The audiobook narration, primarily by Jennifer Kim with a poignant section by Julian Cihi, enhances the emotional depth of this New York Times bestseller celebrated for its immersive storytelling.
Narrated by: Jennifer Kim, Julian Cihi
With only two readers, Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow’s cast isn’t as stacked as some of the other audiobooks that I’ve recommended for inclusion on this list. Yet the gentle voice of Jennifer Kim (and much more occasional chapters with Julian Cihi) is a huge part of what made me love this novel about a group of friends who make a video game together and fall in and out of friendship, and love, with one another along the way. Kim and Cihi are extraordinarily gifted at conveying the emotional weight required for this tender tale. –MM
Trust by Hernan Diaz
Trust by Hernan Diaz is a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel that explores themes of power, wealth, and truth through a layered narrative set in 1920s New York. The story unfolds in four distinct parts, each offering different perspectives on the life of a Wall Street tycoon and his wife, revealing how narratives about success and relationships can be shaped and contested. The audiobook features a full cast of narrators who bring depth to the complex characters and shifting viewpoints, making it a compelling listen for those interested in historical and literary fiction with intricate storytelling. Though its non-linear structure demands attention, the novel’s elegant writing and insightful commentary on the nature of storytelling and trust make it a standout choice for audiobook enthusiasts.
Narrated by: Edoardo Ballerini, Jonathan Davis, Mozhan Marnò, and Orlagh Cassidy
I hesitate to recommend Trust, co-winner of the 2023 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, on this particular list. The issue isn’t quality or even entertainment. The book is a literary masterpiece and a surprisingly enjoyable beach read. But its structure seems – at least at first – ideal for the page, not the audiobook.
Trust is, on a macro level, about the nature of extreme wealth. And on a micro level, about the solitary keeper of a fortune, his inescapable gravity, and the individuals who get caught in orbit. Author Hernan Diaz split the book into four fictional texts: a novel, an autobiography, a memoir, and a day. Some are complete and polished; others, works-in-progress. All are from different points of view. Think of it as The Great Gatsby by way of Rashomon.
Diaz uses formatting to capture a certain feeling for each text, and in theory, that’s reason enough to grab a physical copy. But! (Of course, there’s a “but.”) The audiobook performs its variation of this magic trick by casting four different narrators with four different styles. Told to you by exceptional actors, it feels like listening to people plead their case for the truth as if you’ve organized a most eloquent interrogation.
Which audiobook from 2025 is gaining the most buzz right now
The audiobook from 2025 currently gaining the most buzz and topping the best-selling charts is The Let Them Theory: A Life-Changing Tool That Millions of People Can’t Stop Talking About by Mel Robbins. This self-help audiobook, released in late 2024, has become a standout hit for its impactful personal development insights and widespread popularity among listeners.
Why is “The Let Them Theory” by Mel Robbins so popular in 2025
Mel Robbins’ The Let Them Theory is popular in 2025 because it offers a simple yet powerful mindset shift that helps people reduce stress and reclaim emotional control by accepting what they cannot change. The core idea is to say “Let them” to release frustration over others’ actions or uncontrollable situations, and then say “Let me” to focus on what is within one’s control-one’s own thoughts, reactions, and choices. This approach resonates widely as it promotes self-love, boundary-setting, and peace amid everyday annoyances and interpersonal challenges. Its accessibility, practical guidance, and roots in established psychological principles like radical acceptance and cognitive behavioral therapy have made it a viral sensation, embraced by millions seeking relief from anxiety and control issues.
