Listen up, bookworms! These are the most-streamed audiobooks of the year, according to Spotify.
Spotify Just Announced the Top Audiobooks of 2024—How Many Have You Read?
Published on Dec. 06, 2024
This year may have been defined by “brat summer,” but music wasn’t our only source of escapism (or identity) in 2024. We also had literature, and this was a banner year for bookworms. If you spend more time listening to your favorite stories than turning pages, you’ll want to check out how your literary tastes stack up against the masses. For that, we have a ranking of the most listened-to audiobooks on Spotify in 2024.
The audio streamer has just announced its most popular audiobooks of the year, pointing listeners to the platform’s top books based on the number of global listens throughout 2024. The fantasy and romance genres lead the pack, with a romantasy novel (the trendy mashup of romance and fantasy) taking the No. 1 slot. And if you’re big on books with screen appeal, you’re in good company. In fact, 66% of Spotify’s top audiobooks in the U.S. in 2024 have either been green-lit or already adapted for television or film.
You won’t find any of Spotify’s free audiobooks on this list, but that doesn’t mean these titles aren’t worth your time. Whether you are an audiobook newbie or have racked up hundreds of listening hours, this list is for you. So read on for the year’s top 10 Spotify audiobooks worldwide.
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A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
The first book in a fantasy romance series, A Court of Thorns and Roses is a Beauty and the Beast retelling with a sexy twist. As the saga begins, the ruthless Tamlin drags huntress Feyre to his magical realm, where she’s treated as a prisoner by the beastly man. Once Feyre’s feelings for her captor transform from hatred to passion, she is forced to confront hidden dangers that threaten her new life. A Court of Thorns and Roses—or ACOTAR, as it’s called by its rabid fan base—is the kickoff to a five-book series that has gone on to become an international bestseller. The first book alone has sold a whopping 13 million copies worldwide. While aimed primarily at young adult women, the romantasy novel has attracted readers of all ages. (But heads up: This book and the whole series get pretty steamy.) Fans are breathlessly awaiting a Hulu adaptation that is rumored to be in the works.
The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien
Considered a defining work of fantasy, the Lord of the Rings series is a timeless classic that’s sold more than 150 million copies in over 50 languages. So it’s no surprise to see the first book in the trilogy on this list. The Fellowship of the Ring centers on an unlikely group of heroes as they set off on a quest to destroy the One Ring, and it sets the stage for subsequent installments (The Two Towers and The Return of the King). True fans of all three fantasy novels will appreciate the audiobook’s narration by Andy Serkis, who played Gollum.
I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy
A memoir with an unforgettably candid title, I’m Glad My Mom Died is Jennette McCurdy’s account of her myriad struggles as a child star. At once harrowing and humorous, the book reveals McCurdy’s innermost thoughts and battles with an eating disorder, addiction and an overbearing mother who sought to mold her daughter into a commodity. (Her mother’s passing from cancer shortly after McCurdy earns a leading role only adds to the heartbreak.) Narrated by McCurdy herself, this eye-opening story shines a light on the human side of celebrity, pulling back the layers of what it means to grow up in Hollywood when the fantasies you are fulfilling aren’t your own.
A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas
A Court of Mist and Fury picks up where A Court of Thorns and Roses left off. In other words: Spoilers incoming! Having been granted the powers of the fae and anticipating her marriage to Tamlin, Feyre is at odds with two different identities: the one who has bargained with Rhysand, High Lord of the Night Court, and her life with her beloved in the Spring Court. A Court of Mist and Fury delivers the same level of suspenseful drama, as Feyre bears the burden of shaping her own future. And yeah, the sequel is just as packed with steamy romance.
It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover
Maybe you’ve seen the 2024 movie (or followed the behind-the-scenes drama). Or maybe you’re one of the millions of readers who call publishing heavyweight Colleen Hoover your favorite author. Either way, you’ve likely heard about It Ends with Us. It’s a complicated love story revered for its focus on the undeniable impact of first love and the gut-wrenching feeling of a romantic relationship gone sour. Though its take on domestic violence is controversial, fans find themselves caught up in an emotional tug-of-war as Lily falls for attractive, accomplished neurosurgeon Ryle. While Lily is smitten, she starts to reevaluate her feelings when her first love, Atlas, reappears. And that’s when her story takes a dark turn—and brings readers along for the ride.
The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene
After more than 25 years since its original publication, The 48 Laws of Power continues to resonate with readers in search of a competitive edge and a better understanding of how to take control of their circumstances. This self-help book, which has been translated into dozens of languages, has gained the attention of readers from all walks of life—celebrities, politicians and everyone in between. Writing in a straightforward tone, Greene distills wisdom from powerful figureheads and philosophers, crafting directives that provide actionable advice for those seeking guidance in their professional and personal lives. As an audiobook, The 48 Laws of Power is an ideal companion for those traveling for work or pleasure.
A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas
The third installment in the A Court of Thorns and Roses fantasy book series sees Feyre return to the Spring Court, where a new challenge awaits. The latest journey in this epic adventure has the seasoned heroine keeping a watchful eye on the intentions of the invading king while maintaining loyalty to her family and court. Readers caught up in this sexy, sweeping saga have a vested interest in the fate of Feyre and her ongoing quest to balance her power with self-control. With an impending war that threatens to upend all she has gained, Feyre’s story reaches a pivotal moment in A Court of Wings and Ruin that will have listeners hanging on Maas’s every word.
A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin
Setting the stage for an epic fantasy series that has amassed worldwide acclaim (and an HBO spinoff that was equally popular) is A Game of Thrones, the first in a five-book adventure. The massive tome, whose audiobook is just shy of 34 hours, introduces listeners to a medieval world filled with richly drawn characters and a multilayered plot in which the perennial theme of good versus evil is at play. Carefully woven storylines that mesh war and politics with fantasy make this a tale that commands attention. For fantasy aficionados, A Game of Thrones is an absolute must.
Icebreaker by Hannah Grace
Love on the ice warms the hearts of even the most skeptical readers in this contemporary romance novel that has become a TikTok sensation. Published in 2022, Icebreaker tells the story of Anastasia, a competitive figure skater vying for a spot on Team USA, and Nate, the college hockey player with whom she must share the ice. Readers adore the couple’s chemistry and chutzpah, not to mention the spicy scenes that threaten to turn the ice rink into a puddle. This romp of a read is for anyone who believes in love in the most unlikely of circumstances.
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
The fantastical Fourth Wing follows Violet, a young woman whose dreams of becoming a scribe are cast aside when her commanding general mother forces her to become a dragon rider. Training for this elite role throws the main character into a dangerous world where death and war seem inevitable. Readers relish the fast-paced story of bravery and strength, along with the steamy romance. A BookTok sensation and No. 1 New York Times bestseller, the fantasy novel has been optioned for television by Amazon Studios—something for readers to look forward to while waiting in the “wings.”
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