There is a quieter, more succinct wing of literature that thrives on pithy conciseness: the short story. Authors of the art form have perfected the concept of this type of storytelling by distilling exciting human experiences into a compact form that is easy to digest and just as engaging for the busy reader. Here, are 25 of the greatest short stories of all time, each with its own approach to brevity.

What Is A Short Story?

Compared to a novel or novella, a short story is a smaller work with a more limited scope and less developed characters. Its objective is to uncover a single incidence or series of linked incidents, aiming to evoke a single effect or mood from the reader. The concept of a short story allows for a pithy, structured plot that is laser-focused on a small cast of characters and usually, a single setting. With short stories, every word is carefully chosen to deliver a punch, sometimes in as little as several hundred words. The upper limit for a short story is sometimes likened to that of a novella, but a single short story rarely attains this much length, yet it can still leave a lasting emotional impact.

Top Short Stories

Some of the most famous and widely read classic short stories of all time are Shirley Jackson’s The Lottery (1948), Edgar Allan Poe’s The Tell-Tale Heart (1843), and Flannery O’Connor’s A Good Man Is Hard to Find (1955).

Over the years, many book critics have cited these stories as the blueprint for short story writing because of their evocative plots and evergreen themes. Among the most celebrated short story writers are Edgar Allan Poe, who wrote mysterious and ghoulish stories that made the list for the genre’s entry standard; Ernest Hemingway, famous for his terse, classic prose; and Alice Munro, who is regarded as the revolutionary architect of modern-day short fiction. The stories in these lists have been compiled by measuring their literary merit and cultural impact over time.

25. The Lottery Ticket By Anton Chekhov (1887)

In The Lottery Ticket, Ivan Dmitritch and his wife are thrilled when they discover that they have won the lottery. They immediately began to dream of what they would do with all of their potential newfound wealth. In the course of daydreaming, the duo finally reveals their true wishes and plans, until they are brought back to a harsh reality, Chekhov’s story is a melancholy survey of human nature, the impact of money and the surprising results of our most deeply-held desires.

Who Should Read This: Lovers of classic Russian literature and human psychology will enjoy this story.

24. The Aleph and Other Stories By Jorge Luis Borges (1949)

In The Aleph, Borges introduces readers to some of his most complex and well-developed characters, including a Nazi who cannot redeem himself, a Mayan priest locked up in a monastery, a group of anti-Semitic Christian theologians and a woman taking revenge on her father’s murderer. This book also features another short story, The Maker, which presents characters who struggle with their own existence and sense of self.

Who Should Read This: This book is ideal for readers who enjoy philosophical and speculative fiction.

23. A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings By Gabriel Garcia Márquez (1968)

In this magical realist story, Márquez introduces young readers to the story of an old man with wings in a small village. Although his wings are extraordinary, Márquez invites readers to examine the old man’s humanity. Other notable characters in this story are Pelayo, Father Gonzaga, Elisenda and The Neighbor. The story’s whimsical yet profound plot directs readers to reflect on the extraordinary within the ordinary.

Who Should Read This: This book is a good fit for readers who enjoy magical realism and allegorical tales.

Where to Read: AbeBooks

22. The Collected Stories of Diane Williams By Diane Williams (2018)

Diane Williams’ The Collected Stories of Diane Williams is an anthology of over 300 short stories that are fascinatingly strange, plotless and non-linear. As a whole, the collection is immersive, drawing readers into the astonishing inner lives of their main characters and the inner workings of Williams’ mind. As one of the masters of the short story, Williams has built a career out of defying logic and challenging traditional genre guidelines, all while bending the rules to offer readers a unique and thought-provoking literary experience.

Who Should Read This: This collection is a good fit for readers who enjoy short stories and their cumulative plots.

21. Acts of God By Ellen Gilchrist (2014)

Ellen Gilchrist’s Acts of God is a collection of short stories that feature the resilience and grace of ordinary people facing extraordinary circumstances. The first story in the book follows the devastating effects of a tornado in Adkins, Arkansas, and follows four teenagers from the Fayetteville First Methodist Church Youth Group as they work together to help the affected community. Each story in this collection highlights to human compassion and the quiet heroism found in everyday life.

Who Should Read This: This collection is perfect for readers who enjoy Southern fiction and stories that celebrate people's resilience and goodness.

Where to Read: Barnes & Noble

20. Cathedral By Raymond Carver (1983)

Raymond Carver’s Cathedral follows the tale of a budding love affair between the narrator and a friend of his blind wife’s, Robert. Through a shared drawing exercise, the narrator experiences a dramatic shift in perspective. Carver’s minimalist style and focus on human connection and empathy make this a powerful and moving story.

Who Should Read This: This book is perfect for readers who appreciate minimalist fiction.

19. Sonny’s Blues By James Baldwin (1957)

James Baldwin’s Sonny’s Blues understands suffering, fraternal love, and the redemptive power of music like almost nothing else in story form. Set in Harlem, the short story follows the narrator through his brother Sonny’s opiate addiction and his passion for jazz. Baldwin’s characters struggle to bridge their brotherly differences and are finally reconciled in song.

Who Should Read: This book is ideal for readers who appreciate classic literary fiction and stories of familial bonds.

18. The Necklace and Other Short Stories By Guy de Maupassant (1884)

In this book, Maupassant plays back the details of day-to-day life with brilliance and a wicked sense of humor. In each case, we feel, right from the start, the unmistakable presence of a literary master at work. The twists in this collection of stories reveal the superficiality of wealth and the harsh realities of social aspiration. Maupassant’s sharp social commentary and ironic twist make The Necklace a timeless story.

Who Should Read: This is a good read for people who appreciate irony and social critique.

17. The Snows of Kilimanjaro By Ernest Hemingway (1936)

In The Snows of Kilimanjaro, Ernest Hemingway follows the story of an American writer who is dying from an infection in a hospital in Africa. Hemingway’s merciless sparseness and the way he alludes to regret, artistic ambition and mortality make The Snows of Kilimanjaro a terse exploration of human life and death. Hemingway’s descriptions of the African landscape increase this story’s impact on the reader's mind.

Who Should Read: This book is perfect for readers who appreciate existential literature.

16. Bartleby, the Scrivener By Herman Melville (1853)

This story explores the mysterious behavior of Bartleby, a law copyist who gradually withdraws from life and becomes a stranger over time. In this book, Melville explores isolation, passive resistance and the effects of modern capitalism. Through Bartleby, Melville invites readers to reflect on individuals’ moral and ethical responsibilities toward one another, challenging us to consider the profound impact of societal structures on our personal lives.

Who Should Read: Readers interested in philosophical and existential questions will appreciate the story’s exploration of isolation, free will and the human condition.

15. To Build a Fire By Jack London (1902)

Set in the Yukon, Jack London’s To Build a Fire follows a man’s struggle for survival in extreme weather. London’s vivid descriptions and the protagonist’s grim determination highlight the brutal forces of nature and human frailty. The story shows the power of nature and the consequences of underestimating its severity. As the man battles against the freezing temperatures and his limitations, London underscores the themes of human vulnerability and the relentless, indifferent power of the natural world.

Who Should Read: Those who enjoy stories of human endurance and survival against the odds will find this tale gripping and intense.

Where to Read: Barnes & Noble

14. A Rose for Emily By William Faulkner (1930)

Set in the fictional town of Jefferson, Mississippi, this Southern Gothic story follows the life and death of Emily Grierson. Faulkner’s careful attention to detail and narrative approach to themes like isolation, resistance and change impact societal norms, making this a compelling and haunting tale.

Who Should Read: This book is perfect for readers who appreciate Southern Gothic literature and complex storytelling techniques.

Where to Read: Barnes & Noble

13. A Sound of Thunder By Ray Bradbury (1952)

This science fiction classic explores the concept of the butterfly effect through a time travel adventure. When a hunter steps on a butterfly in the past, he returns to a drastically altered present. Bradbury’s exploration of the interconnectedness of events and the consequences of seemingly small actions remains impactful, and his narrative brilliantly illustrates the interconnectedness of events and the fragile web of cause and effect.

Who Should Read: Fans of science fiction will appreciate Bradbury’s imaginative exploration of time travel and its consequences.

Where to Read: Barnes & Noble

12. The Metamorphosis By Franz Kafka (1915)

Franz Kafka’s incredible story of Gregor Samsa finds him waking from sleep to discover he has been transformed into a huge insect. He immediately engages with questions about alienation and identity, and the juxtaposition of absurdity and existential terror lends itself to a lot of criticism and the harsh demands of a judgmental society. With this book, Kafka gives readers one of the finest works of 20th-century literature, which stands out for its style and themes.

Who Should Read: Fans of classic fiction who are drawn to characters that are complex and isolated.

11. The Gift of the Magi By O. Henry (1905)

O. Henry’s The Gift of the Magi follows the heartwarming story of love and sacrifice and follows a young couple who secretly buy each other Christmas gifts. The plot twist at the end of the story displays O. Henry’s style, which showcases themes of selflessness and true love. The story’s simplicity and emotional depth make it a timeless classic.

Who Should Read: This book is ideal for readers who enjoy heartwarming, sentimental tales.

10. The Rocking-Horse Winner By D.H. Lawrence (1926)

D.H. Lawrence’s The Rocking Horse Winner centers on the life of a young boy who rides his toy rocking horse to predict winning horses in real races, hoping to gain his mother’s approval. Lawrence critiques materialism and the destructive nature of obsession. The story’s supernatural elements and tragic conclusion offer a haunting reflection on familial expectations.

Who Should Read: Perfect for readers interested in psychological and supernatural fiction.

Where to Read: Barnes & Noble

9. Hills Like White Elephants By Ernest Hemingway (1927)

Set at a Spanish train station, Ernest Hemingway’s Hills Like White Elephants captures a conversation between a couple who need to make a difficult decision. Hemingway’s sparse prose and his use of subtext create a powerful narrative about communication and the complex nature of human relationships. The story’s minimalist style leaves much to the reader’s interpretation and imagination.

Who Should Read: This book is a good fit for readers who appreciate concise, impactful storytelling.

Where to Read: Barnes & Noble

8. Whatever Happens, Probably Will By John W. MacIlroy (2022)

Whatever Happens, Probably Will is a compelling collection of short stories that delve into the unpredictable nature of life. MacIlroy’s approach to writing is characterized by intricate plots and richly developed characters, each facing situations where the unexpected alter their course. From moments of profound realization to sudden twists of fate, these stories explore several themes, including chance, choice and consequence. MacIlroy’s sharp prose and keen insight into human behavior make this collection thought-provoking.

Who Should Read: This book is a good fit for readers who enjoy pithy writing.

Where to Read: Barnes & Noble

7. Her Body and Other Parties By Carmen Maria Machado (2017)

Her Body and Other Parties is a collection of short stories that mix horror, fantasy, and magical realism to explore the realities of women’s lives. Machado’s prose is both lyrical and haunting, with each story exploring themes of gender, sexuality and identity. The first story in the collection, The Husband Stitch, reimagines classic folk tales with a feminist twist, while other stories, like Especially Heinous, offer a three-dimensional view into contemporary issues. Machado’s unique voice and inventive storytelling make this collection a modern classic.

Who Should Read: This book is great for readers who enjoy feminist literature, magical realism, and stories that push the boundaries of genre.

Where to Read: Graywolf Press

6. Never Whistle at Night By Shane Hawk and Theodore C. Van Alst Jr. (2023)

Never Whistle at Night is a dark anthology that combines horror stories laser-focused on Indigenous traditions and contemporary experiences. This collection of stories showcases stories from indigenous authors who use the horror genre to explore themes of survival, cultural identity and resilience. Each story is a testament to the rich storytelling traditions of Indigenous communities, offering suspense and profound reflections.

Who Should Read: This anthology is perfect for fans of horror fiction and those interested in Indigenous literature.

5. Out There Screaming, edited By Jordan Peele and John Joseph Adams (2023)

Jordan Peele is one of the leaders of modern-day horror-themed entertainment, so his contribution to Out There Screaming is not far-fetched. The book is a compelling anthology of horror that features a collection of stories from a diverse group of authors, each contributing their own unique voice to the genre. The stories include deep-dives into themes of fear, identity and society, often through the lens of race and culture. Peele’s influence is evident in the anthology’s blend of psychological horror and social commentary, making it a must-read for fans of dark fiction.

Who Should Read: Out There Screaming is a perfect book for fans of modern-day psychological horror.

4. The Yellow Wallpaper By Charlotte Perkins Gilman (1892)

Gilman’s The Yellow Wallpaper is a 19th-century fictional account exploring mental health and gender roles. The story, presented as a series of journal entries, details the narrator’s obsession with the wallpaper in her bedroom and her gradual descent into insanity. Gilman’s critique of the way that women were treated in the 19th century remains relevant today.

Who Should Read: This book is ideal for those interested in feminist literature and psychological fiction.

Where to Read: This book is available at Simon & Schuster.

3. A Good Man Is Hard to Find By Flannery O’Connor (1953)

Flannery O’Connor’s A Good Man Is Hard to Find is a story that follows a family road trip that goes tragically wrong. O’Connor skillfully combines dark humor with morality and redemption to create a masterpiece. The story’s shocking, violent edge and the grandmother’s confrontation with the Misfit force readers to question faith, grace, and the core of human nature.

Who Should Read: This book is ideal for readers who enjoy Southern Gothic literature and moral complexity.

Where to Read: This book is available on Amazon.

2. The Tell-Tale Heart By Edgar Allan Poe (1843)

Short story expert Edgar Allan Poe invites readers into the world of a cold-blooded killer with The Tell-Tale Heart. The gothic classic follows the life of a murderer, who is haunted by the constant beating of his victim’s heart. Poe’s use plot-twist, narration and intense psychological depth makes this a quintessential read for fans of horror and suspense. The story’s exploration of guilt and paranoia is both compelling and unsettling.

Who Should Read: This book is perfect for readers who appreciate gothic fiction and psychological thrillers.

Where to Read: This book is available on Barnes & Noble.

1. The Lottery By Shirley Jackson (1948)

Set in a town that initially seems peaceful and idyllic town, The Lottery follows a shocking and brutal ritual that takes place every year. Renowned author, Shirley Jackson criticizes societal norms and the dark side of human nature, highlighting how ordinary people can commit heinous acts under the guise of conforming with the legacy of tradition. The suspenseful buildup of the story leaves a lasting impact on the reader.

Who Should Read: This book is perfect for fans of classic horror.

Where to Read: This classic is available at Barnes & Noble.

Each of the stories on this list have offered something unique, insightful and poignant. Each writer has evoked emotions through masterful storytelling and a command of brevity, making them masters of their field.