10 audiobooks for fans of The War of the Worlds
- 1
Great Classic Science Fiction
Great Classic Stories (BBC Audio)
by H.G. Wells, James H. Schmitz, Stanley G. Weinbaum, Philip K. Dick, Frank Herbert, Fritz Leiber, Andre Norton
Narrated by Simon Vance, Barbara Rosenblat, Nick Sullivan, Robert Fass, Katherine Kellgren, Scott Brick, Stephen Thorne, Greg Itzin
Why this book?
This collection showcases H.G. Wells alongside other pioneering sci-fi visionaries, offering the same thought-provoking exploration of humanity's place in an uncertain universe with the added richness of multiple talented narrators bringing distinct voices to each story. The anthology deepens the classic science fiction experience with varied perspectives while maintaining that signature blend of speculative wonder and social commentary Wells helped define.
★ 3.65 ABR Score (1.1K ratings)★ 3.42 Goodreads (522) ★ 4.23 Audible (566)More about this pick
H.G. Wells, Philip K. Dick, Frank Herbert and others in classic sci-fi anthology spanning decades. Eight different narrators including Simon Vance and Scott Brick handle the varied styles.
- 2
The Island of Dr. Moreau
by H.G. Wells, Alan Lightman
Narrated by Simon Prebble
Why this book?
This chilling exploration of scientific hubris and human morality delivers the same darkly imaginative storytelling that made *The War of the Worlds* compelling, with Simon Prebble's measured narration creating an equally immersive atmosphere across a more intimate, claustrophobic setting. Wells' signature blend of social commentary and speculative terror translates powerfully to the audiobook format in this shorter, fast-paced adventure.
★ 3.83 ABR Score (138.3K ratings)★ 3.73 Goodreads (136.5K) ★ 4.2 Audible (1.9K)More about this pick
Shipwrecked Prendick discovers a mad scientist creating human-animal hybrids on a remote island. Prebble's measured delivery amplifies Wells' gothic horror while exploring the thin line between civilization and savagery.
- 3
The Invisible Man by Wells, H. G. (Author) Sep-01-10
by H.G. Wells
Narrated by James Adams
★ 3.71 ABR Score (222.9K ratings)★ 3.63 Goodreads (219.4K) ★ 4.06 Audible (3.5K)More about this pick
A scientist discovers invisibility but can't reverse it, leading to isolation, madness, and violence in Victorian England. The psychological horror of complete social disconnection unfolds with chilling inevitability.
- 4
The Time Machine
by H.G. Wells
Narrated by Scott Brick
Why this book?
The Time Machine delivers the same imaginative scientific speculation and Victorian-era storytelling that makes War of the Worlds compelling, but in a more intimate and philosophical package that explores humanity's future rather than its invasion. Alan Munro's narration captures Wells's wit and social commentary with equal skill to Crossley's performance, making this shorter listen an ideal companion piece for listeners drawn to Wells's exploration of technological consequence and human fragility.
★ 3.96 ABR Score (569.3K ratings)★ 3.89 Goodreads (569.0K) ★ 4.3 Audible (313)More about this pick
A scientist's journey to the far future reveals humanity has evolved into two distinct species with a horrifying relationship between predator and prey.
- 5
H.G. Wells Seven Novels, Complete & Unabridged The Time Machine, Island of Dr. Moreau, Invisible Man, First Men In The Moon, Food of the Gods, In the Days of the Comet and War of the Worlds
by H.G. Wells
Narrated by Gregory Dwyer
★ 3.92 ABR Score (2.9K ratings)★ 4.14 Goodreads (2.9K)More about this pick
Wells' complete science fiction masterworks from time travel to alien invasion, all collected in one comprehensive package spanning his greatest speculative achievements.
- 6
A Modern Utopia - Illustrated
by H.G. Wells
Narrated by Bryan Godwin
★ 3.47 ABR Score (1.1K ratings)★ 3.35 Goodreads (1.1K) ★ 2 Audible (1)More about this pick
Wells constructs his vision of an ideal society through a complex narrative that jumps between philosophical theory and practical implementation. Bryan Godwin's narration helps navigate the dense theoretical discussions while maintaining engagement with Wells's ambitious ideas.
- 7
The Sleeper Awakes - H
by H.G. Wells
Narrated by James Gillies
★ 3.19 ABR Score (5.7K ratings)★ 3.35 Goodreads (5.7K)More about this pick
Wells' dystopian vision follows an Englishman who sleeps for two centuries and awakens to find himself incredibly wealthy in an unrecognizable, nightmarish society that represents everything wrong with unchecked progress.
- 8
Dune
Dune • Book 1
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
★ 4.66 ABR Score (1.8M ratings)★ 4.29 Goodreads (1.6M) ★ 4.67 Audible (126.5K)More about this pick
Paul Atreides' transformation from noble heir to messianic leader on the spice planet Arrakis unfolds through multiple skilled voices that capture each character's distinct perspective.
- 9
Children of Dune
Dune • Book 3
Narrated by Scott Brick, Simon Vance
★ 4.34 ABR Score (272.6K ratings)★ 3.95 Goodreads (254.4K) ★ 4.62 Audible (18.3K)More about this pick
Paul Atreides' twin children inherit not only their father's prescient abilities but the political chaos of ruling Arrakis, where religious zealotry and spice addiction threaten the empire's future.
- 10
God Emperor of Dune
Dune • Book 4
Narrated by Simon Vance
★ 4.22 ABR Score (162.4K ratings)★ 3.88 Goodreads (149.8K) ★ 4.54 Audible (12.7K)More about this pick
Three thousand years after Dune, Leto II has become a human-sandworm hybrid ruling humanity with prescient tyranny. Simon Vance's narration captures the philosophical weight of Herbert's meditation on power, stagnation, and necessary transformation.
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How We Rank Audiobooks
Rankings are driven by listener ratings and review counts from Audible and Goodreads. Books with high ratings across a large number of listeners rank higher — a 4.5 with 50,000 ratings says more than a 4.8 with 200.
Unlike most book lists, we weight audiobook-specific factors: narrator performance, production quality, and how well a story translates to audio. A great book with a poor narration isn't a great audiobook.
We don't accept paid placements or prioritize new releases. These rankings reflect what listeners actually enjoy, not what's being promoted.
Rankings update periodically as new ratings come in and new titles are added to the collection.