In addition, 'In Cold Blood' by Truman Capote was revolutionary. It was one of the first non - fiction novels that read like a crime thriller. Capote's in - depth research and his way of presenting a real - life crime story as if it were a work of fiction had a huge impact on the genre. It blurred the lines between journalism and fiction, and influenced how crime stories could be told.
I think 'The Maltese Falcon' by Dashiell Hammett is highly influential. It set the standard for the hard - boiled detective genre. Its noir atmosphere, complex plot, and the character of Sam Spade have been emulated by many writers since.
I think 'The Iliad' and 'The Odyssey' are highly influential. They have shaped Western literature and storytelling for centuries. Their tales of heroes, gods, and great adventures have been a source of inspiration for countless works.
I think 'Brave New World' by Aldous Huxley is very influential. It shows a future society that is seemingly utopian but actually has many dark aspects hidden beneath the surface. It makes people think about the role of technology, pleasure, and social conditioning in our lives.
The 'Lord of the Rings' trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien is among the top most influential novels. It has not only created a rich and detailed fantasy world but has also influenced countless other works in the fantasy genre. 'The Great Gatsby' by F. Scott Fitzgerald is also very influential. It explores themes of wealth, love, and the American Dream. And 'Moby - Dick' by Herman Melville is known for its complex symbolism and exploration of human nature in the face of the unknown.
Another could be 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn. This novel is famous for its unreliable narrators and the twists and turns in the story of a missing woman and her husband's search for her. It keeps readers on the edge of their seats with its psychological depth.
Definitely 'Watchmen'. It changed the way people thought about superheroes. It showed that they could be complex, morally ambiguous, and be part of a story that was more than just good vs. evil. Another very influential one is 'The Dark Knight Returns'. It influenced how Batman was portrayed in movies and other media, making him darker and more brooding.
Among them, 'Hamlet' is extremely influential. Shakespeare's exploration of human indecision, revenge, and the nature of existence has been studied and imitated for centuries. 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland' is another very influential one. Its surreal and imaginative world has inspired many works in the realm of fantasy literature. Also, 'Gulliver's Travels' with its satirical look at different societies has left a mark on literature.
Some well - known ones could be 'The Big Sleep' by Raymond Chandler. It's a classic with its hard - boiled detective Marlowe, full of mystery and complex characters.
Definitely 'Blade Runner' is among the most influential. It's set in a dystopian future where cyborgs, called replicants, are almost indistinguishable from humans. The movie explores themes like what it means to be human, mortality, and the morality of creating beings that are so similar to us but are treated as second - class citizens. It has had a huge impact on the science - fiction genre as a whole.
Definitely 'Moby - Dick'. It's not just a story about a man hunting a white whale. It's a complex exploration of obsession, fate, and the human condition. It has influenced a lot of later works with its deep themes and unique narrative style.
One of the notable ones could be 'A Room of One's Own' by Virginia Woolf. It's highly influential as it explores the need for women to have financial independence and a private space to be creative. Woolf delved into the challenges women faced in a male - dominated literary and social world.